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September 12, 2008

WDeJ Editor Dr. Sheri Doniger interviews Dr. Rhonda R. Savage, the past president of the Washington State Dental Association, who is now the CEO of Linda Miles and Associates. Read on to get to know her better ...

Rhonda R. Savage, DDS

When is your birthday?

June 25, 1958

Where were you born?

Morton, Washington

Where did you grow up?

Ketchikan, Alaska

Tell me about your family.

I've been married to Jim Stephens for 10 years. Jim is an electrical engineer who worked for 31 years at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, two weeks on, two off — up where the polar bears live! Jim has two grown sons, both married, and three grandchildren. Kaitlyn, my daughter, is now 17 and entering her senior year of high school. She's a fantastic soccer player; she plays goalkeeper primarily. She's been recruited and has a full ride scholarship offer to play college ball. She's verbally committed to play for Florida International University beginning in the 2009 year!

Rhonda and her husband, Jim, in Hawaii

Rhonda's daughter, Kaitlyn, (left) and their German exchange student, Miriam, in Rhonda's hometown of Ketchikan, Alaska

Where do you live?

Fox Island, Washington

Did you work during high school, and what did you do?

I've babysat, cleaned houses, worked as a waitress and short order cook (three years), and worked in a salmon cannery (two summers). I worked as a dental assistant (trained on the job) from age 17 to 20. From age 20 to 22, I worked as a dental office administrator before leaving for college.

Where did you go for undergrad, and what was your major?

Seattle University: Bachelor of science in biology, summa cum laude; graduated in 1985

Where did you attend dental school?

University of Washington School of Dentistry, with honors; 1985-1989

When did you graduate?

1989

Do you specialize?

No. I went into the U.S. Navy right out of dental school and had rotations in oral surgery (three months), endodontics (three months), periodontics (nine months), and prosthodontics (three months). I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with specialists in each of these fields. I was on active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and spent my last year FMF with the Marine Corp in Camp Pendleton, California.

Why did you become a dentist?

After being a dental assistant for four years and a front office person for two years, I found I really loved working with patients. I liked learning something new every day. After five years, though, I was starting to get a little bored and knew I wanted to do more with my life, especially in the field of dentistry.

How did you begin your dental career?

As a dental assistant and front office person for six years.

Do you own or lease your office?

I own 34% of the building. My partners are Dr. Lisa Block (pediatric dentistry), Dr. Joe Bordeaux (orthodontist), and Gordon Rush (contractor).

How big is it in square feet?

The building is 20,000 square feet; the dental office is 2,800 square feet.

How many active patients?

1,450

How are you involved in leadership and community?

In many ways. In the dental community, I have served as president of the Washington State Dental Association. We have 3,800 member dentists and a very progressive, active association. I was the first female president (in 114 years!) of the Pierce County Dental Society. I have been an ADA delegate for many years and have served on the board of directors for the Washington Oral Health Foundation. I am on the executive committee of the PRECEDENT Research group, supported by a National Institutes of Health grant to develop and implement clinical research into the general dental practice. I will begin my first year this summer on the admissions committee for the University of Washington School of Dentistry. I have been an affiliate clinical restorative faculty member for the third- and fourth-year students at the UW SOD for many years but have not been teaching for the last four years due to my time commitments with the WSDA. In my community: This weekend my home was on the Gig Harbor Garden Tour to raise money for adult literacy. Several weeks ago, I gave a talk on leadership at the Gig Harbor High School. I've been involved in the local Chamber of Commerce, supported a Little League team for 10 years, and have been a volunteer zoo dentist at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for eight years.

How long have you been a member of AAWD?

For several years. I was a member many years ago, after graduating from dental school.

How did you become involved with AAWD?

I rejoined after meeting Dr. Stephanie Houseman, your incoming president.

What do you personally get out of being a member of AAWD and how would you inspire others to join?

I've always been a tremendous supporter of women in dentistry, which is exactly the mission of AAWD: nurturing and enriching the diverse lives of women.

What is your most prized accomplishment?

Being a mother of a beautiful daughter! A close second is my marriage to Jim. Third is the honor of having been president of the Washington State Dental Association.

