I believe it is my mission to guide my patients on their journey to ideal health, where I treat not only their oral health issue, but see them as humans first. I listen to their concerns and relate the treatments clearly while soothing their anxiety, so that they feel they are actively engaged and invested in their oral health. I seek to understand what my patients need and how I can help them.
My role is to help navigate the possibilities of restoring your dental and periodontal health, whether it may be due to a dental imbalance or simply reconstructing or rebuilding lost soft tissue/bone, and returning it to a healthy balance. I look forward to collaborating with you in achieving your health goals.
I was inspired to enter the oral health field by my father, who practiced dentistry in several countries. He has encouraged me in all aspects of my professional life, teaching me to approach my patients treatment with excellence and compassion.
I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco in 1997 and my Master of Science degree in Biology, as well as a Certificate in Periodontics and Implantology, from UCSF in 2001.
As a leader in the community, I participate in several study groups where I collaborate with other dental specialists and leaders in multifaceted treatment options. I am a leader of two study groups for our local dentists and hygienists, the Amaya Spears Study Group and the Dental Hygienist Study Group, where I share my knowledge and curiosity for my profession.
As a CDA Trustee and MCDS board member, I am heavily involved in the local dental community and at UCSF, where I am an Assistant Clinical Professor with the Post-Graduate Periodontology and Dental Implants Department. I have given motivational lectures to Latinos in Business of Marin. As a leader, I want to contribute to shaping the community by participating, leading, and inspiring, and being inspired by others.
I have called Marin County home for the past 20 years. When I am not in the office, I am an avid trail runner, enjoy good conversation with trusted friends, and appreciate good food and wine when in good company. I am passionate about travel with a purpose, and have participated in volunteer work with groups in Guatemala, Tibet, Uganda, and Mexico, bringing dental services to remote areas of the world.
At our periodontal practice, we recognize that all of our patients are unique, and deserve to receive periodontal care that reflects their individual needs. Our team is committed to working with you and your family to create a positive, comfortable, and customized periodontal experience every time you visit our practice.
I graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelors's degree in Dental Hygiene and have been practicing dental hygiene for the past 30 years in the Bay Area in general and periodontal practices. Additionally, I maintain a private mobile dental hygiene practice (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice/RDHAP) providing in-home preventive dental hygiene care as well as working in the community providing preventive dental services to children in underserved areas.
I am so happy to be part of this amazing practice. I get to work with great coworkers and doctors in a field that is interesting and fun. I really enjoy all our wonderful patients that we get to care for.
I first came to the practice in 1991. After 15 years, I took a ten-year detour to work in pediatric dentistry. I am so happy to have had that experience, but even happier to be back to this practice doing more of what I love.
I feel really blessed to be part of such a great team. I have been an RDA for over twenty years and bringing that experience with me to Dr. Amayas practice helps me to better understand our patients needs. It is very rewarding when I can help guide our patients through the very complicated dental insurance process.
I starting working for Dr. Wootton and Dr. Amaya in 2010 as a temporary schedule coordinator. Shortly after doing schedule coordinating I transitioned into the Treatment Coordinator and Financial Planning role. I worked full time in this position for about six years before cutting back to part-time after having my first daughter. I now embrace the role of Practice Relations Director, mainly from home, and do a lot more work with referring offices and other local practices. I do miss seeing patients on the day to day basis and having that in-person connection, so you can bet I jump on any opportunity I get to go into the office and work in person on projects or covering for others.
I started working with Dr. Wootton and Dr. Amaya in 2009 as the Scheduling Coordinator. Over the years Ive held different positions within the office and now settled into the Office Manager role. I feel very fortunate to work with Dr. Amaya and her amazing team!
I grew up in Marin and now live in Novato with my husband, four kids, a dog, a cat, a hamster, and 5 chickens. I have workedas a periodontal dental assistant for Drs. Salzman and Ahn in Larkspur for 10 years before taking off 10 years to raise my children. I'm happy to be back assisting Dr. Amaya and love working in an all-women periodontal office.
