Dentists in Lakewood, WA

Dr. Tanaya Sainath Deshpande, DDS, MPH
Dentist | Oral Health Epidemiologist | Community Health Advocate

Dr. Tanaya Sainath Deshpande is a dedicated dentist and oral health epidemiologist committed to improving both individual smiles and community well-being. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, holds a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India.

Currently practicing at Gentle Dental in Washington, Dr. Deshpande combines comprehensive clinical care with a strong background in public health research and community outreach. She provides a full scope of general dentistry—from preventative care and restorative procedures to root canals and prosthodontics—while also analyzing patient trends to help design targeted interventions that promote better oral health outcomes.

Throughout her career, Dr. Deshpande has held diverse roles including serving as a lead epidemiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic and conducting cutting-edge research on head and neck cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research contributions include multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations on topics such as radiation-induced taste impairment and oral stents, earning her recognition at national conferences.

Passionate about bridging clinical practice with public health, Dr. Deshpande actively partners with community leaders, research institutions, and public health agencies to expand access to care and address disparities. She is a proud member of professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research.

When she’s not caring for patients or contributing to public health initiatives, Dr. Deshpande enjoys educating communities on preventative care, empowering patients with knowledge, and promoting healthy smiles for all.

Rick Rodgers D.D.S., Orthodontist

ABOUT ME

Dr. Rodgers says, “I enjoy hands-on work and getting to know my patients and their families. I like helping my patients develop comfortable and confident smiles. As a father of 6, I empathize with parents of young children. I will advise you and treat your child as if they were my own!”

Dr. Rodgers is a Board Certified Orthodontist and has practiced orthodontics for over 30 years. He brings a wealth of experience in treating adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Rodgers believes that orthodontic treatment is unique for each person, not one treatment fits all.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Rodgers received his Dental Degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He completed his Orthodontics Certificate at the University of Texas at Houston. Dr. Rodgers is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Rodgers says, “In my free time, I love ballroom dancing, sailing and officiating football.” He and his wife, Linda have raised 3 boys and 3 girls. He understands the challenges of having children in treatment, and will admit that all of his children lost their retainers at one time or another!

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering–University of Texas, Austin

D.D.S.–Texas A&M College of Dentistry

Orthodontics Certificate–University of Texas at Houston

AFFILIATIONS

American Association of Orthodontists

American Board of Orthodontics

Sirisha Munimadugu B.D.S., M.S.D, Periodontist

ABOUT ME

Dr. Munimadugu has extensive expereance with Implant placement, Extractions and Bone Grafting, Gingival Recession Treatments, Connective Tissue Grafts, Tissue and Bone Regeneration, Crown lengthening, Gingivoplasty, Frenectomy and the Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis.

She was awarded her dental degree in from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India. She completed a fellowship from University of California, San Francisco. Thereafter, Dr. Munimadugu received her Masters and Certificate in Periodontics from theUniversity of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She is also trained in Moderate Parenteral Conscious Sedation. Dr. Munimadugu is Board-Certified Periodontist and a member of the American Board of Periodontology.

Dr. Munimadugu lives in North Seattle with her husband and two children. She enjoys cooking, biking and gardening in her free time.

EDUCATION

B.D.S.–Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences

Fellowship–UC San Francisco School of Dentistry

M.S., Periodontics–University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine

AFFILIATIONS

American Board of Periodontology

Jonathan Volland D.D.S., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Education

B.S., Biology – Pacific Lutheran University

D.D.S.–University of The Pacific

Post Graduate School for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth