Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Tami Trieu

Dr. Tami Trieu graduated from the University Of Washington School Of Dentistry as one of the class’ finest graduating dentists. Dr. Trieu was named Top 5 Operators in Fixed Prosthodontics, received the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award, received honors in Orthodontics and an honorable mention in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Trieu was also invited to become a teaching assistant in Removable Prosthodontics.

Before joining Light Dental Studios, Dr. Trieu worked at Kool Smiles specializing in Pediatric Dentistry and also at a General Practice in the greater Seattle area. Dr. Trieu reunited with her dental classmates that were top of her class at Light Dental Studios. Light Dental Studios' core values shines and showcases how amazing the people are which is the reason Dr. Trieu chose to drive 1 ½ hrs a day to join the Light Dental Studios Team. We are so blessed to have Dr. Tami Trieu in our Light Dental Studios family.

Dr. Trieu is married to her husband Joe. In her free time, she loves playing and chasing her 5 beautiful children Nathaniel, Cecilia, Isabella, Annabelle, and Alena.

Dr. Trieu is currently an active member of

Dr. Veronica Layacan

Dr. Veronica Layacan was born and raised in the Kent-Renton area of Washington. She attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors, graduating #5 of her class. While in dental school she received an award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement from the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and the F. Burns Guthrie Memorial Scholarship from the American College of Dentists. Dr. Layacan was also invited to become a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society upon graduating. Outside of clinic, she was fortunate enough to be invited to peer mentor second year dental students in removable and fixed prosthodontics.

She also attended the University of Washington for her undergraduate studies, where she graduated cum laude upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Biochemistry and Dance. During college, she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Dr. Layacan also enjoyed volunteering throughout her time at UW. In dental school, she completed over 50 hours of community service and outreach, frequently providing free dental care for those in need in the community. One of her most favorite volunteer experiences was spending one week in Panama with Global Medical Brigades, providing free care to patients there.

Dr. Layacan hope to guide her patients towards better oral health through providing them the knowledge and skills to do so, as well as providing excellent dental care. And, it makes it much more meaningful that she is able to do so for the community that she was raised in and has truly grown to love!

In her free time, Dr. Layacan enjoys dancing, reading, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with her dog, Jax.

Dr. Layacan is currently an active member of

Dr. Judy Yuan

Dr. Judy grew up in the state of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, and is proud to have attended the #1 Dental School in America, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry. 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. David Crouch

Board Certified Orthodontist

Dr. Crouch feels so fortunate to live and work in the community in which he grew up - helping thousands to achieve amazing, beautiful, and healthy smiles.

He believes it is important to give back by helping charitable causes like the Puyallup Family YMCA, teaching at UW, serving as a Pierce College Trustee, and consulting at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.



Dr. Crouch is currently an active member of

Dr. Gibran Hyder

Dr. Gibran Hyder grew up in Sammamish, WA where he has always believed in the importance of giving back to his community. In high school, Dr. Hyder was extensively involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, leading his high school event to rank #1 in the Great West Division, and #17 nationwide. He continued giving his time to the American Cancer Society throughout his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, where he graduated with a degree in Physiology.

At the University of Washington School of Dentistry, Dr. Hyder was elected to be the Vice President of his class for all four years. He supplemented his educational experience by taking extra courses in endodontic techniques (root canals), periodontal surgical skills, and cast gold restorations. Excelling in both the classroom and the clinic, Dr. Hyder was selected from amongst his peers and invited to instruct and mentor 1st and 2nd year students in their dental anatomy, occlusion, operative, and fixed prosthodontics courses. During this time Dr. Hyder volunteered with many organizations including Husky Smiles, the American Student Dental Association, 45th St. Clinic, Burlington Migrant Farm Workers, and the Seattle/King County Clinic. Dr. Hyder was honored with the International College of Dentists Leadership Award and the Student Council Student Recognition Award for his leadership, and positive contributions in the school and community to improve the field of dentistry.

Dr. Hyder believes strongly in the power of mentorship, and has helped many students navigate the dental school admission process, serving as a G.U.I.D.E. (Guiding Undergraduates Interested in Dental Education) mentor from 2014-2016. He was also a founding member of the Muslim Health Professionals of Greater Puget Sound, an organization of health professionals that actively donate their time and resources to the underserved. Dr. Hyder was invited back by the University of Washington Department of Biology to serve as a panelist for their quarterly networking night, and by the University of Washington School of Dentistry to serve as a mentor for the 2nd year students operative and fixed prosthodontic courses.

In his free time, Dr. Hyder enjoys running, weight lifting, and baking. He enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, and spending quality time with his wife, Sanna, and their daughter, Zahra.

Dr. Hyder believes in working with and empowering his patients to improve their overall health and quality of life. He looks forward to developing an individualized plan for each and every patient tailored to meet their specific desires and needs.

