After graduating cum laude from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Shiotsu earned his dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco, the #2 ranked dental school in the nation. While there, he was awarded the Regents' Scholarship for high academic achievement.
Following dental school, Dr. Shiotsu stayed in San Francisco where he completed a two-year postgraduate program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, maintaining a special emphasis in Hospital Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry, and Clinical Teaching. While receiving his advanced training in General Dentistry, Dr. Shiotsu found his passion in helping patients with complex dental issues often requiring dental implants, so he decided to pursue a specialty in prosthodontics. Upon completion of this training, Dr. Shiotsu moved to Southern California, where he completed two separate postgraduate programs in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University.
Dr. Shiotsu is highly respected by his colleagues, who often refer their patients to him for help in resolving complex and challenging dental situations. He is one of a handful of dentists in the U.S. to receive certified university-based specialty training in both the surgical and restorative aspect of implant dentistry. He is a national lecturer and an author, often asked to speak on the topic of implants and esthetic dentistry.
He is a member and the past president of the Washington State Society of Prosthodontists, and a member of the exclusive, prestigious Academy of Osseointegration. He is also a member of Washington State Dental Association where he was elected and served as member of house of delegates for two years (2013-2014). Dr. Shiotsu has been voted one of the area's Top Dentists by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine every year from 2011-2020.
He has been an active member of the Mercer Island Rotary Club since 2011 where he serves on the Youth Exchange Committee. He also serves on the Mercer Island School District's Superintendent's Advisory Council.
A native of Washington state, specifically Mercer Island, Dr. Tam graduated from Mercer Island High School in 2011 and then completed a Bachelor's of Science degree in Neurobiology at the University of Washington (UW). His strong interest in both art and science led him to the UW School of Dentistry, which he graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2020.
Dr. Tam started his career as a volunteer dental assistant at the Dental Fears Research Clinic while at the UW. From there, Dr. Tam got involved with research on topical fluoride use and its effectiveness in preventing cavities.
During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Tam also worked both as a chemistry tutor and science educator at the Pacific Science Center. He strongly believes in the importance of science education and understanding how our oral health and teeth impacts our overall well-being.
Dr. Tam consistently takes continuing education courses to master skills in delivering patient care. Most recently, Dr. Tam has learned to utilize the microscope for restorative dentistry and how to safely and effectively use oral conscious sedation for patients with high dental anxiety. He strongly believes that good oral health is the prerequisite for a long and healthy life.
He also knows how most people experience anxiety over dental visits out of fear of pain, unpleasant experiences, and many other factors. He acknowledges such anxieties by listening to patients' concerns and does his best to accommodate them by soft-touch treatments and providing them with thorough information. Dr. Tam believes in listening to patients' needs and desires, while educating them on their oral conditions based on the most up-to-date protocols and guidelines set by the ADA.