Dr. Thomas Duffy, DDS received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2014. While there he was part of the third class of the RIDE Program (Regional Initiatives in Dental Education) which emphasizes early clinical skills, a broader skill set often called for in more rural or underserved areas, and direct collaboration with multiple health care specialties.
In the first five years after completing his training, Dr. Duffy developed these and many new skills under good mentorship in a private practice in Shelton. Now he is excited that Gig Harbor is home for Peninsula Family Dentistry.
Dr. Duffys belief is the human person is a whole greater than its parts. He says, Therefore, in health care, we cannot examine and treat individual systems in isolationwe must compassionately and accurately consider the whole person. Dentistry really is a specialty, a subset of medicine which itself is a part of health care.
Dr. Duffy was raised in Redmond, Washington, cultivating passions for photography, classical piano, tennis, hiking, marksmanship, and computer repair. He attended Thomas Aquinas College, a small, liberal arts, Catholic college in California, with an emphasis in philosophy, mathematics, and theology.
He and his wife Sarah, a Gig Harbor native, met while attending the UW for their respective doctorate programs in dental surgery and music. They now have three girls and a boy. Sarah is the organist at their parish, and Dr. Duffy is active in the Knights of Columbus and the parish mens group.
Elsey Perkins, one of Peninsula Family Dentistrys excellent dental hygienists on staff, has been practicing since 2017. She was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula and graduated from Sequim High School in 2007. Elsey earned both a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from Oregon Tech and a Bachelor of Science in physiology from the University of Wyoming. She enjoys many outdoor activities, including gardening, skiing, and golf, and loves adventuring with her husband and two dogs.
Elseys personable nature and gentle and precise clinical skills help create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for our patients. Her attention to detail, thoroughness and concern for each patients overall health, will make sure that all of your dental hygiene treatment needs are met in a more holistic way.
Jennifer Lewis joined Peninsula Family Dentistry in Fall 2021. She is an experienced hygienist who strives to provide each patient with gentle and high quality careand likes getting to know them over time. She is most passionate about helping each person feel welcome, safe and cared for; and enjoys educating them as to how to improve their oral health habits. Jens father was a dentist, igniting her desire to follow him into dentistry. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Californias Loma Linda University in 1993, she served at several practices in Western Washington, prior to joining Dr. Duffys team.
Leah Hendrickson has more than 20 years experience as a dental assistant and excels at setting people at ease in the dental chair. She is a sincere advocate for the patient, attending to each persons individual needs. Leah does her best to help her patients understand their proposed treatment options, while keeping in mind their particular life situations. Leah is a native of Belfair, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially keeping up with her kids athletic events.
Samantha Priceis a skilled dental assistant andbrings more than four years ofknowledgeand insight from her experiences in periodontal, oral surgery, and general practices. Samanthas extensive training her Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) exams in infection control and radiology, as well as Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) and IV insertion and monitoring certification. As a dental assistant, Samantha works closely with Dr. Duffy during procedures such as filling cavities, preparing for and seating crowns, bridges and cosmetic procedures. She is passionate about each patients final result and ensuring they have a predictable, long term outcome they can smile about.
Samantha is a Colorado native, who moved to Washington in early 2017. Outside the office, she and her husband stay busyraisingtheiryoung son and following a passion for working with dogs in many capacities including working with a service dog organization as a puppy raiser.
Kimmy was born and raised in Orting, WA, and graduated with honors from Orting High School. An avid athlete, Kimmy played select softball through her teens and today continues to enjoy sports and outdoor activities along with her new puppy, Shasta.
Rhyana Mork is the office manager here at Peninsula Family Dentistry. A Gig Harbor native and a graduate of the PIMA Medical Dental Assisting Program, Rhyana graduated in 2009 with honors and began her professional career as a dental assistant. Over the years, she has transitioned to working in the front where she can be a liaison to dental treatment and patient care. Rhyana can assist in explaining and reviewing to the patients about treatment navigation and finances, along with coordination and explaining any concerns about insurance. As a mother of two, she loves the positive, family-like environment that Peninsula Family Dentistry provides, along with the fun, constantly changing world of dentistry. Her favorite part of the job is interacting with patients, building relationships, and making our office a welcoming place to visit. In her spare time, Rhyana enjoys surrounding herself with friends and family, traveling whenever possible, and rooting on her beloved Seattle Mariners and Seahawks.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 101 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestconnie davidson
a year ago
Superior hygienists and dentist! The physical spaces are pristine, the care is excellent and I recommend Dr. Duffy highly.
