Tacoma stepped up in a big way in support of @howdybagel after the tragic loss of Jacob on January 5. Local artist @michaelaeaves designed these cool custom holographic stickers to help raise funds. We bought twenty of them to gift to patients who would like one and they are available starting tomorrow until gone. #tacomaproud PS. We also have a few boxes of Girl Scout cookies to give away if stickers aren’t your style.

It’s Girl Scout cookie season! We have been ordering cookies from these two sisters for many years. We all pick our favorite cookie to bring home and this year we got extra to share with patients. No surprise that they went fast! Spoiler alert: We will be getting more from another young Girl Scout to share next Tuesday.

Shout out to these two #rockstars who make every day, a good day. #dentalassistant #recognition #appreciation day

Celebrated 33 years of annual girls weekends since graduating from the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental Hygiene program in 1991. These types of friendships are rare and treasured. We usually stay closer to our PNW roots but this year ventured South and were lucky to find sun in the winter. It doesn’t really matter where we go because all of our time is spent catching up, laughing and visiting over coffee and good food. Grateful to also visit with some of my favorite dental peeps @drrickdds @koiscenter and @drdavidgordon @pankeygram and squeezed in some reading @dietschididier Worn Dentition.

Flashback to October’s Studio Tours @springtidepress with @yoshi.nakagawa36 @alliasanartist and Eva. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do sharing fun events from the past few months. It’s a good problem to have when you’re having so much fun living life.

What’s the next best thing to having Roan on our team? Having his mom, Susie, spending time with us as well. Roan is hoping to be accepted into dental school in the near future. Recently retired from Boeing, Susie decided she wants to observe and learn some of the ins and outs of dentistry so she can help Roan one day in his own practice. Absolutely loving the calm energy she brings to the studio.

A little behind on our posts, but couldn’t resist sharing last year’s Halloween highlights with some of the best. For many years on Halloween, we dress up and visit our specialists offices to deliver goodies. Love that this team is always game for some fun. This time around, Kayla and Dr. Jamie added an extra stop to Owen Beach. #betterlatethannever #napoleandynamite #coldplunge

Monday Funday: a much needed day for planning and organizing. Always grateful for my team of amazing human beings. #changeiscoming

It’s been such a pleasure having @michaelaeaves fantastical drawings on our walls. As Michaela’s show came to an end, she graciously made room for new art to fill the space. Special thanks to Jessica Spring @springtidepress who helped to organize and install ‘State of Mind’ highlighting the iconic work of Tacoma’s beloved Chandler O’Leary @drawntheroad and original pieces from one of Chandler’s students @alliasanartist.

Howdy Bagel has been a massive space for the Tacoma community to share kindness, love and joy. Our support goes out to Daniel and the Howdy Bagel crew. Thank you Jake for adding a caring warmth to Tacoma. We, as a community, will remain forever closer because of you. So proud to be part of this community that has stepped up in a big way to support @howdybagel by donating to the go fund me. Other creative ways to support are to write a hand decorated letter @shoplauda to encourage and support to the crew at Howdy, buying @corinabakery Howdy Bagel cookies and @michaelaeaves holographic bagel stickers. We will have the cookies for our patients on Monday and Tuesday and have ordered bagel stickers as well.

Muah! 💋 we love you Sue. #myofunctionaltherapy #whatsnext #retirement

So lucky to be on a continuous learning path and doing what I love for 24 years, and counting. Fantastic photography experience by @kre8photography @drgordonchee @dmdsunny.

When your communities collide @bellarmine_prep ‘86 @rotaryclubtacoma8 @samihighschool. Best way to spend a Saturday afternoon breaking bags @emergencyfoodnetwork.

Honored to know so many talented local artists. Received this special gift today from photographer, Duncan Price. Taking in his beautiful photography featured throughout the @tacomaartmuseum Rene Lalique collection book. You’ll find it, ready to view, on our bookshelf in the lounge. http://duncanpricephotography.com Side note: Festive bow inspired another Tacoma artist, Eleanor @embellish_multispace_salon.

