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Home / Dentist Near Me / University Place / About / Meet Our Dentists
Our amazing dentists at Light Dental Studios of University Place are committed to offering the best personalized dental care to our patients of all ages. We are proud to be the best dentists in our communities by providing unparalleled patient care and state-of-the-art dental technologies in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Dr. Judy Yuan
General Dentistry
Dr. judy Yuan
She is dedicated to serving the community, having participated in many free dental care days, and spent a third of her last year in Michigan caring for patients at community dental clinics throughout the state.
In addition, she traveled multiple years with the American Dental Association to Washington D.C. to advocate for patients’ access to oral care at a state and national level.
For her record of excellence in patient-centered care, Dr. Judy received multiple "Make a Difference" awards for her ability to create trust and friendship with her patients. In addition, she is the recipient of one of five 2016 Michigan Periodontal Alumni Association Awards.
Dr. Judy is bilingual, speaking both Mandarin and her hometown Sichuan regional dialect fluently. Outside of work, she runs a college admissions consulting business and enjoys photography, mountain biking, and hiking with her fiancé Evan and rescue mutts, Pepper and Morton.
Dr. Thomas Manaois
General Dentistry
Dr. Thomas Manaois
His parents met in dental school in the Philippines, so caring about a person's smile has always been in his blood. His goal in this field is to make sure that people feel comfortable and welcomed by providing high-quality dentistry.In his free time, he is hanging out with his Samoyed, Lulu, and hopes to one day open a large rescue for dogs. Music is a strong passion as he loves to sing and dance. He is also an avid foodie with a guilty sweet tooth.
- First student chosen for a new competitive off-site rotation focused on intensively treating underserved pediatric patients
- Recipient of the 2019-2020 Annual Service Learning Rotation Student Award
Dr. Michael Tsai
Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael Tsai
Dr. Tsai was born in Taipei, Taiwan where he was raised by his parents, aunties, and grandparents. He moved with his parents and younger brother and sister to Vancouver, BC, Canada when he was 8 years old, where he went through elementary and secondary school education.
Dr. Tsai then traveled to Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.Sc.) from the University of Waterloo followed by a year of working in a lab at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as a research assistant studying the biology of wound healing. After the year, Dr. Tsai returned to Vancouver, BC, to study dentistry at the University of British Columbia and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D). Seeing his own family’s struggle with dental disease and dental anxiety, Dr. Tsai was motivated to pursue advanced training in oral surgery and anesthesia, which compelled him to move to Fort Worth, Texas to complete an internship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Upon completion of his internship, he was offered a position in the coveted 4-year Oral and Maxillofacial Residency Training Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, which allowed him to further advance his skills while being closer to his family. During the program, he was exposed to comprehensive training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Anesthesia.
During residency training, Dr. Tsai published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, including papers on topics such as platelet biology, management of bleeding, sedation, temporomandibular joint surgery, and oral cancer. He was also offered scholarships to attend academic conferences, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Conference in 2019.
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Tsai strives to do his best to give his patients a comfortable experience for wisdom teeth surgery and dental implant surgery. He is also skilled in complicated dental extractions, bone grafting surgery to the upper and lower jaws, oral pathology, management of oral and facial infections, as well as providing sedation and anesthesia for procedures. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin, as well as conversant in Taiwanese.
When Dr. Tsai is not seeing patients in the clinic or the hospital, he enjoys working out, taking long outdoor walks, cooking up a new dish, watching Netflix movies, and traveling.
Dr. Tsai is an active member of
Dr. Michael Baldwin
General Dentistry
Dr. Baldwin received his clinical training at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He continues to study at the UW, working on an advanced PhD degree in Oral Biology, with the goal of improving his knowledge about preventing and treating dental disease. Dr. Baldwin strives to provide his patients with comfortable and quality dental care. He is compassionate, honest, and takes the time to listen to his patients, making sure he understands their needs and desires.
Michael grew up in University Place and graduated from Curtis Senior High School. After high school, he served a two year mission for his church in Chile. Upon returning home from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors, earning a BS degree in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in Spanish.
After graduating from BYU, Dr. Baldwin was admitted into the highly competitive dual DDS/PhD program at the UW. In conjunction with his clinical training, Dr. Baldwin has taken additional coursework investigating the biological processes of dental disease and has conducted extensive research, receiving national and international recognition for his work. For his academic excellence, Dr. Baldwin has received the Psi Omega Scholarship, Dr. Tony Michael Ponti Memorial Scholarship, Academic Careers in Oral Health Fellowship, ARCS Foundation Fellowship, and International Association for Dental Research Craniofacial Biology Award.
