Difference makers. Young dental professionals excited about serving the community

Marie Smith and Miranda Stippich are enthusiastic about helping people in the community.

You can see it in their smiles.

“Fixing smiles can change lives,” said Smith, an associate dentist at Kootenai Family Dental in Coeur d’Alene. “I’ve seen what a difference it can make in people. It’s why I wanted to pursue a career in this field. It’s why I have such a passion for helping people.”

The duo recently joined the growing Kootenai Family Dental practice, which serves all of North Idaho.

“When we hire people, they have to be motivated by the desire to make a difference in the community,” said Nick LaRose, office manager for Kootenai Family Dental. “It’s really important for people to have the right values.”

They are a great fit for that team.

Stippich, 23, grew up in Bonners Ferry and graduated from Idaho State University. She pursued a career in dentistry, sparked by personal experience in the dentist’s chair — a great one.

“I had awful teeth growing up and I wasn’t confident,” she said. “It really bothered me, but after extensive dental work there was an amazing transformation of my whole life. I want to help our patients find the confidence to smile and change lives.”

Stippich is pleased to return to North Idaho. She enjoys all things outdoors, including hiking and camping.

“This is a special place,” she said. “I am thrilled to be starting my career in Coeur d’Alene.”

Smith’s path to becoming a dentist started within her own family. She grew up in Bellingham, Wash., and attended school in California.

“My uncle was a dentist and I was around his office quite a bit,” said the 28-year-old. “I saw what he was doing and it inspired me. I knew in high school that I wanted to be in health care, and it evolved into dentistry. I also knew I wanted to do something working with my hands.”

They are millennials, but they reject the negative stereotypes associated with the generation.

“We want to work hard and make a difference,” said Stippich. “I want my work to matter.”

Smith said, “Being compassionate and caring is what everyone should be every day. I know I want to bring that to this practice.”

The duo have worked in free dental clinics as part of their education and training, helping low-income patients receive much-needed dental care.

“It was very satisfying to help people who may not have seen a dentist in a long time,” said Smith. “We were able to improve their lives. That was a gift to me.”

Smith and Stippich are committed to making the dental experience better for patients with care and understanding.

“It’s being able to read their face and see what is bothering them,” said Stippich. “We’re trying to make this the best possible experience.”

Added Smith: “I think it’s taking that extra time to listen to what the patient is saying and then take the time to answer their questions. I want to make the patient feel positive about their experience.”

Smith, who played college soccer, attended Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. She’s looking forward to getting to know the region better.

“I am thrilled to be here,” she said. “I love the outdoors and I’m excited about returning to the Pacific Northwest. My great adventure awaits.”

For more information, http://www.kootenaifamilydental.com/ or call (208) 398-3853.

--Written By Marc Stewart, Director of Sponsored Content.

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