Our clinic was originally founded by Dr. “Dave” Atherton in 1988. Dr. Dave grew up in the Seattle area and earned a degree in zoophysiology at WSU. After his graduate studies in respiratory physiology, he attended Dental School at the University of Washington winning a U.S. Public Health Service scholarship, culminating in 4 years of service at the Menominee Tribal Clinic in Wisconsin. His focus at the tribal clinic was on the dental care and education for the children in the Tribe’s Head Start Program. It was a fantastic experience which launched his decision to specialize in pediatric dentistry. He was selected for and completed a 2-year advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association, at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in association with Marquette University Dental School. The program provided hospital-based training in the dental care of infants, children, adolescents including special needs patients that are behaviorally or, medically challenged. This is where Dr. Dave developed his philosophy and skills to treat the whole child and not just the teeth!
After a full career of private practice, teaching and research at the UW and serving as an “attending” dentist for Children’s Hospital Residency Program, he has retired to spend more time with his family. Dr. Dave has passed the baton to his trusted colleagues, Dr. Steve Sadler, and associate, Dr. Kozue Kawakubo, to continue the legacy of serving the community.
Dr. Atherton is a lifetime Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He has been recognized as a top dentist in several publications but, tributes his clinic’s success to his caring and talented staff and a community of wonderful families! He has traded in his dental “handpiece” for woodworking tools, a bike, a camera and a world map!
