Dr. Keith Tam completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at University of Southern California. He went on to complete his pediatric residency at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. In 2012, he and Dr. Cottrell, his mentor, worked diligently to become board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Tam started up SMPDG in 2010 with the hopes for the practice to become a place where families of Santa Maria and nearby cities would enjoy coming to their pediatric dentist. Years later, he has been fortunate enough to have Dr. Cottrell join him in a new practice located conveniently in the center of Santa Maria, right next to Panera Bread, Jamba Juice, and Starbucks. He takes pride in seeing that several of his first families still come to see them today. More recently SMPDG has been fortunate enough to have Dr. Pulver and Dr. Pulver join the practice to share their expertise in orthodontics for our families.

Although Dr. Tam has completed his education and residency, he still strives to be a better practitioner. He continues to attend several continuing education courses/conventions including the AAPD, CSPD, and CPRC. Dr. Tam has become involved himself as an instructor for Kinder Krowns, a top-notch maker of zirconia crowns for pediatric patients. Hes lectured to fellow dental colleagues nationwide as well as internationally in Spain.

Dr. David M. Cottrell grew up in California & graduated from Pomona College in Claremont California with a BA degree in Zoology. He received his dental degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Society. Dr. Cottrell did his residency in pediatric dentistry at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Cottrell is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. A pediatric dentist that is board certified has gone through a rigorous examination process and only dentists that have completed a residency in pediatric dentistry can sit for the board certification examinations.

Dr. Cottrell received a Certificate of Merit from the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry and the American Academy of Gold Foil Achievement Award.

Dr. Ross Pulver grew up immersed in healthcare. His father was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and his mother a registered nurse. He received his Bachelor's degree from UCLA and his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. After dental school, Dr. Pulver attended the prestigious three-year orthodontic residency at the Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Dentistry. He was awarded the Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit, a national recognition, for his research on mature craniofacial sutures. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists.

Dr. Laura Pulver loves how orthodontics has such a positive impact on patients lives. She attended University of Michigan for her undergraduate studies and then continued her studies there to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She graduated from U of M School of Dentistry as Class Valedictorian and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, which is limited to the top ten percent of a graduating dental class. After graduation, Dr. Laura Pulver moved to Texas and began her residency program in orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

It was in Texas that the Drs. Pulver met and then shared a passion for Orthodontics at their private practices. They are happily married with two young daughters. They are animal lovers as well, with one dog and a cat. Outside of the office, Dr. Ross loves to be outdoors and to surf while Dr. Laura Pulver enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and exploring her new amazing state of California.

We recognize that all of our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

Position: Front Office Manager/Jack of all trades Debut: 2014 Kids & Pets: Two boys, Aaron and Aaric. We also have 3 pets: our blue-nose pitbull Max, our chihuahua Peewee and Skip, our crazy cat. Hobbies: Going camping and taking nature walks Best thing about working here: Listening to the funny things kinds say, kids really do say the darndest things!

Position: RDA/Ortho Assistant Debut: 2015 Hobbies: Baking Kids & Pets: Four children: Henry, Danny, Vanessy, and Elijah, plus our dog Kirby. Best thing about working here: I have a lot of favorite moments with my work family. Not only can we work well together, but we are able to get along and have fun outside the office.

Position: RDA/Ortho Assistant Debut: 2017 Hobbies: Concerts, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my niece. Pets: Sun Conure named Skittles Best thing about working here: Making a patient feel comfortable and excited to go to the dentist.

Position: RDA/Ortho Assistant Debut: 2017 Hobbies: Traveling, Shopping, and Spending time with family Pets: A Miniature Poodle, Mercedes and a Cocker Spaniel, Lexus. (My baby girls ) Best part of working here: Having dress up days with the kids and making sure they all have great experiences at our office :)

Position: RDA/Ortho Assistant Debut: 2018 Hobbies: Traveling, concerts, going to the movies and shopping Kids: One son Max Best part of working here: Seeing children come in hesitant about the dentist then gaining their trust and making it a awesome experience for them. Also how well everyone works as a team.

Position: RDA/Insurance Debut: 2014 & the comeback 2020 Hobbies:I enjoy working out, hiking and spending time with my family. Pets: One crazy fur baby, Nova. Best part of working here: Seeing all the kiddos grow up year after year!

Position: Office Manager Debut: 2010 Kids & Pets: Three boys: Angel, Oscar, and Emilio and our little doggie Minnie (Minnierella since she's a princess). Best thing about working here: Seeing all the kids grow up year after year.