After many years in the dental field, I still enjoy seeing all the smiles on my patients faces when they finally achieve an ideal state of oral health. I consider it an honor that patients come to me for their care, and feel blessed to have the opportunity to send so many wonderful, healthy smiles out into the world.

My practice philosophy has always been to maintain healthy teeth and gums with the most effective and conservative treatments. I have treated many cases, and helped all my patients to achieve their dental goals and keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.

I feel that I bring a unique energy to my work. As a lieutenant commander in the Navy during the years of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I received the Navy Achievement Medal and an Expert Pistol Medal, and earned the nickname of The Beast. I am a straight shooter: I aim at the critical issues that my dental patients face.

By regularly participating in continuing education, I am able to stay current on the latest technology and dental treatments. My patients deserve the best, and continuing education allows me to provide my patients with more options and better results.

My continuing education also benefits the next generation of dental professionals. I have taught microbiology laboratory courses for nursing students at Seattle University, and was a clinical affiliate instructor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. As an internationally known author and lecturer, and CEO of Savage Success, an international dental training and consulting firm, I lecture and publish on womens health issues, leadership, and business management.

Pierre Fauchard Academy American College of Dentists International College of Dentists Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders and Disciplines International Congress of Oral Implantologists American Academy of Craniofacial Pain International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

American Association of Women Dentists for Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence The American Academy of Operative Dentistry for Outstanding Achievement in Operative Dentistry University of Washington School of Dentistry Governance and Service Award Seattle Pedodontic Society David B Law Award, in recognition of excellence in the clinical management of your pediatric patients ADA Clinical Evaluator Panel for Professional Product Review

The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, for an invaluable contribution to the annual meeting, Feb 25-25, 2006 Northwest Precedent, Practice based Research Collaboration in Evidence-based Dentistry

I am truly blessed to live and work in the wonderful community of Gig Harbor. I believe that it is my job to give back to the community. From a professional standpoint, I volunteer for various dental society functions, Ive been on and was the board of directors of the Washington Oral Health Foundation, the chair of the steering committee of the Puyallup Partnership for Improved Dental Health. Ive served on the editorial board for the WSDA News. Personally, Ive volunteered as a zoo dentist at the Point Defiance Zoo and have served on the board of directors. Ive also sponsored many Gig Harbor Little League.

My husband, James ONeal Stephens, is a wonderful electrical engineer, and our daughter Kaitlyn is a retired professional international soccer goalkeeper. Our sons and their families live in the Gig Harbor area, including 3 amazing grandchildren! In my free time, I enjoy boating, gardening, reading, and travel. I also have the opportunity to be a professional speaker and consultant in the dental industry, presenting at all of the major meetings annually.

I recently completed 24 years of active duty in the Air Force and a total of 30 years in the military. I have had a wonderful career in the Air Force, lived in some fabulous places around the world, enjoyed educating residents and watching them grow, and accomplished all the goals I set out in the military to achievebut now I am starting something new! I currently provide periodontal treatment as an Independent Contractor for general dentistry practices in Seattle, Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Peninsula.

I earned my dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1995. Following graduation, I entered into a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency with the US Air Force. Upon completion of the AEGD residency, I then practiced general dentistry in Germany for four years before entering into the Periodontics Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Following graduation in 2003, with a specialty certificate in Periodontics and a Master of Science degree in Periodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, I served as the Department Head in Periodontics in Italy and Alaska before joining the teaching faculty at the Air Forces 2-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-2) Residency Program at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. As the Director of Periodontics, I instructed 13 AEGD-2 residents in all aspects of periodontal treatment.

In addition to the duties as the Director of Periodontics, I served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Texas Health Science Center overseeing the clinical training of 30 rotating dental hygiene students a year and as an Associate Professor of Periodontics for the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After 12 years as an educator in the Air Force, I retired as a Colonel in October 2017 completing a combined 30 years of military service to both the Navy and Air Force.

At Uptown Dental Gig Harbor, we understand that each of our patients is unique. Thats why we are committed to providing you with customized treatment solutions appropriate for your needs. Our skilled dental team is dedicated to working you and your loved ones so that your dental experience is smooth, comfortable, and satisfying every time.

I feel so honored to work with this group of ladies. I have worked in the dental industry for almost ten years and I have been on Dr. Rhonda Savages team for about a year. I am the voice on the other end of the phone when you call and the first face you see when you visit our office. I really enjoy my job as the scheduling coordinator and connecting with patients every day.

Erin has been working in dental hygiene for 7 years. Our patients love Erin because of her ability to easily connect with you. Erin loves to spend time with her dog Brody, and is an amazing photographer! Recently engaged and new to the area, Erin is a great addition to our team! The thing I love most about dentistry is my patients. I love building a relationship with each patient individually and being with them each step of their treatment.

Taylor has been our sterilization technician while she has been in dental assisting school through Bates Technical College. She will be graduating January of 2020. Taylor enjoys making others feel good about themselves which is why she is so excited to become a certified dental assistant. She loves seeing patients light up when theyre happy about the dental work theyve had done.

I really enjoy crafting projects and am currently learning how to crochet, sewing and tatting. I believe family time is so very important and that is the best time for me when everyone is gathered together.

My passion is working with people I have been in the customer service field since I became of age to work. I love the day to day interaction I have with patients at Dr. Rhonda Savages office. I am new to the office and look forward to building relationships with each and every patient. When I am not at work I am spending time with my two children. I have a son and a daughter and they are my world! We love to watch Disney movies, go to the park and when we have good enough weather we love swimming!

If Im not helping people with their smiles, you can find me out on top of the water somewhere with a big fish on my line. I do enjoy getting out and enjoying our beautiful state, usually with my pup at my side.

I feel so grateful and proud to call myself part of Dr. Savages team. Ive been lucky enough to have the opportunity at this office to have hands on learning with a variety of live patients, new experiences, and chances to prove myself worthy of hard work! Theres never a moment I feel bored besides the days Im not in the office. I enjoy cooking, crafting, and spending time with my boyfriend and our families!

AtUptown Dental Gig Harbor, we take great pride in our patients results, our commitment to the relationship with our patients, the team we have the privilege to work with, and our beautiful, comfortable facility. Uptown Dental features overstuffed leather chairs, a fireplace, glass artwork, and a timeless quality.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Savage has set a higher standard for her dental practice. Never complacent, she continually updates our state-of-the-art practice with the newest and most innovative treatments, technology, and techniques. This allows our patients to achieve a level of health and wellness they never thought possible.

What makes Dr. Savage unique as a dentist is the vast knowledge shes obtained through her career as an assistant, a front-desk person, a US Navy dentist, and 17 years of private practice. Our practice has the ability, with a simple swish of salt water, to tell you about the bacteria that are causing gum and bone disease, and determine the best antibiotic and treatment. Its a real game-changer for patients. For us, its all about the patients and their health; its not just about the teeth.

We believe that the teeth, muscles, and nerves of the head and neck are all intertwined. The nerve center for migraine pain, neck pain, and teeth are all in the same part of the brain. When the teeth are balanced and the muscles are treated, 95% of patients can go off their headache medication. Their quality of life improves. When they sleep better, they have more energy. Its how we know were providing life-changing dentistry!