Changing Lives, One Person and One Smile at a Time
Being an orthodontist means everything to me.
I feel it is important to be happy in your profession, and I feel so fortunate to practice something I am passionate about and find deeply rewarding. After creating smiles for over 20 years, I can honestly say I have an even deeper appreciation for the specialty.
As an orthodontist, I get to meet, share time with, and learn from a wonderfully diverse group of people. As a result of the treatment my team and I provide, each person achieves their best smile: one that is healthy, functional, and beautiful. That smile will serve them well, for life!
At the same time, each person I treat enriches my life. Our conversations – what they share about their experiences, families, dreams – broaden my understanding and appreciation of the world. My patients make me a more rounded individual and more insightful orthodontist.
As much as what I do has a lasting, wonderful impact on each person’s life, each person also makes a lasting, positive impact on my life.
Education and Experience
I chose the oral healthcare field out of a desire to help people lead fuller, healthier, and happier lives. The orthodontic specialty encapsulates all those things, along with offering the chance to build real connections with people while giving them beautifully healthy and confident smiles!
I grew up in Pearl City, Hawaii, and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a Presidential Scholar for my undergraduate studies. Moving to the mainland, I completed my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and graduated #1 in my Class of 2001. I then attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for my orthodontic residency and Master of Science (MS). Following my specialized orthodontic training, I relocated to Washington. I have been in private practice for over 22 years and have relocated to Bellingham to join Dr. Cummins at the practice. Combined, we have over 55 years of combined private practice experience.
Constant Learning and Professional Activities
It is a joy to be part of a person’s journey, as they move from feeling self-conscious about their appearance to feeling confident in their smile. Patients trust me to provide them with the ideal treatment experience and stable, beautiful results.
As a result of my extensive study and utilization of the Invisalign clear aligner treatment, I have been designated a Top 1% Invisalign Provider. I work closely with referring dentists discussing Invisalign cases and providing insight into how the aligners can be used to successfully treat patients without the use of traditional braces.
I am also an active member of the:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Washington State Dental Association
- Kitsap County Dental Society
- Mount Baker District Dental Society
- Spear Study Club
These professional organizations offer numerous opportunities for learning, with meetings, seminars, lectures, online courses and training, and periodicals. I keep abreast of the latest methodologies, new technology, and emerging research, to provide the best orthodontic treatment experience and deliver healthy, becoming smiles.
Outside the Practice
When I am not in the office, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and traveling. Some of my favorite trips include visiting the Galapagos Islands, hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and exploring Japan during the cherry blossom season with my life partner, Kiersten. Together, we have 6 children and 4 dogs that keep us busy. Chances are you will run into me at a volleyball game or a track meet cheering on my kids.
