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.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 23 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCheryl Smith
a year ago
Wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable. So glad I changed dentists
Andres Gomez Madrid
a year ago
Let me start this off by saying I'm a long winded 30 year old autistic person with sensory issues and severe social anxiety. And thanks to Simply Smiles and Dr Padilla i can say that i WAS terrified of the dentist. I went 12 years after my last traumatic visit at a free clinic. My fear got so bad i couldnt even drive my wife to the dentist. In therapy I actively worked on that fear because i had 2 infected teeth, cavities and a big build up nasty stuff and I was in alot of pain and on basically a liquid diet. i called over 120 dentists to try and explain and none made me feel like i was their priority. That i would be the difficult autistic patient and essentially made me feel like i should go elsewhere. But it was one single call to simply smiles and Dr Padilla and her staff that not only got me in the chair the following week, but made me feel like my sensory experience was the only priority (I mean, good dental health and treatment was priority but you know what I mean.) The first visit, i was terrified by default but the second i got in the chair, they made me feel so much better i actually got in trouble for talking to staff too much lol. I left with a huge smile on my face. We formed a gameplan and I started out sedated, with sensory tools, and a ride home and now, i havent needed the meds or tools the last few visits and im considering not using gas the next visit. That's how good they are. They make me feel like I can conquer the world. Getting my teeth fixed was my everest and they made it a mole hill instead. This entire experience I never felt unheard or unaccomodated. Any person who needs a dentist who is gentle, calm, direct and hosts an environment of growth, kindness, excellence and accommodation should atleast give them a call. Dawn at the front desk is a blessing. She is so caring and kind and does an amazing job. She'll make sure you wont forget your appointment. I cant recommended them enough. I smile so much more every day now. I eat better, enjoy things I haven't in years but also my health is better than its ever been. Thank you again.
Dawn Schindler
2 years ago
Dr. Padilla and the team at Simply Smiles do a great job of helping patients' feel comfortable and welcome. Thank you!!! :)
Hailey Levings
2 years ago
We started going to Simply Smiles 4 years ago, and though we've moved out of Auburn we still make the drive to Simply Smiles because there is no one better than Dr. Padilla! The office staff is lovely, the hygienists are some of the most gentle, and Dr. Padilla is not only a wonderful person to be around, but incredible at what she does. We will never go to another dentist so long as Dr. Padilla is around!
Kerry Levings
2 years ago
I've been going to Simply Smiles for over 8 years now. I've moved 4 times and I still make the trek down to Auburn to see Dr Padilla because she's the best. I've always been pretty anxious to go to the dentist even as a kid but I feel super comfortable here. Their scheduling system makes it super easy and reminders get texted. I never have a problem scheduling an apt when something urgent comes up. Everyone is just so nice and no one has ever shamed me for my less than perfect flossing routine. I've had everything from cavities -crowns worked on. Dr Padilla is super efficient and I've never had an issue post visit. Hands down recommend.
Diane Johnson
2 years ago
Today was my first appointment at Simply Smiles. From the moment I walked into the office, throughout my cleaning and checkout everyone was kind, courteous and professional. I highly recommend Dr. Padilla and her staff!! My teeth feel so great!
christi adams
2 years ago
Run! Horrible dentist!
Kristin Ferguson
2 years ago
Dr Padilla and her team are amazing. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else for me or my family's dentistry needs. They are welcoming, professional, caring and compassionate. When I've needed a procedure, they always make sure I have the appropriate amount of lidocaine so I don't feel any discomfort. And my children love coming here as well. They used to have dental anxiety after visiting a different dentist, but after being in the caring hands of the Simply Smiles Team, they look forward to their regular cleaning and getting a treat from the treasure box when they finish.
Kristin Ferguson
3 years ago
Dr Padilla and her team are amazing. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else for me or my family's dentistry needs. They are welcoming, professional, caring and compassionate. When I've needed a procedure, they always make sure I have the appropriate amount of lidocaine so I don't feel any discomfort. And my children love coming here as well. They used to have dental anxiety after visiting a different dentist, but after being in the caring hands of the Simply Smiles Team, they look forward to their regular cleaning and getting a treat from the treasure box when they finish.
Michael Lotto
4 years ago
Dr. Padilla, the other dentist and staff are brilliant at their craft. Had repairs and they know how to numb when needed.
Michael Lotto
4 years ago
Dr. Padilla, the other dentist and staff are brilliant at their craft. Had repairs and they know how to numb when needed.
Suzan Young
5 years ago
He has become my regular dentist after I went to him for the first time, for the normal routine check up. This is the thing about him that he is so good and passionate with his work that he always takes care of everything with perfection.
Suzan Young
6 years ago
He has become my regular dentist after I went to him for the first time, for the normal routine check up. This is the thing about him that he is so good and passionate with his work that he always takes care of everything with perfection.
Amy Schlecht
7 years ago
Simply smiles goes the extra mile to make sure your mouth is healthy! Never received such amazing oral care. So glad I found this place!
Sarah St. George
8 years ago
The office staff and doctors are so friendly and welcoming. I appreciated the phone call welcoming me to the practice and letting me know what any out of pocket costs would be the day of my appointment. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel at ease.
Amy Schlecht
8 years ago
Simply smiles goes the extra mile to make sure your mouth is healthy! Never received such amazing oral care. So glad I found this place!
Sarah St. George
8 years ago
The office staff and doctors are so friendly and welcoming. I appreciated the phone call welcoming me to the practice and letting me know what any out of pocket costs would be the day of my appointment. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel at ease.
Francis X
8 years ago
Dr. Rich and his staff a so very nice and professional,friendly too. Very comfortable and confident in their work.
Francis X
9 years ago
Dr. Rich and his staff a so very nice and professional,friendly too. Very comfortable and confident in their work.
Christina M
9 years ago
I used to hate going to the dentist and now love it. I have gone through quite a few dentists and these guys are awesome. I was truly impressed. They use the best techniques and newest technology that I had never seen before.They take the time to check EVERYTHING and make sure you understand what they are doing and why. They are not about the quick 5 minutes, you're in and you're out philosophy. All I can say is that if everything in the medical profession was this thorough, there would be a lot more healthy people out there!
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