It’s always a good day when Greg @burkhartdentalsocal stops by. The suction wasn’t working this morning. Greg diagnosed the issue within minutes of arriving, drove to @acehardware on Sprague and Macgyver’ed a temporary stop valve solution until the part arrives. So grateful for his skill, knowledge and friendship over the years.

It’s that time of year! Dr. Jim is delivering @balloonroofbakingco and @kerrygoldusa butter to our colleagues and specialists today. Cheers!

Loving the beautiful Fall weather. The sunny weekend reminded me to post our teams’ favorite summer memories. #betterlatethannever Jamie: Being in the Puget Sound Miriam: Centralia Campout Bri: Italian adventure Kayla: Adopted by Dewey, her BFF Dawn: ‘Most epic summer ever’ Roan: England adventure Sue: Kayaking in Sun River Brenda: Cruisin’ with her besties

Overwhelmed with gratitude today. #happythanksgivng

Seriously love the people we get to partner with. Repost: @jilly_adultwoman My dentist’s office is cooler than your dentist’s office. Take care of your teeth everyone! @brooksdentalstudio #toothcare #teeth #dentist #fillings #brushandfloss

Grateful for my team who are willing to be silly every day with me. #birthdayshenanigans

Indebted and humbled to live in a country where we enjoy so many freedoms because of the sacrifice and heroism of the few who chose to serve. Photo credit @goforbrokespiritbook Pictured: George Morihiro 442nd Regiment Relation: Dr. Jamie’s Great Uncle

In case you’re wondering whose in charge around here?

This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play. ~Alan Watts Highlights from Thursday’s offsite team meeting. Began with great conversations around patient care and communication @manifesto_coffee. Then we did a drawing exercises that I learned from @maryosbornerdh study club colleague @katnfrenz when she presented about ‘The Heart of Unlearning.’ The basis of that presentation was the learning cycle, the benefits of creating new neural pathways and making room to unlearn and learn so we can grow. Wrapped up with breakfast @mcmenaminselkstemple. Grateful for this team who makes every day a great one.

Nothing quite like the joy of raising a son. Cheers to #nationalsonsday.

Happy #nationaldaughtersday.

What a week. Wrapped up our work week with Dr. Jim and a visit from @pankeygram friends @lisaduckles @alyssaneelley who relocated to Washington from Massachusetts recently. They came to Tacoma to see @michaelaeaves art show. So happy to have them in the area!

Highlights from @michaelaeaves Thursday art opening.

Happy Friday! Hope your weekend includes some of your favorite things? One of our all time faves is @pickquickdrivein. Fun fact: Brenda worked at Pick Quick throughout high school and may or may not have had whip cream fights with friends while making banana splits.

Party has begun! Here until 8 @michaelaeaves art opening.

Tonight’s the night’ Side Characters by @michaelaeaves 6-8 pm. Join us for live music, artist talk, and refreshments @balloonroofbakingco sourdough bread, @madhatteaco hot and iced tea, @bonafidepotents soda mixers.

You may have seen @michaelaeaves ‘Side Characters’ art opening postcards popping up at some of our favorite local businesses. Join us tomorrow evening, Thursday, September 21, from 6-8 pm for art, light refreshments and music. Recognize some of these places?

Countdown to @michaelaeaves art opening, Side Characters. Shown here with her best companion. Join us this Thursday, September 21, 6-8 pm. Open to the public. Did you know pandas were the first animals with their own space program? Can you trust the girl riding the bear? Should you buy the pumpkin from the crow? Meet a host of new friends and find a hidden doorway in Side Characters, art now showing at Brooks Dental Studio. Artist Michaela Eaves presents light-hearted works in pencil, watercolor, and a secret medium. There's more to tell, but hey, that hedgehog eating your sandwich!