Jodi Marshall
a year ago
Very kind staff, gentle and great with kids.
Theresa Gallagher
a year ago
It was the best doctor appointment I have ever experienced! Dr. Duffy had excellent bed side manner and made me feel at ease. I usually feel nervous at doctor appointments, but not this time! The staff were also very welcoming.
Frank DeBerry
a year ago
Super friendly, quick, gentle, and professional. Great experience
rane Dragovich
a year ago
Such a good experience, I am really anxious about visiting the dentists and on top of this had a pressing dental situation to handle, but Kimmy made me feel exponentially better and Dr. Duffy was fantastic too! Genuinely felt like they heard my concerns and accommodated for me even though my fears were unfounded. 10/10 coming back for all my exams and cleaning.
Katie Carroll
2 years ago
I've been looking for a new dentist since relocating to Gig Harbor 18mos ago and I can't say enough positive things about my experience with Peninsula Family Dentistry. From my very first phone call with their warm receptionist staff inquiring if they were taking new patients, to my experience with Jennifer, my hygienist, and the entire supporting staff, to the attentive care that Dr. Duffy provided me, I'm so glad to have found such a wonderful provider so close to home. For anyone looking for a new dentist, look no further.
Michael Dougherty
2 years ago
Dr. Duffy and his staff are top notch. Professional, courteous and always a delightful visit when coming here. I would recommend this dental office to anyone looking for a great experience.
Rodney Brown
2 years ago
A comfortable experience with a very friendly staff.
Heather Sharp
2 years ago
If you suffer from dental anxiety, Peninsula Family Dentistry is the answer. As a child, I had incredibly traumatic experiences with an unethical dentist. Because of the pain and fear that I went through I developed a debilitating dental phobia. I went to a few different dentists in emergency situations as a teenager but then stopped receiving care for 18 years because the fear was so powerful I was unable to conquer it. Finally, as an adult, and in a situation where I was in considerable pain, and had no choice but to seek out a dentist specializing in patients with dental phobias. Even though my experiences at this other office were excruciatingly painful and exhausting- I continued to go there because I had developed bone cancer and maintaining my dental health was no longer something I could avoid without risk to my life. The last experience I had at that dentist was so incredibly traumatic and painful that I had a dissociative PTSD attack. I developed an infection and tried to get in contact with them but they were out of the office and I couldn't figure out any emergency contact information. In a panic I called Peninsula Dentistry fearing the infection could spread to my jaw and cause osteonecrosis because of my chemo. I called in tears while having a panic attack trying to explain my situation. Even though it was minutes before closing, I reached Rhyana the office manager and not only did she not make me feel rushed despite my terrible timing in calling, but her genuine kindness immediately put me at ease. They were able to see me incredibly fast and in the initial meeting, Dr. Duffy listened patiently to all of my fears and extensive list of things that made prior experiences with other dentists so traumatic. Dr. Duffy's assistant, Kimmy- was beyond understanding and definitely one of the most committed and incredible people I have dealt with in a medical setting. Both Dr. Duffy and Kimmy asked so many questions to be sure that they knew what to do to make my experience something I did not even believe was possible. They spent so much time getting to know me, getting to know my past traumas and truly listening to the things that I believed would make any experience tolerable. Today was the day of my root canal and of course I could not sleep last night. I had some faith that the experience wouldn't be as horrific as past experiences, but still- I was terrified beyond belief. Immediately I was greeted warmly by Rhyana who treated me like she had known me for years and not two days. Everyone listened to every fear and every suggestion I had, and not once was I rushed or made to feel that my fears were invalid. When it came time for the procedure they both tried multiple little things to ensure my absolute physical comfort in the chair before we even began. Dr. Duffy explained everything that he was going to do and before I knew it the nitrous oxide was working in a way it never has before as I was completely relaxed. I did not feel a single injection as Dr. Duffy numbed me. I felt absolutely nothing through the entire 4 hour procedure. Not only was the process completely painless, but Dr. Duffy and Kimmy made me feel so comfortable and safe that I actually fell asleep. The whole process felt like it was over in 5 minutes. When it was over and they turned off the nitrous I began to cry. Not because the experience was a bad one, but because it had been such a good one I was saddened at what I had been putting myself through for years. If you suffer from any dental phobias- there is no better place than Peninsula Dentistry. Dr. Duffy is a miracle worker and I look forward to a life without fear at the dentist, which is a life I dared not even dream of for myself before today.
