Our team loves helping kids grow into healthy adults. Dr. Ryan Crowley knows that early experiences influence the value children place on their oral health as adults. One negative experience can affect a childs outlook on dentistry for the rest of their life. You can be sure your child will have a great experience at Crowley Dental.
The services offered at Crowley Dental ensure that patients of all ages feel welcome. From the earliest check-ups to orthodontic evaluations, Dr. Ryan Crowley will listen to your concerns and guide you through every stage.
Dr. Crowley grew up in Washington but attended school in Michigan. He received his bachelors degree in biology from Kalamazoo College and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. After dental school, he returned to the Pacific Northwest looking for the perfect place to open his practice. Stanwood called to him because it reminded him of his hometown.
Dr. Crowley is committed to continuing education and takes many advanced courses each year to enhance his skills to serve the dental care needs of his patients better and provide them with a gentle and comfortable dental experience. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Washington State Dental Association.
Gail has worked in the dental field since 1983 and uses her years of experience to help patients with their billing and insurance needs. She has trained in insurance billing, HIPPA, RDA and x-rays. Gail appreciates the long-term friendships she has built with patients and co-workers. She really enjoys seeing a patient who was once terrified about dental care come in for care and trust her to take care of their needs.
Gail spends time outside of work with her family, especially her grandbabies and fur babies, riding her Harley, camping, and being outdoors. She has a deep passion for animal rescue, and even rescued a bearded dragon. She currently volunteers for the Army National Guard Family Readiness and the Safe Harbor Free Clinic mobile dental unit. In the past she volunteered for the Noah Animal Rescue and went to Honduras twice with Medical Teams International on dental missions.
Alicia grew up in Mount Vernon, WA, and graduated from Lake Institute of Technology with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in June 2018. She joined our team in August 2018 and loves the daily challenge of helping patients keep their smiles in a state of excellent oral health. Alicia also enjoys connecting with patients on a personal level and helping them understand that oral health is directly related to overall health.
Yoana grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and moved to Washington State in 2013. She attended Northwest Career and Technical Academy and earned her Dental Assistant Bridge Certificate in 2017. In November 2018, Yoana joined the Crowley Dental team and loves helping patients care for their smiles as a part of their overall health. She decided on a career in dentistry after her daughter required treatment as a toddler. She saw the value in educating patients, both child and adult alike so that they can develop lifelong healthy hygiene habits.
Tooth decay often begins at an early age, making young children particularly susceptible. Nearly half of children between the ages of 2-11 have experienced tooth decay while 32% of kids between the ages of 9-11 develop cavities in their permanent teeth. Major contributing factors to this public health problem include baby formula with added sugar and heavily-sugared fruit juices. Even breast milk can cause cavities in baby teeth because of the natural sugars present.
Care for baby teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. We recommend that you bring your child in for an exam no later than his or her first birthday. Regular six-month checkups will put kids on a schedule like most adults, establishing a routine that will last a lifetime.
Dental health during the teen years offers another set of challenges. For most parents, this doesn't come as a big surprise. A dizzying number of changes strike during these formative years, and parents often experience a few frustrations along the way.
Teens listen more than we realize, and pestering parents can make a tremendous difference in the dental future of your young adult. You might feel like youre nagging, but teens are always listening and believe it or not, the constant reminders to brush, floss, and eat well will sink in. Don't underestimate any encouragement given to help your teen avoid the long-term effects of cavities and gum inflammation.
Preventive visits every six months provide us with an opportunity to coach your teen and reinforce the efforts you're making with them. Sometimes the rapport we establish in a professional, yet friendly, setting proves especially effective. Plus, we can share problems with them through visual aids while reinforcing any positive efforts they're making.