The Staff At North Seattle Dental
It takes a team. And our dental staff of superheroes makes a big difference in the care we offer our patients every day! Their care is a reflection of their enthusiasm and commitment to the well being of our patients. And they’re a big reason why our patients keep coming back to North Seattle Dental and referring their friends and family to us.
Dental Hygienists
Barb
Dental Hygienist
About Barb
Barb is a dental hygienist extraordinaire who truly loves her work and her patients. Once this Massachusetts native graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene she came to North Seattle Dental and never looked back. Thirty five years later she’s still delivering the same great oral health care to her patients! During her time at North Seattle Dental, Barb has seen plenty and would have many funny stories to share. But she won’t tell you any, so your secret is always safe with Barb! When she’s not caring for her patients, Barb enjoys Zumba, taking walks and cherishes time with her family and friends. Need to bust out a dance move? Barb might be able to help! She was once a certified aerobics instructor. Learn more about Barb!
Patty
About Patty
This one-time Las Vegas dancer left the bright lights of showbiz for dentistry. And our patients and staff can’t thank her enough! Patty is another one of our all-star dental hygienists who helps keep our patients smiling. Learn more about Patty!
Dental Assistants
Emily
Dr. Pickel’s Dental Assistant
About Emily
This Edmonds native lives by the mantra that it’s always easier to be kind and that being happy is better than being right. When it comes to being a dental assistant, she brings a go-getter attitude and believes that “life is 10% of what happens to you, 90% of how you respond.” Her favorite book is “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith, which might explain her tenacity and her ability to try and make the best out of any difficult situation.
When she’s not helping her dental patients at North Seattle Dental, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and playing in the outdoors. And where does she like to vacation? Emily says it’s any place with a beach…sounds like she knows what winter is like in Seattle! If you happen to have something to say, you might be in luck. Her super power is listening, something like an acute “spidey sense” to eavesdropping! Learn more about Emily!
Maria
About Maria
What makes for a good dental assistant? Someone who is genuinely kind, as well as a charismatic people person, a good listener, hard working and offers plenty of compassion. That’s why Maria is great. She provides our patients with all of these qualities, along with exceptional dental expertise and a sense of humor to boot.
Office
Jessica
About Jessica
Helping the North Seattle Dental practice moving smoothly and keeping patients happy is what Jessica does best. She’s been working in the wonderful world of dentistry for over 20 years now. While Jessica loves working in the dental field, she wasn’t always a fan of “visiting the dentist”. In fact, she had dental fears! She grew up with the idea that you only see the dentist when it hurts, and this created a dental anxiety for her. So, how’d she get around it? She started working as a dental assistant, with the goal of making her dental appointments less scary. When she’s not at work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading, taking photos, and hanging out with her 5 cats! A San Diego original, who moved to the sunny Northwest when she was 10, Jessica's mantra is “keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground” (Theodore Roosevelt). Jessica is an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) – nationally and also with the NW chapter. And in September 2024 she earned her AADOM Fellowship (FAADOM) – A level of distinction that is quite a detailed process, requiring a lot of time and commitment.
Tasaya
Insurance Coordinator
About Tasaya
Being an insurance coordinator isn’t for the faint of heart. That’s why our patients can rely on Tasaya to help them navigate the complex world of dental insurance. She’s got your back. Tasaya considers dental care the underdog of the medical health world, and was drawn to it early on. How early? She completed a Dental Arts program during her senior year of high school. That’s dedication! Now, a seasoned pro, she’s making a difference for our patients every day by being their advocate and liaison with insurance companies, ensuring patients receive the full benefits they’re entitled to, while reducing the financial confusion and stress..
Rin
Scheduling Coordinator
About Rin
A native Spokanite, Rin’s mantra is “I can do hard things”. And she certainly is able to multi-task effortlessly! She spins a lot of plates around here, without a drop, and keeps everything moving along like clockwork.