Dr. Elizabeth Padilla has a long history in general dentistry spanning over a decade, prior to pursuing her passion to become a dentist. Dr. Padilla graduated from PLU with honors before receiving her dental education at A.T. Still University in Arizona where she earned her Masters in Public Health (Dental Emphasis). She completed an Advanced General Dentistry Program in Conjunction with graduating with her Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 2011.
Upon graduation, Dr. Padilla joined the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant and was stationed at various locations including San Diego, on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and at the US Naval Hospital Beaufort on Parris Island, NC. Serving our nation's military members was an amazing experience where she had the opportunity to travel, gain knowledge, and gain experience as a dentist. Immediately following her military commitment, Dr. Padilla enrolled in a comprehensive surgical implant course, obtaining extensive experience in the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants.
I was born and raised in Western Washington where I lived in the valley until I was the age of 19. When I met my husband, he was active duty in the US Air Force and promptly whisked me off to travel the world. We've been stationed all over the world, including Germany, Hawaii, and throughout the United States. Upon fulfilling his Air Force career and nearing retirement, my husband and I decided we wanted to return home to raise our family in Washington. We moved back in 2000, bought our family home, and have been blessed to raise our three children and now have the opportunity to watch our grandchildren grow up here, as well. We enjoy spending our time together doing various activities, whether it is a quiet, sunny afternoon barbequing in the backyard, traveling to sunny Florida to spend time with Mickey Mouse, or camping at beautiful campgrounds all over the Pacific Northwest.
Welcome to Simply Smiles! Thank you for choosing our office for your family's comprehensive dental care. I am excited to have the opportunity to be your dentist. Dentistry is an ideal profession in my mind. I love the way that it blends art with science, while giving me the opportunity to work with my hands and meet a wide variety of patients every day.
I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from The Blake School in 2001. Following this, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with distinction with a B.S. in Biology and Certificate in Business in 2005.
After receiving my undergraduate degree, I continued my studies at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where I obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2009 and have practiced ever since as a full-time general dentist in both private practice and public health settings. This has given me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working with patient populations that have a wide variety of dental needs. It has included seeing many children, treating an assortment of dental emergencies, and providing comprehensive care with a preventive-based approach. I focus on providing patients with thorough examinations, and enjoy explaining treatment options, and educating patients on how to achieve optimal and lasting oral health. Delivering high-quality care in a comfortable setting is always my number-one priority.
As an active member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry, I value the importance of lifelong learning. I have completed more than 450 hours of continuing education since graduation and am working towards my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry and have taken courses on a wide variety of topics, including completion of the University of Minnesota's Post-Graduate Program for Esthetic Dentistry.
Outside of the office, I enjoy all aspects of outdoor life in the Pacific Northwest. You can find me hiking, waterskiing, kayaking, downhill skiing, scuba diving, and exploring the many beautiful areas nearby with my husband, Derek. We are fairly new to Washington and love to cook while entertaining family and friends. I am especially excited about all of the fresh fish and local produce that this area has to offer!
We recognize that all of our 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 family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.