Dr Denise Henderson

Dr. Denise Henderson, a Bay Area native with over 20 years of experience, is known for her compassionate care and clinical excellence. Based in Palo Alto, she’s dedicated to providing comfortable, comprehensive dental care focused on long-term wellness. Her path to dentistry began right here in the Bay Area, where she was born and raised. After graduating from Saratoga High School, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolution at the University of California, Santa Barbara — including a year abroad at the University of Queensland in Australia. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2003. From the beginning, Dr. Henderson knew she wanted to return to her roots. After graduation, she came back to the Bay Area to serve the community that shaped her — and she’s been proudly practicing in Palo Alto ever since. At the core of Dr. Henderson’s approach is a deep belief in the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Her care philosophy goes beyond treating teeth; it’s about helping patients understand the impact of dental health on overall systemic health and making confident, informed decisions about their care. She is especially known for her calming presence and dedication to patient education — always taking the time to explain treatment options clearly so patients can make choices that align with their goals and values. As a family and cosmetic dentist, she treats patients of all ages — from young children to seniors — with a full range of services. Dr. Henderson is an advocate of lifelong learning and clinical excellence. She consistently expands her knowledge through continuing education courses, webinars, and hands-on workshops to stay ahead of the latest techniques and technologies in dentistry. She maintains active membership in the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and Academy of Osseointegration. This commitment to innovation helps her offer advanced tools like digital impressions (iTero), laser dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment that elevate the care experience and outcomes for her patients. Outside of the office, Dr. Henderson finds her joy in family, nature, and sports. She loves spending quality time with her husband and two children, often outdoors, playing tennis, skiing, or horseback riding. The family shares their home with a lovable Cavaliere Spaniel, a charming Basset Hound, a bearded dragon, and a chinchilla — all part of what they lovingly call their “mini farm.”