As far back as my memories will take me, I have always desired a career in dentistry. I was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines for the early part of my childhood. At age 9, my family moved to San Francisco, and eventually to Stockton, California. Being blessed with the knowledge of my future career goal in dentistry and a determination to achieve it, I followed a fast-track course in high school and graduated in three years. I continued the three year pattern as an undergraduate at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, and as a postgraduate at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, now the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. I graduated in 2000, and received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. I headed back to Stockton to practice dentistry close to my family.
In 2001, my college sweetheart, David and I were married. In the same year, I took over a dental practice in Stockton. Our oldest son was born in 2003. David and I knew that we wanted a bigger family so I decided to dedicate myself full time to raising our little family. In 2006 I sold my practice before the birth of our daughter. Our family became complete in 2008 when our youngest son was born. I took on associateship positions after the transfer of my practice to satisfy my dentistry-hungry hands; I enjoyed my career too much to leave it alone for too long.
Our family of five was quickly outgrowing our house and David and I were ready for a change, so we decided to move on and set our roots in a community that was more conducive to raising intelligent and well-rounded children. One visit to the central coast and we knew this was the place for us. As luck would have it, I came across Dr. Pam Dassenkos office and found a practice whose philosophies mirrored my own. David secured a position in Paso Robles as a pharmacist. We packed up our home of 10 years and moved to the lovely town of Cayucos.
In 2015 Pam decided to turn the management of the business over to me. With my previous ownership experience, I felt confident that I would be able to keep this office thriving into the next generation. In addition, Pam and I shared the same philosophy of dental excellence and collaborative relationships with our patients, so it has been a seamless transition.
As our children grew and became more involved in activities in SLO we realized that the commute from Cayucos to SLO can be quite draining with business responsibilities and all of the after school activities. In 2017 we were finally able to purchase a home in SLO and are loving it! We have replaced our ocean view with views of the hills and two hours less driving each weekday ( a fair trade, in my opinion! ).
I have a great thirst for knowledge and professional improvement. My personal commitment to excellence compels me to spend countless hours reading journals, going to continuing education courses, and continually updating my bag of dental tricks. Over the last few years I have focused on full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. My in depth training has come from Spear Education, Kois Institute, and the Misch Implant Institute. I am a diplomate and fellow with the International College of Oral Implantologists. In addition, I have recently completed training for gum grafting, an important need for individuals whose gums have receded for one reason or another.
I enjoy spending my free time with my three children and loving husband exploring our environment. We find the weather here ideal for hikes in the surrounding hills and walks on the beach. A few hobbies I have include cooking and baking, especially inspiring dishes I encounter in restaurants and bakeries, crochet, and entry-level knitting. I am fond of dabbling in tactile arts such as ceramics and sculpture.
I am excited to be able to practice dentistry in an environment where patients come first and quality dentistry is paramount. I am proud to be a part of this practice, and I look forward to meeting you, and helping you on your journey to achieve healthy gums and teeth for life!
Dr. Clayton Johnson is a California native from San Diego. Prior to dentistry, he attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on Religious Studies, Sociology, and Dental Science. He completed his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of New England in Portland, Maine. Dr. Johnson believes in a comprehensive approach to dentistry, in which communication, discussion, and education are the most important factors in creating a custom treatment plan that fits each individuals needs. When not in the dental office Dr. Johnson enjoys surfing, hiking, and gardening.
Dr. Ramirez has completed a large amount of continuing education and attended numerous schools to be able to offer her patients the best dentistry available. Below are links to some of the groups and institutes that she is affiliated with.
Devoted to providing implant education to the entire dental team to better serve its patients, the ICOI is not only the worlds largest dental implant organization, but it is also the worlds largest provider of continuing dental implant education.
With a constant stream of new scientific discoveries, clinical reports and innovations, keeping up with the world of dental implants is challenging. So we have teamed up with clinical centers and universities all over the world to design a range of dental implant training courses on the latest advances.
The Festival features the rich legacy of the enduring universality, creativity and spirit of one of the greatest musicians the world has known, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Impeccable and spirited performances by the Festivals guest artists and musicians, all masters of the classical style, bring Mozarts timeless masterworks to life.
Ive had the pleasure of working for Drs. Ramirez since the summer of 2014. Ive lived in Southern California and Missouri, but I feel fortunate to have grounded my roots in the Central Coast. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wonderful boyfriend, Dylan, going to the movies, caring for my animals, and thrift shopping.
I was raised in Pismo Beach and feel so fortunate to be a part of this community and our knowledgeable and caring team. I started in the dental industry in 2001 as a dental assistant, primarily in periodontal and oral surgery. Eventually I pursued hygiene to focus on the preventive and therapeutic aspects of dentistry. I graduated from Cerritos College in 2009 and became a Registered Dental Hygienist.
I am one of the newest members of Dr. Ramirezs outstanding team! I am a recent graduate from West Coast University in Anaheim, California. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene in November 2014. Upon graduation I received the Deans Award and the Golden Scaler Award. After graduating I went back to the pediatric dental office I previously worked at for 4 years as a registered dental assistant. I enjoy working with patients of all ages and educating them on their own personal oral hygiene which leads to their overall systemic health.
I make every effort to provide my patients with the highest quality of care in a comfortable and respectful environment. I strive to educate my patients based on their own personal health and dental history. Prevention and education is the key in maintaining quality of life.
I am Britta Swearingen and I love being a Dental Hygienist! It is an honor to be welcomed in to the inside of a smile. Listening and observing are strengths of mine and have helped me to understand people, their behaviors and their mannerisms. I am in the process of obtaining my teaching credential to teach head and neck anatomy, anesthesia and chair-side ergonomics. Can you tell I love it!?
I feel so fortunate to work with Dr. Ramirez and such an incredible team where we share in our philosophy of open-mindedness and creating a supportive, compassionate and positive dental office environment. When I am not in school I am making harmonies with my sister, rehearsing lines for a play or mending fences on the farm. I feel so fortunate to be able to live what I love!
Our doctor has completed post-graduate work in full mouth restoration and aesthetic dentistry at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study as well as Spear Education. She is also a graduate of the Misch Implant Institute and belong to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.