I was born in Seattle and grew up in Issaquah. My father opened this office in 1964 and I joined him in 1991 as an associate before purchasing the practice in 1994. I am proud this is the only dental practice Ive been associated with and loved working with my father until he retired in 2003. I hope to work here until I am ready to retire, too.
I fell in love with dentistry in my youth and liked coming to the office when I was a child. I was fascinated with the fusion of art, technology, precision, relationships, and trust and compassion;all are required to practice exceptional dentistry. I chose general dentistry, rather than a specialty, because I love the lifelong relationships that are built in family practice. Its truly a joy to care for multiple generations of the same family!
I enjoy working alongside my great dental team. We are very close and truly love working together to provide our patients with the best care. I will always consider our team, and what we do together for our patients, to be my greatest professional accomplishment.
I enjoy meeting and building relationships with people, and look forward to getting to know you. I became a dental assistant by following in my mothers footsteps: She was an assistant before her recent retirement. Like the rest of the team, our patient is my top priority. I make sure theyre comfortable in the chair, explain what will happen, and prepare them to see Dr. Folkman. Sitting chairside, I act as a second pair of hands for the doctor while updating our patient on what were doing. When were finished, I offer home-care instructions, answer questions, and check that our patient is happy with their visit.
I love each of my patients. We serve a remarkable community, and I enjoy building lifelong relationships while helping each person attain their optimal dental health. I grew up in Ritzville and recently celebrated my 20th year of working with Dr. Folkman. He has created a warm and caring environment, and our patients respond to it positively. I spend my days offering preventive and maintenance care, including cleaning teeth. While Im with a patient, I teach them about their mouth. Together, we find the home oral hygiene products that work with their unique needs. I love when a patient takes the education to heart and improves their smiles health!
Ive been a dental hygienist for more than 25 years:18 of those with Dr. Folkman. My favorite part of my job is the relationships I have with each of my patients. Our practice caters to multi-generational families. Having the ability to care for the oral health needs of people at different stages in their lives is very special to me. I offer gentle, thorough dental cleanings, and payclose attention to each persons specific concerns. A lot of the time I spend with a patient is focused on education: I want people to understand why its important to keep their mouth healthy and how to do it!
My high-school sweetheart and I have been married more than 25 years. Our son Colton and daughter Lauren both recently graduated from college. When Im not working, I enjoy biking, hiking, running, and being outdoors.
I began my career as a dental assistant and then pursued the study of dental hygiene at Yakima Valley Community College. With more than 20 years in the dental field, I am passionate about educating and empowering patients to improve their dental health. I enjoy working with people and giving them the best possible care.
My husband Greg and I have been married 27 years and live in Sammamish. We have one son Nathan in college and a dog named Lindsey. In my free time, I enjoy walking, doing Zumba, and traveling to Hawaii.
You and your family deserve quality, painless dental care thats tailored to your goals and needs. You also deserve leading-edge dental techniques and advanced technology for the strongest, most incredible results. Most of all, you deserve dental care thats delivered by a dentist and team who make you their top priority.
Dr. Gary R. Folkman and our team members wont dictate a specific treatment plan or recommend care you dont need. Instead, well work with you to develop a care plan that helps you attain your goals in a timely, comfortable manner. Well explain your clinical concerns, review treatment options, and fully answer your questions. Together, well find the approach thats right for you.
Communication: It is essential we understand your personal concerns and desires. Starting with your first visit, well establish open communication, and encourageyou to be frank about your smile goals and any concerns you have. Well always respond directly and without judgment. We want you to be in control of your oral health!
Education: Well spend a lot of time teaching you about oral health and how its connected to the overall health of your body. By focusing on your unique situation, well teach you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and develop good habits.
Our practice opened in 1964, and wasstarted by Dr. Folkmans father. Dr. Folkman joined in 1991 and purchased the business in 1994. Were honored to provide dental care for four generations of some of ourfamilies. Wed love to care for your familys smiles, too!
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 13 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRosemarie Pangilinan
2 years ago
What a wonderful team, from entering the clinic you are greeted by name and acknowledge. Then you get the privilege of having your teeth cleaned by Michelle, she is just so patient and sensitive to my fear and tries to make it as gentle as possible. And of course, if the day of my appointment includes a checkup with Dr. Folkman. I am triple blessed, any procedure that he has done on me went smoothly. Constantly checking in on me to see how I am doing. If you are looking for a team of professionals that will take care of you and your teeth, look no more and give them a call
Brian Peterson
2 years ago
I was just sharing Dr. Folkman's information again and bragging about having the best dentist and realized I haven't done a review! Crazy! When I moved to the area, I asked my neighbor for a recommendation to a dentist and they emphatically told me I needed to go here. I am so glad they did. It quickly felt like family. The team there is awesome and the energy is so positive. Dr. Folkman has made a special practice. Our kid's first visit was with him and whatever fears they had going in were completely gone once they met Dr. Folkman. Thank you for taking such great care of our family when we visit. We couldn't be happier to have you as our dentist and to share how awesome you all are. Keep it up!!!
