Our Dentists in University Place
Our experienced dentists at Light Dental Studios of University Place is here to provide you with exceptional dental care and personalized treatment options.
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Our amazing dentists at Light Dental Studios of University Place are committed to offering the best personalized dental care to our patients of all ages. We are proud to be the best dentists in our communities by providing unparalleled patient care and state-of-the-art dental technologies in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Dr. Judy Yuan
General Dentistry
Dr. Judy grew up in the state of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor's of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, and is proud to have attended the #1 Dental School in America, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to serving the community, having participated in many free dental care days, and spent a third of her last year in Michigan caring for patients at community dental clinics throughout the state. In addition, she traveled multiple years with the American Dental Association to Washington D.C. to advocate for patients' access to oral care at a state and national level.
For her record of excellence in patient-centered care, Dr. Judy received multiple "Make a Difference" awards for her ability to create trust and friendship with her patients. In addition, she is the recipient of one of five 2016 Michigan Periodontal Alumni Association Awards.
Dr. Judy is bilingual, speaking both Mandarin and her hometown Sichuan regional dialect fluently. Outside of work, she runs a college admissions consulting business and enjoys photography, mountain biking, and hiking with her fiancé Evan and rescue mutts, Pepper and Morton.
Dr. Thomas
General Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Thomas Manaois was raised in the Tacoma area and has seen it flourish over his lifetime. He attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He aslo has a passion for cosmetic dentistry and has been trained by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to treat patient concerns with Botox and Fillers.
His parents met in dental school in the Philippines, so caring about a person's smile has always been in his blood. His goal in this field is to make sure that people feel comfortable and welcomed by providing high-quality dentistry.In his free time, he is hanging out with his Samoyed, Lulu, and hopes to one day open a large rescue for dogs. Music is a strong passion as he loves to sing and dance. He is also an avid foodie with a guilty sweet tooth.
First student chosen for a new competitive off-site rotation focused on intensively treating underserved pediatric patients
Recipient of the 2019-2020 Annual Service Learning Rotation Student Award
Dr. Manaois is an active member of
American Dental Association
American Academy of Facial Esthetics
Dr. Peter Smolke
General Dentistry
Dr. Peter Smolke graduated from the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Utah and earned his undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Roseman, Dr. Smolke received the Distinguished Clinical Excellence and Distinguished Lifelong Colleague awards and was selected for a public health clinical externship at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services.
Prior to joining Light Dental Studios, Dr. Smolke worked with organizations serving the at-need populations of Alameda County, where he learned the value of a holistic approach to health care and meeting the needs of others. He has also served on dental service trips to Bolivia and Mexico, which sparked his passion to provide the same benefit to those in his community.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Smolke was drawn to Washington by the mountains along with the diverse scenery and urban landscapes of the Puget Sound. He and his fiancée, Jessica, are big foodies and enjoy exploring their local neighborhood offerings while also nerding out over roasting coffee, brewing beer, and cultivating their ever-growing green thumbs in the garden.
Dr. Smolke enjoys connecting with his patients and empowering them through education. He is an active listener who prioritizes understanding what is of utmost importance to patients while discussing the best treatment options and lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy smile. Committed to lifelong learning, he continuously expands his knowledge base and skillset to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care with a gentle touch.
Dr. Smolke is an active member of
American Dental Association
Washington State Dental Association
Dr. Michael Baldwin
General Dentistry
Dr. Baldwin received his clinical training at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He continues to study at the UW, working on an advanced PhD degree in Oral Biology, with the goal of improving his knowledge about preventing and treating dental disease. Dr. Baldwin strives to provide his patients with comfortable and quality dental care. He is compassionate, honest, and takes the time to listen to his patients, making sure he understands their needs and desires.
Michael grew up in University Place and graduated from Curtis Senior High School. After high school, he served a two year mission for his church in Chile. Upon returning home from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors, earning a BS degree in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and a minor in Spanish.
After graduating from BYU, Dr. Baldwin was admitted into the highly competitive dual DDS/PhD program at the UW. In conjunction with his clinical training, Dr. Baldwin has taken additional coursework investigating the biological processes of dental disease and has conducted extensive research, receiving national and international recognition for his work. For his academic excellence, Dr. Baldwin has received the Psi Omega Scholarship, Dr. Tony Michael Ponti Memorial Scholarship, Academic Careers in Oral Health Fellowship, ARCS Foundation Fellowship, and International Association for Dental Research Craniofacial Biology Award.
Dr. Baldwin enjoys serving in the community and helping those in need, and has done this in several ways. At the early age of 13, he organized the building of a playground in the Curran Apple Orchard in University Place, saving the city thousands of dollars. For his efforts, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. During his clinical training at the UW, Dr. Baldwin served as a representative of the American Dental Education Association and provided free dental care to children through the organizations Give Kids a Smile and Husky Smiles. As a dentist, Dr. Baldwin provides free dental care in the community through Seattle's Union Gospel Mission and South Sound Free Dental Day. He also helps teach anatomy to first year dental students at the UW.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Baldwin enjoys sports, the outdoors, serving in his church, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Baldwin is excited to be a part of the Light Dental Studios team, and looks forward to developing a relationship with his patients and giving them the highest quality of care with a light, gentle touch.
Dr. Baldwin is an active member of
American Dental Association
Washington State Dental Association
American Dental Education Association
American Association for Dental Research
International Association for Dental Research
American Association for the Advancement of Science
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Light Dental Studios is a comprehensive dental care provider that has been serving the Puget Sound area since 1971.
We have 30 convenient locations throughout the Puget Sound area to serve you better.
Light Dental Studios offers a range of services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, in-house denture lab, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.
Yes, we offer specialized care for our younger patients to ensure they have a smile worth showing off at every age.
We offer a range of cosmetic treatments including cosmetic bonding, Invisalign®, dental BOTOX®, teeth whitening, veneers, and more to help your smile shine brighter than a polished molar!
Appointments & Operations
You can schedule an appointment by calling our Bellevue office or by visiting our appointment page on our website.
Our Bellevue dentist office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Thursdays from 7 AM to 4 PM
Orthodontists
Orthodontics specializes in correcting misaligned teeth and bites. If you have concerns about your smile or bite, an orthodontic consultation can help.
We offer a variety of options, including traditional braces and clear aligners, to straighten your teeth effectively.
Periodontists
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. They can help with issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.
If you experience symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, it's advisable to schedule a consultation with a periodontist.
Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children and adolescents. Early dental care helps establish good oral hygiene habits for life.
It's recommended to schedule your child's first dental visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
These specialists handle a wide range of surgical procedures, including tooth extractions, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgeries.
Yes, we offer various sedation options to ensure your comfort during oral and maxillofacial surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the best choice for your procedure.
Disclaimer: These FAQs should help provide valuable information about the different dental specialists available at Light Dental Studios, addressing common questions and concerns that patients may have. Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with our doctors for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions. For any questions or concerns, please call our office.