About Us
Mission Statement
“The mission of the Central Academy of Dental Assisting is to provide an excellent environment for understanding the fundamental communication skills necessary to provide care to the dental patient and to develop fundamental clinical assisting, radiology, and laboratory skills. Students will learn to practice and implement OSHA/WISHA compliant infection control procedures. We will also prepare students the skills necessary to find employment in the dental industry.”
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Dr. Steve Broughton
President
Light Dental Studios had a humble beginning 1971 as the solo dental practice of Dr. James Zanner. Dr. Broughton took over in 1997 and remains as its CEO and Founder today. Dr. Broughton holds a Bachelor’s degree from Whitworth College. He then attended the University of Washington and would graduate from the School of Dentistry in 1997.
Dr. Broughton has received several awards including the coveted 1999 American Dental Association’s Golden Apple Award. At the time, there were only 7 other dentists in Washington State to receive the honor. He was honored as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the year in 1998 from the American College of Dentists. This invitation-only society invites less than 2.5% of all dentists in fellowship. He received the 1997 Johnny N. Johnson Award from the UW School of Dentistry, The 1997 Award of Excellence from the American Student Dental Association, and the 1997 Special Achievement award from the Washington State Dental Association.
Dr. Broughton has served on numerous councils and boards in dentistry including:
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1997,1998, 1999, chairperson of the Liaison Committee for the Washington State Dental Association
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1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 Liaison Committee member for WSDA
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1998 Alternate Delegate for the American Dental Association House of Delegates
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1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Delegate Washington State Dental Association House of Delegates
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2001 Legislative Committee. Pierce County Dental Society
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2001, 2002 Board of Directors. Pierce County Dental Society
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2002 Invited to sit on curriculum “think tank” University of Washington School of Dentistry
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2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Executive board of Directors, secretary-treasurer, Vice-President, President, Past-President Pierce County Dental Society
Dr. Broughton been married since 1993 to his beautiful wife, Ann. They have two children, Katie and Claire. Outside of work, he enjoys…wait, what’s outside of work mean? Dr. Broughton loves his work and his family and has developed a life with little separation between the two. But, an unwavering LOVE for both.
Dr. Angie Dunn
Co-President & Instructor
Dr. Dunn graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She graduated with the #1 rank in her class and is an exceptional, bright, and talented dentist. She received the Psi Omega Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon scholarship for outstanding scholastic achievement, the Kirby and Erna Speyer Memorial Scholarship, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon William S. Kramer National Award, the Maurice Hickey Scholarship, the F. Burns Guthrie Award from the American College of Dentists, the Alpha Omega Scholarship, the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, the John C. Kois Prize in Restorative Clinical Excellence, and the Academy of General Dentistry Award.
Dr. Dunn did her undergraduate training at the University of Washington as well, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry in only 3 years with a 3.91 GPA and the honor of Summa Cum Laude.
Dr. Dunn grew up in Auburn, graduating from Auburn Riverside High School with 4.0 GPA and Phi Beta Kappa - were you expecting anything less? Dr. Dunn enjoys giving back in numerous ways.
During school, she spent numerous evenings at the 45th Street clinic for homeless youth in Seattle. She has also participated with the Medical Teams International program to provide emergency dental care to the local homeless. She was asked to teach with the Restorative Department at the UW School of Dentistry. In addition to this, Dr. Dunn serves on the Design Committee for the South Sound Free Dental Day that provides hundreds of members in the local community free dentistry each year.
Angie and her high school sweetheart, Joe, have two children Roman and Cora. Dr. Dunn joined the Light Dental Studios office in Puyallup in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer. She loves working with patients, as is evident from her friendly demeanor and relaxing humming while she works.
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Dr. Tami Trieu
Curriculum Director & Instructor
Dr. Tami Trieu graduated from the University Of Washington School Of Dentistry as one of the class’ finest graduating dentists. Dr. Trieu was named Top 5 Operators in Fixed Prosthodontics, received the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award, received honors in Orthodontics and an honorable mention in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Trieu was also invited to become a teaching assistant in Removable Prosthodontics.
