about

Our Mission

Dentistry Built on Integrity

Every day at Bee Creek Dental, our mission is to keep our fellow Texans smiling by providing the most effective dental care established on transparency and trust. We hold tight to our commitment to honest, compassionate, and evidence-based dentistry. Because we see you as more than just a patient, but a person and a friend. With our welcoming atmosphere, world-class technology, and the kindest dental pros in town, you can always look forward to a fresh and relaxing experience at our office.

Dr. Richard Donkersgoed

Delivering Dental Excellence

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Rick spent his youngest years growing up on his family’s dairy and chicken farms. His intrinsic love for all things chemistry inspired him to run wholeheartedly towards a career in science. Blending technical science with his artistic eye, dentistry naturally suited his strengths, and he’s been hooked on the profession ever since!

Dr. Rick earned his degree in biology from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2005, and received his doctorate of dental surgery in 2011 from the University of Toronto. His endless passion for learning led him to the renowned Kois Center in Seattle, Washington, a rigorous education program that focuses on research-based dentistry for second-to-none patient treatment. As a Kois trained dentist and the owner of Bee Creek Dental, Dr. Rick couldn’t feel more grateful to break ground in Spicewood and offer the latest advancements in dentistry for the community he loves most.

In 2022 after graduating from the Kois Center Dr. Rick started the process to become a mentor. A KOIS Mentor helps other dentists gain a more thorough understanding of the concepts and methods learned at the center. To be granted mentor designation, a dentist must first graduate from the center by completing the nine-course curriculum. After passing a comprehensive written exam and successfully presenting a completed complex case to an exam committee, they can be granted mentor status. In 2024, Dr. Rick was chosen as “Mentor Case of the Year” and asked to present his case to an audience of Kois graduates at their annual symposium in Seattle. Dr. Rick now travels to the KOIS center to help facilitate courses to help students learn and improve their knowledge of the Kois Center principles.

Alongside his unmatched clinical talents and rich experience, Dr. Rick’s relational approach is what sets him apart. His heartfelt spirit and gentle bedside manner touch every facet of his care. He’ll be right by your side with a big smile, a listening ear, and straightforward solutions, putting your well-being at the forefront of his practice.

When he’s not transforming smiles, you can find him heading to the movies, exploring Austin’s vibrant food scene with his friends, and getting on his huge backyard trampoline – he was a gymnast up until the age of 19! He also loves to travel and book trips to new places when he can. So far, his favorite country he’s visited is Italy!

headshot of dentist
Dr. Travis Kettle with a beard and a green tie.

Dr. Travis Kettle

Delivering Dental Excellence

Dr. Kettle brings his exceptional training from Texas A&M School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, to serve our community with distinction. Driven by a heartfelt commitment to patient care, he combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion, ensuring every patient feels both comfortable and confident in their dental journey.

While he excels across all aspects of dental care, Dr. Kettle finds particular joy in helping patients achieve their dream smiles through his expertise in cosmetic dentistry and Invisalign treatments. His gentle approach and dedication to creating personalized treatment plans have helped countless patients transform their smiles and boost their confidence.

retro-shape
family photo
family photo
family photo

Continuing Dental Education

Academy of General Dentistry

In July of 2022 Dr. Rick received his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. Only 6 percent of general dentists in the United States and Canada have achieved this designation. An FAGD dentist has completed over 500 credit hours of high-quality approved continuing education and 350 of those 500 credits in live courses. Furthermore, they must pass an exam equal in difficulty to board certification exams.

retro-shape

Meet the Team

Brightening Your Day & Your Smile

We’re a hardworking, attentive, and fun-loving bunch that’s dedicated to giving you a comfortable experience and a healthy, radiant smile! We think the world of our patients, making sure every individual who walks through our doors feels appreciated, supported, and informed. If there’s anything we can do to enhance your time with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our accommodating team. We’re always here for you!

image-teams

Tatyana Spencer

Registered Dental Assistant
Read Bio
image-teams

Allexis Ramirez

Patient Coordinator
Read Bio
image-teams

Lena Llabres

Accounts Supervisor
Read Bio
image-teams

Cheryl Blair

Dental Hygienist
Read Bio
image-teams

Jennifer Garity

Office Manager
Read Bio
image-teams

Shannon Pestka

Dental Hygienist
Read Bio
family photo

What to Expect

Your First Visit

When you step into Bee Creek Dental, you can always expect a friendly vibe and truly personal care from our sweet staff. During your first visit, our team will take the time to get to know you and learn the ins and outs of your smile goals. Next, Dr. Rick and our skilled professionals will protect and refresh your grin with a comprehensive exam and cleaning. 

After your preventive treatment, Dr. Rick will connect with you one-on-one to share an in-depth view of his findings. Together, you’ll team up to create a custom, pressure-free treatment plan that revolves around your dental needs and preferences. Our goal is to help you walk away with the clarity and confidence you deserve to take the best care of your smile!

retro-shape

Our Comforts & Amenities

Make Yourself at Home

Nestled in Spicewood, our beautiful space dons a modern farmhouse style with cozy comforts and high-end amenities at every corner. Wave goodbye to long waits and piles of paperwork. Our team has you covered with digital, eco-friendly new patient forms that will save you time at your appointment! And with us, you’ll never have to fear sitting in the dentist chair. Our private treatment rooms are decked out with mounted TVs, Netflix streaming, and picturesque views of our home city’s country hills, so you can kick back and relax while we pamper those pearly whites.

dental office
interior of dental office

Our Top-Tier Technology

We Invest in the Best

Quality care is our specialty. That’s why we’ve curated our office with the newest innovations in dental technology to ensure optimum efficiency, precision, and results. From best-in-class iTero scanners to cone-beam computed tomography, we use digital imaging equipment to eliminate the need for old-fashioned impressions, and capture a perfect 3D view of your entire smile. In tandem with our special imaging software, we use patient TVs to keep you involved and informed throughout every step of the process!

retro-shape

Book Your Visit Today!

Say Howdy to a Happier Smile