Dr. Hyder is currently an active member of

Dr. Nicole Hsieh

Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Hsieh attended the University of Michigan for undergrad, earning a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. From a young age, she was interested in pursuing a career in the health field. She wanted the ability to provide care and to help improve the well-being of others. After spending time shadowing her dentist and being a volunteer for University of Michigan’s Hospital Dentistry service, she knew dentistry would allow her to do just that. She continued her studies at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and received her DDS degree.

During her time in dental school, Dr. Hsieh served as a board member for the American Student Dental Association, Pediatric Dentistry Club, and Fit Club. She enjoyed getting involved and giving back to her local community through various volunteer events. Her favorite experiences included visiting elementary schools, educating the youth on oral hygiene and diet, and taking part in the Men’s Health Event at Ford Field where she raised oral health awareness and performed oral cancer screenings. During her summer breaks, she participated in and coordinated mission trips abroad, providing free dental care to the underserved communities of Chichicastenango, a beautiful town nestled in the Guatemalan highlands.

Dr. Hsieh had a wonderful experience with her dentist growing up and strives to provide a similar experience with her own patients, creating a space where they feel comfortable and well taken care of. She takes the time to listen and works closely with her patients to help guide them to a healthier and happier smile.

When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the beautiful PNW, and skiing!

Dr. Hsieh is currently an active member of

Dr. Amit Gharpure

Board Certified in Periodontology and Implant Surgery

Dr. Gharpure graduated from Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai, India at the top of his class. He was awarded the Colgate Indian Dental Association Scholarship, Nair Hospital Dental College Student’s Association Award, and the J.R.D Tata Scholarship for Academic Excellence. He was then accepted into the Advanced Education in Restorative Dentistry Program at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey where he received clinical training in removable, fixed, and implant prosthodontics. He completed an Internship in Oral Surgery at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and treated patients with complex medical and dental needs. Subsequently, he worked in private practice in Mumbai. After a few years in private practice, he continued his education to complete a 3-year specialty training program in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and earned the Master of Science in Dentistry degree. Dr. Gharpure is a Board Certified Periodontist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, as well as a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists Canada. These are impressive recognitions, awarded to a limited number of specialists who have had significant achievements beyond the mandatory training requirements of the specialty.

Dr. Gharpure has contributed extensively to clinical research. He has published over 20 research articles in peer-reviewed international and national journals and textbooks. His research has also been featured in print and online media. Currently, he is an Affiliate Faculty in Periodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he is involved in teaching pre-doctoral dental students.

Dr. Gharpure is calm, relaxed, and friendly and takes special care to make his patients feel comfortable throughout their treatment. He emphasizes on open discussion, patient education, and is adept at managing pain and anxiety to provide his patients with the best experience. He is proficient in all aspects of surgical and non-surgical periodontal and implant therapy.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Gharpure enjoys hiking, kayaking, and playing soccer. He likes exploring the Pacific Northwest and enjoys the natural beauty this place has to offer.

Dr. Gharpure is an active member of:

Dr. Michael Tsai

Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

C. Michael Tsai, B.Sc., D.M.D, is a full-time Board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Light Dental Studios, covering the Bonney Lake, Puyallup, and University Place locations.

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. Thomas Manaois

Dr. Thomas Manaois was raised in the Tacoma area and has seen it flourish over his lifetime. He attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He aslo has a passion for cosmetic dentistry and has been trained by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to treat patient concerns with Botox and Fillers.

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. Manaois is an active member of

Dr. Yuriy Udod

Dr. Yuriy Udod graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated with high distinction in the top 5 of his class. Dr. Udod grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Washington. He is happily married and has lovely twin daughters.

Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing outdoor volleyball, lifting weights, and practicing calisthenics during the summer. During the winter he enjoys snowboarding and ice skating. Dr. Udod loves getting to know his patients on a personal basis and takes special care to make his patients feel comfortable before, during, and after their treatment. He focuses on the patients and strives to provide the best experience every visit. He is proficient in all the aspects of general dentistry including digital dentistry, root canal therapy, Invisalign, and implant surgery.

Dr. Udod is currently an active member of

Dr. Jimmy Hsu

Dr. Jimmy Hsu was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan until the age of 15. After which, he moved to Long Island, New York with his family. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from SUNY Binghamton University. Being drawn to the healthcare field, Dr. Hsu then pursued and earned a master's degree in Health Service Administration from the George Washington University in DC.

He began his professional experience as the clinic manager at the Catholic Charities Dental Clinic in DC. It was during his time there where he found his passion for dentistry and helping others, which inspired to pursue it as a career.

