I was initially drawn to the combination of science, medicine, design, and artistry that dentistry requires; what I hadnt anticipated was the personal connections that would grow out of my profession.
I value the time I get to spend with each patient and what they share with me. Our conversations, as they tell me about their lives and experiences, broaden my world and give me new things to think about. I am not sure if my patients realize how much they teach me!
Whether I am providing a regular checkup, restoring function, or making a great smile a little brighter, my attention is always on the person before me. Every individual has unique goals and needs: My responsibility is to understand their desires and concerns and then design a treatment solution thats perfect for their specific situation.
One of the amazing things about dentistry is the constant development of new approaches, materials, and technological innovation. The field has undergone remarkable changes since I started practicing in Santa Barbara in 1992. For patients, this means more effective, efficient, and comfortable procedures, as well as longevity of the work we do.
I keep abreast of new options through participation in the Santa Barbara Dental Study Club, where I learn with and from my peers, as well as oral healthcare specialists. I am also a member of the California Dental Association and the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society.
My wife, Jill Peterson, and kids, Henry and Anna, are my priority outside of seeing patients. Trying to keep my household going takes up a lot of my free time: gardening, supporting my kids athletic teams and other activities, and trying to get some exercise.
I am grateful to have chosen a profession that allows me to be with people and interact with them in a helpful way; in turn, I have patients who are grateful to me for restoring their smile and dental health. We are enriching each others lives by working together to improve oral health, overall wellness, and quality of life.
Being a dentist means having a personal, long-term relationship with each of my patients. I love that I hear about their families, their activities and trips and experiences, all while Im helping them develop stronger health.
Continuing education is core to who I am as a dentist, and my commitment to my patients and the profession. Dentistry is constantly changing, and it is my responsibility to stay current on the newest techniques, technologies, and materials.
I am also an active member of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. These organizations offer meetings, lectures, and other continuing education opportunities, as well as many publications. I enjoy being able to learn from dentists from around the world.
I grew up in Delano, in Californias Central Valley, where I initially practiced with my father after graduating from dental school. I had done my undergraduate work at UCSB, though, and fell in love with the area. In 1993 I moved back here to practice and havent left!
Ive been married for many years and have two grown stepchildren who are both married and have given us four grandchildren. They live in San Francisco and I wish they lived closer! I also have my mom, dad, and sister here in town, as well as two sisters who live out of town.
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
I began my dental career in 1975 and joined Dr. Hepps team in 2000. I assist Dr. Hepp with patient care, including taking X-rays, setting up for procedures, and maintaining equipment. I also get to exercise my green thumb in our gardens! The relationships Ive built with our patients mean so much to me. Its a pleasure to help them achieve great oral health and a beautiful smile.
I'm originally from Santa Barbara and have a lot of family here to keep me busy. I play on a Bocce Ball team at Arnoldi's Restaurant, in addition to volunteering at Santa Barbara Bowl during concert season taking tickets and at Reality SB Kids Ministry.
I enjoy working with and educating people to enhance their dental health. Its fulfilling to help each person develop stronger oral health and a cleaner, more becoming smile! I provide gentle, thorough cleanings, patient education, and preventive and maintenance care.
Ive worked in the field since 1987, have an AA in dental assisting and an AS in dental hygiene, and joined this practice in 1991. We have remarkable doctors and my teammates are some of the best people. We all work well together to keep things moving smoothly.
I live in Ojai, am married, and have one daughter. A few years ago I decided to further my education and am now a nutritional therapy practitioner, GAPS practitioner, and restorative wellness practitioner. My hobbies include spending time in the ocean paddling outrigger, hiking and biking, practicing Pilates, and traveling with my family.
I enjoy talking with patients, getting to know each one and their individual needs, and helping them coordinate treatment. I supervise and coordinate administrative functions for the office, and make sure everything moves smoothly so patients have worry-free visits.
Ive worked in the dental field, and with this practice, since 1998. I hold a BS in business administration from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining the office, I worked as a CPA. Working in dentistry, and being part of a practice thats composed of warm, caring, and professional people, is wonderful!
I am married to Dr. Hepp; we have two teenagers. I love to get outside in Santa Barbara and enjoy hiking, cycling, walking on the beach with our dog, and reading a good book on foggy days or even not-foggy days!
I value our patients and the great relationships weve created over the years. Each patient is important to me and I look forward to their visits as a time to catch up with a friend. Working in the clinic, I provide chairside assistance, to supportthe doctors and patients during procedures.
I graduated from SMHS in 92 and attended Santa Barbara City College for the dental assisting program. In 1993, I found my professional home here: this office is truly a team effort and I have the best coworkers a girl could ask for!
I love being able to answer patients questions and helpthem find new and better ways to take care of their teeth and gums. I take X-rays, clean teeth, and spend a lot of time teaching patients about home oral healthcare, as well as cavity and gum disease prevention.
I joined the dental field in 2015 and have a degree in dental hygiene from Diablo Valley College in Concord. In 2016, I joined this practice and cannot imagine working anywhere else. Each team member brings something unique to the office and, at the same time, everyone works well together and always puts our patients at the forefront.
Im married to my college sweetheart. We grew up in Santa Barbara and absolutely love raising our children here. We have two young boys, Dezmen and Jameson, and one more on the way. We love going to the beach, hiking, and enjoying all that beautiful Santa Barbara has to offer!
I am responsible for our patients scheduling, billing, and insurance processing. I really enjoy the interaction with our patients. When you get to know them by name, they feel welcome at the office and this makes them feel more comfortable.
I attended the registered dental assisting program at Santa Barbara City College and received my Bachelor of Arts from UC Santa Barbara. My first job in dentistry began in 1989 and I was happy to join Dr. Hepp in 2008. Our team is fabulous! We all have different strengths, and when you mix the right group of people together, the results are amazing!
I am married and have three boys: Austin, Trevor, and Brody Blue. I spend most of my time watching my boys play water polo and baseball. I work out every morning at Killer B and in my spare time, I love to run and surf at Campus Point!
I have been in the dental field for almost 25 years, and more than a dozen as a registered dental hygienist. I love interacting with patients and the doctors, and enjoy working independently with patients.
The best part of my job is teaching people. It is rewarding to see the changes and improvements in their oral health habits because of what theyve learned here. Im always excited to share information about the new dental technology and educate patients on the correlation between our general health, systemic diseases, and oral health as a whole.
I am originally from Mexico City and have lived in Santa Barbara for the past 30 years. I have a wonderful husband and three children, as well as a dog named Roxy. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, working out, and spending time with my family and friends.