Dr. Alison Han, DMD
Doctor of Medicine in DentistryDr. Han brings many years of dental experience to the practice since 2001, including research at McGill and Harvard Universities and a residency at the University of Washington. She has had rotations throughout the Seattle area and practiced privately in Seattle prior to opening Essence of Dentistry. Committed to expanding her technical knowledge and staying at the top of her field, Dr. Han attends numerous post graduate courses, including the well-known Kois Center and local study groups. She is a member of the ADA, WSDA and SKA. She is board certified in United States of America and in Canada. She is fluent in English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese and speaks some Spanish. She has provided continued support to many philanthropic organizations in the Seattle area and overseas, most notably, the 7 Summits Foundation.
When she is not working, Dr. Han spends her time outdoors - skiing and hiking are two of her favorite activities. She also enjoys traveling and exposing herself to new cultures. She has two daughters and spend most of her time with her family.
Dr. Michael An
Dr. Michael An, a graduate of New York College of Dentistry is invested in using minimally invasive dentistry techniques and has introduced a new level of aesthetics to our practice. From a wide range of composite veneers to Invisalign and restoration techniques, he is well versed on many of these newly introduced in-house procedures designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind. As a fellow Kois Center colleague, Dr. An has taken multiple anterior veneer courses, implant courses and courses specializing in functional occlusion. Ornate and precise, the cosmetic procedures performed here are built to last with beauty in mind.
At Essence of Dentistry, we believe in precise but gentle practices, supported by the latest dental technologies and administered by professionals whose knowledge and love of the field is always growing.
We believe in one-on-one time with patients, in ensuring all who come through our doors understand and feel comfortable with the procedures they undergo. We believe in surroundings that are inviting and relaxing, a staff that is caring and attentive. At Essence of Dentistry, we believe in the experience. And we believe that your experience with us should be as exceptional and rewarding as the services we provide.
Meet The Team
Our team embraces and maintains a value-based philosophy, to give you the best care possible. The Essence of Dentistry values are:
- Trust - I chose not to be vulnerable.
- Courage - I chose not to let my fear guide my actions, words and choices.
- Modern Dental Knowledge - I chose to accept different solutions and methods, to allow up-to-date and new techniques and to be creative in my approaches and recommendations.
- Volunteering - I chose to volunteer with reputable organizations.
- Dental Research - I chose to assist in furthering the growth of knowledge in dentistry through science.
AC Sherpa
Office Manager/PR Marketing
Born in Nepal, I moved to the US at the age of 14 and graduated Mercer Island High School in 1990. I went to Bellevue Community College for two years then transferred to the University of Washington to study business, after which, I moved to Hawaii to study computer information systems. I enjoy the outdoors. I have completed the 7 summits, the seven highest mountains, in 42 climbing days around the world. I am also a father of a beautiful 8 year old daughter, Amalia Tsering Sherpa. Because leadership is important to me, I like to set great examples in the community. I am a people person and I like to do social work by helping people in underdeveloped countries. I love dental volunteering and traveling to help people to understand the importance of good oral health and to have the best smiles. Through Essence of Dentistry & 7 Summits Foundation, we have seen over 10,000 women and children in remote villages of Nepal. I also organize tour, travel, Safari, Trek & Expedition to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India, Africa, Argentina, Chile, Peru and more.
Lisa Kohli
Front Desk/Financial Coordinator
I graduated from University of Washington with B.S in Dental Hygiene. I have many years of experience in dentistry including periodontal specialty practices as well as general dental practice. I am a past instructor of the Dental Hygiene Program at Lake Washington Technical College where I taught 1st and 2nd year clinic. I have taken additional course work in periodontal instrumental, ultrasonic instrumentation, restorative duties and advanced anesthesia. I have lived with my family in the Greater Seattle Area for all of my life and love it here.