What are your goals?

To be an internationally renowned dental consultant and speaker. I want to continue the legacy of Linda L. Miles and Associates. I want to be a very positive influence and facilitate changes in dental practices that will make their lives less stressful, more organized, profitable, and lots of fun!

What are you known for (in general or dental-related)?

I'm known for honesty and directness. I'm hard working, ethical, fun, and have a positive attitude toward life in general and in my dental practice.

Do you have any advice for women who want to pursue dentistry?

The first year of college and the first year of dental school pretty much set your grade point average as you accumulate so many credits that it is difficult to change your GPA. Work really, really hard those early years. College and dental school are about your determination to jump the hurdles set in front of you. Sometimes the big picture is scary. Just focus on the hurdle in front of you. Jump it and move on.

Are you especially fond of certain dental equipment?

Digital radiography and intraoral cameras. I love the ability to show patients what I see!

If you were a dental instrument, what kind would you be and why?

This is an interesting question! My mind immediately went to hand instruments ... and then I thought about how times have changed. I've been in dentistry since 1976 and I suppose if you asked me this question back then, I may have been an amalgam carrier! Now, with technological changes, one must consider there are many other types of dental instruments besides "hand instruments." We have lasers, perioscopes, digital radiography, and intraoral cameras. We have CEREC technology, sophisticated composite techniques, and curing lights! If I were an instrument today, I would be a dental microscope. With the ability to see the big picture, but focusing down further and further to the level of detail that creates outstanding dentistry.

What do you do for fun?

Go to soccer games and watch my daughter play; travel; spend time on the boat and jet skis; swim; relax by the water; play with our dogs.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, boating, scuba diving, reading, playing the piano.

Tell me three things about yourself that might surprise people.

1. As a volunteer zoo dentist, I've worked on polar bears, monkeys, lemurs, an aardvark, a snow leopard, and a 3,700 pound walrus, to name a few. 2. I was not a good student during my first two years in high school. When I went to college, I had to relearn all my math and science. I vividly remember my teenage years and how difficult those times were. This has helped me become a better mother. 3. I grew up shy. Every day, I strive to be otherwise.

ET, the walrus ... 3,700 lbs., awake!

What book are you reading?

I'm reading multiple books, always. Right now, I'm reading "Words That Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear," by Dr. Frank Luntz, "The Female Brain," by Louann Brizendine, MD, "The Voice of Authority," by Danna Booher, and "Focal Point," by Brian Tracy.

What is your favorite Web site?

Entrez PubMed

Where do you go to get your information?

Entrez PubMed gives me the latest publications in dentistry.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple pie!

Where is your favorite restaurant in your town, and what is your meal of choice?

The Green Turtle Restaurant in Gig Harbor, Washington: the seafood linguine with a white sauce.

If you were to interview one person, who and why?

Eleanor Roosevelt: She was a powerful, confident, yet humble woman of great influence. At her memorial service, Adlai Stevenson asked, "What other single human being has touched and transformed the existence of so many?" Stevenson also said that Roosevelt was someone "who would rather light a candle than curse the darkness."

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

My home. It's on the Puget Sound; no bank waterfront with a sandy beach and a swimming pool just feet away from the saltwater.

Where do you go to escape?

Down to the water and out on the dock.

Rhonda with a sunbear!

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Contact information for Rhonda Savage, DDS ...

Office address:

3519 56th St NW, Suite 260
Gig Harbor, WA 98333

This was my dental office address. I've had two practices. The first was in University Place, Washington, for 13 years. I sold that office in 2003. My husband and I had built a new building in Gig Harbor, Washington, and I opened a new practice simultaneously with the sale of the other practice. I practiced in Gig Harbor until Feb. 28, 2007, and then had to have my third rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. I am no longer able to practice clinical dentistry. In July 2007, I became the CEO of Linda Miles and Associates! I have known Linda for many years and had one of her consultants (Char Sweeney) work in my University Place practice from 1993 to 1994.

Phone: (253) 549-4300

Fax: (253) 549-4301

E-mail: rsavage@harbornet.com

Web site: www.rhondasavage.com

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