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Meet Our

Doctors

Eddy Sauer, DDS

Dr. Eddy Sauer is a native of Amarillo, Texas, and received his Bachelor of Science from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). He went on to attend Baylor College of Dentistry where he graduated in 1987. Not only has Dr. Sauer worked to stay up to date with the latest techniques and technology in dentistry, he also teaches other dentists across the United States in these advanced practices. Dr. Sauer is an Invisalign Premier Provider, having provided Invisalign treatments since 2003, and a part of the GP Faculty for Invisalign, teaching various courses as well as Study Club presentations. Dr. Sauer is also a trainer for CEREC, teaching Basic and Advanced courses since 2004. He was one of the first dentists in the Panhandle to use CEREC to provide advanced tooth restoration services chairside rather than outsourcing to a lab.

In Dr. Sauer’s personal time, he is involved in the local community, having served as an active member of WTAMU Alumni Association Board from 1990 to 1995, and the president of the Panhandle District Dental Society in 2001. Since 2007, he has been serving on the board of the Turn Center Foundation, a local non-profit offering expanded therapy services for children with physical disabilities. In 2012, he was elected to serve as president of the foundation. Dr. Sauer also serves on the board of Streams of Water Ministries, which serves Mexico through food, clothing, and many other facets. They have an orphanage, Rescue a Child, which houses 20 Tarahumara Indian children and ministers the love of Jesus to those who have been abandoned and forgotten. Dr. Sauer has been married to his beautiful wife, Tina, for 32 years, and they have four daughters and two granddaughters. Dr. Sauer and Tina are members of Messiah’s House, a nondenominational church in Amarillo.

Dr. Sauer has completed the following continuing education courses and certificates in dentistry:

  • Earned the Fellowship Award with the Academy of General Dentistry, completing 500 hours of FAGD/MAGD-continuing education credit
  • Completed six continuum levels at LD Pankey Institute
  • Completed the LSU Dental School Esthetic Continuum
  • Completed more than 200 hours of continuing education credit focused on all phases of implant dentistry
  • Alumni of the Dawson Academy

Nathaniel M. Avirett, DDS

A native Texan, Dr. Nathaniel Avirett was raised in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Amarillo High School and received a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University in 2007. An active member of his community, he has always understood the importance of serving his family and neighbors. Dr. Avirett has consistently placed a significant focus on the value of each individual, and it is this devotion to others that has allowed him to find great fulfillment in the dental field.

Dr. Avirett has always believed education and experience are essential to ensure quality dental care for each individual. For this reason, after receiving his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2011, he studied at the Pankey Institute and is currently pursuing his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Pankey Alumni Association, and American Academy of Cosmetic Orthodontics.

A man of faith and family, Dr. Nathaniel Avirett is a dedicated husband to his wonderful wife, Dr. Erin Avirett, and together they share in the joy of raising their two sons and their daughter. Along with spending quality time with his family, Dr. Avirett is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys activities including hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Also a dedicated citizen, Dr. Avirett serves in the Texas Army National Guard with the current rank of Captain. He is an active member of his church, and continues to be an involved member of his community.

Ben Padilla, DDS

Dr. Padilla was born in Glendale, AZ, into a military family. In 1975, his family moved to Canyon, TX, where he later graduated from Amarillo High School. He earned his first degree in Finance from West Texas State University in 1984, and in 1996, he received a bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry from West Texas A&M University. Pursuing his passion for healthcare, Dr. Padilla attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2002.

Dr. Padilla began his dental career in New Mexico at Kids Kare, where he practiced as a general dentist, focusing on pediatric care. In 2006, he returned to Amarillo and has since been dedicated to serving his community as a general dentist with a special focus on pediatric dentistry.

Family is at the heart of Dr. Padilla's life. He cherishes time spent with his loved ones, including his nieces and nephews, and is devoted to caring for his elderly father. Dr. Padilla is also a fitness enthusiast, having been a runner since seventh grade. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and trail running in Palo Duro Canyon. Currently, he is training to compete in the 2025 24 Hours in the Canyon race. As a member of the Lonestar Running Club, he actively participates in local running events.

Faith plays a significant role in Dr. Padilla's life, guiding his personal and professional endeavors. He is known for his friendly and approachable demeanor, making his patients feel comfortable and well-cared for.

Shemen Dental Group

of Amarillo, Texas

After brothers, Dr. Eddy and Dr. Scott Sauer combined their dental practices into one business, they were stumped as to what to name their newly combined practice. As Dr. Eddy was studying his bible, reading in the Psalms, he came across the word that suddenly got his attention, “oil,” a word that was used for anointing and healing. The word translated in Hebrew is “Shemen” – which the brothers immediately knew should be the name of their practice, as it perfectly described the goal of their practice, to be a place of healing for all of their patients. They have been in the business of practicing their namesake, “healing,” ever since.

Dr. Scott has since moved to Frisco with his family and continues to practice dentistry with another dental practice.

Now led by Dr. Eddy Sauer, Jr. and Dr. Nathaniel Avirett in Amarillo, TX, our team at Shemen Dental Group LLP offers modern dental services with a focus on personalized care. Whether you need dental implants to rebuild your smile, Invisalign® to correct misalignment, or same-day dental crowns to strengthen a compromised tooth, we can accommodate your unique needs and goals. Through continuing education, our doctors remain at the forefront of advances in the dental field. This allows us to offer the latest cosmetic and restorative treatments to our patients. As we believe preventive care is the cornerstone of oral health, each dentist provides in-depth exams, cleanings, and oral cancer screening to maintain the longevity of our patients’ smiles.

 

Specialized Procedures

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Same Day Crowns

For patients with a compromised tooth or isolated tooth loss, our doctors can place a custom dental crown to restore dental function and aesthetics.

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Sleep Apnea

We value our patients’ time, which is why we streamline restorative and cosmetic treatments with our advanced CEREC system.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants provide an opportunity to restore your smile. Implants replace the entire tooth, from root to crown and restore lost jawbone strength.

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