Dr. Hsu then enrolled in the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, he continued his training through the NYU Langone Health Postdoctoral residency program at the Neighborcare Health center in Seattle. During this program, he was able to sharpen his skills and knowledge in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics. Dr. Hsu is now eager to bring his passion and expertise together to Light Dental Studios and the community it serves.

In his spare time, Dr. Hsu enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring different restaurants, and spending time with his partner and their lovely dog, Junior.

Dr. Hsu is currently an active member of

Dr. Nicholas Maniatis

Dr. Maniatis grew up in Massachusetts and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut, one of the most selective dental schools in the country. After spending his whole life living in New England, he decided it was time for a change of scenery, and he moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington General Practice Residency program. During this additional year of training, he expanded his knowledge and skills in all aspects of general and restorative dentistry, including IV sedation, restoring and placing implants, oral surgery, and root canals. Throughout his training, he has worked with a wide variety of patient populations with complex medical histories and varying levels of dental anxiety, including hospital inpatients, disabled veterans, and patients with developmental delays.

Dr. Maniatis’ clinical approach emphasizes treating patients with their overall health and well-being in mind, while also developing treatment plans with patients that address their individual needs and help them achieve their long-term oral health goals. He strives to make patients as comfortable as possible when they are undergoing dental treatment. He sees himself as a lifetime student, and consistently pursues continuing dental education opportunities in order to provide the highest quality of care for his patients.

When he is not working, Dr. Maniatis enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, playing piano, attending concerts, and spending time with his cat, Bean.

Dr. Maniatis is currently an active member of

Dr. Weiran Jiang

Dr. Jiang was born in Beijing, China. She obtained her Dental Doctorate Degree from Peking University in Beijing, the top school in China. She continued to expand her knowledge through a 3-year Prosthodontics residency program at Peking University School of Stomatology, where she received advanced training in fixed, removable, cosmetic, and implant prosthodontics. She then moved with her family to New York State to complete her Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Disease (TMD) residency program at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester.

Dr. Jiang strives to create the most comfortable environment for patients before, during, and after the treatment. Her goal in this field is to listen to people’s stories and make sure that they feel welcomed by providing high-quality dentistry. She is proficient in all aspects of general dentistry, especially in cosmetic crowns, veneers and implant restorations, removable partial dentures, and complete dentures. As a TMJ specialist, Dr. Jiang prides herself on her non-invasive and pain-free approach to treating Temporomandibular joint disorder. Her treatment protocol is to treat the cause, not just the symptoms of pain.

Not only Dr. Jiang is a dentist, but she is also an outstanding scientist in the field of Medicine in Dentistry, with a specialization in bone tissue engineering to improve bone defects and pain modulation in chronic pain management. She gained a Master of Science in Dentistry degree and published several articles in peer-reviewed journals which have been widely cited nearly 200 times. She also has been repeatedly invited to judge the quality of others’ work for several top journals in her field.

When Dr. Jiang is not working, she enjoys time spending with her family, especially with her two kids Joanna and Jonathan. She is a big fan of acapella music.

Dr. Peter Smolke

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

Dr. Neha Gupta

Dr. Gupta was born in Canada and did her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Manipal University in India. She then attended Louisiana State University in New Orleans for her Doctor of Dental Surgery where she was the recipient of the American Equilibration Society Achievement Award for outstanding performance in Science of Occlusion and TMJ Function. Geaux Tigers!

She has always been a strong advocate for the community and has organized and participated in many outreach programs providing dental education and treatment to those in need. She firmly believes that by spreading awareness and educating people about oral health, people themselves will be empowered to take care of their oral well-being. She was the Health Care Coordinator at her university in India, going to villages and underserved areas to provide dental care. She was the Service Co-Chair for the Student National Dental Association at LSU and also a Senior Coordinator for a homeless shelter where she provided free dental treatment every Saturday to those in need. Dr. Gupta is very passionate about dentistry and loves connecting with her patients. She sees dentistry as the perfect balance between art, science, and patient care.

Dr. Gupta loves traveling and has lived in different parts of the world and experienced many different cultures. Moving to the Pacific Northwest was her next big adventure along with exploring all that it has to offer. She is a big foodie and loves going out with her friends to try out different cuisines and foods. She may be a dentist, but she has the biggest sweet tooth. At home, she likes to binge-watch tv shows and nerds out on fictional books.    

Dr. Gupta is currently 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. Mia Mei

Dr. Mei was born and raised in China and developed a passion for dentistry early in life. She pursued her Bachelor’s in Dental Medicine at one of China’s top dental schools, Wuhan University, where she remained throughout her Orthodontics residency and ultimately earned her Master’s in Dental Medicine. Driven by her commitment to excellence, Dr. Mei received advanced training in clear aligner treatments, including Invisalign. She was recognized for her achievements as an Outstanding Graduate Student and as a recipient of the First Class Student Award in 2015 and 2017.

