Meet Our Doctors

I find it very satisfying to serve the people of the Tri-Cities; getting to provide quality oral health care while hearing all the fascinating stories our patients and parents have to offer is a joy to me. I enjoy getting to know our patients, and most of all I love educating our patients and parents about ways to maintain their oral health. My number one priority is to have our patients develop a positive dental attitude and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime!

Education and continuing education

In order to become a dentist, I first attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, where I received a bachelor’s degree in natural science. Then I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Later, I served a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

Although my formal education is complete, I always strive to learn about the latest dental techniques and technologies. By knowing the most comfortable and efficient procedures in my profession, I can provide my patients with the best experiences available, while offering parents the best options available.

Professional affiliations

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Washington State Dental Society
• Benton Franklin County Dental Society

Practice philosophy

As a dentist, I enjoy the daily interactions with my patients and try to make them feel involved in and enthusiastic about taking care of their teeth. I like to focus on preventive interventions and enjoy discussing these strategies with parents.

I love finding different ways to connect with our patients. I enjoy taking the time to learn about patients’ hobbies and interests, I enjoy singing to my younger patients (they don’t care if I am in tune), and I like a good game of high five (up high, down low, too slow joe!!!). I am always eager to serve our Spanish-speaking patients and families; I lived in Ecuador for two years and speak Spanish fluently!

Family life

My wife and I live in Kennewick and are proud to raise our six children in such a wonderful community. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, movies, and sporting events, and I am taking guitar lessons. My favorite activity, though, is spending time with my family outdoors!

The best thing about being a pediatric dentist is having the opportunity to build a solid foundation of oral health that can last a lifetime. As the child’s first dentist, we not only have the ability to prevent and treat decay, we have the ability to make visiting the dentist a positive, enjoyable experience. Nothing makes me happier than watching a child with unhealthy teeth and a bad attitude towards dentistry return to the office months later with clean, healthy teeth and a bright smile. I strive to ensure that every child, no matter how they start, can end this way.

I love each child’s unique personality, and appreciate the challenge of really getting to know each one, and in doing so, learning how to interact with them in a way that will make them trust me and feel comfortable communicating with me. I also love teaching the children and their parents about what I know best: teeth! An important part of my job that I really enjoy is teaching children and their parents how to take care of the child’s teeth, so that they have one less thing they need to worry about!

I am so happy to be a pediatric dentist. I love the strength of the children’s personalities, the sincerity of their smiles, and the chance that I have to get to know them. It is a great feeling to work as part of a team where we all strive to ensure that their time with us will help each child to become more confident, friendly, healthy, and happy.

Education and continuing education

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry – Brigham Young University, magna cum laude
• Doctorate of Dental Surgery – UCLA School of Dentistry, cum laude
• Pediatric dental residency – University of Tennessee

I love learning about how we as pediatric dentists can help children develop healthy, functional mouths, with teeth that will last for a lifetime. I want nothing more than for every child to grow up with a healthy smile that will bring confidence to them and warmth to others. As an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, I continue my education on a regular basis in all aspects of pediatric dentistry.

Outside the office

I grew up in Provo, Utah. After living in both Los Angeles and Memphis, I have finally settled in the Tri-Cities area. I somehow convinced a beautiful, smart, caring redhead named Cheryl to marry me. We have three amazing children. I love spending time outside with my family. I am hopelessly addicted to fly-fishing and can’t seem to spend enough time on the water. I also love backpacking, cycling, running, playing golf, softball, and basketball, and bird hunting. Most of all, I love my wife and kids immensely, and I take seriously the responsibility I have to teach my children to be hard-working, honest, considerate individuals. I strive daily to lead by example.