About Dentistry NW
Where Tacoma families have felt at home for 20+ years
Generations of smiles, one trusted dental home
Dentistry NW has served Tacoma families for 20+ years. Today, many of our earliest patients bring their children and grandchildren to our office.
We believe that kind of trust is earned through honest, consistent care. We explain your options clearly, never recommend treatment you don’t need, and treat you like a person, not a procedure.
Dr. Karl Smith has led Dentistry NW since 2012 and has practiced dentistry for more than 20 years. His approach is simple: provide compassionate care that helps people feel better, live better, and feel confident in their smiles.
Meet Dr. Karl Smith
Experienced, involved, and always learning
Dr. Smith has been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years. He continues to sharpen his skills through the Spear Study Club, one of dentistry’s most respected continuing education programs. That ongoing training helps him bring newer techniques, better planning, and more precise care to his patients.
Dr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in microbiology at the University of New Hampshire, and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Howard University in Washington, DC. After that, he entered the Lutheran Medical Center's advanced education in general dentistry residency program, and underwent postdoctoral clinical training in Boston.
He has been named a SeattleMet Top Dentist, an honor based on nominations from other Puget Sound dentists.
Dr. Smith has also served as President of the Pierce County Dental Society and participated in pro bono programs that provide free dental care to people in need. For him, being a good dentist also means being a good neighbor.
The team behind your care
Great dentistry is a team effort; the people who greet you at the front desk, assist chairside, and clean your teeth are all part of a practice that takes its work seriously. At Dentistry NW, you’ll find a team that’s professional, warm, and genuinely glad you’re here.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, Swedish, and Russian, so if questions feel easier to ask in another language, we’ve got you.
I began working in this office and in the dental field in 2012, after receiving my dental assistant certificate. My primary duties include assisting Dr. Smith chairside in dental restorations and oral surgery, as well as taking all the necessary steps to support Dr. Smith in creating successful implant restorative outcomes. This entails communicating with referring offices and implant manufacturers to obtain the right parts, and ensuring the parts are on-site and ready for patients when they come in for their restorations. Oh, I’m also tasked with making fun of Dr. Smith!
I love bonding with our patients, sharing stories, and swapping ideas and recipes! One of the most gratifying aspects of my job is seeing the happiness on a patient’s face after a complex anterior restorative case. It’s also heartwarming to witness patients with prior negative experiences progress from needing every available sedation to not needing anything at all, because they trust us completely.
Our team shares the same mission when it comes to the care of our patients. We help each other ensure that our patients are comfortable in their chairs and their concerns are addressed.
I was born on the beautiful island of Guam and moved to Tacoma at the age of eight. I’m a mother to a gorgeous little girl who is a black belt in karate and pet parent to a one year old bully puppy named Blitz.
I received my RDA certification from Everest Technical College in 2014 and joined Dentistry NW in 2015. My primary duties include preparing the operatories and ensuring that all the necessary instruments and materials are ready for procedures, bringing patients into the treatment rooms, as well as seating and informing them of their treatment so that they know what to expect. I also provide chairside assistance to Dr. Smith and perform an extensive array of laboratory work, including fabricating in-house retainers, night guards, sports guards, study models and temporary crowns.
My favorite part of the job is getting to know the patients and building relationships with them. I also love that our entire team is highly motivated by the goal of giving our patients the best dental care in a warm and friendly environment.
Outside of work, I love sports, taking walks, listening to music and playing the piano. I have two amazing kids who mean the world to me and we also have a dog. Family time is precious and I love cooking family dinners and going on random weekend getaways with them.
I have been working intermittently at Dentistry NW since 2002. I started working as an office assistant in 2002 and I became a dental assistant in 2005, after attending Bryman College for dental assisting and Tacoma Community College.
My job entails assisting Dr. Smith with restorative work, endodontics, crowns and bridges, oral surgery and lab work. I love connecting with patients and providing them with the best care to help create beautiful, happy and healthy smiles. I also love the teamwork at Dentistry NW; it feels like family here!
I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I am engaged to a wonderful man, William, and we have two boys. In our spare time, we love being outdoors and spending time with our families.
I first began working at Dentistry NW in late 2022, when I was filling in temporarily and helping with front office duties. I officially joined the team in 2024 as office manager.
I began my dental career in 2005, as a front office coordinator in a community health center in Chehalis, WA. Over time, I’ve taken on new roles and responsibilities as a dental assistant, financial manager and office manager.
At Dentistry NW, my primary duty is to ensure that the office runs smoothly and efficiently. I really enjoy working with Dr. Smith and our amazing staff! As a team, we will help our patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile they can be proud of. I take pride in staying knowledgeable about dental treatments and insurance to help our patients with questions regarding their treatment plan, insurance or financial needs. I am also bilingual en español!
