About
Our Approach
At Vail Dental Design, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques and personalized care. Our mission is to provide world-class dentistry that enhances both the health and beauty of your smile, all within a luxurious, comfortable setting.
Get to Know
Dr. Arnold
Dr. Alexandra Arnold brings a unique blend of expertise, artistry, and compassion to Vail Dental Design. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Alabama, she returned to her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky to complete her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr. Arnold further honed her skills during a General Practice Residency in Augusta, Georgia, focusing on implant placement and dental surgery.
With a passion for continuing education, Dr. Arnold has invested significant time and energy in mastering the latest techniques in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Her approach emphasizes minimally invasive procedures that preserve natural tooth structure while achieving stunning results.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Arnold is deeply committed to the Vail Valley community. She serves on the board of the Give Back a Smile foundation and is an active member of her local Rotary Club. When not crafting beautiful smiles, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors, whether skiing, mountain biking, or hiking with her Boston Terrier, Georgie.
meet
Our team
Amber is originally from Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from Wichita State University in 2004 with her degree in Dental Hygiene. She traveled overseas as a dental hygienist for the Canadian military, before moving back to the United States and achieving her nursing degree. Amber worked in the cardiac intensive care unit but recently returned to dental hygiene to join the team at Vail Dental Design. She loves connecting with patients and teaching them about their oral health. When not providing impeccable care at Vail Dental Design, Amber loves to rock climb, hike, and travel with her husband and daughter.
Lori is a proud native of Leadville, Colorado, where she grew up and still lives with her family. She has worked in different areas of the medical field for over 10 years but moved to dentistry in 2024 to have more face-to-face patient interaction. Lori has a passion for patient care and ensuring that each patient feels heard, safe, and comfortable. Her favorite part of being at Vail Dental Design is seeing the new confidence in patients when they achieve their new smiles and having a team that is truly a family. When not helping patients at the front desk, Lori spends time camping, reading, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband, two children, and fur baby, Roxi.
Although born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Brisa grew up right here in the Vail Valley. She has worked in the medical field for 8 years but wanted a change in her career that allowed her to be more comprehensively involved in patient care, so moved to dentistry in 2024. Brisa’s favorite part of being at Vail Dental Design is helping patients achieve their smile goals and working with an amazing team. When not at work, Brisa spends time with her husband and four kids, traveling and exploring new places in our beautiful state.
Our History
A Legacy of Trusted Care
Vail Dental Design builds upon a rich history of exceptional dental care in the Vail Valley. Our practice's roots trace back to the 1970s, evolving to meet the changing needs of our community while maintaining a commitment to excellence.
1975
Dr. Fred Distelhorst finished his career in the U.S. Army, moving from Germany to Vail to establish the first iteration of our practice in East Vail. Setting up his office adjacent to Gore Creek, he brought modern dental care and orthodontics to the growing mountain community.
1990
Dr. Dorothy Distelhorst joins her father's practice, introducing new techniques and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of Vail Valley residents.
2022
The practice moves to its current location in Avon, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a newly designed, patient-focused space.
2024
Dr. Alexandra Arnold takes the helm, ushering in a new era of comprehensive, minimally invasive dentistry while honoring the practice's long standing legacy of care.
Uncover the Possibilities
Schedule a Consultation
Calming Comforts
Advanced Technology
Modern Dentistry
At Vail Dental Design, we invest in cutting-edge dental technology to enhance your care. Our advanced tools enable precise diagnostics, efficient treatments, and optimal results.
Our 3D Cone Beam CT scanner provides detailed, three-dimensional images of your oral structures, allowing for precise treatment planning and improved outcomes.
Our on-site dental lab enables us to create custom restorations quickly and efficiently, ensuring a perfect fit and reducing the need for multiple appointments.
Scanners
Digital impressions eliminate the need for messy traditional molds, providing greater comfort and accuracy for restorations and orthodontic treatments.
This advanced system allows us to analyze your bite with incredible precision, leading to more effective treatments for TMJ disorders and occlusal issues.
Cameras
These small cameras allow us to capture detailed images of your teeth and gums, enhancing patient education and treatment planning.
Mill
This state-of-the-art milling unit allows us to create custom crowns, veneers, and night guards in a single visit, saving you time without compromising on quality.
What to Expect
Your First Visit
The Experience
Your first visit to Vail Dental Design is designed to be welcoming, thorough, and informative. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our friendly team and given a tour of our modern facility.
Dr. Arnold will conduct a comprehensive examination, including digital X-rays and intraoral photos. We'll discuss your oral health history, concerns, and smile goals. Based on this information, we'll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Our team will also review financial options and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
What to Bring
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bring:
- Completed new patient forms that have been emailed/texted to you
- Your dental insurance card (if applicable)
- Any current X-rays or records from your previous dentist (if available)
Giving Back
At Vail Dental Design, we believe in the power of a healthy smile to transform lives. Dr. Arnold proudly serves on the board of the Give Back a Smile foundation, a nationwide initiative providing free dental care to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. This program connects survivors with volunteer dentists across the country, offering essential dental treatments to restore confidence and well-being.
In addition to her board service, Dr. Arnold has collaborated with local domestic violence shelters to promote these vital services, ensuring that those in need can access the care they deserve. Through these efforts, we strive to make a positive impact beyond our practice, supporting our community one smile at a time.
