Dr. Tom

Hello, my name is Thomas Quickstad. In our practice patients and staff just call me Dr. Tom. I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and spent most of my educational years east of Lake Washington, in Bellevue. I went to Newport High School and graduated in 1976. My undergraduate college days were spent at the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!). I studied sciences and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. During my undergraduate years a big part of my life was the game of soccer. I played for the Huskies all four years and captained the varsity team my senior year.

In 1980 I was accepted and entered the University of Washington Dental School. I enjoyed my time in dental school and still spend friday afternoons teaching the freshmen students at the dental school. Following graduation in 1984 I traveled to Schafhausen, Switzerland where I started my first job as a dentist. I was the school dentist for many of the children in the Canton of Schafhausen.

I should note that while in Schafhausen my wife and I were married. Her name is Allison and she is also from Bellevue, Washington. We met during dental school and got engaged shortly after my graduation. We were married in a small church in Buchtalen, near Schafhausen.

Following 1 year of working in Schafhausen we moved to Lausanne, Switzerland and I worked as a dentist in the Polyclinic. At the Polyclinic I treated mostly adults which really rounded out my postgraduate experience.

In late 1986 we decided it was time to end our expatriate ways and head back home. We rented an apartment on Capital Hill in Seattle and I started working at a couple different dental offices as an associate. In 1989 I opened my private practice in Issaquah. We have grown with the plateau community and continue to enjoy getting to know and help all our great patients.

The Dental Assistant

Dentistry has several roles: The Dental Assistant (DA) is one of them.

Our job is to help the Dentist in your procedure. Our duties include setting up the treatment rooms, assist in the procedure by making sure all the instruments and materials are ready, and cleaning up and sterilizing when we're done.

The Dental Assistant can be accredited in two ways. First, through the Dental Assisting National Board. This is not arequirement, but all Dr. Tom's DAs are Certified Dental Assitants (CDA). As of July 2008, all DAs must be registered (RDA) with the State of Washington. You can look up any health care professional and check on their standings by going to https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ Type in the name of the person you wish to check.

Other duties include keeping the office clean and organized, monitoring and ordering supplies, keeping all our materials and machines in good working order, and, most improtantly, making sure your time with us is as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.

Another role we can assist you in is as an advocate, or "translator". Please feel free to ask us any question, and we will help you to go through the process of dental health.

The Dental Assistant's Role

Dentistry has several roles: The Dental Assistant (DA) is one of them.

Our job is to help the Dentist in your procedure. Our duties include setting up the treatment rooms, assist in the procedure by making sure all the instruments and materials are ready, and cleaning up and sterilizing when we're done.

The Dental Assistant can be accredited in two ways. First, through the Dental Assisting National Board. This is not arequirement, but all Dr. Tom's DAs are Certified Dental Assitants (CDA). As of July 2008, all DAs must be registered with the State of Washington. You can look up any health care professional and check on their standings by going to https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ Type in the name of the person you wish to check.

Other duties include keeping the office clean and organized, monitoring and ordering supplies, keeping all our materials and machines in good working order, and, most improtantly, making sure your time with us is as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.

Another role we can assist you in is as an advocate, or "translator". Please feel free to ask us any question, and we will help you to go through the process of dental health.

The Registered Dental Assistant

Dentistry has several roles: The Dental Assistant (DA) is one of them.

Our job is to help the Dentist in your procedure. Our duties include setting up the treatment rooms, assist in the procedure by making sure all the instruments and materials are ready, and cleaning up and sterilizing when we're done.

The Dental Assistant can be accredited in two ways. First, through the Dental Assisting National Board. This is not a requirement, but all Dr. Tom's DAs are Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). As of July 2008, all DAs must be registered with the State of Washington. You can look up any health care professional and check on their standings by going to https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ Type in the name of the person you wish to check.

Other duties include keeping the office clean and organized, monitoring and ordering supplies, keeping all our materials and machines in good working order, and, most importantly, making sure your time with us is as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.

Another role we can assist you in is as an advocate, or "translator". Please feel free to ask us any question, and we will help you to go through the process of dental health.

The Registered Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist is a licensed health care practitioner. The Dentist and Hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Some of the services provided by dental hygienists in Washington state include:
· Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting, periodontal screening, and taking blood pressure and pulse
· Taking dental x-rays
· Removing calculus (tartar) and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
· Providing therapeutic treatments for Periodontal (gum) disease and infection
· Giving anesthetic, and placing and polishing fillings
· Applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
· Educating patients in appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain health;
(e.g., toothbrushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
· Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
· Performing documentation and office management activities

Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to take licensure examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed, and to work in a dental office.
Dental hygienists are licensed by each state to provide dental hygiene care and patient education. Almost all states require that dental hygienists be graduates of commission-accredited dental hygiene education programs to be eligible for state licensure. And, almost all states require candidates for licensure to obtain a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (a comprehensive written examination) in addition to passing the state-authorized licensure examination. The state or regional examination tests candidates' clinical dental hygiene skills as well as their knowledge of dental hygiene and related subjects.

Upon receipt of their license, dental hygienists may use "R.D.H." after their names to signify recognition by the state that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist.

The Scheduling Coordinator

My job is to help you to find the best time to complete your dental treatment. I will schedule visits, and send out reminder calls, emails and cards. I am responsible for keeping you on track to receive the best dental care available!

My other duties include:
*Assisting the Financial Coordinator
*Coordinate visits with Specialists
*Coordinate consultations with Dr Tom and Specialists