Meet the Team
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“Brush and floss, brush and floss.”
You’ve undoubtedly heard this mantra nearly every time you visit the dental office. You may say to yourself, “yeah, yeah. I do brush and floss, but why do I still get cavities?” The answer may be not frequency, but the method.
Here are a few tips on how you can brush more effectively.
1. Aim those bristles towards where your gums meet your teeth. It helps to hold the brush at a 45 degree angle with respect to your tooth surface. This is a common area missed, and therefore a common area for cavities.
2. Rub that floss against both teeth, don’t just snap it in and out. We’re trying to get plaque, not just food out from between the teeth. Make the floss form a “C” around each tooth and rub up and down. You’ll notice that the floss has plaque on it. That’s good because that plaque isn’t on your tooth anymore.
3. Break your mouth down into areas and concentrate on brushing one of those areas at a time. I do Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Left, Lower Right. 30 seconds for each area should be good enough. This helps to make sure you don’t get distracted and miss a spot, or space out and over brush another spot. Doing that can lead to tooth abrasion, recession, and sensitive teeth.
Robert M. Giswold D.D.S., P.S.
Patty Bailey- Financial Coordinator
Dayna Johnson- Treatment Coordinator
Kathy Pewitt- Scheduling Coordinator
Meet the Team
At Saratoga Dental we believe that by taking a team approach we can provide a more comfortable experience and achieve a higer level of patient care.Robert M. Giswold D.D.S., P.S.
Dr. Robert M. Giswold is a third-generation dentist who took over his father’s Seattle practice after graduating with honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1976. Having grown up with dentistry, he enjoys learning the new techniques and advances that continually arise. His personal style of ease, confidence, and sense of humor makes coming to his office fun as well as assuring. “He makes me laugh” says one patient of Dr Bob’s style.
Although his early training was in general dentistry, Dr. Giswold has taken advantage of every opportunity to broaden his knowledge and experience. His extra-curricular training began even prior to graduation in orthodontics and periodontics.
He has traveled across the United States, and to Canada, Europe, for continuing education in functional orthodontic techniques, implant dentistry, neuromuscular TMJ/CMD dentistry, and aesthetic dentistry. He studied aesthetic dentistry at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (seen on TV’s Extreme Makeover).
“Dr. Bob” and his wife (and coworker) Sara moved to South Whidbey in 1979, and raised their two children here. After 15 years commuting they sold the Seattle dental office and opened a new Langley office in 1994. Together the whole family enjoys windsurfing, skiing, hiking the beautiful Cascade mountains, sailing, and many other active Northwest activities.
Self-confessed “Continuing Dental Education geeks,” Dr. Giswold and his dental-hygienist wife Sara have made a commitment to bringing to their patients the best that the art and science of dentistry has to offer.
Dr. Giswold's credo is- Life is growth, which depends on learning. Learning is a source of personal achievement and gratification. A true professional must constantly be continuing their education.
Dr. “Bob” also enjoys skiing, windsurfing, mountaineering, cycling and prioritizes fitness.
Dr. Robert Giswold’s professional affiliations include:
• American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. The AACP was founded in 1985 to fulfill a need for more widespread knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of conditions causing craniofacial pain.
• American Academy of General Dentistry. The AAGD's mission is to serve dentists, helping them promote public oral health thorough continuing education.
• American Association for Functional Orthodontics. The AAFO is dedicated to the search for better orthodontic and orthopedic treatment of malocclusions and TMJ dysfunction through the use of functional appliances.
• American Dental Association. The ADA is the professional association of dentists that fosters the success of a diverse membership and advances the oral health of the public.
• International Association for Orthodontics. The IAO was founded in 1961 to provide quality continuing orthodontic education for all dentists, not just specialists.
• International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics. Members of the ICCMO research, study & practice a neuromuscular approach to problems of the mouth, head, and neck.
• Washington State Dental Association.The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has been the voice of dentistry in Washington since its inception in 1887. With over 4,000 members (almost 80 percent of practicing dentists in the state), the Association exists to promote oral health of the highest quality.
Mary Jane Lungren-D.D.S.
