Staff Spotlight

Miranda Davis, Dentist

By Clare Jensen

For Puyallup Tribal News
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: July 10, 2008

Miranda Davis started work at the Puyallup Tribal Healthy Authority (PTHA) nearly two years ago to continue her commitment to public health.

The 28-year-old dentist grew up in a situation where professional health care took a backseat to other expenses, and she knew from a young age she wanted to help everyone have access to quality care.

“It made a huge impact on me – the stress that my mother experienced regarding health care expenses,” she said. “It was either that, or pay the rent.”

Miranda Davis’ experience shows her commitment to providing oral care to those who otherwise could not afford it.

She has donated her time and expertise to migrant farm workers and their children in California, and took a 10-day trip to Ecuador to serve the people there as well.

“I cant be the dentist that makes (patients) pay them out of their pocket,” she said.

The young, energetic doctor grew up in California, and while she said she is still a “California Girl” she has grown to love all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer – especially her job.

“My co-workers are awesome,” she said. “I have gained a lot from everyone else’s experience.”

In her daily routine, Miranda Davis sees anywhere from 10 to 20 patients. She performs all dentistry procedures, ranging from restorative dentistry to endodontics and surgery.

She also works to keep her patients at ease, and relieve any stress or apprehension for patients who may experience a dental phobia.

Miranda Davis said her favorite part of her job is meeting new patients, and observing the growth in regular patients.

She likes to see when her patients realize the importance of caring for their oral health, and get motivated to improve their brushing and flossing habits.

She noted that daily oral care at home is the most important way to keep a healthy mouth and that this can greatly impact overall health.  

Miranda Davis said she plans on staying with the PTHA for a while. She’s very happy serving the Tribe and working with the patients and staff.

In the future, she would like to travel more and volunteer her time in other countries to help more underserved populations.

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