Dr. Trieu is married to her husband Joe. In her free time, she loves playing and chasing her 5 beautiful children Nathaniel, Cecilia, Isabella, Annabelle, and Alena.
Katie Hogan, RDA
Administrator
Katie has been a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) since 2010 and wears many hats. In addition to her strong role in a dental office, she has an infectious smile and personality that gives patients a warm, welcoming feel. Katie strives to serve patients with the care and professionalism they deserve. She is a successful leader because she has the desire to encourage and develop those around her, passing on her love of her career to to the office and to all she encounters. Katie will ensure that every student leaves the program equipped to become successful. You will not find a more welcoming person and she is sure to put your troubles at ease.
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Ashley Etherington, RDA
Administrator
Ashley has been a dental assistant since 2010 and has developed a skillset that is critical to a dental career. Wthin those years, she has spent valuable time developing her gifts as she's stepped foot in different kinds of offices. Her exposure has allowed her to see what sets an effective employee and office apart. Her expertise in the dental field has allowed her to form lasting impressions on patients and team members. Ashley strives to make sure that all doctors, dental assistants, hygenists, and front office members work together to give patients a treatment plan that is best suited for their needs, with ease and care at their core.
In Ashley's spare time she enjoys snowboarding, any outdoor activity, and spending time with family and friends!
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Victoria Campos
Class Proctor
Victoria has developed a career in that dental field that has helped bring her degree in communication skills to life. She works to provide exceptional service to the dental office as her team members and herself help generate smiles. Victoria has fond memories of going to the dentist and orthodontist growing up, so she is happy to create that welcoming environment for the patients at the front desk as she knows how much of an impact the experience can be. Having worked in customer service for over 10 years, she values the relationships she builds with both patients and the staff. She is committed to helping students grow academically and professionaly.
When Victoria isn't working, you can find her at the gym or on a mountain top. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, as well as checking out the latest new restaurants with her loved ones.
Dr. Micah Bovenkamp
Instructor
Dr. Micah Bovenkamp graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry with his doctorate in
dental surgery. He then went on to complete his Master of Science in Dentistry and received his Certificate of
Training in Pediatric Dentistry at the UW in conjunction with Seattle Children’s Hospital. While in residency he
received extensive training in treating children including children with special healthcare needs. Dr. Micah also
received front-line training in the management of acute dental trauma. While in dental school, he had the honor
of serving as class president for four years. He has received numerous prestigious clinical and leadership awards
during his education, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award, the Johnny N. Johnson Student Leadership
Award, and the Dennis P. Duskin Inspirational Award.
Dr. Micah was born in Seattle but raised in Puyallup after his family moved to his hometown when he was one -
year-old. He is excited to be back in his hometown to give back to the community where he was raised. Dr. Micah
believes in helping people to become the best version of themselves. During his formative years he spent a
significant amount of time at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a patient due to a childhood medical condition. One of
the highlights of his education was the opportunity to return to the hospital as a provider to deliver the same
outstanding care that he received as a child. He is an extremely patient, personable, and caring clinician. He
delights in helping children rise to success and to see them master the dental experience.
Dr. Micah Bovenkamp is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental
Association, and Washington State Dental Association.
Dr. Shelly Bedayse
Instructor
Dr. Bedayse graduated from the University of West Indies School of Dentistry in 2006. She continued her
education at the University of Michigan in 2015. Dr. Bedayse received many academic honors during her
schooling. She is the recipient of the Faculty of Medical Sciences President’s Medal for Excellence in Child Dental
Health (2006) from the University of West Indies. From the University of Michigan, she received the Donald A.
Kerr Award for Excellence in Pathology (2013), the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior
Student Award (2015), Arthur H. Merritt Award for Excellence in Periodontics (2015), Raymond L. Hayes Award for
Excellence in Endodontics (2015) and Samuel D. Harris Award for Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry (2015). Lastly,
she was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Chi Chapter) in 2015.
