Meet Dr. Stephen Kirkpatrick
I love the art and science of dentistry. My mother was an artist, so I have a good eye for esthetics, including color and shape. As an accountant, my father instilled in me the importance of accuracy and attention to detail. Dentistry can be like fitting a puzzle together. A keen eye and a keen mind are needed to figure out what may be going on, and how to give you the best options for your specific needs, all in a way that is physically and economically comfortable.
One of the most important aspects of being a dentist is building relationships with my patients. My staff and I don’t lecture or judge people about the current state of their oral health. We want to help people move forward from where life has taken them, with today as the starting point. We offer creative and natural-looking results, within their budget, and with their comfort in mind. The best part is when patients say they can smile again!
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science – Stanford University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery – University of Washington School of Dentistry
I always want to provide conservative, appropriate care. Continuing education, along with creativity and a can-do spirit, help me to give patients options as to their care. I take a variety of classes, many of them about dental implants and how to restore them. My knowledge of the bite has helped patients get out of pain and avoid fractured teeth, often avoiding expensive treatment. It has also led to my writing articles for dental journals on the subject of occlusion (the bite). Following those, I have been encouraged to put together a lecture based on those observations.
Professional Affiliations
- Thurston Mason Counties Dental Society
- Washington State Dental Association
- American Dental Association
Family and Community
I grew up in Wenatchee and now live in Olympia with my wife, Susan. We have two grown kids, Megan and Alec. One of my favorite ways to spend time outside of office is being with my grandson, Jameson. A close second is singing in our church band. I have even written a few new songs for our band, and new lyrics for some old songs! Writing has become an even greater interest in recent years. I’ve accomplished a variety of writing, from articles for dental journals, to songs and even comedy sketches!
The Olympia community has been very good to me, and I have done my best to give back, both in my professional life and personally. For many years, I saw DSHS/Medicaid patients, volunteered in the dental clinic at SPSCC and the Community Care Clinic, and I continue to work part-time in tribal dental clinics. As a former member of the Wenatchee Youth Circus, I juggle for young patients in my office, and have juggled, sung, danced in programs that benefit local non-profits.