Jim Seiber
2 years ago
A very positive experience, painless. I had a molar crown replacement, initial work was done years ago. The replacement process went smoothly. I recommend Folkman and staff highly .
Rosemarie Pangilinan
3 years ago
What a wonderful team, from entering the clinic you are greeted by name and acknowledge. Then you get the privilege of having your teeth cleaned by Michelle, she is just so patient and sensitive to my fear and tries to make it as gentle as possible. And of course, if the day of my appointment includes a checkup with Dr. Folkman. I am triple blessed, any procedure that he has done on me went smoothly. Constantly checking in on me to see how I am doing. If you are looking for a team of professionals that will take care of you and your teeth, look no more and give them a call
Brian Peterson
3 years ago
I was just sharing Dr. Folkman's information again and bragging about having the best dentist and realized I haven't done a review! Crazy! When I moved to the area, I asked my neighbor for a recommendation to a dentist and they emphatically told me I needed to go here. I am so glad they did. It quickly felt like family. The team there is awesome and the energy is so positive. Dr. Folkman has made a special practice. Our kid's first visit was with him and whatever fears they had going in were completely gone once they met Dr. Folkman. Thank you for taking such great care of our family when we visit. We couldn't be happier to have you as our dentist and to share how awesome you all are. Keep it up!!!
Jim Seiber
3 years ago
A very positive experience, painless. I had a molar crown replacement, initial work was done years ago. The replacement process went smoothly. I recommend Folkman and staff highly .
Alex Shakhazizian
3 years ago
Everyone here is wonderful, kind, fun to talk to, and great at what they do. They thoroughly explained everything to me and answered all of my questions
Natalia
3 years ago
Well, I think this dentist is ok, seems be knowledgeable but I was charged 1300 dollars bill for the services. I asked several times his office to check how much it would cost me to have the crown and filling for my daughter's tooth. I specifically asked if they can find out what I will have to pay after my insurance will cover the service. I asked them to check with my insurance. They told me that my insurance would cover 100%. I knew that my insurance at that time would cover most of it. But they didn't check with my insurance and I was charged $1300. When I called the office and asked why they didn't check with my insurance and reminded them that I asked them to check with my insurance for how much it would cost me, they said I didn't ask for pre-determination. I am an ESL and I forgot that word " predetermination" . I feel that they took advantage of me. I can explain pretty well what I needed, never had problems like that. I think this is absolutely unacceptable. My old dentist's office staff always was able to tell me how much I have to pay for a procedure. This is not the dentist I can trust. Also, when I was looking for a dentist I thought it looks suspicious that he has only excellent reviews. It is fishy. But unfortunately I didn't trust my guts, so had to pay for it. I want to warn people to be aware of it.
Alex Shakhazizian
4 years ago
Everyone here is wonderful, kind, fun to talk to, and great at what they do. They thoroughly explained everything to me and answered all of my questions
Natalia
4 years ago
Well, I think this dentist is ok, seems be knowledgeable but I was charged 1300 dollars bill for the services. I asked several times his office to check how much it would cost me to have the crown and filling for my daughter's tooth. I specifically asked if they can find out what I will have to pay after my insurance will cover the service. I asked them to check with my insurance. They told me that my insurance would cover 100%. I knew that my insurance at that time would cover most of it. But they didn't check with my insurance and I was charged $1300. When I called the office and asked why they didn't check with my insurance and reminded them that I asked them to check with my insurance for how much it would cost me, they said I didn't ask for pre-determination. I am an ESL and I forgot that word " predetermination" . I feel that they took advantage of me. I can explain pretty well what I needed, never had problems like that. I think this is absolutely unacceptable. My old dentist's office staff always was able to tell me how much I have to pay for a procedure. This is not the dentist I can trust. Also, when I was looking for a dentist I thought it looks suspicious that he has only excellent reviews. It is fishy. But unfortunately I didn't trust my guts, so had to pay for it. I want to warn people to be aware of it.
Grier Smith
5 years ago
An excellent dental practice. Everyone is very professional and friendly. Dr. Folkman is outstanding!
Grier Smith
6 years ago
An excellent dental practice. Everyone is very professional and friendly. Dr. Folkman is outstanding!
Ron Hancock
7 years ago
The best dentist and staff. My wife,daughter and myself all needed extensive work done and we all had reservations about dentists Dr. Gary and his staff are fantastic kept us informed about what they were doing and we now how beautiful smiles that was done with care and compassion.
Rachel Harrington
7 years ago
Dr Folkman has been my dentist for 20 years. He and his staff are amazing!
Ron Hancock
8 years ago
The best dentist and staff. My wife,daughter and myself all needed extensive work done and we all had reservations about dentists Dr. Gary and his staff are fantastic kept us informed about what they were doing and we now how beautiful smiles that was done with care and compassion.
Rachel Harrington
8 years ago
Dr Folkman has been my dentist for 20 years. He and his staff are amazing!
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