ABOUT MOUNTAIN DENTAL
A family dental practice with a different idea about what dentistry should do.
We have been caring for families in Placerville since 2017, welcoming kids, teens, and adults from across the El Dorado County foothills. Our approach is rooted in a simple belief: the health of your mouth and the health of your body are connected, and the way we practice dentistry reflects that.
THE STORY
The reason this practice exists the way it does.
Dr. Alex Keith grew up in the Bay Area working construction for his dad’s company. He enjoyed working with his hands and grew up seeing firsthand what it meant to run a family business. That experience inspired him to one day build a practice of his own. Dentistry brought those interests together with the opportunity to improve people’s health and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
His interest in whole body health began well before dentistry and continued to shape the way he thought about dental care in school. One experience in particular stood out. As part of his clinical requirements, he was required to place an amalgam filling before graduating. It made him question the materials used in dentistry and consider more carefully what we put into the mouth and how those choices may affect the rest of the body.
That curiosity became an important part of how he wanted to practice.
"That was the moment I understood what this work could actually do." — Dr. Alex Keith
When Dr. Keith took over the practice in Placerville in 2017, he began building it around a broader view of dental health. What started as a children’s practice naturally grew into a family practice as young patients grew up and their parents began coming in for care too.
Today, that same philosophy guides Mountain Dental: use materials thoughtfully, preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible, give patients honest options, and approach the health of the mouth as part of the health of the whole person.
The philosophy held: treat the patient like a person who can handle the truth about their own body, give them options instead of orders, and pay attention to how the work in the mouth affects the rest of them.
That last commitment is the one that defines the practice today.
HOW WE PRACTICE
Three commitments that shape every appointment.
The mouth is connected to the rest of the body, and we believe dental care should reflect that.
Our approach to dentistry is built on three commitments.
Materials matter.
We use biocompatible restorations, including ceramic and zirconia crowns, and incorporate ozone when appropriate, always considering the health of the whole body alongside the health of the teeth.
Airway-centered orthodontics with chiropractic care.
We approach orthodontics as more than simply straightening teeth. We consider the airway, tongue position, breathing, cranial balance, and tooth movement as parts of one connected system for both children and adults. When additional structural support is beneficial, we coordinate care directly with Dr. Malori Tinsley at Well Balanced Body, conveniently located in the same building.
Honest dentistry that treats the whole body.
We believe in honest, transparent care. We take the time to explain what we find, why it matters, and the options available to you. Our recommendations are thoughtful and conservative, with your oral health and whole body health considered together.
THE PRACTICE IN PLACERVILLE
Built for the foothills, in downtown Placerville.
Mountain Dental sits on Main Street in the heart of downtown Placerville, where the practice has served the community since 2017.. Over that time, it has grown from a primarily children practice into a place where we care for the whole family. The name has changed to reflect that growth, but the people, philosophy, and connection to this community remain at the center of what we do.
Our patients come from Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Diamond Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino, and communities throughout the foothills. Some drive several hours to see us, not necessarily for a particular procedure, but because they were looking for a different approach to dentistry.
That approach fits naturally here. Our patients want to understand what goes into their bodies, from the food they eat and the water they drink to the materials used in their dental care. They ask thoughtful questions and want thoughtful answers. We’ve built Mountain Dental around that same curiosity, with care that considers not just the teeth, but the person they belong to.
The dentist behind the practice.
Dr. Alex Keith, DMD
Owner, Mountain Dental
Dr. Keith earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from California State University, Sacramento before completing his dental training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. He has practiced dentistry in Placerville since 2015.
His education didn’t stop with dental school. Over the years, Dr. Keith has pursued advanced training in biologic and restorative dentistry, developing a deeper understanding of how dental materials, oral health, and the structure of the mouth can influence health beyond the teeth.
Dr. Keith lives in El Dorado County with his wife, Dr. Malori Tinsley, and their two sons.
Education and Training
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, California State University Sacramento
Memberships and Certifications
- International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Sacramento District Dental Society
Dr. Jake Westhorpe, DMD
General Dentist, Mountain Dental
Dr. Jake has been an integral part of the growth and success of Mountain Dental since its origination in 2024. Known for his approachable personality and commitment to patient care, he strives to create a comfortable and positive experience for every patient who walks through the door.
Dr. Jake earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Holy Names University before completing his dental education at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine.
Outside of the office, you’ll often find Dr. Jake at a baseball or softball field, exploring local trails with his family by bike or on foot, catching a San Francisco Giants game, or making a stop at Trader Joe’s.
Dr. Jake’s passion for general dentistry comes from his dedication to providing patients with high-quality, long-lasting treatment options that look natural, feel comfortable, and help people smile with confidence
Education and Training
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Holy Names University
Memberships and Certifications
- International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Sacramento District Dental Society
- American Society of Dentistry for Children
THE TEAM
The team behind the practice.
The hygienists, assistants, and front office team at Mountain Dental are trained in the same clinical philosophy and approach to patient care that the practice was built on. Some have been part of the practice for more than twenty years, bringing a level of experience, consistency, and familiarity that shapes the way we care for every patient.
THE INTEGRATED PRACTICE
A coordinated approach with Well Balanced Body Chiropractic.
Mountain Dental and Well Balanced Body Chiropractic share more than a building. The two practices share a philosophy centered on whole body health and work together when patients can benefit from coordinated care. Dr. Malori Tinsley, Dr. Keith’s wife, specializes in chiropractic care with a focus on cranial work. This collaboration allows us to look beyond the teeth and address how the jaw, airway, cranial structures, and the rest of the body work together.
What integrated care looks like in practice
For patients with jaw pain and TMD, coordination between the two practices can be especially valuable. Dr. Tinsley’s cranial work focuses on the alignment and mobility of the cranial bones in relation to the jaw and bite. As those structures are addressed, Dr. Keith can evaluate the resulting bite and create a balanced night guard to support that position. When appropriate, we schedule these visits back to back so both can be done the same day, in the same building.
That coordination also extends to orthodontic care. As Dr. Keith uses orthodontic appliances to guide the development of the jaw and palate, Dr. Tinsley provides cranial work alongside those changes. Her care focuses on helping the cranial structures adapt and remain aligned as the palate widens and the jaws develop. Rather than treating tooth movement, jaw development, and cranial structure separately, the two practices coordinate care with the goal of supporting how those structures develop together.
For patients who choose ongoing integrated care, our Dental Health Savings Plan can be paired with Well Balanced Body’s care plan, making it easier to coordinate treatment, scheduling, and costs between both practices.
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING NEXT
The vision for Mountain Dental continues to grow
Two things are in development that will shape the practice over the next several years.
A product line.
We are developing a small line of dental wellness products under the name Dr. Keith’s Teeth, beginning with a toothpaste created around the same philosophy that guides our practice: thoughtful ingredients, biocompatible materials, and a focus on supporting oral health without adding what does not need to be there.
A community care commitment.
Our long term vision extends beyond Mountain Dental. We hope to create a low cost dental and chiropractic clinic for patients who might otherwise go without care, while also developing a teaching program to share our integrated approach with other dental and chiropractic practitioners. Both are still years away, but the work we’re doing today is helping build the foundation to make them possible
If the way we practice resonates with you, we'd love to meet you.
New patient appointments are available for kids, teens, and adults. When you call, you’ll reach a real person who can answer your questions and help you find the right appointment. We give each visit the time it deserves, so you never feel rushed through your care.
OR CALL (530) 642-8614