“At Uptown Dental, we’re not just teeth!” smiles Dr. Rhonda Savage. “Families experience and enjoy the knowledge and friendliness of our team.”
Dr. Savage gives her patients more than one reason to smile. Owner of Uptown Dental & Wellness Center in Gig Harbor since 2003, she brings her 30 years’ experience in the dentistry field, providing her patients the best in cosmetic and general dentistry.
While working as a young dental assistant and front desk team member in Southeast Alaska, where she had grown up, Rhonda fell in love with helping patients and providing clinical dentistry. She had thought about pursuing a path as a dental hygienist, “but at that time, all hygienists could do was clean teeth, and I felt I’d be bored,” she recalls. “Becoming a dentist is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!”
A general dental practice, Uptown Dental focuses on sleep apnea and neuro-muscular dentistry. They help patients who are experiencing migraines, TMJ issues and headaches to be pain free and off medications. Patients will enjoy same-day crowns, sedation, cosmetic dentistry and specialty care. Implants, gum grafting and wisdom teeth removal are provided in a sterile environment and using state-of-the-art equipment.
“Our practice is unique,” says Dr. Savage. “Our focus is on neuro-muscular dentistry because your head, shoulders and neck are interconnected. We help patients eliminate or reduce pain and symptoms related to headache, migraine and TMJ. We address issues related to your bite, sinus, muscles, nerves and TMJ joint. Our team also helps patients sleep better through management of snoring and/or sleep apnea.”
The technology implemented at Uptown Dental provides effective and sound diagnostics, with the use of CT imaging, joint audiology, muscle mapping and more.
Dr. Savage is joined by their wonderful specialist, Dr. Lena Arvidson. Dr. Arvidson is a 1995 graduate of Marquette University of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and holds a Master of Science degree from Wilford Hall Medical Center, specializing in periodontics. She currently provides periodontal treatment as an independent contractor for general dentistry practices—including Uptown Dental. Dr. Arvidson recently completed 24 years of active duty in the Air Force and a total of 30 years in the military.
Continuing education is another important aspect to Dr. Savage and her team. “We’re continuously learning and updating technology so we can provide the best care possible for our patients,” says Dr. Savage. “Most importantly, what drives my passion and feeds my soul is the relationships that we develop with our patients. I love helping patients feel great about the appearance of their teeth and to be a healthier person.”
Dr. Savage has served as the president of the Pierce County Dental Society as well as president of the Washington State Dental Association. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and she and her Uptown Dental team have volunteered at the zoo, providing dental care to the animals including polar bears, snow leopards, monkeys and the nearly extinct red wolves.
They’ve contributed donations and dental care to U.S. veterans, “a cause I’m passionate about because I served in the U.S. Navy, attached to the Marine Corp, during the time of Desert Shield/Desert Storm,” states Dr. Savage. It is important to Dr. Savage and her team to also support the community by participating in the Maritime Parade, the Scarecrow Festival and Relay for Life, among others. They’ve provided free dental care for children in grade school who do not have the resources to take care of cavities or pain.
Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you suffer from headaches or TMJ? Does your sleep need improvement? If so, Dr. Savage and her Uptown Dental team are ready to help! Schedule an appointment today at 253.857.0835.
Uptown Dental & Wellness Center 3519 56th Street, Suite 260 Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.857.0835 UptownDentalGigHarbor.com