I believe that people are happiest when they can chew without pain, smile without fear, and live with the knowledge that they are in control of their own health.  It is my role to facilitate that end. My team and I work closely with you to understand your dental goals and how to accomplish them.

Albert Schweitzer said “Patients carry their own doctor inside.”  We believe this is true.  Our work is to facilitate your discovery of your current dental conditions, discuss appropriate treatment options, and help you prioritize the changes you want to make.  Through this process, we will get to know each other better.  I am at my best when I work in relationship with our patients.

I appreciate the trust each of our patients shows when he/she walks into our office.  We encourage the trust by listening and caring about your story.  We develop it by creating a plan of treatment that reflects your needs and wants.  We cement it by blending the highest standard of care with excellent clinical skills and the trademark “Soft Touch.”

Biography:
I was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area.  After returning to in the Northwest for four years of dental school, I was ready for the desert and headed for Tucson, where I have been growing roots since 1980.  Both my children were born here, and are proud alumnae of the UofA.  My husband, Bob, is a transplant from Boston.  You’ll know him by the Red Sox t-shirt he is sure to be wearing.

I have been in private practice since 1989, after my children were off to school.  I have learned over the years that dentistry is a discipline that requires a commitment to staying abreast of the constant changes.  Thanks to my supportive family, I have been able to advance my post-graduate education with over 100 hours of continuing education annually for the past 10+ years. 

Professional Affiliations:

• I am very proud to have been invited to be a teaching assistant at the Pankey Institute [link to pankeydentist.org].  It is a wonderful opportunity for me to share the knowledge I have gained from my many mentors and teachers over the years.
• For five years, I have been a member of a Study Group of 10 dentists from around the country.  The group was formed to further experience working with difficult bites and TMD (temporomandibular disorder.)  We have evolved into a group of close friends who continue our professional journey together and share personal growth experiences as well.
• In addition to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the state components (AzDA, SADS,) I have held membership in a veritable alphabet soup of dental learning groups that have provided me with the educational support I need to stay on top of the learning curve.

• American Academy of Dental Practice Administrators
• Seattle Study Club
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• Academy of Microscope Dentistry
• Tucker Study Club