Bri is back from her trip exploring Italy with Spencer. Be sure to ask her about it (and other news) when you see her at the studio. ❤️ #wheninrome

So lucky to work a block from the Broadway @tacomafarmersmarket. Enjoying the beautiful weather while it’s here.

C O M M U N I T Y is what makes Tacoma special. So many wonderful small and large communities within our beautiful little city. No secret that one of my favorites is the @expandyoga community. Wishing @sydneyjhorne the best on her next adventure.

We live in paradise. Sunrise at Owen Beach.

Anyone else excited for the first day back @tacomaschools. You may have seen Eva and Alli around the studio this summer, helping with all sorts of tasks like folding laundry, watering the planters and keeping the space tidy. So thankful for @samihighschool located on the grounds @ptdefiancezoo. They get to walk through the park trails to get to and from class, eat lunch @ptdefiancezoo or the Boathouse and learn from the best teachers. I have a feeling that we will miss them more than they miss us. Happy first day to all the #tacoma kids out there!

Who doesn’t like a sweet love ❤️ story? Bruno describes how he met @michaelaeaves through her art. Excited for @michaelaeaves art opening, Thursday, September 21 from 6-8 pm. Check out her beautifully detailed pencil art drawings in person, enjoy @madhatteaco and treats.

Kids and I participated in our first @oscarsenemies litter pick up. What an amazing organization. Follow them to see the great work they do in our community and to sign up for their pick up events. Shout out to @productofthenorth who donated two backpacks and a hip back for the raffle and to Jessica, who organized todays pick up and shared dahlias from @bamtaylor22 garden. Thank you to Michael and Gretchen @dugganhomes who always keep me current with local events.

Happy Labor Day from the Brooks pack. Every day is a holiday for these guys. #adogslife PS. Wish I could say they are always this well behaved but it helps having high value treats. Check out @barky.bakey created by Veterinarian and Tacoma Native, Paul Ramos.

Where are your favorite places to take friends who are visiting Tacoma? Met this dear friend, @drdavidgordon, at my first dental continuing education course @pankeygram in 1999, six months after graduating from dental school. The learning put both of us on a path towards patient care that focuses on building relationships with our patients and helping them achieve their health goals. Twenty four years later, we have stayed in touch through attending and mentoring at the same place we met. Very thankful for the encouragement and support from @pankeygram community all these years. Can you guess where we ended up at in the first photo?

Perfect morning to fill the #dugganbrooksandbooks LFL @tacomacommunityhouse. The rainy overcast day calls for curling up with a book. It’s awesome to see how quickly the books are being taken. Thank you @chaysbcblue for sharing! Stay tuned for news on our next LFL project. Aiming for early 2024.

If Miriam is in the house, you might hear fiddle music playing in the background. Every year during the 2nd week of August, she heads to the @centraliacampout for 10 days with her husband, Brent, and friends. This year, Eva and I, made a day trip to experience it first hand. Now we understand why Miriam keeps going back. #highlyrecommended #madskills #fiddle

Posting a little late but If you’ve been in our studio, you know that everyday is #nationaldogday. Painting by @mindybarkerdesigns (of course).

We were so lucky to meet this superstar @erica.julian this summer while she shadowed in our studio. A Tacoma native, Erica is a senior @santaclarauniversity where she is double majoring in biology and music and running cross country. She will be applying for dental school in 2024 (for the 2025 school year). We were so impressed by her discipline studying for the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) when she took 8 practice tests leading up the test date. At 4 hours each, that’s no joke! In her spare time, you’ll find her playing/practicing the violin or running. We hope to see more of Erica during the holidays and in her gap year. Until then, cheers Erica! We miss you already.