Dr. Baldwin enjoys serving in the community and helping those in need, and has done this in several ways. At the early age of 13, he organized the building of a playground in the Curran Apple Orchard in University Place, saving the city thousands of dollars. For his efforts, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. During his clinical training at the UW, Dr. Baldwin served as a representative of the American Dental Education Association and provided free dental care to children through the organizations Give Kids a Smile and Husky Smiles. As a dentist, Dr. Baldwin provides free dental care in the community through Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and South Sound Free Dental Day. He also helps teach anatomy to first year dental students at the UW.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Baldwin enjoys sports, the outdoors, serving in his church, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Baldwin is excited to be a part of the Light Dental Studios team, and looks forward to developing a relationship with his patients and giving them the highest quality of care with a light, gentle touch.
Dr. Baldwin is an active member of
Michael grew up in University Place and graduated from Curtis Senior High School. After high school, he served a two year mission for his church in Chile. Upon returning home from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors, earning a BS degree in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in Spanish.
After graduating from BYU, Dr. Baldwin was admitted into the highly competitive dual DDS/PhD program at the UW. In conjunction with his clinical training, Dr. Baldwin has taken additional coursework investigating the biological processes of dental disease and has conducted extensive research, receiving national and international recognition for his work. For his academic excellence, Dr. Baldwin has received the Psi Omega Scholarship, Dr. Tony Michael Ponti Memorial Scholarship, Academic Careers in Oral Health Fellowship, ARCS Foundation Fellowship, and International Association for Dental Research Craniofacial Biology Award.
Dr. Baldwin enjoys serving in the community and helping those in need, and has done this in several ways. At the early age of 13, he organized the building of a playground in the Curran Apple Orchard in University Place, saving the city thousands of dollars. For his efforts, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. During his clinical training at the UW, Dr. Baldwin served as a representative of the American Dental Education Association and provided free dental care to children through the organizations Give Kids a Smile and Husky Smiles. As a dentist, Dr. Baldwin provides free dental care in the community through Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and South Sound Free Dental Day. He also helps teach anatomy to first year dental students at the UW.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Baldwin enjoys sports, the outdoors, serving in his church, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Baldwin is excited to be a part of the Light Dental Studios team, and looks forward to developing a relationship with his patients and giving them the highest quality of care with a light, gentle touch.
Dr. Baldwin is an active member of
Dr. Peter Smolke
General Dentistry
Dr. Peter Smolke graduated from the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Utah and earned his undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Roseman, Dr. Smolke received the Distinguished Clinical Excellence and Distinguished Lifelong Colleague awards and was selected for a public health clinical externship at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services.
Prior to joining Light Dental Studios, Dr. Smolke worked with organizations serving the at-need populations of Alameda County, where he learned the value of a holistic approach to health care and meeting the needs of others. He has also served on dental service trips to Bolivia and Mexico, which sparked his passion to provide the same benefit to those in his community.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Smolke was drawn to Washington by the mountains along with the diverse scenery and urban landscapes of the Puget Sound. He and his fiancée, Jessica, are big foodies and enjoy exploring their local neighborhood offerings while also nerding out over roasting coffee, brewing beer, and cultivating their ever-growing green thumbs in the garden.
Dr. Smolke enjoys connecting with his patients and empowering them through education. He is an active listener who prioritizes understanding what is of utmost importance to patients while discussing the best treatment options and lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy smile. Committed to lifelong learning, he continuously expands his knowledge base and skillset to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care with a gentle touch.
Dr. Smolke is an active member of
Prior to joining Light Dental Studios, Dr. Smolke worked with organizations serving the at-need populations of Alameda County, where he learned the value of a holistic approach to health care and meeting the needs of others. He has also served on dental service trips to Bolivia and Mexico, which sparked his passion to provide the same benefit to those in his community.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Smolke was drawn to Washington by the mountains along with the diverse scenery and urban landscapes of the Puget Sound. He and his fiancée, Jessica, are big foodies and enjoy exploring their local neighborhood offerings while also nerding out over roasting coffee, brewing beer, and cultivating their ever-growing green thumbs in the garden.
Dr. Smolke enjoys connecting with his patients and empowering them through education. He is an active listener who prioritizes understanding what is of utmost importance to patients while discussing the best treatment options and lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy smile. Committed to lifelong learning, he continuously expands his knowledge base and skillset to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care with a gentle touch.
