Becoming a dentist has been a childhood dream come true. I love my profession! As an 11 year-old who liked science, I received a Dr. Drill-n-Fill Play-Doh set and declared I want to be a dentist! At age 15, I got a job working in a dental office and loved it. By 16, I was a fully trained dental assistant and continued working as an assistant until I graduated from dental school!
As a dentist, Im able to help people take care of their teeth and smiles, to alleviate pain for those with a toothache, and restore the ability to comfortably chew, too. Each interaction with each patient is an opportunity to change and improve that persons life. I enjoy partnering with my patients to achieve the best oral health possible. Our relationships go beyond healthcare provider and patient: we become friends and I treasure those bonds.
I believe working with so many unique people every day helps me appreciate the beauty of life. My patients help me become a better person, broadening my world and experiences. I appreciate their different life stories and how they share their experiences with me.
Dr. Ma and our team members are talented, compassionate, good people. Each truly cares about our patients on a personal level and is dedicated to providing the best care and best experience. Together, we respect and honor each patients needs and personality, working with them to achieve a beautifully healthy, happy smile.
My Doctorate of Dental Surgery was awarded by the University of Washington Dental School in 1986. My passion for learning about dental care continues to this day. Im proud to be a life-long learner and am dedicated to staying current on developments in oral healthcare.
Since receiving my doctorate, Ive pursued continuing education. I attend multiple dental conventions, locally, regionally, and nationally. Im also an active member of many study groups, including the Harry Albers Esthetic Study Club, Robert Johnson UW Dental Study Club, and the Eastside Women Dentists Study Club.
Ive also completed numerous advanced courses through the Frank Spear Education Classes, CRA Gordon Christensen Education Classes and Publications, and University of Washington Continuing Dental Education classes.
I was born and raised right here in the greater Seattle area and cant imagine living anywhere else! I have two adult children: Rachel, my daughter, is a medical student at the University of Washington. Adam, my son, is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Physiology. Hes pursuing an acting career.
When not caring for patients, I enjoy time with my family and friends, serving God and those in need, and outdoor activities and travel. Im passionate about living life to the fullest and helping others to do the same, to the best of my abilities.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be entrusted with my patients oral health and their smiles. I am humbled by this trust and committed to ensuring every visit is comfortable, productive, and finishes with the patient healthier and feeling better.
From a young age, I was drawn to science, medicine, and art. I also knew I need a profession that allowed me time to get to know people and build real relationships. Dentistry is the perfect blend of my interests and passions, keeping me excited, challenged, and engaged!
I love how each patient and each interaction is different. It goes far beyond different sets of teeth: my patients are a diverse group of individuals, each with their own personality, needs, and goals. I thrive on the challenge of learning who each patient is and the joy of working with them to create a treatment plan that addresses their clinical and personal concerns.
I feel fortunate to work with Dr. Yagi and a team of very experienced and talented people. We value high-quality, patient-centered care and each of us goes above and beyond to ensure patients are comfortable and relaxed. Our team members support each other and have genuine, honest, caring relationships with our patient family.
I attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where I began a six-year accelerated program: three years as an undergrad and three years of dental school. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. I then completed my Doctorate of Dental Surgery with the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. During dental school, I received awards for Clinical Excellence in Aesthetic Dentistry and for Outstanding Dedication to Community Service.
My commitment to learning didnt end when I graduated. I choose to participate in continuing dental education because the field is continuously evolving. In addition to staying on top of the latest innovations, materials, and methods, I strive to gain new perspectives from other providers. This ensures Im able to provide the best possible care to each patient.
I regularly complete courses through major oral healthcare conventions, along with participating in seminars and lectures. Im also involved with study clubs where I collaborate and discuss complex cases with colleagues and we review literature together.
I grew up in Bellevue and currently live on the Eastside, where Ive been since moving back from California. Although I miss the sunshine, Im happy to be back in the beautiful PNW where I was born and raised!
Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, rock climbing, and traveling. I have a large extended family and wonderful friends I love to spend time with and feel blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of laughter, love, and food to keep me grounded. I always enjoy checking out new places to hike and to eat: two of the PNWs best offerings!
I was immersed in community service at a young age and have maintained that passion as an adult. Ive participated in dental mission trips to Belize and Jamaica. Now I regularly volunteer at Seattle Union Gospel Missions dental clinic and serve food at the Lords Table in downtown Seattle. Giving back to our community by helping others can have a profound impact: it reminds people that others truly do care!
Myresponsibilities includetreatment planning, insurance claims, scheduling patients, credentialing, payroll and many other front office duties. I have been working in dentistry since 1983 and began working at Kirkland Dental in 2014. I majored in speech communications from Oregon State University in 1991. My father was a dentist. I worked with him starting at age 15 until he retired in 2013. I love making a difference in someones day. If I can make someone smile, it truly makes me happy.
I have been a Kirkland resident since I married the man of my dreams in 1995. We have three teenage boys Noah, Elijah, and Jackson. I spend most of my time going to my kids sporting events. When not at the ballpark, track meet, wrestling match, swim meet, basketball game, etc. We love going to the movies. Life is good!
I provide chairside assistance to all our doctors during dental procedures, order supplies, maintain equipment, and help ensure our back office runs smoothly. In 1998 I began working part time as a sterilization technician and made it my full-time career in 2000. I happily joined Kirkland Dental in 2014.
My favorite part of my job is getting to establish relationships with patients and their families. I love working with the Kirkland Dental team because everyone here is very knowledgeable about their work and have fun doing it.
As a dental assistant I provide chairside assistance to our doctors and the sterilization of instruments and operatories. Through a three month based dental assistant training center in Bothell, I learned the necessary skills to provide meaningful care to patients.
After joining Kirkland Dental in the summer of 2018, I was able to gain new experiences and meet a wonderful group of staff and patients. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, fiddling with technology and hanging out with friends.
Jen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and later the Dental Hygiene program at Shoreline Community College. Dentistry and all its connections to systemic health and quality of life are deeply meaningful to Jen. She has become passionate about empowering patients through understanding of their oral health and endeavor to make it a relaxed, supportive, and maybe even fun or happy experience at the dental office!