Dentists in Puyallup, WA - North Meridian

David Kang D.M.D., M.S., M.M.Sc., Endodontist

ABOUT ME

Dr. David Kang believes patient education is a critical component in successful treatments. He always spends time with his patients going over details of diagnosis and prognosis based on clinical evaluations and research studies recommending evidence-based treatments. All of his patients and referring doctors complement and appreciate him for his great chair-side manner! After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Kang received his M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University.

He completed his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and his Masters degree in Endodontics from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kang grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and worked as a computer engineer at IBM before he joined the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland for his master’s degree in Biotechnology.

EDUCATION

B.A., Computer Engineering–Georgia Institute of Technology

M.S., Biotechnology–Johns Hopkins University

D.M.D.– University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

M.M.Sc., Endodontics–Harvard University School of Dental Medicine

Patrick Wang D.D.S., M.D. , Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

About Me

Dr. Wang says, “Having a great smile is important and makes a huge impact during first impressions. I like to be able to make a positive difference in a patient’s life.”

Sometimes it means taking people out of pain or improving their smile and self image. His ultimate goal is to provide treatments that will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth. As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Wang appreciates the delicate and sophisticated nature of his work and how his clients may find this complexity daunting. He carefully describes their course of treatment and welcomes the close involvement of his clients. He also enjoys getting to know them personally. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Dr. Wang received his Dental Degree from the Columbia University School of Dentistry. He was later awarded his Medical Degree from Southwestern Medical School. He also speaks Mandarin.

In his free time, Dr. Wang can be found on active adventures. He says, “I enjoy anything outdoors. Especially cycling, rock climbing and running.”

Education

B.S., Biology–UC Berkeley

D.D.S.–Columbia University School of Dentistry

M.D.–Southwestern Medical School

Affiliations

American Dental Association

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

Dr. Swetha Vempati, B.D.S., M.S., D.D.S., is a dedicated general dentist practicing at Gentle Dental North Meridian and Gentle Dental Lacey. Fluent in Hindi and Telugu, Dr. Vempati brings a diverse cultural understanding to her practice, ensuring she can effectively communicate with a broad range of patients.

She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from Terna Dental College and later pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Vempati was drawn to dentistry because of the unique opportunity it provides to make a lasting impact on patients' lives. She values building lifelong relationships with her patients, understanding their individual needs, and helping them achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. What she enjoys most about her profession is the chance to connect with people from all walks of life and serve them with kindness.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Vempati enjoys traveling, exploring diverse cuisines with her foodie husband, cooking traditional recipes, dancing, and capturing candid moments. Her commitment to her patients goes beyond dental treatments—she aims to create a comfortable, supportive environment where each individual feels valued and understood.

Dr. Anuradha Kote is a skilled general dentist at Gentle Dental North Meridian with a commitment to providing compassionate and meticulous care. Fluent in both Hindi and Marathi, Dr. Kote completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where she graduated as the Dean's Salutatorian in 2022. She also holds a preceptorship in Advanced Implantology from the UCLA School of Dentistry, which she completed in 2020.

Dr. Kote is a proud member of professional organizations, including the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA), California Dental Association (CDA), American Student Dental Association (ASDA), and Idaho Dental Association (IDA). Her dedication to academic and clinical excellence is underscored by her numerous honors, including enrollment in the OKU Dental Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, as well as the Dean’s Endorsement Award for her leadership and outstanding academic performance.

With a passion for cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Kote finds immense fulfillment in helping patients regain their confidence through transformative smile makeovers. Known for her gentle touch and precision, she views dentistry as a way to channel her intricate hand skills into something profoundly impactful.

Outside of work, Dr. Kote enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring new places, and discovering new cuisines. Her dedication to patient care goes beyond dental treatments—she aims to create a comfortable, positive experience for each individual who visits her practice.