Dr. Smolke is an active member of
Dr. Micah Bovenkamp
Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Micah Bovenkamp graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry with his doctorate in dental surgery. He then went on to complete his Master of Science in Dentistry and received his Certificate of Training in Pediatric Dentistry at the UW in conjunction with Seattle Children’s Hospital. While in residency he received extensive training in treating children including children with special healthcare needs. Dr. Micah also received front-line training in the management of acute dental trauma. While in dental school, he had the honor of serving as class president for four years. He has received numerous prestigious clinical and leadership awards during his education, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award, the Johnny N. Johnson Student Leadership Award, and the Dennis P. Duskin Inspirational Award.
Dr. Micah was born in Seattle but raised in Puyallup after his family moved to his hometown when he was one-year-old. He is excited to be back in his hometown to give back to the community where he was raised. Dr. Micah believes in helping people to become the best version of themselves. During his formative years he spent a significant amount of time at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a patient due to a childhood medical condition. One of the highlights of his education was the opportunity to return to the hospital as a provider to deliver the same outstanding care that he received as a child. He is an extremely patient, personable, and caring clinician. He delights in helping children rise to success and to see them master the dental experience.
When he is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Micah enjoys hiking, kayaking, calisthenics, frisbee, and eating his way around new cities when traveling.
Dr. Micah is currently an active member of
Dr. Micah was born in Seattle but raised in Puyallup after his family moved to his hometown when he was one-year-old. He is excited to be back in his hometown to give back to the community where he was raised. Dr. Micah believes in helping people to become the best version of themselves. During his formative years he spent a significant amount of time at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a patient due to a childhood medical condition. One of the highlights of his education was the opportunity to return to the hospital as a provider to deliver the same outstanding care that he received as a child. He is an extremely patient, personable, and caring clinician. He delights in helping children rise to success and to see them master the dental experience.
When he is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Micah enjoys hiking, kayaking, calisthenics, frisbee, and eating his way around new cities when traveling.
Dr. Micah is currently an active member of
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is Light Dental Studios?
Light Dental Studios is a comprehensive dental care provider that has been serving the Puget Sound area since 1971.
How many locations does Light Dental Studios have?
We have 21 convenient locations throughout the Puget Sound area to serve you better.
What areas do you serve?
Our 22 locations are spread across the Puget Sound area including Auburn, Bellevue, Bonney Lake, Burien, Covington, Fircrest, Kent, Lacey, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Lilly Road in Olympia, Olympia, Pacific Avenue in Parkland, Puyallup, Orthodontics in Puyallup, Renton, Ruddell Road in Lacey, 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Lincoln District in Tacoma, Tacoma Mall Boulevard in Tacoma, and University Place to provide easy access to quality dental care.
What services do you offer?
Light Dental Studios offers a range of services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, in-house denture lab, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.
Do you provide pediatric dentistry?
Yes, we offer specialized care for our younger patients to ensure they have a smile worth showing off at every age.
What cosmetic dentistry options are available?
We offer a range of cosmetic treatments including cosmetic bonding, Invisalign®, dental Botox®, teeth whitening, veneers, and more to help your smile shine brighter than a polished molar!
Appointments & Operations
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our University Place office or by visiting our appointment page on our website.
What are your operating hours?
Our University Place dentist office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Thursdays from 7 AM to 4 PM
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes, we do provide emergency dental services. Please call our emergency after-hours number at (253) 719-3070
Orthodontists
What is orthodontics, and when should I consider seeing an orthodontist?
Orthodontics specializes in correcting misaligned teeth and bites. If you have concerns about your smile or bite, an orthodontic consultation can help.
What types of orthodontic treatments are available at Light Dental Studios?
We offer a variety of options, including traditional braces and clear aligners, to straighten your teeth effectively.
Periodontists
What conditions do periodontists treat?
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. They can help with issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.
When should I see a periodontist?
If you experience symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, it's advisable to schedule a consultation with a periodontist.
Pediatric Dentists
What is pediatric dentistry, and why is it important for children?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children and adolescents. Early dental care helps establish good oral hygiene habits for life.
At what age should my child first visit a pediatric dentist?
It's recommended to schedule your child's first dental visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
What procedures do oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform?
These specialists handle a wide range of surgical procedures, including tooth extractions, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgeries.
Is sedation available for oral surgery procedures?
Yes, we offer various sedation options to ensure your comfort during oral and maxillofacial surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the best choice for your procedure.
Disclaimer: These FAQs should help provide valuable information about the different dental specialists available at Light Dental Studios, addressing common questions and concerns that patients may have. Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with our doctors for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions. For any questions or concerns, please call our office.