About Us
Mission Statement
At Lifetime Dental Care it is our mission to provide a lifetime of dental excellence using state-of-the-art technology in a relaxed and caring environment.
It is our goal to guide our patients along a path of optimal health and wellness by delivering the highest possible level of care with empathy and understanding.
We recognize that every patient has unique wants and needs, and it is our highest priority to provide individualized care for every patient.
By providing a team of professional, honest and compassionate employees, we aim to improve patient health, appearance, self-confidence and overall quality of life.
Our Team
Nancy SmithNancy, originally from the Tacoma area, has worked for 26 years in dentistry. As our first hired dental assistant in 2001, Nancy has been a treasured member of our dental team. |
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Michelle GarzaMichelle graduated from White Swan High School in 1996. She received her Dental Assisting Certification after completing her internship at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. She has been an extremily hardworking and dependable assistant with Lifetime since 2002. |
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Cheryl RudisCheryl was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. She started her dental hygiene career in 1989 in Silverdale, Washington and then moved back to our area where she has worked at several local dental offices. We welcomed her to our office in 2002. Our patient’s dedication to Cheryl makes her one of our most valued assets. |
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Christie KorenkoChriste is a native of the Tri-Cities and loves it here! She comes from a family of four siblings with fifteen nieces and nephews and greatly values family time. She attended Columbia Basin College and graduated top of her class in Dental Hygiene. She is working on finishing her Bachelor of Science degree through OIT. Christe started working for Lifetime in 2008 and could not be happier. |
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| Christe and her husband Rob are expecting their first child in May of 2010. They enjoy spending their time working out, playing with their dog Daisy, traveling, hiking, fishing, skiing and spending quality time with their family. | |
Karen BennettKaren, our office manager, is one of the cheerful ladies who greet you from the front office. She has worked in the dental field for over 35 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to our office. We have greatly appreciated her helping to build the practice since the doors opened in June 2001. |
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Brande MorganBrande has worked in the dental field for the last 13 years. After working as manager at a large corporate practice for 8 years she left and joined Lifetime's amazing front office team. She has enjoyed working as a Patient Services Representative in a more patient oriented practice. |
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Julie BorakWhile still a student at Selah High School, Julie found her passion for dentistry by attending a Dental Assisting course through Yakima Valley Community College. She continued her education by graduating from the YVCC Dental Hygiene School in 1999. We proudly welcomed Julie to our dental team in 2008. Julie, her husband Todd and their two young sons enjoy many outdoor activities. These include camping and taking in local sports, including high school athletics, Dust Devils baseball, and Americans hockey. |
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Alethea GallegosAlethea, a dental hygienist, has been a part of the Lifetime team since Oct 2009. She was raised in the Tri-City area and graduated from Kennewick High School. She attended Eastern Washington University and decided to further her education and passion for dentistry by graduating from the Dental Hygiene Program at CBC in 2004. Alethea, her husband and children enjoy their summers boating and camping. Other past time enjoyment include backyard BBQ, spending time with family and friends, wine tasting, and beach vacations. |
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Paula DurhamWe are thrilled to add Paula to our dental team. Not only is she a skilled and experienced dental assistant, but she also has a great sense of calm about her that makes everyone feel relaxed in her presence. Paula spent her childhood in the state of Minnesota. She moved to Kennewick in 1982 in search of work and a new adventure. |
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| Paula and her husband Dean (a 4th generation Kennewick native) have one son, Paul, whom will graduate from WSU Tri-Cities in the Winter 2010. (Go Cougs!) They enjoy motorcycle trips, travel, movies and spending time with family and friends. | |
Melinda MartinezMelinda grew up in both Texas and Pasco, where she graduated in 1998 from Pasco High School. She has two children, her son Jorge and daughter Anyssa. She is also very fortunate to have the support of her terrific husband, Jorge. She enjoys being a part of the Lifetime front office team, where her decade long dental experience has been greatly appreciated!
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Jenny SkeltonJenny is another one of the smiling ladies that will greet you here at Lifetime. As a Patient Services Representative she is kept busy answering phones and assisting patients, as well as other staff members throughout the day. She is a proud wife and mother to three beautiful children. |
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Other wonderful additions to the Lifetime Staff include: Breanna Moore (Dental Assistant), Cody Crow (Assistant)