Iam so lucky to be part of such an amazing team. I have been working in the dental field for over five years now. I have experience as an RDA (registered dental assistant), which I find helpful for understanding the different aspects of dentistry. I enjoy building relationships with our patients and helping them with their dental needs.
When it comes to periodontal disease, early diagnosis, and immediate treatment is very important. If the disease remains untreated, tooth loss will inevitably occur. Dr. Amaya and our team are committed to developing a comprehensive plan of therapy designed to produce healthy and aesthetically pleasing long-term results, with your overall wellbeing in mind.
We are available to answer questions about treatment possibilities, and work closely with your dentist as a team to address comfort, convenience, and excellence in dental implants and periodontal care.
Regular exams and a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference in your periodontal health. We are here to guide you, not only in improving your periodontal health, but your overall health and wellness as well.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 20 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAlana Crow
2 years ago
Dr Amaya is a very kind and gentle periodontist. I had to have a tooth extraction and bone graft yesterday and she really kept me at ease. Her assist Rose was equally as wonderful. Dr Amaya called last night to check in on how I was doing and if I had any concerns or questions. She really cares about her patients. I go back in a few weeks to have stitches removed and try hen wait a few months to have the implant post inserted. In Dr Amaya's hand I am confident that all will go without a hitch! I can highly recommend her with out any doubt.
fredi bloom
2 years ago
Great staff. clean offices and treatment rooms. Friendly and competent hygenists, and i was impressed that Dr Amaya checked in.
1heartlightdancer
2 years ago
Dr. Amaya is not only an outstanding periodontist, who gently talks you through every step, but she is also a beautiful person inside and out. All the staff is very accommodating as well.
Gary McClendon
2 years ago
Dr Amaya is So much more than my periodontist. After a decade, she's always shown the greatest care & compassion a Dr can give. Wether it be in performing procedures or just saying hi & peeking into my mouth on Cleaning days. So when I see her out & about in the community, I always run over to say Hi, to an old friend.
Lew Engel
2 years ago
Dr. Amaya he's kind, highly professional, managers pain during the procedure very well. Her office staff and nursing staff are also thoughtful and attentive. She is extremely well regarded in the community, with everyone from my dentist and from x-ray techniciansHolding her in the highest regard.
Nelson Hee
2 years ago
Very informative and professional. I'm just hopeful that as an artist on a limited income I don't eventually don't get priced out but will do what I can in the meantime.
Jaime Baldovinos
2 years ago
Doctor Amaya and her staff have always provided professional and consistent results. This is why I have become a returning patient.
N. Luporini
3 years ago
My encounter with dr Amaya and her staff was pleasant. I felt comfortable and I respected dr Amaya's kind words Dr Amaya told me that she needed to see further xrays in order to make an assessment of my dental issue. She indicated that she would speak with the prior dentist and get a copy of my xrays. She also told me that she would call me when she received the xrays. Unfortunately, I have not heard from Dr Amaya. I realize she has a busy schedule. My request : I need to be evaluated by a prosthodontist (per Dr Amaya) There are only 2 prosthodontists in Marin County. Dr Amaya and I discussed my situation with the existing Marin County prosthodontists. I am asking for a prosthodontist referral that is not in Marin County i a
greg Deschodt
3 years ago
Dr Amaya is not only extremely skilled at her job, she is also the sweetest periodontist you will ever meet. No pain, great care, quality work, the entire staff is nice - highly recommended !
Bruce Gorelick
3 years ago
Dr Amaya is truly amazing and her office support is also superior. I can't say enough superlatives. She personally called me after hours the day of my procedure to check on me and ask if I was ok and if I had any questions. A real pro and caring doctor.
Nelson Hee
3 years ago
Very informative and professional. I'm just hopeful that as an artist on a limited income I don't eventually don't get priced out but will do what I can in the meantime.
