At Mauna Family Dental we believe that every person should have access to high-quality dental care that makes having a beautiful, healthy smile attainable. Dr. Harris, Dr. Dave, and our team don't just take care of teeth, we take care of patients; which is why you will find that your visits to our office will be relaxing and as painless as possible. We are committed to serving you and your family's dental needs. Whether you are coming to us for an emergency, teeth whitening, tooth replacement, or comprehensive care, you will receive the highest quality, gentle and personalized care.
We are committed to excellence in dentistry. Our mission is to deliver high quality dental care and patient education for your entire family. We strive to be compassionate, ethical, and comprehensive in our care.
I have wanted to be a dentists since I can remember and I grew up trying to be as involved in the dental field as possible. My aunt is a dentist who served as my inspiration and role model from the very beginning. I worked as a dental assistant all through high school, competed in a dental terminology competition in Jr. High, worked the front office of a dental office in college and I kept all my baby teeth from the time I turned 6 so that I could study them under a microscope. To say that dentistry is my life sounds dramatic but I couldn't be any more sincere.
I come from a large family of 7 and grew up in Bountiful, Utah. I met my husband when I was studying at Brigham Young University and he was going to the fire academy to become a firefighter/paramedic. After graduating from dental school we moved to Washington state where I practiced in a community health clinic in Yelm.
My husband and I have three children ages 5, 7 and 10. We moved to Hawaii 4 years ago and have enjoyed learning about the Island and its rich culture. We love to spend our weekends at the beach or camping and we love to travel to the mainland to visit family and friends. The things that make me most happy are Broadway musicals, reading and paddle boarding.
I am very proud to play a role in the non-profit organization The LOVE Project; a foundation founded by my mother, that travels to South America annually to provide free dental care and donate other daily essentials to families in underserved communities. I run the dental program and organize the emergency and preventive care of those that we serve.
After years of impermanence, my Ohana and I are happy and grateful to finally call Hawaii home! I grew up in a military family, which meant I never stayed anywhere longer than three years. After leaving home, there was nothing I wanted more than to be settled in the perfect career and community. Through my years of searching, I became a Jack of all trades and master of none, working in everything from construction, appliance repair, banking, retail, and food service. Wherever I worked, I consistently felt a lack of complete fulfillment. Thankfully, with support of my wife and several serendipitous connections, I discovered my passion for dentistry. The complexity and beauty of dentistry, as well as the opportunity it gives me to work with my hands and build relationships, had finally given me something I yearned to master. I am excited to bring this passion to Mauna Family Dental in serving the residents of Hilo and the surrounding community.
I have been married to my best friend and beautiful wife since 2010. She has patiently supported me through my many life course corrections, including moving her far from her family to North Carolina where I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. We have two wonderful keikis that have brought excitement and rejuvenation into our lives. We love going on adventures together in the great outdoors and enjoy trying new things. We feel blessed to be here on this beautiful island and a part of this community; and as part of this community, I will strive to serve with the spirit of Aloha.