During a recent study club meeting, one of Dr. Jamie’s colleagues @karaoke_jon taught the group how to make sauerkraut. The inspiration started with the ‘Brain Rules’ book that we are reading which talks about stimulating different parts of the brain and repeating over time to create more long lasting and durable memories. He also compared the process of fermentation to relationships: *what we get out of it, is more than the sum of what we put in *we (ingredients) are transformed over time *it is messy but delicious Thank you to our fearless leader @maryosbornerdh for your commitment to our learning.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Paid a visit to @tacomacommunityhouse @peacelutheranchurch and a sweet little library we saw along the way. Gretchen @dugganhomes and I also starting brainstorming the next #dugganbrooksandbooks LFL. Stay tuned.

What a great way to wrap up the week. Roan spent a good part of today training with Dr. Jim learning to mount models on a jaw simulator and make appliances. Since the lab is very small, Dr. Jamie found a sunny spot in the front window to do a diagnostic wax up.

The view on our walk into the studio never gets old. #sunrise

In this mojo dojo casa house, "It is the best day ever. So was yesterday, and so is tomorrow, and every day from now until forever." Barbie You may recognize this gal when you’re in the studio. So good to have Kayla back with our team. Have the best day ever.

Side Characters by @michaelaeaves Did you know pandas were the first animals with their own space program? Can you trust the girl riding the bear? Should you buy the pumpkin from the crow? Meet a host of new friends and find a hidden doorway in Side Characters, art now showing at Brooks Dental Studio. Artist Michaela Eaves presents light-hearted works in pencil, watercolor, and a secret medium. There's more to tell, but hey, that hedgehog eating your sandwich! Save the date: Thursday, September 21, 6-8 pm

Race you to Hilltop! Loving all the activity downtown. So fun to see the Light Rail coming to fruition and spotting Dr. Jamie and good friend, Eleanor @embellish_multispace_salon, in a @soundtransit announcement.

Miriam shows us how it’s done. Collecting records for a new appliance for Dr. Jamie.

“I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.” Stephenie Meyer, Twilight Perseid Meteor Shower 2023 (5:15 am and 12:15 am)

Artist turnover day. Jessica @springtidepress is a whiz at installing and taking down @tacomawayzgoose in our space. It’s always sad to the big prints go but fun to watch the new art fill the space. Pencil artist @michaelaeaves adorned the walls with her beautifully detailed work and will show through January. Swing by for a closer look. Watch closely to see Michaela break to floss. Stay tuned for artist opening date this Fall.

I am Vivacious Bok Choy. Please look after me. This sweet little cruciferous @jellycat was gifted to me when I was at a recent hands on composite class . It traveled from LA to SEA and now sits on my desk and makes me smile every day. Thank you @lunaalabelle ❤️.

Happy to deliver your gently used and loved books to local little free libraries. Just drop them off @brooksdentalstudio or @windermereabode and we will take it from there. It also gives Gretchen @dugganhomes and I the perfect excuse to hang out for an afternoon, filling the #dugganbrooksandbooks Little Free Library @tacomacommunityhouse, eating sushi @fujiyatacoma and catching up over coffee @almatacomacafe. Near #perfectday.

Back in the studio and feeling inspired after three days of learning from @pascal_magne focusing on ‘Ultraconservative Techniques in Anterior Teeth.’ Even after many years of practice, continuing to learn and improve is what makes what we do fresh, fun and challenging. It’s so hard to leave our beautiful State in the summer but really enjoyed traveling with old friends, meeting new friends and seeing family. Lovely to start each day with sunrise yoga with good friend Eleanor @embellish_multispace_salon and classmate @dominiqueduong before heading to class. Shout out to Bri and Kayla who kept the studio running smoothly last Thursday and taking such great care of our patients while I was gone.

Still smiling after three days at the Leadership & Legacy retreat. This years theme, Dancing with Complexity and Courage, led by @maryosbornerdh @drleebrady and Joan Unterscheutz, was thoughtful, and encouraging. There was plenty of time allowing for quiet reflection and writing on our own as well as discussions in pairs, triads, tables and as a group. I always look forward to seeing many of the same people return each year, from around the country and especially enjoy attending with my study club, @karaoke_jon and Jeff Schur. The annual retreat guides us through our next year of monthly meetings as we encourage and challenge each other in our personal and professional goals. This year we started some new traditions: water coloring in our bullet journals and sunrise yoga followed by a cold plunge off the dock. Already looking forward to next years retreat!

