Apart from our certified pediatric dentists that youll meet below, our entire team is equally dedicated to the childrens field of dentistry. Collectively, Orchard Hills has the most experienced dental assistants and hygienists in the greater Tri-Cities region as it pertains to kids dentistry. We continue to support our team in their efforts to further their education and training.Above all else, youll love their tender yet fun nature and your kids will feel comfortable and excited to come see the dentist!
Dr. RustyWalker, a native of Southern Alberta, Canada, is the first of our Board-Certified pediatric dentists to practice here in the Tri-Cities. A graduate from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors degree in HumanBiology (1995), he completedhisDoctorate degree in Dental Surgery (1999) in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr.Walkerpursued his post-Doctoral residency in Pediatrics at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, also in Cleveland (2001).Dr.Walkeris currently an adjunct faculty professor at the University of Washington School Of Dentistry.
Dr.Walkerand his beautiful wife have eight very active children. Like most families, Dr.Walkers children enjoy a wide range of sports and other extra-curricular activities. They enjoy boating, camping, lacrosse, art, basketball & football, 4-wheeling, and watching movies in the backyard with friends and family. Dr.Walkerhas coached ice-hockey, t-ball, baseball, and soccer here in the Tri-Cities. Dr.Walkeris very active in his church, as he works closely with children, young men & young women, and the Boy Scouts. TheWalkers also enjoy serving others in the community and have harvested apples, peaches, cherries, walnuts, pumpkins, and vegetables fromtheirback yard and local farms.
Dr.Walkerloves finding the bonus fries in the bottom of fast-food bags, and he also enjoys his staff laughing at his jokes (because he pays them).He finds his family members at stores by calling out Marco and having them respond Polo.Dr.Walkerenjoys board games/cards with family & friends.
Dr. Craig Ritchie received his dental training and Doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his pediatric training at Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children, where he served as Chief Resident his senior year. After obtaining his Pediatric Dental Certificate and Masters degree, he brought his family out to the great Northwest to join Dr. Walker, his friend from dental school, here at Columbia Basin Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Ritchie, his wife, and five boys, love to do anything in the outdoors. Their favorite family activities include camping, boating, playing football and basketball and riding four wheelers. As a family, they love doing anything together, especially if it involves movies, service projects, road trips, family work projects, games, or any kind of party. All fore mentioned activities are enhanced if there are cookies involved!
Dr. Brent Gill graduated from Brigham Young University in 1995 with his bachelors degree and in 1997 with his Masters degree in Audiology. He worked as an audiologist for seven yearshere in the Tri-Cities and then decided he wanted to be a pediatric dentist when he grew up!
This decision took Dr. Gill and his family to the University of Washington School of Dentistry where he graduated in 2008. He completed his pediatric dental residency in New York at the University of Rochesters Eastman Institute for Oral Health and Strong Memorial Hospital in 2010. His research has been accepted for publication in the Pediatric Dentistry journal for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Gill and his wife are very pleased to be back in the Tri-Cities to raise their seven children. They enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, sports, community service projects, music, reading and travel.
Dr. Susan Armstrong was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. After graduating from Brock University with an Honors Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. Armstrong then entered the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School where she obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Armstrong moved to the Northwest where she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program in Toppenish, WA. Dr. Armstrong worked for six years as a general dentist in a pediatric and orthodontic office in Bend, OR. It was there that she had discovered her passion for pediatric dentistry and made the decision to further herself in the pursuit of becoming a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Armstrong completed her pediatric dental residency through Lutheran Medical Center in Yakima, WA. While serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Armstrong also completed the interdisciplinary certificate program, Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) through the University of Washington. Dr. Armstrong is a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of The Royal College of Dentists of Canada. She also serves as a Board Member for the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dental Foundation.
Dr. Armstrong joined the practice as an associate in August 2015. In her spare time, she continues to discover all that the Northwest has to offer including golfing, mountain biking, snowboarding and stand up paddle boarding.
As pediatric dentists we seek to provide oral health care to infants, children, adolescents, and children with special health care needs in a manner that promotes excellence in quality of care and induces a positive attitude in the patient toward future dental treatment. Our behavior guidance techniques have allowed most patients to receive treatment in the dental office with minimal discomfort and without expressed fear. Minimal or moderate sedation has allowed others who are less compliant to receive treatment. Some children and individuals with special care needs who have extensive oral healthcare needs, acute situational anxiety, uncooperative age-appropriate behavior, immature cognitive functioning, disabilities, or medical conditions require general anesthesia to receive dental treatment in a safe and humane fashion.
(1) to guard the patients safety and welfare;(2) to minimize physical discomfort and pain;(3) to control anxiety, minimize psychological trauma, and maximize the potential for amnesia;(4) to modify behavior and/or movement so as to allow the safe completion of the procedure;(5) to return the patient to a state in which discharge from medical/dental supervision is safe, as determined by recognized criteria.
Orchard Hills Ambulatory Surgery Center is the only state certified pediatric dental surgery center in the region. Our experienced anesthesia providers and nurses work with our pediatric dentists to create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our patients to receive the highest standard of care.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 299 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNelia Santoyo
a year ago
I had a a wonderful experience. Everyone was amazing from the moment I called to schedule my daughter's appointment. They are all ready to help and make us feel welcomed.
