Meet our team
Benjamin D. McDowell, DDS, MSD
Dr. McDowell has been serving Payson and the Rim Community for 13 years and is proud to call Payson his home. He and his wife, Jen, have raised their 3 children in Payson schools and have now watched them graduate and leave start their own lives. He is passionate about orthodontics and really enjoys getting to know the wonderful people of this town as he cares for their smiles. He loves treating each and every patient as an individual. He thrives on the mental challenge that comes with analyzing your dental condition, face, and smile in order to come up with a unique plan to help you obtain the orthodontic outcome that will make you look your best. He has extensive training and experience in all facets of orthodontics and can help you achieve your desired result, whether through high tech braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. When he’s not in the office caring for smiles, you’ll find him continuing to support this community through coaching various youth sports leagues, sponsoring school and youth events like Longhorn sports teams, the spring fling, the kids at the county fair, and many other great events. He has been serving on the parks and recreation committee for more than 10 years and is looking forward to continuing to see progress in this town. If you have any ideas or suggestions just let him know because he cares about this community!
Dr. McDowell began his journey to become an orthodontist as a Sun Devil at Arizona State University, studying biology and small business. He then moved to Denver, Colorado, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He graduated summa cum laude and was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honors Society. Dr. McDowell continued his education in Oklahoma City as a graduate resident at the VA Medical Center. While there, he received extensive exposure to orthognathic surgery — combining orthodontic and surgical treatment to manage complex orthodontic cases to achieve an optimal result. He also gained a better understanding of complex dental cases which has helped him better work with dentists in order to achieve the best outcomes on complex dental conditions and situations. After completing his residency in Oklahoma, he and his family returned to the University of Colorado for another two and a half years of residency training focused solely on orthodontics, where he earned a certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry degree. Every year, he seeks out some of the best courses and training in orthodontics so he is always up to date on the latest research and techniques to enhance your orthodontic experience and your smile.
Laura White
Treatment Coordinator
I lucked out and got the best job ever at Payson Orthodontics in 2023. I have loved every minute of the time since. My favorite thing about being part of Payson Orthodontics is meeting our incredible patients, getting to be a part of their lives for a time, and seeing the change for the better that happens to them as they are on their journey to a fantastic smile.
My husband, our two kids and I moved to Payson from Utah in 2021 and we love being part of this community. Right after moving here I started work as the librarian at Julia Randall Elementary. Meeting all of the kids at the school was a highlight of my life and helped solidify the feeling of home and community for me after moving to a new place. I still get to see so many of their smiling faces in my position at Payson Orthodontics and I love it! My husband and I stay busy with our kids in high school sports, with our church, volunteering with the schools and in the community, and coaching the NICA mountain bike team. Our family loves all things outdoors and two wheeled. When I have a freee minute I love to read or sit and talk with my family.
Kelli Waters
Scheduling Coordinator
Hi, I’m Kelli! I am the scheduling coordinator at Payson Orthodontics. After working in the dental field for 10+ years, I joined the office when I moved back to Payson and quickly felt at home with the team and our amazing patients. Seeing the smile transformation and connecting with our patients makes every day fun and meaningful. Fun fact: I’ve had braces twice, so I can relate!
I love going down the occasional rabbit hole and learning something new every day. Little random facts, like tomatoes being classified as vegetables for tax purposes in 1893 and how killer whales are not actually whales, but the largest member of the dolphin family.
Off the clock, I am usually painting, getting into art projects, thrifting, practicing yoga, cozying up with a good book, or going on outdoor adventures with my partner and our dog, Juniper. I love our Payson community and feel beyond blessed to call this place home.
Tara Ramirez
Orthodontic Assistant
Tara graduated from Payson High School before going on to pursue higher education at the University of Arizona, where she obtained her bachelor's degree.
Outside of academics, Tara has a passion for working out and maintaining an active lifestyle and spending time with her fiancé Tanner. Along her path, she discovered a deep interest in orthodontics.
Tara finds fulfillment in helping others achieve the smiles they have always dreamed of. She is especially inspired by the confidence that grows in each individual as their smile transforms. Her passion for orthodontics highlights her desire to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of others.
McKenna Bramble
Orthodontic Assistant
Hi! My name is Kenna, and I’m an orthodontic assistant here at Payson Orthodontics. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a team that not only creates beautiful smiles, but genuinely cares about every person who walks into our office.
Outside of the office, I love reading, developing my skills as an artist, teaching Pilates and spending quality time with my family. I’ve always been drawn to work that’s both hands-on and people focused, and orthodontics has been the perfect blend of both. I love being involved in each step of the process and getting to see the confidence that grows in our patients as they progress through treatment.
One of my favorite parts of what I do is building real connections with our patients. I look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey!