Dropped a handful of books @tacomacommunityhouse #littlefreelibrary, including one our favorites, Elantris @brandsanderson. Got books to share? Drop them off at our studio or @dugganhomes @windermereabode. We are happy to distribute.

Happy Pride Tacoma. Seemed appropriate to post a flashback of the Covid mural designed and painted and by @mindybarkerdesigns with help from @russellpparks.

Bri’s determination was worthy of another post, plus she shared some new photos from the event. The gal is walking (running) her talk. #nosebreather #mouthtaping #buteyko #halfmarathon #weekendvibes

Happy Summer Solstice Tacoma. Many celebrate the day with rituals such as yoga, being in nature, going swimming, lighting a candle, celebrating with friends, meditating, journaling, tending to a garden, gratitude journaling, taking a bath, cleaning your house, the options are endless. What will you do to celebrate the first day of summer and the longest day of the year? Photo credit @expandyoga.

Came across these photos from 2017 when our architect, Allan Farkas @eggfarkarch was featured for his unique design of our studio in a Japanese architectural publication. So grateful for Allan’s eye for details from the custom cut metal test tube flower holders to the art pedestals. His consistent guidance over the years has kept our space timeless and beautiful.

Highlights from our team meeting earlier this month. Four hours flew by while we shared and learned together. Scroll to the end of the photos, to check out the videos capturing our time. ✅ We began with ‘check ins’ and a brainstorm about what was on our mind then wove these into a loose agenda for the morning. ✅ Involving individual team is important to share our personal interests. Sue stepped up to give her Myofunctional therapy power point and Dawn taught us how to improve health and longevity in our field with physical therapy exercises. She gave everyone a lacrosse ball for muscle relief and showed us how to use it. ✅ The hygiene team practiced taking oral images with the digital camera. ✅ Sue and Kayla practiced our emergency protocol drill. ✅ Roan was a willing ‘patient’ for the practical learning and also shared photos from three difficult restorative cases and learning from @jimjanakievski study club meetings. ✅ Jamie reviewed concepts from @marshallhansondentistry continuing education class focused on additive anterior composites techniques and also reviewed how she fabricates bite appliances in house using techniques from @pankeygram. ✅ We checked out what’s available on our YouTube channel for our patients, including videos by Bri on breathing and Sue Myofunctional therapy and viewed a new video by @crewscreative highlighting ‘stress free’ dental visits.

This trio has it all: tenacious, talented and thoughtful. #hygieneteam

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. ~ Phil Jackson Feeling inspired by these awesome humans. More #teammeeting highlights to follow.

Sneak peek @michaelaeaves special project that she is working on for her show beginning mid August. Save the date: Artist Opening, Thursday September 7 at 5:30 pm. In the meantime, check out the awesome 2023 Waygoose prints filling our walls.

Shout out to Bri for not only running and completing the North Olympic half marathon this weekend in Port Angeles but also using mouth tape for the duration of the race to ensure 100% nose breathing! She’s walking (running) her talk. Congratulations Bri, we are so proud of you!

Missing this beautiful soul. Chandler @drawntheroad will always be remembered for her endless contributions towards social justice and the Tacoma community through her incredible talent. I will never forget her cheerful personality and generous, warm smile. My dad and my daughter, Alli, were lucky to take art classes from her over the years. When I see Alli draw and paint, I see Chandler’s influence shining through. Chandler’s partnership with Jessica @springtidepress and work on the @deadfeminists project is my all-time favorite. See the DF prints showing now in the windows on 9th and Broadway. Slides 1-5 sampling of Chandler’s work Slide 6 Tribute to Chandler Slide 7 You’ll Draw Tacoma pencil dedicated to Chandler and my June @bulletjournal gratitude page Slide 8-9 Alli’s mothers day painting of our pup, Cayde Slide 10 Alli and my dad’s painting of my Mother’s Day plant Rest in Peace Chandler. ❤️