Dr. Bedayse is currently an active member of American Dental Association, Delta Sigma Delta, OKU National
Dental Honor Society, & American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Michael Tsai
Instructor
Dr. Tsai then traveled to Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.Sc.) from the
University of Waterloo followed by a year of working in a lab at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada as a research assistant studying the biology of wound healing. After the year, Dr. Tsai returned to
Vancouver, BC, to study dentistry at the University of British Columbia and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine
(D.M.D). Seeing his own family’s struggle with dental disease and dental anxiety, Dr. Tsai was motivated to pursue
advanced training in oral surgery and anesthesia, which compelled him to move to Fort Worth, Texas to complete
an internship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Upon completion of his internship, he was offered a position in the coveted 4-year Oral and Maxillofacial
Residency Training Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, which allowed him to further advance
his skills while being closer to his family. During the program, he was exposed to comprehensive training in Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgery and Anesthesia.
During residency training, Dr. Tsai published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, including papers on topics
such as platelet biology, management of bleeding, sedation, temporomandibular joint surgery, and oral cancer.
He was also offered scholarships to attend academic conferences, including the American Association of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Conference in 2019.
Dr. Tsai is an active member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons, & American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Dr. Thomas Manaois
Instructor
Dr. Thomas Manaois was raised in the Tacoma area and has seen it flourish over his lifetime. He attended the
University of Washington School of Dentistry where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He also has a
passion for cosmetic dentistry and has been trained by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to treat patient
concerns with Botox and Fillers.
Dr. Thomas Manaois is a recipient of the 2019-2020 Annual Service Learning Rotation Student Award. He is an
active member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Dr. Judy Yuan
Instructor
Dr. Judy grew up in the state of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition,
and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, and is proud to have attended the #1 Dental School in
America, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She is dedicated to serving the community, having
participated in many free dental care days, and spent a third of her last year in Michigan caring for patients at
13 community dental clinics throughout the state. In addition, she traveled multiple years with the American Dental
Association to Washington D.C. to advocate for patients’ access to oral care at a state and national level.
For her record of excellence in patient-centered care, Dr. Judy received multiple "Make a Difference" awards for
her ability to create trust and friendship with her patients. In addition, she is the recipient of one of five 2016
Michigan Periodontal Alumni Association Awards.
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Dr. Jordan Collins
Instructor
Dr. Jordan Collins graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in Pennsylvania. He
served as President to his class all four years of his training and was active in many other student organizations.
Since graduation, Dr. Collins has participated in such organizations as the American Dental Association,
Washington Dental Society, and the American Dental Education Association. On top of being so active in
committees and volunteer activities, Dr. Collins graduated at the top of his class and received the Academy of
General Dentistry award. He was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor
Society. This society only invites the top 8% of graduating dental students across the nation to join.
Dr. Jordan Collins is an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry,
Washington State Dental Association & Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
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Dr. Adam Poyfair
Instructor
Dr. Adam Poyfair is a 2009 graduate of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He
also earned a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science with a Chemistry Minor at Brigham Young University. While
attending Case Western, Dr. Poyfair was active in student government and attended many extracurricular
education courses. He served as his Class Representative while in dental school.
Having been a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Poyfair enjoys being active within the local dental
community. He has served as Chairman of the South Sound Free Dental Day Design Committee, which helps to
serve hundreds within the local community with free dental services. He has volunteered his free time with
Medical Teams International to provide free dental care and education to underprivileged school children. Dr.
Poyfair enjoys all aspects of dentistry and is proficient in many disciplines including crowns/veneers, extractions,
root canals, implant placement and traditional and clear braces.
Dr. Adam Poyfair is currently an active member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental
Association & Pierce County Dental Society.
Sienna Flom, RDA
Instructor
Sienna began her career as a sterile technician but grew into her role as a registered dental assistant.
