Meet The Dentist Bringing The Gift Of Smiles To Milwaukie

Smiles Dental boasts a singular motto: Smile bright; feel all right. The Milwaukie-based practice prides itself as a provider of superior performance, positive impact and meaningful service, with an uncompromising commitment to patients' safety and high standards in oral care.

Patch: Tell us about what led you to Smiles Dental.

Smiles Dental: My husband and I were looking to move to Oregon, and while I was looking for a job, I really liked how Smiles was active in local communities and also promoted a balanced work and family life.

Patch: How does Smiles Dental distinguish itself from other area practices? What is the Smiles Difference?

Smiles Dental: I have worked in private practice for about five years prior to Smiles, and I will say that Smiles does a lot more community work, and we donate our time and skills monthly within our community. We also place a high priority on supporting their dentists with great continuing education.

Patch: You are the captain of your own ship, so to speak. What is the best part about leading the team within your dental practice?

Smiles Dental: Day-to-day decisions are left up to me, and I can have autonomy, but I also support when I need it.

Patch: Tell us about your background and experience. How did you come to work in the dentistry field?

Smiles Dental: I have always loved science and biology, and I became interested in dentistry at a young age through my childhood dentist. I have been a practicing dentist for almost seven years and although challenging at times, I enjoy the profession.

Patch: What three tips can you offer to readers seeking to improve or maintain their oral hygiene?

Smiles Dental: Use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual. Use thread floss instead of floss picks. Whiten your teeth; modern-day whitening products have been shown to decrease the bacteria that cause gum disease and decay.

Patch: What is your definition of success?

Smiles Dental: Achieving happiness and fulfillment while also wanting everything you already have.

Patch: Tell us about the Gift of Smiles.

Smiles Dental: The Gift of Smiles is a whole day of free dentistry that we offer to patients that could not normally afford care. We offer either an hour with our hygienist or an hour with me for dental treatment. It is a first-come, first-served basis, and we actually did our Gift of Smiles on Valentine’s Day this year so we could spread the love to our community.

Patch: How has dentistry changed throughout the years, and how does Smiles Dental stay ahead of new developments?

Smiles Dental: I love how dentistry has become digital. We now have digital records and x-rays, and we are moving towards digital impressions. With this advancement, we are able to make crowns and implants with more precision than ever before. Smiles Dental always offered fantastic continuing education and encourages use of the latest technology.

Patch: How do you envision the future of dentistry?

Smiles Dental: I love how there are more women in dentistry. It used to be a field primarily of men, and I love seeing it become a mix of men and women. I also love how technology is making dentistry more pain-free than ever for our patients and the ease this creates for practitioners.

Patch: How can Patch readers contact you and learn more about your Smiles Dental practice?

Smiles Dental: Our practice is in Milwaukie, Or., and our direct office line is (503) 659-9667. We look forward to being your dental home!

Photo credit: Smiles Dental