This Little Free Library @tacomacommunityhouse was built to last, thanks to our talented friend Craig. Can’t wait to see it flourish in our community. Love our #dugganbrooksandbooks partnership with @dugganhomes. If you’ve got books to share, drop them at a local LFL or @brooksdentalstudio or @windermereabode and we will distribute where they are needed most. Relaxed and celebrated over Pho at Pho Bac. Photo highlights and the install process shown here in two 1-minute videos. #lovemycity #tacomaproud

Ever since we partnered with Gretchen and Michael @dugganhomes to install a Little Free Library @peacelutheranchurch pre-Covid, we’ve been trying to sponsor another. With Covid, there were various delays but we are thrilled to commission our friend, Craig, to build and install a new one @tacomacommunityhouse. The mission of Tacoma Community House is to create opportunities for immigrants and other community members in the Puget Sound region through comprehensive services focused on self-sufficiency, inclusion, and advocacy. Thank you for the important work you do in our city. We couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out. #wesanderson #dugganbrooksandbooks

Short clips from a recent video highlighting what it’s like to have a procedure in our studio. We know dentistry can be intimidating and scary so we work hard to make it feel positive. Grateful to our awesome patient who was willing to be in the video. Promise we didn’t have to ask her smile and laugh for the video, that’s just her nature. Such a joy working side by side with Miriam who makes every day a good day. Thank you to @thesassafras_sisters who gave us permission to use their version of ‘Willie Taylor’ to set the tone. Always a pleasure to work with the talented @crewscreative to create videos and capture our team. To see the entire 5 minute video, check out our you tube channel.

Check it out. Nose Breather stickers designed by @seanpaulalexander.

Enjoyed learning from @dr.brianlesage_bhide about ‘Composite Bonding vs. Ceramic Veneers: A Strictly Biomimetic Approach.’ It must have been engaging because seven hours on a beautiful Friday @hotel_murano flew by. Wished I came prepared with a pencil, especially when put on the spot to sketch. Thank you @jimjanakievski for hosting this fantastic study club.

Todays challenge: 🤧Buteyko unblocking your nose exercise. Would love to hear how it goes. For more learning from Sue, Myofunctional therapist and dental hygienist, check out our YouTube page.

“Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.” —Tina Fey Happy Mother’s Day to all the tired and happy mothers out there.

Impromptu field trip to @almatacomacafe for brunch with some of my favorite people. The food was fantastic and the apricot #ebelskivers were a unanimous hit. Felt like the perfect start to the sunny weekend. #dreamteam

Excited about a new video series on the Brooks Dental Studio YouTube channel called ‘Airway and Breathing with Bri’ where Bri shares the basics of what we talk to our patients about every day. Bri is one of our dental hygienists who also has advanced training in Myofunctional Therapy. The series is broken down into 7 videos: Part 1: Airway and Breathing Part 2: Nasal Breathing Part 3: Tongue Posture and Lip Seal Part 4: Mouth Taping Part 5: Nasal Hygiene Part 6: Breath book overview Bonus: Behind the scenes outtakes Take a peek at her video series and let us know what you think. Here’s a short clip from the Part 4: Mouth Taping video. Sue’s videos coming soon on the ‘ins and outs’ of Myofunctional Therapy.

May the 4th be with you. Been meaning to post about this fantastic E2 class @pankeygram for way too long. May the 4th reminded me of when mentor/legend Herb Blumenthal dressed up as Yoda and we all honored him in a boomerang. Circa July 2022. #betterlatethannever #throwbackthursday It doesn’t matter whether I’m at Pankey as a participant or a mentor, it’s always a learning experience. Grateful to be part of the Pankey community (and for peeps who are game for a sunrise swim in the Atlantic at 6 am on the last day of class).