Her favorite aspect of dental assisting and patient care in her office shows that they truly care about their
patients, in all aspects of their life. Making patient connections and putting them at ease is rewarding. She
admires their commitment to the patient and is always looking forward to learning more!
When Sienna is not at work she likes to roller skate, paint, or spend time with family!
Sydni Stimson, CDA
Instructor
Sydni has been a dental assistant for four years. She went to Clover Park technical college. She took a program
accredited through the American dental association (ADA) and received herAssociate of applied technology (AAT)
degree along with her DANB certification (Dental Assistant National Board) which made her a Certified Dental
Assistant (CDA). Sydni is an RDA and holds 7 hours of AIDS/HIV education and a current Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. The program prepared her for positions in the dental field, including both frontoffice and dental-assistant back office. Graduates of the program have the foundation of dental science, dental assistant skills, dental materials, dental laboratory procedures, radiography, infection control, and dental business office-management skills.
Jen Elder, CDA
Instructor
Jen has a vast knowledge in dentistry as a Bates Technical College 1996 graduate. With a childhood dream of
working in the dental field, she started at Bates Technical College soon after graduating high school. To make it
work financially, she also worked nights while attending school full time. Jen has worked in general dentistry for
25 years and more recently has expanded her knowledge and skillset working with both oral surgeons and
periodontists. She likes the challenge of knowing more about systemic health ramifications in treating medically
complex patients. Jen’s favorite part of dental assisting is the human relationship, sitting down and conversing
with patients whether about their dentistry or personal lives.
Emma Thomas, RDA
Instructor
Emma has been in the dental field since 2018. Not only has she worked clinically as a chairside dental assistant in
general dentistry, she also has developed a strong skillset at the front office doing treatment planning, scheduling,
insurance, and patient relations. Emma has become a go-to for both roles. She is known for her ability to
problem-solve any issue that comes up for her patients and her team.
Jen Music, CDA
Instructor
Jennifer has been a dental assistant since 2012. She graduated with honors from SPSCC at the top of her class.
After realizing her passion for oral surgery, she furthered her career by becoming a registered dental anesthesia
assistant and training in venipuncture. Jennifer is certified nationally by both the Dental Assisting National Board
and the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Mallori Riche, RDA
Instructor
Mallori was born and raised in Washington state. Growing up she had a lot of dental anxiety and even
avoided smiling in pictures. One day she decided she not only wanted to overcome her fears/insecurities
but she also wanted to help others who felt the same way learn to love their smiles too! She attended
Pima Medical Institute and quickly found out that she absolutely loved being a dental assistant. Mallori
is so excited to be a part of this team! It is her goal to provide the best experience to all patients who
come into Light Dental Studios!
When the weather allows it you can find her next to the ocean with her toes in the sand. When she’s not
working, she enjoys being at home with her amazing husband and three crazy dogs and listening to her
vinyl collection.
Hailey Gough, RDA
Instructor
Hailey has been a dental assistant for a number of years. Her love for the dental office and patients puts
a smile on her face every day! Hailey is a local native who found a passion for dentistry at a young age,
due to being at the orthodontist for braces for a number of years. Her experience and the orthodontic
impact made her grateful to choose a career that allowed her to do the same for others.
When Hailey is not at the office, she loves to hang out with family and go on adventures!
Meri Rende, RDA
Instructor
Meri enjoys the dental field because of her love for helping others. Her favorite thing about dental
assisting is getting to work closely with the dentist and helping her patients feel comfortable. Meri is
grateful to have found a career path as a dental assistant and looks forward to the opportunities and
growth that will come out of this rewarding career!
Tiana Hughes, RDA
Instructor
With over three years of hands-on experience in the dental field, Tiana is a dedicated and
compassionate dental assistant who brings both technical expertise and a gentle touch to every patient
interaction. Specializing in assisting with root canal treatments, Tiana plays a pivotal role in ensuring
patients receive the highest standard of care during these intricate procedures.