I live in Lakewood with my husband Marek, our kids Sofia, Xavier and Santiago, and our 2 cats, Leroy Jenkins and Smokey. We enjoy traveling, boating, and spending time with family and friends watching football and futbol. I am a HUGE Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Sounders fan!
I look forward to getting to know everyone!
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University in May of 2020. I started temping at Dentistry NW in November 2024 and became a full-time hygienist in January 2025.
My job entails working alongside the dentist to provide routine assessments and preventive care such as prophylactic cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays and recording periodontal charts. I help treat periodontal disease by providing periodontal therapies and treatments to help patients manage their disease progression. I also provide lots of patient education so that patients have the information to maintain good oral hygiene.
My favorite part of being a hygienist is getting to make a difference in my patient’s oral health. I love building relationships with my patients and getting to know them more at each appointment and building that personal connection.
I could tell the moment I first worked with Dr. Smith and the team that this office had a special connection to each other and their patients. I feel really honored to get to be a part of this team, as I know we all work really hard to provide our patients the best care possible. We also have a lot of fun with each other, which provides a fun atmosphere to work in.
I love spending my free time with my friends and family. I have two lovely but crazy cats, Fiona and Ralphy, that are very spoiled. I love to read books and go wine tasting. In the summer months, I try to enjoy the outdoors as much as I can by going swimming and hiking.
I graduated from Pierce College with an Associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 2016. I first began working at Dentistry NW in April of 2021 as a temporary hygienist and officially joined the team in mid-2024.
My job entails examining patients for signs of oral areas of inflammation and disease, providing preventive care or treatment of periodontal disease if needed, and educating patients on how to improve their home care and oral health. I do my best to ensure my patients are relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit. I enjoy building relationships with my patients. One of my favorite parts of my job is treating periodontal disease and observing success on consecutive visits.
I love working with Dr. Smith and the team because everyone is very knowledgeable at what they do. I love how we are on the same page when it comes to ensuring patients get the best care when it comes to individual needs. I also love how we are laughing all day long. Dr. Smith is very funny!
My husband and I have two little girls and we enjoy all things family. We like taking walks, having movie nights, going on trips, exploring or just having quiet evenings at home. Our favorite vacations are traveling to tropical sunny beaches! Both my husband and I come from large families, so we are never bored!
How we think about dentistry
Care that fits you
Your dental care should match your needs, your goals, and your comfort level. Dr. Smith takes time to understand your history, concerns, and priorities before recommending a plan.
Teamwork when it helps
Some cases need support from a specialist. When they do, Dr. Smith works closely with trusted oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, and orthodontists in Tacoma. He helps coordinate your care, so you are not left managing the details alone.
Honest answers, no pressure
We do not recommend treatment you do not need. We explain what we see, show you your x-rays, walk you through your options, and let you decide what feels right.
Credentials & affiliations
260+ reasons
patients stay with us
"The entire experience was top notch and redefined what going to the dentist should feel like. I felt welcome, cared for, and much less nervous about my next visit."
"Dentistry NW is hands-down the best dental care I've had. They are professional, friendly, and make me feel like family. I appreciate how collaborative they are with my care."
"Very kind and compassionate. They emphasize pain and anxiety management, take their time, and explain the plan, cost, and potential complications thoroughly. Not just a good dental office — good people."
Questions before your first appointment?
Get answers
How long has Dentistry NW been in Tacoma?
Dentistry NW has been serving Tacoma, Fircrest, and University Place since 2002, for over 20 years. Dr. Smith has led the practice since 2012.
Is Dentistry NW accepting new patients?
Yes. We’re currently welcoming new patients from Tacoma and surrounding communities. Call (253) 460-1800 or book online, and we’ll reach back out the same day with scheduling options.
What languages does your team speak?
Our team speaks English, Spanish, Swedish, and Russian. We want every patient to feel comfortable asking questions, in whatever language that happens in.
What is the Spear Study Club?
The Spear Study Club is a continuing education program for dentists, widely regarded as one of the most rigorous in the field. Dr. Smith participates in ongoing Spear education to stay current on advanced techniques and apply them to his patients’ care.
Does Dr. Smith work with specialists?
Yes. For complex cases requiring an oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist, or orthodontist, Dr. Smith coordinates directly with Tacoma-area specialists he’s worked with for years. You’re not handed off; your care stays coordinated from Dr. Smith’s office.
Keep smiling with us
Book your visit today — our team is ready to welcome you.
Our Tacoma
Dental Office
Looking for a trusted Tacoma dentist who's been part of the community for decades? Our office sits on South Mildred Street in West Tacoma, easily reached from University Place, Fircrest, and the North End. We're open early and stay here late, so appointments fit around work, school, and everything else a week throws at you.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
