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.