Athird generationSeattleite, Dr. Stephens earned his DDS degree at UC San Francisco, a general practice hospital residency in New York, and a two-year Endodontic residency at Boston University earning his masters degree in dentistry.
The non-surgical root canal treatment he uses is now taught by over 2/3 of all US dental schools. Technology has brought significant changes to the therapy used for treating pulpal disease. His officeuses microscopes, digital radiography, current rotary shaping systems, ultrasonics, and an on-call anesthesiologist (for the occasional patient).
1975 B.S. Physiology, University of California, Davis. 1975 San Jose State University, San Jose, California 1975 San Francisco City College, San Francisco, California 1980 B.S. Dental Science, D.D.S. School of Dentistry, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco. 1981 General Practice Residency in Dentistry, USPHS Hospital Staten Island, New York. 1984 Certificate of Advanced Graduate Dentistry, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry Boston University. 1985 Masters of Science in Dentistry, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, Boston University.
1980 California License Number 29107 1981 Northeast Regional Boards 1981 New York License Number 36090 1981 New Jersey License Number 13267 1981 Washington License Number 5679 1982 Massachusetts License Number 15333
1986 School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco. Assistant Clinical Professor of Endodontics. 1991 School of Graduate Dentistry, Boston University. Regional Representative for Admissions Committee. 2015 School of Dentistry, University of Washington. Seattle. Affiliate Associate Professor of Endodontics.
1976-present California Dental Association 1976-present American Dental Association 1981-1982 Richland County Dental Society, New York 1982-present American Association of Endodontists 1986-present King County Dental Society 1986-present Washington State Dental Association 1986-1995 Washington State Association of Endodontists 1987-1999 South Seattle Endodontic Study Club 1988-1990 Seattle-King County Dental Society Peer Review Committee 1988-present Ed Truelove Oral Medicine Study Club 1990-present Seattle-King County Dental Society Forensic Committee 2010-2012 Emerald City Study Club 2014-present Schilder Institute for the Advancement of Endodontics
1977 Chemical Alteration of Subgingival Ecosystems. Summer research fellowship with Dr. Gary Armitage. UCSF. 1977 Blastogenic Resoponse of Mouse Spleen Lymphocytes to Human Plaque Antigens. Summer research fellowship with Dr. Gary Armitage. UCSF. 1978 Immunofluorescent and Ultrastructural Localization of Shigella Flexneri in Gingival Tissue from Macaques. Summer research fellowship with Dr. Gary Armitage. UCSF. 1984 Investigation of an Electronic Heat Transfer Instrument. Master Thesis. Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry. Boston University.
1987 Root Resorption. Lecture for third-year dental students. UCSF. 1989 Vertical Condensation of Warm Gutta Percha. Vancouver, B.C. 1992 Predictably Successful Endodontics in the 90s. Vancouver, B.C.
At Southcenter Endodontics our goal is to provide you with the best patient experience in a warm, caring and professional manner. Our staff are all responsible, honest, empathetic and ethical, andour priority is to preserve your natural teeth.
My first root canal. DDS Stevens was very gentle and we were able to get the entire procedure done in one sitting. Although pain medication was prescribed just in case, I have not experienced any swelling. Quick and painless! Very thorough and friendly staff.
Athird generationSeattleite, Dr. Stephens earned his DDS degree at UC San Francisco, a general practice hospital residency in New York, and a two year Endodontic residency at Boston University earning his masters degree in dentistry.Endodontics(root canals) and eliminating pain has been Dr. Stephens passion for the last 30 years at his practice in Tukwila.
Hi there, my name is Cheryl. I am Dr. Stephens office manager and usually the first person you greet or talk with on the phone. I was hired on one month after Dr. Stephens acquired his endodontic practice here in Tukwila, 30 years ago. I was his lead assistant for many years and moved up to the front office after starting my family. The current staff has worked together for over 17 years and is very knowlegeable. Dr. Stephens is a perfectionist and it shows in the final outcome of each case. He is very kind, caring, compassionate and a joy to work for. We pride ourselves on making each patient feel comfortable and at ease.
Hi, my name is Crystal. After completing my schooling in San Diego, I moved to Seattle in 1995, worked in a family dental practice for four years, then joined Dr. Stephens team in 1999. Ive been in the dental field for 19 years and am dedicated to helping patients and working with the office to achieve my own personal standards of high quality and integrity. I love my job, coming to work knowing that the patients are receiving the best care.