Alan Posin
3 years ago
I have been a patient of this office for over 30 years. The majority of which Barry Wooten took care of my periodontal needs. He placed a lower implant for a crown over 20years ago and the implant remains firmly in place to date. Dr. Amaya took over the practice several years ago. Up until this year I had never met her albeit I am in the office twice a year for cleanings. The hygienist called her in at my last cleaning to look at a couple of "problem" areas at gum line. These areas have been manifest for some time. Dr.Amaya's exam indicated a need surgery and bone graft to protect the implant/ crown and bridge. Dr. Amaya is a skilled periodontal surgeon. She was kind enough to call the night f surgery to see how I was doing. My results appear very good although the technical recovery time was six weeks. I assume this is standard?In the information packet I was given prior to surgery the caveat was not to chew hard objects on surgery side for 2 1/2 weeks!! At the 2 1/2 week follow up I was told "hold off" another month.So I studious avoid chewing on the right side. It would have been nice to know this going in. Again results are what counts and assuming I get a similar lasting result I 'm more than happy.
Jaime Baldovinos
3 years ago
Doctor Amaya and her staff have always provided professional and consistent results. This is why I have become a returning patient.
Bruce Gorelick
3 years ago
Dr Amaya is truly amazing and her office support is also superior. I can't say enough superlatives. She personally called me after hours the day of my procedure to check on me and ask if I was ok and if I had any questions. A real pro and caring doctor.
N. Luporini
3 years ago
My encounter with dr Amaya and her staff was pleasant. I felt comfortable and I respected dr Amaya's kind words Dr Amaya told me that she needed to see further xrays in order to make an assessment of my dental issue. She indicated that she would speak with the prior dentist and get a copy of my xrays. She also told me that she would call me when she received the xrays. Unfortunately, I have not heard from Dr Amaya. I realize she has a busy schedule. My request : I need to be evaluated by a prosthodontist (per Dr Amaya) There are only 2 prosthodontists in Marin County. Dr Amaya and I discussed my situation with the existing Marin County prosthodontists. I am asking for a prosthodontist referral that is not in Marin County i a
greg Deschodt
3 years ago
Dr Amaya is not only extremely skilled at her job, she is also the sweetest periodontist you will ever meet. No pain, great care, quality work, the entire staff is nice - highly recommended !
Hai Coughlin-Fargon
5 years ago
I must say I was extremely surprised to not see many reviews on this page! Dr. Amaya and her staff are extraordinary! I have been going to different dentists in the last 10 years for various issues, some ongoing and some somewhat recent. When my Prosthodontist told me I will need to see a Periodontist for acrown lengthening procedure in order for him to put the crowns on my teeth, I was a little scared because this is a surgical procedure that includes cutting my gums and stiching it! Dr. Amaya's assistant, Rose, was so kind, caring and professional! The two really guided me through the process, explained in detail, distracted me when I needed and of course stopped from time to time to make sure I am doing ok. :) I wish all dentists were like this! Thank you so much for making such a scary procedure so much nicer and smoother. It definitely has been a pleasure and I absolutely recommend everyone to come and see you!
Hai Coughlin-Fargon
6 years ago
I must say I was extremely surprised to not see many reviews on this page! Dr. Amaya and her staff are extraordinary! I have been going to different dentists in the last 10 years for various issues, some ongoing and some somewhat recent. When my Prosthodontist told me I will need to see a Periodontist for acrown lengthening procedure in order for him to put the crowns on my teeth, I was a little scared because this is a surgical procedure that includes cutting my gums and stiching it! Dr. Amaya's assistant, Rose, was so kind, caring and professional! The two really guided me through the process, explained in detail, distracted me when I needed and of course stopped from time to time to make sure I am doing ok. :) I wish all dentists were like this! Thank you so much for making such a scary procedure so much nicer and smoother. It definitely has been a pleasure and I absolutely recommend everyone to come and see you!
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