Dental Philosophy:

Dental Associates of the Southwest provide PROFESSIONAL, quality dental care BY PRIORITIZING AND RESPECTING patients' concerns and comfort.

Natural splendor, recreational abundance,  small college town vibe, and  deep rooted sense of community are all reasons that we have chosen to live in Southwest Colorado.  At DASW we aim to contribute to the community the best way we know how:  A sensible approach to dental care.

As we see it, dental care starts with a relationship of mutual respect.  Our goal is to provide a comfortable and caring place based on a common sense approach to dental technology, dental science, and commitment to the art of dentistry to help you with your oral health and function.  This is impossible without your positive input. A commitment to  seeking routine professional care and daily oral hygiene are prerequisite. 

We believe that the best dental treatment is often no treatment, achieved through preventive care.  Every time a dental filling or restoration is placed it has a limited lifespan.  Therefore, if we can prevent our patients from needing restorative dental treatment, their teeth will have the best long term prognosis.  Although there have been many advances in dental care over the years, the most natural and best thing for your mouth is most often your untouched tooth structure.

We call this a “Needs Based” philosophy  When treatment is needed to make your oral function last longer, we strive to provide the highest quality of care and results.  We do not promote unnecessary treatment or treatment that is not essential to the longevity and health of your dentition.  In today’s society we  are outliving our teeth.  Changes in diet, societal stress, and lifespan make it difficult for the average American to make it through his or her life without losing a tooth.  We see it as an “Us verses Them” scenario. We would be honored if you would let US be your advocate in how to keep THEM best functioning and happy for the duration of your life.

DASW Group Advantage:

Dental Associates of the Southwest (DASW) dentists believe that a general practice group provides camaraderie vital to our professional development and to an increased level of patient care. Our team approach enables us to offer something that single provider offices cannot so easily provide: a team approach. We believe sharing each of our successes and failures magnifies our individual experiences to make a greater collective experience.  In addition to professional development and patient care concerns, we are able to make better informed decisions on dental materials, technology, and techniques. This synergy allows us to continually enhance the level of care we can provide for our patient.

Dentists:

Courtney C. HEinicke, D.D.S.
		Dr. Courtney Heinicke was born and raised in Colorado Springs.  He completed his undergraduate studies at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.  He graduated from University of Colorado Health Sciences School of Dentistry in 1994, followed by a one year post graduate residency in general practice dentistry at University Hospital in Denver.
He moved to Durango in 1995 and has been fortunate to be mentored by his former partners, Doctors Greg Brown, Thomas Grams, Steve Owen, and Nicklas Groskopf.  Dr. Heinicke’s passion for dentistry has led to a special interest in microscope enhanced dentistry. Raised in a sports minded family, Courtney, grew up involved in competitive swimming, tennis and soccer.  A semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School converted his love of competitive sport to a love of outdoor pursuits.  When not in the office, you might see him sharing the region’s slopes, trails, or rivers with his wife and two children.

Tyler C. Holland, D.M.D.
		Dr. Tyler Holland finished his undergraduate studies at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, CA. He graduated from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Magna Cum Laude, in 2007. Along with receiving his DMD (Doctorate of Dental Medicine), Dr. Holland was rewarded honors for Excellence in Fixed Prosthodontics and membership to the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society.
Dr. Holland has dedicated his career to serving those in need, in Durango and beyond. Dr. Holland received the National Health Service Corps scholarship while in school and upon graduation practiced dentistry 4 years at Fort Defiance, AZ with the Navajo IHS. As an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Holland fell in love with the Four Corners area and he and his wife and two children have decided to make Durango, CO their permanent home.

Nicolas S. Cofman, D.M.D.
		Dr. Nicolas Cofman came to dentistry after a career as a pilot, mostly bush flying in Africa. He earned his undergraduate degree at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University in Phoenix.
Born in France, Dr. Cofman grew up in Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colorado Springs, CO, in the early years, and lived in Nepal, Kenya and Namibia before coming to Durango in 2000. He speaks English, French, Spanish and Nepali. When he's not practicing his passion for dentistry, hiking with his wife and two daughters, rock climbing, gardening or mountaineering, you can usually find him with his head under the hood of a vintage Land Rover.