Dr. Mary Jane Lungren loves children. From the very first “happy visit", she strives to make each dental appointment fun and positive for her children patients. She believes that with, a gentle touch, a caring smile, patience and understanding, a child patient will grow to trust, and enjoy their dental appointments. Her goal is to educate the child and the parent, enabling them to know what is best for preventing disease and ways to achieve optimum oral health for a lifetime. Adult patients appreciate her honest and straightforward manner as well. She is excellent with her explanations and enjoys teaching along with performing dental treatment. At Saratoga Dental Dr. Mary Jane brings a gentle touch and a warm and cheerful smile to all that see her.
Dr Mary Jane, as we affectionately call her, has lived on Whidbey Island since 1990. Originally from Indiana, she graduated from Butler University with a BS in Zoology and received her dental degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry with honors in Prosthodontics. She traveled to Leeds in Great Britain for an Oral Surgery residency. While raising her 3 children, Sam, Zora, and Emma, she worked with Island County Public Health. As the Public Health Dentist, she helped to increase dental care for low-income adults and children. She was instrumental in the “ABCD” (Access for Baby and Child Dentistry) children’s programs, as well as, setting up the Oak Harbor dental clinic for low income and uninsured residents.
Dr Lungren is an active member of the South Whidbey community and a compassionate and loving mother and skilled dentist. We at Saratoga dental are delighted to have her as our leader in children’s dental health. (return to top)
Braden H. Giswold-D.D.S.
Dr. Braden sincerely cares for every one of his patients. He wants them to be absolutely satisfied with the care that he provides them.
Dr. Braden understands very well the oral-systemic health connection and recommends treatments that not only improve the patient’s oral health, but their whole body health as well. He only uses biocompatible materials such as composite, porcelain or gold, rather than mercury containing silver fillings to ensure that the patient’s health isn’t compromised by dental materials. For patients that may have sensitivites to dental materials, sensitivity/allergy testing is also offered so that only materials that are biocompatible with your body can be used.
Dr. Braden aims to provide the best, most up-to-date, comprehensive, and comfortable dental care to the South Whidbey community. By travelling the country to attend continuing education courses many times every year, he stays on the cutting edge of current care. His studies have given him an advanced education in Neuromuscualr TMJ treatment, Orthodontics, Implant Dentistry, Biological/Naturopathic Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry. His commitment to continuing dental education and broad scope of interests in the dental field give his patients the piece of mind that they are recieving truely comprehensive, up-to-date and highly skilled care.
Patient comfort is another of Dr. Braden’s priorities. During the visit, he takes time to be sure the patient has everything they need to be comfortable. He offers every patient a pillow, blanket, noise cancelling headphones, and Nitrous Oxide laughing gas. He takes the time to deliver comfortable local anesthesia, and be sure the patient is adequately numb before beginning. He does everything he can to ensure the patient’s experience at the office is comfortable and positive.
During his time at University of Washinton School of Dentistry, Dr. Braden he received the award for Excellence in Operative Dentistry by the National Association of Gold Foil Operators, and the award for Excellence in Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics from the University Of Washington Department Of Prosthodontics.
Dr. Braden is a generous volunteer and donor of his dental skills. He began volunteering during Dental School by providing free dental care for homeless teens at the 45th Street Clinic in Seattle. He also traveled to Juneau, Alaska to serve a month in a community health clinic for Alaskan Native People. More recently, Dr. Braden traveled to the mountains of Guatemala for a month and provided dental care to impoverished indigenous people. He also works with Friends of Friends and other community referral sources to provide free care to people in need in the South Whidbey community.
When he is not caring for patients or participating in continuing education, you may find Braden in the mountains rock climbing, backcountry snowboard touring or mountaineering. If he's not in the mountains, he's in the ocean surfing, fishing, or windsurfing.
Dr. Braden Giswold’s professional affiliations include:
• American Dental Association The ADA is the professional association of dentists that fosters the success of a diverse membership and advances the oral health of the public.
• Washington State Dental Association The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has been the voice of dentistry in Washington since its inception in 1887. With over 4,000 members (almost 80 percent of practicing dentists in the state), the Association exists to promote oral health of the highest quality.
• American Academy of General Dentistry The AAGD's mission is to serve dentists, helping them promote public oral health thorough continuing education.