Artist Turnover Day. Thank you @terukonimura_art for adorning our walls and pedestals with your intricate art. Excited to have @tacomawayzgoose prints back after the Covid hiatus. Swing by to see the work by: Snail @_._eila_._ @_saikick_ @drea.marcos @maese.art.by.eileen.jimenez Forest Bathing @blueladypress Alchemy @alchemy_skateboarding Deck in pieces @beautifulangletacoma Lincoln @goldiecar SAMI @marymann365 Owls @kathy.traxler.anderson Book of flowers # @coxswainpress Charles Wright @cwa_arts

Give it up for Roan on Administrative Assistants Day. If you’ve met him, you know what a joy he is to be around. One of a kind and always ready to lend a hand, solve a problem and learn new things. One day, he’s going to make a great dentist, but in the meantime we are so happy he’s on our team.

Behind the scenes at today’s afternoon huddle with this awesome crew. So good to have Kayla back in the studio.

Wonderful to see so many awesome Tacoma people out celebrating @tacomawayzgoose at Moore @tacomalibrary. So much respect for our local artists who spend 100+ hours on carvings, not counting the time to design and draw. Had a great time being on the ‘clean hands crew’ with Eva and seeing the prints real time. Kudos to Mike @write.253 for his enthusiasm driving the steam roller. Stop by the studio May through August to see the prints filling the walls for the first time since 2019. Shown here is the beautiful owl linoleum carving and print by @kathy.traxler.anderson. Thank you Gretchen @dugganhomes for catching the action on video. @inshot.app Music: Back to 1987 Musician: EnjoyMusic Site: https://enjoymusic.ai

I hope that our hygienists feel appreciated every day but Dental Hygiene Appreciation Week is a good excuse to try @tchochocolate. Hugs and kudos to Sue, Bri, Dawn (mug shown here) who make every day a good day.

Our best attempt at a cheer formation at today’s team meeting. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Kicked off the meeting with @pankeygram check-ins to bring everyone together. The concept of Misoji was introduced as a transformational challenge that pushes you to your limits and forces you to confront your fears, doubts, and weaknesses. This created some fun and thoughtful conversations, plus a lot of laughter. Then we took time for independent writing about ‘what’s going well in the practice’ and shared our thoughts in pairs practicing @maryosbornerdh listening techniques. We brought the learning back to the group which also led to talk about ‘how we can do it even better.’ The meeting took on a life of its own, without needing to have a strict agenda, and we were able to have collaborative, meaningful and productive talks. I’m seriously thankful for this special group of humans who I get to spend my work life days with. For fun, we also talked food preferences and sensitivities. These questions were fun to answer and share. 1. What foods do you loathe? 2. What foods do you like but don’t like you? 3. What foods would you take to heaven? Note to self: I should have asked these questions before I bought a mushroom quiche from @antiquesandwich since 4 people on our team really dislike mushrooms. Any guesses which two of us love ❤️ mushrooms of all kinds. Because I love to @bulletjournal , I also love stickers so everyone got to pick out their favorite sticker as a keepsake from todays meeting. Some of our patients may be able to match a person to their chosen sticker? Check out the cutest ‘Rice Krispies’ Easter baskets made with ❤️ by Sue.

Love this photo taken a little over 3 years ago, on the last day we were open before the Covid shut down. Jason @ganwich was working his magic capturing photos for a website update that @seanpaulalexander was doing. As always, Marguerite @movetotacoma was game to be in the photos. Seemed timely to share since the mask mandate in health care facilities is lifted next Monday, April 3. Patients are welcome to don a mask if they are more comfortable however it will no longer be mandated.

Never stop learning @marshallhansondentistry. Thank you to my awesome team for caring for our patients while I met and learned with other like-minded dentists from around the county. The techniques are not easy but so worth the effort.