Kazuyo Ryno
Registered Dental Hygienist
My name is Kazi, and I was born on the Japanese island of Hokkaido near the city of Sapporo. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Japanese literature from Fuji Women's College, and I attended Marian College in Indiana for one school year through a foreign study program. I worked in IT in Japan after graduating from college but moved to Seattle (my husband's home town) in 2004. I studied medical assisting at Seattle Vocational Institute and worked in Redmond as a MA. After staying home for several years to raise our two sons, I studied at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in order to earn my license as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
The aspect of dental hygiene that I find most rewarding is educating patients in steps to improve and maintain oral health. Having seen some of my own relatives lose their teeth at an early age due to the lack of professional oral care, I feel it is extremely important to look after the well-being of my patients and to accommodate their needs to the best of my ability.
I enjoy gardening, playing the piano, reading, yoga, sewing and knitting. My family and I love to find opportunities to ride bicycles and to hike the Northwest trails.
The aspect of dental hygiene that I find most rewarding is educating patients in steps to improve and maintain oral health. Having seen some of my own relatives lose their teeth at an early age due to the lack of professional oral care, I feel it is extremely important to look after the well-being of my patients and to accommodate their needs to the best of my ability.
I enjoy gardening, playing the piano, reading, yoga, sewing and knitting. My family and I love to find opportunities to ride bicycles and to hike the Northwest trails.
Andrea
Registered Dental Hygienist
I was born in Mukliteo, WA and as a Washingtonian I enjoy the scenic outdoors our state has to offer. During my free time I am on a hike with my dog, or exploring different restaurants with my friends or sister. You can find me either in the front office helping with office duties, scheduling appointments and, at the back assisting the doctors. Though, I just started my dental career as an assistant it has been truly a rewarding experience learning from Dr. Han and the rest of the team. I choose this field because I like working hands-on, and I have a passion to help people achieve or maintain a sparkling smile. My goal is to bring you the best experience possible. I enjoy meeting new people and cannot wait to greet you with a welcoming smile!
Kammi Perkins
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kammi Perkins joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a dental assistant in March 2022. She grew up in Kenmore, WA and graduated from Inglemoor High School in 2018 and Shoreline Community College in 2020. Kammi enjoys interacting with a wide diversity of patients in the Essence of Dentistry clinic and being part of such a friendly work environment. She is grateful to Dr. An and Dr. Han for providing her the opportunity to achieve her goals of becoming a dental assistant. In her free time, Kammi likes to work out and lift weights at the gym.
Eleanor Wright
Dental Assistant
Eleanor Wright joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a dental assistant in September of 2021. The huge shortage of dentists due to the COVID 19 pandemic coupled with a passion for educating patients on dental disease propelled Eleanor to pursue a career in the field. Eleanor graduated from Shorecrest High School in 2021 and is currently applying to attend the Dental Hygiene Program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Eleanor’s favorite part about working at Essence of Dentistry is how the staff imparts quality care to every one of their patients and continually strives to be at the top of their field. Outside of work, Eleanor enjoys playing piano, playing tennis, and swimming.
Lisa Palacios
Dental Assistant
Lisa Palacios joined the Essence of Dentistry team as a dental assistant in May 2020. Prior to joining Essence of Dentistry, Lisa worked as a Veterinary Surgical Tech for about 5 years. Lisa made the switch from veterinary medicine to dentistry to form closer bonds with the patients she works with. At Essence of Dentistry, Lisa loves meeting new people, educating patients about dental disease, and training new staff members as the lead dental assistant at the practice. She is currently enrolled in an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program (EFDA) at Penn Foster College. Lisa is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Washington State about 4 years ago. In her free time, Lisa enjoys hiking, salsa and swing dancing, rock climbing and volunteering at local animal shelters.
Iris Yin
Dental Assistant
Iris Yin joined Essence of Dentistry as a Treatment Coordinator in March 2022. Prior to joining Essence of Dentistry, Iris had professional experience in both finance and fashion industries, where she gained valuable client service experience. At Essence of Dentistry, Iris enjoys using her skills to address patient’s deeper needs and managing the front desk to ensure that the back end of the office runs smoothly. She obtained both degrees in advertising and accounting in China and the US and was admitted to the University of Washington Seattle campus. Iris is certified in accounting and insurance licenses and is also fluent in Mandarin and English. Iris is a Christian and strives to bring her strong faith into the workplace. In her free time, Iris commits herself to her ministry.