Hello, my name is Bronwyn. I am usually busy raising three young boys but take a little time off from home to come in to assist in the office. You will find me assisting Cheryl at the front desk, working on marketing, technical support, and special projects as needed. It is a great privilege to work with such a talented staff here at Dr. Stephens office. Patients can expect to receive compassionate and an incomparably high quality of care from our office.
I am a graduate of the University of Puget Sound, enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering at the boys schools, scouting, relaxing at our familys vacation property, making crafty things and baking.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 18 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestVladimir Pshonyak
2 years ago
Doctor is very experienced (35+ years) and highly professional. Did my root canal today. Incredibly happy! No pain and Doctor Stephens took extra time to make sure everything was done right.
Tom
2 years ago
I just got done with my 1st of 2 appts for my first ever root canal. Im a pretty anxious person who has a bad rap with dentists in general. All the staff and the doctor here is extremely nice,very caring, and extremely patient. Im so happy that they are here and genuinely take care of thier patients.
H Miller D
2 years ago
Excellent work, meticulous precise just a great experience, could not be happier with Dr. Stephens and his team
Trish Murphy
3 years ago
Great doctor and staff. Highly recommend
Trish Murphy
4 years ago
Great doctor and staff. Highly recommend
Kristin Drake
4 years ago
Dr. Stephens and staff are amazing. I came here originally about 10 years ago when I had trauma occur to my front teeth. They explained to me then that I had a dead tooth and I would need a root canal. The thought of root canal scared me so I put it off for roughly 10 years. I was afraid it was going to be painful. I wish I would of gotten this done 10 years ago because they made my experience painless. My tooth started changing color which finally gave me no choice but to get the work done. I am so glad I came back to Dr. Stephens. His wonderful staff, Cheryl and Crystal made me feel right at home. During the procedure, they were very imformative and explained what they were going to be doing and what I was going to feel. Overall, I had a wonderful experience, I would recommend them to everyone. Thanks again Dr. Stephens.
Christen Lee
4 years ago
Dr. Stephens was AMAZING!!!! I truly wish I could give this place more stars. I am a stickler for customer service, especially when it comes to my self care, and this place EXCEEDED all of my expectations. I needed a Root Canal and I was so nervous because of all the horror stories and this was my first one. So when I went in, right off the bat, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Cheryl was such a sweetheart and helped me figure out a payment schedule that worked best for me. She was extremely helpful and so kind. When I went back, the top notch customer service did not stop. Crystal took fantastic care of me as well. She made sure I was comfortable and not in any pain. She was gentle with a caring touch. And Dr. Stephens. He made my Root Canal feel so comfortable. I legit fell asleep in the chair. When he is working on you, you don't feel a thing. I had a lot of anxiety going into the appointment, but as soon as I started talking to them, it all went out th window. Not only did I feel comfortable, but they are quick and efficient. Words can not really explain how happy I am with Dr. Stephens Endo clinic. I can never go anywhere else, because I highly doubt anyone can match their level of professionalism, poise, character, kindness, and efficiency. I am truly thankful that I was recommended to his office. If you are looking for an Endo clinic, I HIGHLY suggest Dr. Stephens at South Center. Everyone deserves to have the best of the best.
Angela Florek - Nedwick
4 years ago
Not only do they do great work, but they gain extra stars in my book for helping this big baby feel relaxed and comfortable. I would not think of going anywhere else!
Ann Wiltse
4 years ago
James R. Stephens, D.D.S., M.Sc.D. and his staff Crystal, who is an angel and Cheryl also angelic, have given me 10 star care. My molar, was a big challenge. The many treatments necessary because of calcified roots, an infection and waiting too long for treatment were handled with professional concern, intense technical care and accepting supportive interpersonal interactions. I now have a fantastic outcome; a tooth saved one root at a time. I have given them a glowing report to my family dentist who referred me. She said, "Didn't I tell you he (Dr. Stephens) is the BEST!"
Debra Santos
4 years ago
Dr Stephens annd his team are a professional, caring team. Dr Stephens explained in detail the procedure, showing me the images. I experienced little discomfort, as a matter of fact i was so comfortable and pain free during the procedure that i kept falling asleep. In between naps, i was entertained with witty conversation. I highly recommend dr stephens and his team, Cheryl and Cystral.
