-Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, University of Athens School of Dentistry, Greece, 1999 -Post-Doctoral Masters Degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, St. Louis University, 2002 -Fellowship at The Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial Institute, St. Louis Childrens Hospital, 2003 -Passed the rigorous examinations to become a Board Certified Specialist, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, 2008 -Became a Kois Recognized Specialist, one of the countrys leading institutions for advanced dental training, 2010
-American Board of Orthodontics -American Association of Orthodontists -Washington State Society of Orthodontists -Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists -American Dental Association -Washington State Doctor Dental Association -Pierce County Dental Society -Interdisciplinary Study Group Northwest
I love orthodontics because it can transform a person on the inside and out. For me, orthodontics is so much more than straightening teeth. It`s about connecting with my patients and positively impacting their lives by providing exceptional, personalized care
While in Boston, Dr. Helena met her husband andfellow orthodontist, Dr. Bobby Virk. They have twosons, Karan and Aris. Outside orthodontics,Dr. Helena loves to spend time with her family.She is an art lover and she loves to paint.
Dr. Helena takes great pride in increasing her patients' confidence and enthusiasm, making a positive impact on every aspect of their lives. No matter your age, the complexity of your dental problems or lifestyle she is committed to make you smile!
For three years, Dr. Helena was an Assistant Professor at Boston University. She continues to learn and educate as the director of The Interdisciplinary Study Group Northwest, which provides continuing education to the local dental community. She participates in numerous continuing education courses each year to stay on the cutting edge of new techniques and technologies. She is a Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider.
-Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree, University of Pennsylvania, 1998 -Masters Degree in Business Administration, University of Phoenix, 2000 -Master of Science in Dentistry, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 2003 -Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 2005
-American Association of Orthodontists -Washington State Society of Orthodontists -Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists -Indian Society of Orthodontists -American Dental Association -Washington State Doctor Dental Association -Pierce County Dental Society -Interdisciplinary Study Group Northwest
While in Boston, Dr. Virk met his wife and fellow orthodontist, Dr. Helena Skountrianos and together they moved to the Northwest. They have two sons, Karan and Aris. Outside orthodontics, Dr. Virk loves spending time with his family and traveling. He is a sports fan and supports all local teams.
Dr. Virk believes that orthodontic treatment should fit into your life! He is passionate about helping you getting the smile of your dreams in the quickest, most comfortable way possible. He employs the most innovative technologies and virtual solutions available in order keep you smiling throughout your treatment.
Dr. Virk has over 20 years of experience creating beautiful smiles for his patients and is a Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign provider in the US. No matter your age, the complexity of your dental problems or lifestyle he is committed to finding an orthodontic solution that gets you the results you want. He sets the standard for excellent patient care in a fun, upbeat environment!
Before he pursued his dream of becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Virk run a family and cosmetic dental practice. With his cosmetic and general dentistry background, Dr Virk has a unique perspective of addressing the orthodontic needs of his patients. He collaborates with other dental specialists in order to provide comprehensive, personalized treatment plans for all of his patients.
-Bachelor of Science degree in cellular/molecular biology, Western Washington University -Doctorate of Dental Surgery, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry -Advanced General Dentistry Residency, United States Army -Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics, Montefiore Medical Center at Albert Einstein University
-American Board of Orthodontists -American Association of Orthodontists -Washington State Society of Orthodontists -Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists -American Dental Association -Washington State Doctor Dental Association -Pierce County Dental Society
Watching the transformation in my patients’ smiles and their increased self-confidence is one of the most rewarding aspects of orthodontics. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to influence someone’s life in a positive way every day. Being an Orthodontist is one of the most gratifying professions and I am honored to serve the people in this community
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Merriman grew up among the foothills of Mt. Rainier in Enumclaw, Washington. She attended Western Washington University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in cellular/molecular biology. Pursuing her dream of a career in dentistry, she received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2005. Graduating with high honors, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon and Tau Kappa Omega dental honor societies. During dental school, she had the opportunity to volunteer on a dental mission trip to Ecuador. Traveling to remote villages and providing dental care to those most in need was a life changing experience.
We want all our patients to feel right at home, and you are always our top priority. Our staff is friendly, efficient and professional. Our treatment team consists of certified orthodontic professionals, and our office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars, including the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Meeting.
