Most orthodontic practices can’t boast nine excellent locations and four outstanding doctors—but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Rio Grande Orthodontics. Let’s introduce you to the exceptional doctors behind our practice—Dr. Ryan Gardiner, Dr. Devan Vest, Dr. Jason Klingler, and Dr. Stephen Kellam. Each one is passionate about creating new smiles and building lasting relationships with the families they serve.
A Word on Quality Orthodontic Care
Before we tell you more about our four doctors, we want to give a little disclaimer. When it comes to orthodontics, you should always pay attention to a doctor’s education, experience, memberships/awards, and character before you undergo treatment with them. We’re happy to report our team are shining examples of all of these qualifications—but be aware in your search that not all practices are like Rio Grande Orthodontics.
Meet Dr. Devan Vest
Originally from Oak Hill, West Virginia, Dr. Devan Vest is a proud Mountaineer and a skilled orthodontist with a deep appreciation for both science and personal connection.
- Education & Experience: Dr. Vest earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University and completed his orthodontic specialty training at Oregon Health & Science University. He also conducted research that earned him a Master of Science degree alongside his Orthodontic Specialty Certificate.
- Professional Memberships: Dr. Vest is affiliated with many respected dental organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- New Mexico Dental Association
- Awards & Recognition: Dr. Vest’s achievements include:
- WVU School of Dentistry Award
- Dr. William S. Kramer Award (OKU Dental Honor Society)
- American Association of Orthodontists Award
- Multiple academic and research honors
- Outside the Office: Drawn to Northern New Mexico for its natural beauty, Dr. Vest’s favorite part of living here is the incredible people. He enjoys sports, mentoring, coaching, and endurance races when he’s not working with smiles—he even qualified for the 70.3 Ironman World Championships! Above all, he treasures time with his wife Angela and their four kids: Kyra, Ian, Sadie, and Jayla.
Meet Dr. Ryan Gardiner
Dr. Ryan Gardiner grew up in Southern California and developed a love for the outdoors early on through camping and scouting. Helping others has always been at the heart of everything he does.
- Education & Experience: Dr. Gardiner earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he also worked for four years at a home for men with special needs. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for orthodontics while shadowing a local provider. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Medicine with honors from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and then completed his orthodontic specialty training and Master of Science in Dentistry at Louisiana State University.
- Outside the Office: Fluent in Spanish after living in Chile for two years, Dr. Gardiner brings warmth and a welcoming spirit to every patient he meets. He’s been married to his wife Stephanie for nine years, and they have two young sons, Luke and Levi. Dr. Gardiner enjoys tennis, fishing, reading, snowboarding, and most of all—being a dad.
Meet Dr. Jason Klingler
A native of Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Jason Klingler brings a love for sports, music, and family to his work as an orthodontist.
- Education & Experience: Dr. Klingler completed his Bachelor’s in Business Management at Brigham Young University before pursuing dental school at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. There, he earned numerous honors, including induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon and the American Association of Orthodontists Outstanding Predoctoral Student Award. He continued at UNLV for orthodontic residency, receiving a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Oral Biology. His research was published in peer-reviewed journals, and he taught part-time in a dental hygiene program. After residency, he practiced at a top 1% Invisalign provider in Kansas City before moving to New Mexico.
- Outside the Office: Dr. Klingler, his wife Aubrey, their daughter Ellie, and their Italian greyhound Duke are thrilled to call New Mexico home. They enjoy exploring the outdoors and hunting for the best chocolate chip cookies around!
Meet Dr. Stephen Kellam
Dr. Stephen Kellam—better known as Dr. K—brings experience, humor, and heart to every patient interaction.
- Education & Experience: A proud graduate of Cibola High School in Albuquerque, Dr. Kellam studied engineering at UNM before pivoting to dentistry. He earned his dental degree and was recognized nationally by the American Association of Orthodontists with one of their top residency awards.
- Outside the Office: Dr. K has raised three wonderful children who keep him on his toes. Whether it’s skiing, biking, or being bounced around on a trampoline by his daughter, he’s always on the move. He brings a singular joy and energy to our practice and cherishes every opportunity to make kids (and their parents) smile.
Welcome to the Family
Rio Grande Orthodontics is special in that we have nine locations across our area—Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Cerillos, Harkle, Socorro, and Taos. This means we touch as many lives as we can, and we’d love to be a part of yours!