• University of Washington School of Dentistry Alumni Association
• Straightwire Orthodontic Study Club
• Occlusion Connections Study Club
Meet Our Team:
Jodi Leuenberger- Financial Coordinator
Jodi has a calming and sincere manor that helps patients feel comfortable knowing that she will help them with their accounts and treatment scheduling. She is also knowledgeable about insurance coverages and will help in ways to maximize patient dental insurance coverage. Her previous experiences in other dental offices give her a wide perspective.
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Dayna Johnson- Treatment Coordinator
Dayna believes that patients deserve all the tools and assistance available when they are making an investment in their health. It’s her responsibility to make sure our patients have the information they need about dental procedures and fees before treatment even begins. After consulting with the doctors, Dayna works out a treatment schedule for each patient that’s staged to fit both their appointment book and their pocketbook. With more than 18 years of experience in dental insurance and financing, Dayna is also an excellent source of insurance advice.
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Kathy Pewitt- Scheduling Coordinator
Kathy is the friendly and compassionate voice on the phone when you call with a scheduling question. She greets you at the front desk, with her cheerful smile welcoming you to our office. With her 25 years dental-office experience, Kathy has the skills to answer questions and help our patients find the appointment times that fit their busy schedules.
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Sara Giswold- Hygienist & Orthogenist
As hygienist, doctor Robert's wife, and doctor Braden's mother, she is intimately involved in the family practice. She has a BS in Biology from Western Washington College and a Dental Hygiene BS degree from the University of Washington with honors. Upon graduation she was awarded Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student. From 1974-1979 Sara taught at the U.W. Dental School in the TEAM Program training dental students in the business side of dental practice, staff training in expanded care dental hygiene and practice management. Her teaching experience gave her special skills in patient care and customer service. In private practice for over 25 years, she continues to enjoy staying abreast of the latest techniques and attends many of the continuing education programs with her husband. She enjoys sharing ”what's new in dentistry” with patients and staff members. Patients really appreciate Sara‘s confidence and knowledge in dentistry, and her gentle touch. She is well-known among the kids for the way she can painlessly ”shake a tooth asleep“.
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Catherine Marshall- Hygienist
A 1997 graduate from the University of Washington Dental Hygiene program, Catherine is enthusiastic about her profession and deeply cares about her patients’ dental health. Prior to joining the team at Saratoga Dental, she spent 3 summers in Zimbabwe with the "Volunteer Mobile Medical Team", teaching dental health and doing hygiene in rural communities. Her thorough understanding of periodontal disease and its contributing factors assure that our patients receive the education and treatment needed for optimum health. Her delightful personality makes our patients look forward to their next appointment. (return to top)
Jennifer Wood- Hygienist
Jennifer received her Dental Hygiene degree from DeKalb College in Atlanta in 1995. After visiting Washington, she fell in love with Whidbey Island raising Alpaca’s and gardening. Patients appreciate her soft voice, her gentle touch and her skills as a good teacher and listener. She cares for her patients' health and has a passion for dental hygiene, always learning new techniques and ways to make patients' appointments comfortable.
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Shalyn Mock- Dental Assistant and Scheduling Coordinator
Shalyn brings delightful energy and enthusiasm to the office. She is eager to assist patients to make their appointment comfortable and efficient. Her sincere smile and easy manor makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. She has a contagious laugh and happy nature that makes everyone in the office smile along with her.
One of the reasons “Shay” is so happy is because she is doing the job she’s been dreaming of since the early age of nine. At that time, during her mother’s dental appointment, she showed so much interest and curiosity she asked if she could help. She received her CDA with honors and has been a member of the Saratoga Dental team since 2004. She is a hard worker and we are happy that Shalyn has joined our team and has decided to make Dental Assisting her career. (return to top)
Carolyn Ray- Dental Assistant
Carolyn brings 25 years of dental experience to her work, and it shows. Her organizational mind and attention to detail assure that appointments are comfortable, efficient and timely. She has taken advanced courses on dental x-ray, aesthetic dentistry, orthodontic and implant techniques and materials. “She is the best assistant I have ever worked with, a teacher, wonderful co-worker and a very caring person who loves her job and patients,” says a coworker. Carolyn has compassion for our patients’ comfort and care, and does all she can to assure that treatment goes smoothly and pain free. (return to top)