Seeking to expand her skills, Dr. Mei embarked on a journey to the United States. She completed the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning a place on the Dean's List each year and graduating with high distinction. Eager to share her knowledge and expertise with aspiring dental students, she served as a teaching assistant in Integrated Biomaterials, Cariology, and Operative Sciences.

Dr. Mei firmly believes in evidence-based dentistry. With a patient-centered approach, she places great emphasis on listening to her patients' needs and tailoring treatment plans to their individual best interests. Her goal is to work collaboratively with patients to improve their overall health and enhance their quality of life.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Mei is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She co-founded Wuhan Smile Train, a volunteer group dedicated to assisting children with cleft lip and palate. Additionally, she has dedicated her time and skills to Clinic with Heart, Children's Dental Day, and People's City Mission Free Clinic, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to serving those in need.

Dr. Mei is fluent in both Mandarin and English. Outside of dentistry, she finds joy in traveling, engaging in outdoor activities, and exploring cuisines around the world.

Dr. Mei is an active member of

Dr. Angie Dunn

Dr. Dunn graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She graduated with the #1 rank in her class and is an exceptional, bright, and talented dentist. She received the Psi Omega Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon scholarship for outstanding scholastic achievement, the Kirby and Erna Speyer Memorial Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon William S. Kramer National Award, the Maurice Hickey Scholarship, the F. Burns Guthrie Award from the American College of Dentists, the Alpha Omega Scholarship, the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, the John C. Kois Prize in Restorative Clinical Excellence, and the Academy of General Dentistry Award.

Dr. Dunn did her undergraduate training at the University of Washington as well, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry in only 3 years with a 3.91 GPA and the honor of Summa Cum Laude.

Dr. Dunn grew up in Auburn, graduating from Auburn Riverside High School with 4.0 GPA and Phi Beta Kappa - were you expecting anything less? Dr. Dunn enjoys giving back in numerous ways. During school, she spent numerous evenings at the 45th Street clinic for homeless youth in Seattle. She has also participated with the Medical Teams International program to provide emergency dental care to the local homeless. She was asked to teach with the Restorative Department at the UW School of Dentistry. In addition to this, Dr. Dunn serves on the Design Committee for the South Sound Free Dental Day that provides hundreds of members in the local community free dentistry each year.

Angie and her high school sweetheart, Joe, have two children Roman and Cora. Dr. Dunn joined the Light Dental Studios office in Puyallup in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer. She loves working with patients, as is evident from her friendly demeanor and relaxing humming while she works.  

Dr. Dunn is a member of

Dr. Steve Broughton

Light Dental Studios had a humble beginning 1971 as the solo dental practice of Dr. James Zanner. Dr. Broughton took over in 1997 and remains as its CEO and Founder today. Dr. Broughton holds a Bachelor’s degree from Whitworth College. He then attended the University of Washington and would graduate from the School of Dentistry in 1997.

Dr. Broughton has received several awards including the coveted 1999 American Dental Association’s Golden Apple Award. At the time, there were only 7 other dentists in Washington State to receive the honor. He was honored as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the year in 1998 from the American College of Dentists. This invitation-only society invites less than 2.5% of all dentists in fellowship. He received the 1997 Johnny N. Johnson Award from the UW School of Dentistry, The 1997 Award of Excellence from the American Student Dental Association, and the 1997 Special Achievement award from the Washington State Dental Association.

Dr. Broughton has served on numerous councils and boards in dentistry including:

• 1997,1998, 1999, chairperson of the Liaison Committee for the Washington State Dental Association
• 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 Liaison Committee member for WSDA
• 1998 Alternate Delegate for the American Dental Association House of Delegates
• 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Delegate Washington State Dental Association House of Delegates
• 2001 Legislative Committee. Pierce County Dental Society
• 2001, 2002 Board of Directors. Pierce County Dental Society
• 2002 Invited to sit on curriculum “think tank” University of Washington School of Dentistry
• 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Executive board of Directors, secretary-treasurer, Vice-President, President, Past-President Pierce County Dental Society

Dr. Broughton been married since 1993 to his beautiful wife, Ann. They have two children, Katie and Claire. Outside of work, he enjoys…wait, what’s outside of work mean? Dr. Broughton loves his work and his family and has developed a life with little separation between the two. But, an unwavering LOVE for both.

Dr. Broughton is a member of
Dr. Broughton believes in a patient-centered approach. The patients comfort and well-being is the driver of every treatment modality.

Dr. Broughton been married since 1993 to his beautiful wife, Ann. They have two children, Katie and Claire. Outside of work, he enjoys…wait, what’s outside of work mean? Dr. Broughton loves his work and his family and has developed a life with little separation between the two. But, an unwavering LOVE for both.