Scot McSwane
4 years ago
Excellent customer care by; Dr, Stephens and His staff!!! Root canals are no joke. However, being pain free is even better. Dr. Stephens and his team take the time to make the procedure as smooth as possible and they listen to there patients.
Debe Gass
4 years ago
I highly recommend Dr. James R Stephens and his team, if you require any type of endodontic care. Dr. Stephens and his team are the benchmark, by which all endodontic doctors should be compared. It will be overly apparent from your first visit, that their primary concern is their patients. They go above and beyond to deliver quality care. They provide extremely skilled, compassionate, and gentle care. On a scale of 1- 5 stars I would give them 100, they are that good!!!
Scot McSwane
5 years ago
Excellent customer care by; Dr, Stephens and His staff!!! Root canals are no joke. However, being pain free is even better. Dr. Stephens and his team take the time to make the procedure as smooth as possible and they listen to there patients.
Edina Jupic
5 years ago
Super friendly staff and Dr Stephens does an amazing job! I was not thrilled at all to get a root canal done, but Dr Stephens and his staff were fantastic, easy to trust, and very personable. They knew what they were doing and really cared about your experience and time!!!
Christen Lee
5 years ago
Dr. Stephens was AMAZING!!!! I truly wish I could give this place more stars. I am a stickler for customer service, especially when it comes to my self care, and this place EXCEEDED all of my expectations. I needed a Root Canal and I was so nervous because of all the horror stories and this was my first one. So when I went in, right off the bat, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Cheryl was such a sweetheart and helped me figure out a payment schedule that worked best for me. She was extremely helpful and so kind. When I went back, the top notch customer service did not stop. Crystal took fantastic care of me as well. She made sure I was comfortable and not in any pain. She was gentle with a caring touch. And Dr. Stephens. He made my Root Canal feel so comfortable. I legit fell asleep in the chair. When he is working on you, you don't feel a thing. I had a lot of anxiety going into the appointment, but as soon as I started talking to them, it all went out th window. Not only did I feel comfortable, but they are quick and efficient. Words can not really explain how happy I am with Dr. Stephens Endo clinic. I can never go anywhere else, because I highly doubt anyone can match their level of professionalism, poise, character, kindness, and efficiency. I am truly thankful that I was recommended to his office. If you are looking for an Endo clinic, I HIGHLY suggest Dr. Stephens at South Center. Everyone deserves to have the best of the best.
Ann Wiltse
5 years ago
James R. Stephens, D.D.S., M.Sc.D. and his staff Crystal, who is an angel and Cheryl also angelic, have given me 10 star care. My molar, was a big challenge. The many treatments necessary because of calcified roots, an infection and waiting too long for treatment were handled with professional concern, intense technical care and accepting supportive interpersonal interactions. I now have a fantastic outcome; a tooth saved one root at a time. I have given them a glowing report to my family dentist who referred me. She said, "Didn't I tell you he (Dr. Stephens) is the BEST!"
Kristin Drake
5 years ago
Dr. Stephens and staff are amazing. I came here originally about 10 years ago when I had trauma occur to my front teeth. They explained to me then that I had a dead tooth and I would need a root canal. The thought of root canal scared me so I put it off for roughly 10 years. I was afraid it was going to be painful. I wish I would of gotten this done 10 years ago because they made my experience painless. My tooth started changing color which finally gave me no choice but to get the work done. I am so glad I came back to Dr. Stephens. His wonderful staff, Cheryl and Crystal made me feel right at home. During the procedure, they were very imformative and explained what they were going to be doing and what I was going to feel. Overall, I had a wonderful experience, I would recommend them to everyone. Thanks again Dr. Stephens.
Martin Herron
5 years ago
Dr. Stephens was amazing. It was an absolute pleasure letting him work on my mouth. I would recommend him to anyone I know.
Debra Santos
5 years ago
Dr Stephens annd his team are a professional, caring team. Dr Stephens explained in detail the procedure, showing me the images. I experienced little discomfort, as a matter of fact i was so comfortable and pain free during the procedure that i kept falling asleep. In between naps, i was entertained with witty conversation. I highly recommend dr stephens and his team, Cheryl and Cystral.
Angela Florek - Nedwick
5 years ago
Not only do they do great work, but they gain extra stars in my book for helping this big baby feel relaxed and comfortable. I would not think of going anywhere else!
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