I have proudly been creating beautiful smiles since 1979. After completing dental school, I worked for the Indian Health Service which was a branch of the Public Health Department. I wanted to get more experience in general dentistry and because of that extra experience, I decided to go into orthodontics. I applied to, and was accepted at, the dental school I had just graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
After completing my graduate program, I moved to Tucson, Arizona to work for Dr. Richard Matteson. He hadnt taken a graduate orthodontic program, but instead completed preceptorship training with Dr. Charles H. Tweed. Dr. Tweed was one of the most influential orthodontists from 1940 until the time of his death in 2011. Dr. Matteson had completed his training with Dr. Tweed in the 50s and the American Association of Orthodontists allowed him into our profession because of the training he received from Dr. Tweed. By the time I had graduated from orthodontic school, Dr. Tweed was no longer practicing. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Matteson and to learn from someone who had himself learned from Dr. Tweed. It was a tremendous opportunity to learn from, and be associated with, Dr. Matteson. I will always consider Dr. Matteson one of the finest orthodontists in Arizona.
After working for a few years, I felt a need to acquire more training, so I completed a two-year post-graduate program with Dr. Ronald Roth. I was in his first class and learned a different perspective of orthodontic care. During my time in Kansas City at the graduate program, I joined the Army Reserves to help pay my way through school. When I moved to Tucson, the Army Reserves sent me to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona for two weeks of summer training. After that, I moved from Tucson to Sierra Vista (Home of Ft. Huachuca) to set up my orthodontic practice.
Since that time, I have become involved in my community and am currently in charge of the Cochise County Dental Study Group and a delegate to the Arizona Dental Association. I am also a member in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Military Officers' Association of America, just to name a few.
I stayed in the Army Reserves, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel. I am not only proud of the fact that I have achieved the rank of Colonel, but that I had started in the army as a private in the enlisted branch, so it has been quite a journey for me, both in my military and professional endeavors!
Dr. Alan Kawakami offers orthodontics in Sierra Vista and Douglas, Arizona. For customized driving directions, please use the interactive map below. Simply click a red indicator on the map, enter a starting address and click on Get Directions. To switch between Map View and Satellite View, please select the corresponding Map or Satellite button on the map. You can also zoom in and out using '+ or ' buttons.
We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Each member of our treatment team is a registered assistant, 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.
Hello! I am Sasha and I was born and raised in Sierra Vista, Arizona. I am one of the 3 Orthodontic Technicians that work with Dr. Kawakami's office. I have been in the dental field since 2007, working as a dental assistant and started orthodontics in March 2012. I have the experience of meeting new faces every day as as well as working with an amazing staff to create beautiful smiles.
My name is Leta. I went to school in Phoenix, AZ. My husband and I have 2 amazing kids and 2 adorable dogs. I have worked with Dr. Kawakami for several years now. We have a lot of fun in our office. We enjoy all of our awesome patients.
Hello my name is Marina. I am an Ortho Technician at Samurai Smiles. I started out in general dentistry years ago and just recently broadened my horizons to Orthodontics. I love and enjoy working with all my patients. My knowledge and experience provides the confidence to treat all my patients on an individual basis to ensure they are getting the best care.
Outside of work, I am a wife and a mom of 2 beautiful girls. My husband and I have been together 9 years and enjoy a lot of family time. I also enjoy making people happy. I am confident that the staff here at Samurai Smiles will make sure you have the best treatment possible. I look forward to meeting all of you, new and old patients!