Fiona Tampi
Dental Assistant
Fiona Tampi joined the Essence of Dentistry team as a treatment coordinator in March 2021. She grew up in Redmond, WA and graduated from Redmond High School in 2021. She is currently enrolled in the business program at the University of Washington and will be graduating in the spring of 2025. At Essence of Dentistry, Fiona enjoys using her organizational and planning skills to coordinate across different tasks at the office and help patients with their needs. Joining the Essence of Dentistry team has sparked Fiona’s interest in learning more about the field of dentistry, including the process behind fillings, cleanings, and crowns. Outside the office, Fiona enjoys working out at the gym, experimenting with cooking, and hanging out with friends.
Ariana Quinones
Dental Assistant
Ariana Quinones joined the Essence of Dentistry team as a dental assistant in July 2022. Growing up, Ariana never really enjoyed going to the dentist, until she met one dental hygienist her freshman year of high school who changed her outlook on dentistry and inspired her to pursue a career in the field. She is a student softball athlete at the University of Washington and concurrently at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She will be graduating from both programs in December of 2022. At Essence of Dentistry, Ariana is looking forward to gaining new skills and learning new techniques related to Dentistry, while being part of such a positive work environment. Outside of work, Ariana likes to keep up with athletics, including softball.
Jenny Tan
Jenny Tan joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a treatment coordinator in September 2021. Jenny was a patient with Dr. Han for over 12 years before she transitioned to joining the Essence of Dentistry team. Jenny enjoys collaborating with her colleagues and interacting with people from many different walks of life which makes the day-to-day work interesting. In her free time, Jenny enjoys traveling and exploring new places around Washington.
Dixi Wu
Dixi Wu joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a registered dental assistant in 2018. Dixi grew up in China and moved to the United States in 2015. She was a patient at Essence of Dentistry for 3 years before transitioning into a dental assistant at the practice. Dixi graduated from West Coast College of Dental Assistant in 2018. Her favorite part of working at Essence of Dentistry is connecting with the friendly staff and interacting with patients to ensure they receive the highest quality of care. In her free time, Dixi enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and biking.
Yali Yang
Yali Yang joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a dental assistant in October 2020. Yali graduated from Lake Washington Institute of Technology with a degree in Allied Health Sciences and is currently applying to a Dental Hygiene program for winter quarter of 2023. At Essence of Dentistry, Yali enjoys gradually improving patient’s oral health to help them maintain their beautiful smiles. When working with patients, Yali is grateful for the opportunity to protect their health and prevent them from developing tooth decay or dental caries. Outside of the office, Yali loves gardening and spending time reading and playing piano with her daughter.
Abby Kim
Abby joined the Essence of Dentistry office as a treatment coordinator in August of 2022. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2022 with a BS in Public Health and a concentration in Global Health. At the University of Washington, Abby conducted research on the intersection of oral health and the biological mechanisms of aging in collaboration with the UW School of Dentistry. Abby was drawn to the field of dentistry after shadowing the dentists at a neighborhood dental clinic in Yakima during her freshman year of college. She felt a profound sense of satisfaction while observing the dentists improve patients' health from the direct work of their own hands. The experience inculcated in Abby the importance of forming relationships and building trust in any patient care setting. Following this experience, Abby began volunteering as a dental assistant for the Union Gospel Mission’s Dental Clinic. At Essence of Dentistry, Abby loves that her colleagues are equally as passionate about oral healthcare as she is, and excellence in patient care stands at the center of the practice. In her free time, Abby enjoys paddle boarding, serving as a café barista, sunset chasing and exploring new coffee shops.
Lily Ha
Lily Ha is a dental hygienist who will be joining our dental office in September, 2022. Lily grew up in Kirkland, Washington and graduated from the University of Washington with a major in biology in 2014. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Lily worked as a dental assistant at the Essence of Dentistry office for 3 years. In 2018, Lily enrolled in the dental hygiene program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. She graduated from the program in June 2022. At Essence of Dentistry, Lily enjoys building connections with patients and staff, collaborating with Dr. Han, and contributing to the positive work environment. In her free time, Lily likes gardening, CrossFit, yoga and hanging out with friends. Lily also has a sweet tooth and is a big ice cream lover.