The Spektor Dental team player that we’re putting on a pedestal this week is Tressie Oylear, a dental hygienist for more than three decades who’s been working with us half that time. Tressie’s high energy and professionalism seems to fit right in with the atmosphere around here. And that’s just the way we like it.

Meet Tressie:

Spektor Dental: What did you do prior to coming to Spektor Dental?

Tressie Oylear:  During school breaks, I worked for a friend of the family who was an oral surgeon in downtown Seattle. I worked as his receptionist and later as his assistant. He encouraged me to become a dental hygienist like his daughter. That’s when I began taking the necessary prerequisites in order to apply for college.

Spektor Dental: Where did you go to college and what did you study as an undergrad?

TO: I entered the University of Washington right after high school and took generalized first- and second-year courses. Then I applied at Shoreline Community College because it was the leading hygiene school in Washington state. I graduated from there in 1979 and have been working in my field since. 

Spektor Dental: What attracted you to come to work at Spektor Dental?

TO: Fifteen years ago I was substituting in several offices and was called to work at Dr. Wendy Spektor’s center. I will never forget that first day. The office was Continue Reading »

In our continuing effort to introduce you to our staff here at Spektor Dental, we’re highlighting dental hygienist Regan Dahl this week. Regan’s been with us since last November, fitting into our office environment like a warm pair of slippers. Maybe it’s the connection she immediately adopted with our patients? That would certainly do it!

Meet Regan:

Regan Dahl, Dental Hygienist at Spektor Dental

Spektor Dental: Where did you grow up and how long have you been a dental hygienist?

Regan Dahl: I grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and graduated from Ferris State University with my dental hygiene degree in May of 2001. I have been practicing as a dental hygienist for 10 wonderful years in the Midwest.

I’m currently completing my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene with plans to pursue my master’s degree at the University of Washington.

Spektor Dental: What did you do prior to coming to Spektor Dental?

RD: Prior to coming here, I worked for a private dental practice in Chicago, which is where I moved after I graduated from dental hygiene school. Practicing in a transient city made me realize how important it is to offer your patients the best quality care. You begin to understand what a difference that can make when a connection is made between yourself and your patients. That’s what I love most about my profession.

Spektor Dental: What attracted you to come work at Spektor Dental?

RD: I was attracted to Spektor Dental by the professionalism and thoroughness of the dentists and team members. I also admired and appreciated how the dentists and team cared for and treated each patient. I knew this was the perfect practice for me because I also believe in Continue Reading »

Michael Spektor, DDS, Co-founder - Spektor Dental

Periodontics means “around the tooth,” and Dr. Michael Spektor is all about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Our co-founder taught Periodontics for a quarter of a century at the University of Washington Dental School, all the while maintaining a successful dental practice and helping his wife Wendy Shultz Spektor start and raise a family.

In fact, it was at the University of Washington where he received his Periodontics degree, after picking up his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Illinois School of Dentistry. Here, then, is your opportunity to learn a little bit more about another one of the premiere dentists at Spektor Dental.

Spektor Dental: What compelled you to pursue a career in dentistry? 

Michael Spektor, DDS: I considered dentistry at a time when the basic science research and medical component to oral health was beginning to emerge. The importance of oral health to the total health of the individual, and the ability to help people, own a small business and still be around to help raise a family made dentistry a compelling choice. Besides, my mother wanted a doctor in the family.

Spektor Dental: Which dental school did you attend and what and where did you study as an undergraduate? 

MS: I attended the University of Illinois in Chicago for my undergraduate training as well as for Dental School. I did a dental residency at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago and received my certificate in Periodontics from the University of Washington. My years at the University of Washington utilizing a multi-specialty collaborative approach to patient care, created a lifelong paradigm for delivering optimal patient care that prepared me well for my career.

Spektor Dental: What trends in dentistry are you most excited about, and how long before the promise(s) associated with those trends make it to Spektor Dental?

MS: The biggest trend I see is in the field of Continue Reading »

One of the fun features of our new blog is an occasional “Meet the Team” post that introduces you to the fun and talented folks who work at Spektor Dental. Today, for example, we’re chatting it up with Valerie Herring, who joined us about 2 months ago. Valerie’s got a lot on her plate, what with a fulltime schedule with us and chipping away at a second college degree. Chances are, you’ll see her bright and shiny face when you come in for an appointment.

Meet Valerie:

Valerie Herring, Dental Hygienist at Spektor Dental

Spektor Dental: How long have you been a dental hygienist?

Valerie Herring: I have been a dental hygienist for 15 years. I graduated from hygiene school in 1996, and I worked a dental assistant while I was attending classes.

Spektor Dental: What did you do prior to coming to Spektor Dental?

VH: Before I joined the Spektor team, I was helping out in various dental offices and trying to find my way as a dental hygienist. In 2006, I was offered a one-year contract to help open the first American-style dental practice in the country of Oman (south of Saudi Arabia). It was a great adventure for my family and for me. I am currently living in the Bellevue area and attending school to pursue my second degree, which is in business.

Spektor Dental: What attracted you to come to work at Spektor Dental?

VH: I’d have to say it’s the team environment. Everyone has a role, but more important, everyone is there for one another. That was a large factor in my decision to join the Spektor team. Another great reason are the backgrounds that Dr. Wendy and Michael Spektor have. With their outstanding workmanship and services, those two alone make a successful practice. It’s just another large reason why I wanted to join the practice.

Spektor Dental: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?

VH: I went to Continue Reading »