The Puget Sound region is known nationally for having some of the best orthodontists in the country. So how do you distinguish yourself as an orthodontic specialist in an area filled with so many terrific doctors?

Yes, orthodontists go to school for a long time. But orthodontists also have on-going opportunities to attend lectures, join study groups devoted to learning new techniques, and submit their work for review by other orthodontists. That's how you keep improving. But only the best orthodontists take full advantage of these offerings over the long haul.

Year after year, Dr. Chad Smart, Dr. Timothy Quinn, and Dr. Vincent Kokich Jr.kept running into each other in on-going education circles for Gig Harbor and Tacoma orthodontists. Out of their shared passion for excellence, a vision started to form, a vision for a regional orthodontic group that brought together some of the best orthodontists in Tacoma and Gig Harbor, using the most advanced technology and techniques, to achieve the best and most lasting results for their patients. In 2015, vision became reality.

Dr. Chad spent two additional years at UCLA receiving specialty training in orthodontics. This specialty training focused heavily on craniofacial growth and development as well as all aspects of orthodontic theory and practice.

Dr. Smart founded Smart Orthodontic in 2001 and is delighted that it has grown and evolved into a partnership with a growing group ofworld-class orthodontists, includingDr. Vincent Kokich Jr.,Dr. Timothy Quinn, & Dr. Leigh Armijo. What started as one clinic has become The Smart Orthodontic Group, a family of orthodontic clinic focused on providing the most elevated orthodontic experience in the Puget Sound area. Currenly, the Smart Orthodontic Group has locations in Gig Harbor,Tacoma, Belfair, and Tukwila.

Dr. Smart feels it is important to stay on the cutting-edge of orthodontics. Thus, he maintains memberships in many prestigious professional organizations to keep up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology. He is currently a member of:

For the past 20 years Dr. Vincent Kokich Jr. has been practicing orthodontics in the Tacoma area. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Santa Clara University and then went on to Dental School, at Tufts University.

Dr. Kokich is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Washington and lectures nationally and internationally on interdisciplinary dentistry and dental esthetics.

Dr. Kokich is a member of both the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He is also a diplomate of the prestigious American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists.

In 2015, Dr. Kokich joined together with Dr. Chad Smart and Dr. Timothy Quinn to form the Smart Orthodontic Group and the Smart, Kokich and Quinn Orthodontics clinics, one in Tacoma and one in Gig Harbor .

On a personal note, practicing in Tacoma means a great deal to Dr. Kokich. It's where his dad practiced orthodontics for 35 years and it's where he's been fortunate to build relationships with patients throughout his professional life. Dr. Kokich lives right here in Tacoma, WA. His other passions include: golf, skiing, and just spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their four children (Maddy, Nick, Luke, and Kate).

Dr. Quinn formed a partnership with Dr. Chad Smart in 2013. Quinn & Smart Orthodontics in Gig Harbor was the result. This world-class orthodontic team continues to grow and now includes, Dr. Vincent Kokich Jr. The result? The formation of Smart Orthodontic Group. With locations in Gig Harbor, Belfair, Tacoma & Tukwila.

For over seven years, Tim served in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Washington as an assistant clinical professor. Dr. Quinn also lends his expertise to the Washington State Society of Orthodontists where he serves as head of the orthodontic peer review.

Tim and his wife, Kris, are the proud parents of Emilee and Michael. He loves the community of Gig Harbor, where he lives, and thoroughly enjoys crafting smiles and relationships that will last through the years.