David Lemke
2 years ago
Dr. Duffy is extraordinarily, mindful and talented. His intuition and thoughtfulness has eased and comforted me through many procedures. Best hands in dentistry this 54-year-old has come across!
Praveen Bhan
2 years ago
I went in a few days ago for my teeth cleaning appointment at Peninsula Dentistry..My whole visit from the check-in staff Rihana, the dental hygienist Jennifer to the dentist himself Dr. Duffy was flawless and very professional. Jennifer the hygienist was very gently, kind and very thorough. All i can say is, I don't ever remember myself coming across a hygienist like her. She is perfect for what she does. Dr. Duffy is also very kind and understanding. Rihana the receptionist was also very polite and kind. All i can say is that Dr Duffy and his staff are the best...great team!!
Bob Marshall
2 years ago
If you're looking for a great dentist, and an amazing staff, look no further than Peninsula Family Dentistry! We have made Peninsula Family Dentistry our go to for all of our dental needs. We receive the best care throughout the whole process and they work to make sure we understand our medical coverage to know how best to proceed with getting the dental work we need while recognizing that it will impact our personal budget. I also appreciate how Dr. Duffy and the hygienists, I personally had Nikki as my hygienist, work to make sure you're comfortable through the whole process. I also love that when I come in they ask about the rest of my family, which clearly is important to them hence putting Family in the name of their practice. If you haven't chosen a dentist yet or need to look for a new one I highly recommend Peninsula Family Dentistry. Oh, and did I mention that they have Saturday appointments! A huge game-changer for us! Thanks again and see you at my next appointment!
kevin Strawn
2 years ago
Fantastic Experience. They are there to help their patients and not just to take their money. I highly recommend !
Karen Conaway
2 years ago
I had my first visit with Dr. Duffy and his Hygienist, Jennifer this week and I was completely thrilled with the competency of every person in this office! They are knowledgeable and they even help each other and they make sure that every patient gets all their questions answered completely. I am very happy that I got a card in the mail that introduced me to Dr. Duffy's Office.
Megan Brown
2 years ago
Update: 3/2022: still loving this place as much as I did when I had my first appointment :) Nikki and Dr Duffy are so awesome and I feel really taken care of! They are gentle, knowledgeable, and my ultimate worry about going to the dentist: intimidating, which they weren't at all! Definitely recommend to any and everyone. Happy to have found our family dentist.
Madiha Moustafa
2 years ago
We had a great experience. We received an excellent treatment in a friendly atmosphere. We are very impressed and we recommend Peninsula Family Dentistry to our friends. We are extremely satisfied. Saad&Madiha
Annette Vetter
2 years ago
Marianne and Nikki were so kind and informative. I had a different request and they were super accommodating. I also shared I have dental anxiety and they were compassionate and communicative. Great first visit.
David Leger
2 years ago
Nice atmosphere in office All office staff friendly and efficient Duffy DDS -- loved the way he explained everything and presented options
Kimberly Andonian
2 years ago
Best dentist I've ever been to & I've been to a lot
Stefan Andonian
2 years ago
The most gentle teeth cleaning I have ever received. No yanking, pulling, or scraping. The cleaning felt like a massage. I didn't know this experience was possible at a dentist.
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