Elizabeth Mendez
a year ago
Great with kids
Yang Wang
a year ago
Our recent dental experience was horrible! It wasn't my kid's regular dentist, changed to Bent Gill, forgive me if I remember the name wrong, but similar. He had really bad manners and mad temper. After my kid was numbed with an anesthetic shot, the squishy fish in his mouth, laying on the chair and the dentist suddenly threw his gloves and mask into the garbage can, told us my kid was not cooperate and he didn't want to do the filling!!! How cooperate do you expect for a 6 year old kid? He was the worst dentist we had ever known. I thought working with kids dentists were at least patient and kind, but he was totally opposite! The front desk and nurses are super nice, I think they are the only reason we could keep in this clinic. I was planning to enroll my elder one into orchard hills for his regular dental care, but now I hesitate. We paid a lot for kids teeth care, not paid someone to scary my kid. My poor kid was crying after the dental visit yesterday, he said he would never wants to see a dentist anymore, he was totally scared.... The other staff members are all very nice and professional, I only mean the recent visit. Probably the dentist was in a bad mood yesterday....our regular dentist in this clinic is professional. I will still recommend this place though.
Janica Harris
a year ago
We love Orchard Hills. They are always so patient with my kids who are very, very shy. They walk through everything with the kids as well as myself, and my oldest is finally becoming comfortable with visiting the dentist's office and enjoys the activities in the waiting room and then getting to watch a show during his cleaning. And they all love getting a token at the end and deciding which prize to claim with it. 100% would recommend Orchard Hills to everyone.
Crystal Romero
a year ago
Best pediatric dentist!!! I will miss coming here. Definitely recommend to everybody
Christina Cardenas
2 years ago
Friendly staff, didn't wait too long before being seen, doctor was very friendly and helpful. Office was clean.
Amber Allman
2 years ago
My daughter has a strong fear of the dentist on top of sensitive teeth so she's not a great brusher and usually very uncooperative. Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry has worked so patiently over the years to make her feel comfortable and safe! This last visit she cooperated for everything they needed! All of the staff are so gentle, friendly and have great tactics for getting kids to cooperative. Love this dentist office and am thankful to have staff that specialize in the needs of children.
Double J
2 years ago
My 5-year old went for the 1st time and she loved it. The staff were friendly and made her feel comfortable. She's looking forward to returning.
Christina Torres
2 years ago
I actually read reviews before coming to this Dentistry for it being my baby's first dental visit. And visiting this dentistry was not a disappointment. They got me scheduled within the week. The staff was super friendly and well organized. Didn't have to wait long either to get called to the back room on the day of appointment. And the goodie bags definitely was well thought of given to us. And since it was my baby's first visit, they even gave her a signed certificate with her name on it by the dentist. A nice personal touch. Highly recommend this dentistry.
Venessa Sommer
2 years ago
I love Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry!! All the doctors are great, but I would have to say Dr. Walker is the best!!! He truly cares about the children. He listened to my daughters concerns and explained everything to her in a way that she could understand. He did not leave her until she was comfortable with what he had said! My daughter loves to go to the dentist because they make it such a great experience for kiddos!! I would recommend this Dentist to everyone!!!
Veronica Gomez
2 years ago
All staff is so friendly and the place looks very nice and clean. From the moment you enter the reception to the time you get to see the dentist, everyone made us feel welcome. They explained the entire procedure thoroughly and made sure I had all my questions answered. Definitely didn't feel like just another number. Love this place!
lesly vance
2 years ago
We love Orchard Hills the staff is always is welcoming and makes sure my little one is taken care off. They go out of their way to make her feel comfortable and not get scared or dental procedures. We never have to wait long to be seen and I really appreciate that!
Sarah Anh
2 years ago
We had a great experience at Orchard: Hills Dentistry. It was our first time there. We were met with friendly staff, and cheerful can-do attitudes. Dr Ritchie was very kind forthcoming and answered all my questions despite being in a busy practice. Kids loved being able to watch the Pixar films while their teeth were being cleaned.
Jennifer R
2 years ago
We love it here!! Very friendly and great atmosphere. My daughter looks forward to her dental visits!!
Hailey Dopke
2 years ago
Our 12 year old son has some anxiety issues when it comes to the dentist, so we chose Orchard Hills because of their positive reputation with anxious children. My son has been seen twice by Dr Ritchie and we are very happy with the level of care and comfort he has received. Everyone is very kind and patient. Very glad we established with Orchard Hills Pediatric Dentistry.
a.k shop
2 years ago
Geat nurses treated my son Great..
P Ped
2 years ago
They are awesome!!!
Patti Becerra
2 years ago
Friendly staff. They were great at putting my anxious son at ease.
John & Valaney Hardy
2 years ago
Everyone here is great! We've been taking our special needs kid here for years and they have been amazing with him!
Jeanette Johnson
2 years ago
Jamie is the best dental assistant ever. She was awesome.
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