Just in time for Spring, @wadepthealth announces ‘Masking requirements in healthcare facilities to end April 3.’ Thank you to our wonderful patients for your diligence and cooperation these past few years. Can’t wait to see your smiling faces!

Anyone else ❤️ @girlscoutsww cookie season? Every year, the team picks their cookie of choice and I order from the sweetest Girl Scout sisters, Cordelia and Azalea. This year the girls couldn’t deliver with their mom due to school demands so I added a couple photos from March of 2020. What’s your favorite #girlscoutcookie ?

Give it up for this gal during #nationaldentalassistantweek . Hope your week of filled with music and chocolate Miriam. From your biggest fans, the team.

Today Bri and I ventured to the big city to do some of our favorite things. There was movement @troylucero @acmeyogaproject, sustenance @oddfellowscafe, book browsing @elliottbaybookco and lots of discussion. Can you guess what we talk about when we aren’t working? The same things we talk about when we are working. Feeling very fortunate to have personal and professional lives that intersect and overlap. Our patients might recognize the books Bri quickly spotted that we often recommend about Breathing and Sleeping. Thanks to @expandyoga for recommending Acme Yoga to learn more about Ashtanga style of practice. @troylucero guided us on foundational pranayama (breathing)and Samasthiti (mountain pose which is a standing asana, with the feet together and the body upright) and we ended with a few inversions (handstands). The breath was the main focus of the practice, as it should be, but easier said than done.

In progress: updating our website with the help of local pros. Thank you to @seanpaulalexander who always has my back with the best copy, design and art. Shout out to @crewscreative who manages to catch just the right mood and angles to make our work less intimidating. Here are a few sample photos shared with permission from our lovely patient.

Having fun with Sue recording a short series on Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMFT). OMFT is physical therapy for the oral and facial muscles. It helps to modify behaviors and train your muscles to hold correct tongue posture, decrease muscle tension, establish lip seal and create a nasal breathing pattern. Both Bri and Sue have advanced OMFT training and Sue has been helping clients in her own private practice many years.

Did you know Dr. Jamie started her dental career as a hygienist for 8 years before practicing dentistry? She graduated with these gals from Oregon Health Sciences University in 1991 and they’ve never missed an annual visit since then. Last weekend they met up in the city where it all began. Roads were crazy scary (ice and snow) in Portland but we all made it and enjoyed lots of coffee, good food and catching up. Cheers to 34 years of friendship.

Good morning from our Tuesday team: Miriam, Dawn, Sue, Roan, Dr. Jamie. #morninghuddle #morningmotivation

If you know our hygiene team: Bri, Dawn and Sue, you probably already know that they are enthusiastic about health. Not only are they encouraging and knowledgeable but they also walk the talk. Sue and her husband recently returned from a trip to The Prevention Center for Heart and Brain Health and has been excited to share her experience with our patients. This is what Sue has to say about her visit: “My husband and I took an adventurous trip to The Prevention Center for Heart and Brain Health in Spokane, WA last week. After completing many different tests ahead of time, including DNA testing, we drove to Spokane where we met Amy Doneen. Dr. Amy first educated us on how inflammation is produced in the arteries. She reviewed our test results with us and prescribed a customized program for each of us to reduce inflammation in our arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It has been a life changing experience! We now have personalized steps to stay healthy and to keep our arteries free from inflammation. Dr. Amy even gives a written guarantee that the program is effective and will give a 100% refund of fees for the year to a patient who suffers a heart attack or stroke while following the program.”

Weekend project: my daughter @alliasanartist teaching me how to embellish my watercolor attempt at a right central incisor. I love what she did although I think I love the creative process even more than the outcome. 🎥 @inshot.app Music: Lifestream Musician: Dream Machine Site: https://icons8.com/music/

Happy Friday! Enjoy a few outtakes from Bri’s upcoming ‘Airway and Breathing’ video education series.

Highlights from tonight’s @terukonimura_art opening. Showing through May. Music: Born To Fight Musician: DIAB