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.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 166 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestWallace Mccray
a year ago
For the last 2.5 decades I and my wife have have been pleased with this Dental firm. Both with Doc. Ramirez, the new Doc Johnson, their professional staff (Jamie), their dental hyg. Brittany RGH and Stella RGH. They all continue to a good job . Thanks.
Rosalind Crew
2 years ago
Fantastic dental appointment! !!?What?!! Yes!! Just had my Amazing First appointment with Dr. Ramirez, DDS. Reception was perfectly lovely, rather than dismissive, and the waiting area spotless and homey rather than institutional. I appreciate what that says about the practice and how they view their patients. Next Dental Technician Lori took me in and kindly, gently, efficiently took the X-rays. Such a wonderful woman! I actually enjoyed being x-rayed. Then Dr Ramirez came in to examine me with intricate thoroughness: gentle, kind and respectful throughout. Dr Ramirez knows her science better than any other dentist I've met or heard of - how each detail of mouth, throat, teeth, gums and bone relates to all the others - and you know that as soon as the examination begins. She took her time; asked questions; let me ask questions; Then discussed her findings and potential game plans with me in detail. We discussed. I have so much respect for Dr Ramirez! As I feared, the truth about my mouth was Horrible.m, and I didn't leave the office with any false hopes. The thing is that I left my appointment calmly, knowing everything I needed to know about my mouth, the options of treatment to decide from, and definitely who I want doing the work. Oh how I wish I had found her sooner! A friend referred me and I'm happy to refer you. Tell them Aelet sent you - You'll be so glad that you did(:
Erica Castello
2 years ago
Wow this was truly a life-changing and heart warming experience to be received with such genuine care and professionalism! Dr. Ramirez and Jessica were kind, understanding, and extremely competent communicators! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new dentist, especially for people who have experienced any kind of trauma with previous doctors or offices.
Brenda Kong
2 years ago
A big shot out to Brittany Soto, the Hygienist, at Dr. Ramirez office. Amazing work as these pictures are the real deal. Thank-you so much for making me smile again!!
Tom Miller
2 years ago
Recently had my teeth cleaned at Dr. Ramirez's office. I had a five-star experience from confirming my appointment to paying my bill. Special thanks to Brittany my hygienist and to Jamie at the front office.
Lissa Chavez
2 years ago
They help me so much take care of my teeth and gums.
Kaitlyn Cutler
2 years ago
This office is efficient, professional, friendly, and very clean. I appreciate the emphasis that they place on patient education. Each time I go, the hygienist carefully explains everything she is doing offers to answer questions. They provide practical at-home recommendations for improving and maintaining dental health for the long-haul. They are vigilant in screening for any indications of "problems" that could present in the future and informing me what my options are now to prevent damage and save money later. I've learned so much!
Sydney Hall Fine Art
2 years ago
aaahhh... looking for a new dentist and in the midst of covid. egads was turned into HURRAY! from the start of the process with the first call i was immediately struck by how delightful and professional and personal the team at the office was. and you do get a team! a team that truly works together and cares about your overall health. how your oral health can affect more than just your mouth. everything explained in full and questions answered, no matter how many. budget considerations... a plan developed if that is needed. and back to the covid consideration. i'm high risk. i wished for a dentist that was truly doing everything possible to the point that i would actually feel comfortable going there. not merely were following the guidelines- yep - we're doing what needs to be done, and then i worry for the next 2 weeks if everything was hyper vigilant. i could relax and get it all tended. wow. this is a dynamite team that will make you shout and cheer you found them!!
Michael Pettit
2 years ago
My Sister-in-law referred me to Carrie Ramirez as the best dentist in the entire Central Coast. I already had decided after moving back into the Central Coast on a dentist from my church, but upon going there I was attended to by one of his colleagues and I wanted a second opinion. When I got to the office I was once again treated by a colleague but this time I was impressed by Dr. Dessenko who helped me decide that what I wanted to do was not only possible, but would save two of the teeth I would have lost had I not gone for the second oppinion, and at about the same cost!!! Thank you Dr. Dessenko! I also had a recent visit when Dr. Dr. Dessenko was out and finally got to meet Dr. Carrie Ramirez! What a delight! And the best staff...EVER!
Cricket Handler
2 years ago
Dr. Pam Dassenko has been my dentist for many years and I have always received excellent care in her office. I have had her do two dental implants for me, and both of them feel like my natural teeth. She has a caring office staff from front office to hygienists and dental assistants, and has also taken excellent care of my parents. Dr. Dassenko is retiring at the end of the year, and I look forward to working with Dr. Ramirez for my continuing care. She has handled some emergency dental procedures for me, and I'm very pleased with the results.
vennessa merryweather
2 years ago
Dr Ramirez, Stella, and staff are the absolute best ever in my experience, I love visiting the dentist office thanks to them !
Brittany Kasson
2 years ago
Yesterday I had the pleasure of Ms. Britta cleaning my teach. Her compassion and knowledge of my personal dental health was welcomed with open arms. We discussed my home care and came up with a plan to get my gums and teeth back on tip top shape! Thank you to everyone in the office. Chelsea and Jamie greeted me with a masked smile and Britta my hygienist and Jessica and Logan the assistants that helped we so kind and professional!
Candace Harding
2 years ago
I found them on next door and had my first visit today, and pleasantly surprised. Everyone was so nice and felt I received great service. They offer a $98 new client including your first cleaning and through checkup.
Dylan Ganster
2 years ago
This is a great office!
Cecilia Mullon
2 years ago
They were receptive to my request to be the first patient in the room due to COVID. I am a chicken LOL. The exam was thorough. They are a preventative practice. They explain everything to you and informed me of things I did not know. Their tips were quite helpful . They truly care and want you to know what you can do to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Wow!
Milton Padilla
2 years ago
Great service. Everyone in the office is very nice and professional. I would/do recommend to family and friends.
Max Wilson
2 years ago
Everybody at the office is so professional and caring, I've had such a positive experience with everyone there. Very lighthearted environment and I appreciate the thoroughness, communication of options, and swiftness everyone seems to operate with.
Chris Cooke
2 years ago
Fantastic, competent, and compassionate service from beginning to end. Staff really knows how to handle people with dental anxiety!
Nogie King
2 years ago
When I moved to SLO, I was lucky enough to get a recommendation to Dr. Ramirez (who I love as well). But I hit gold when I was handed to Brittany as my hygienist/miracle worker. I have NEVER experienced a hygienist who loved their work this much! I NEVER have pain when she works and best of all, the results have been phenomenal!! I had lots of gum issues when I arrived, but now, thanks to Brittany, I have a healthy, happy mouth!! She really is amazing and I am so grateful to have found her!
Michaela Goorahoo
2 years ago
Dr. Ramirez is the best dentist, she is kind and caring. Takes the time to listen and explain things to you and genuinely wants the best for your dental health. Her office staff are very friendly, organized and makes visiting the dentist a pleasant experience.
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