Tammy West
(Dental Assistant/Business Administrator)

I was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin. I moved to Tennessee with my husband who was in the US Army. While in Tennessee I went to college and earned my Associates Degree as a Medical Assistant. In 2000, I entered the Red Cross Dental Assisting Program at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 2001 I joined a multi-doctor practice in Clarksville, Tennessee where I worked for four years. During that I also earned my certification as a Registered Dental Assistant and a Certified Dental Assistant. My family and I moved to Alaska in 2005 to take advantage of the opportunities here and to be closer to family. I worked with several dentists here in Anchorage before finding my “home” at Alaska Center for Dentistry Anchorage. I started working here part-time as a dental assistant in July 2010. In 2011 I was made a full time employee and now can be seen working at the front desk as a business administrator some days and sitting chair side as an assistant other days.
I have four wonderful children, ranging in age from 21 to 12. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football, crocheting along with other crafts and Geocaching.
I love being a part of the ACD family and working with our wonderful patients!

Tara Mabry
(Dental Assistant)

I graduated from Lakeview High school in Georgia. I then went to Dalton College in Georgia and received a Associates in Business Administration. My husband and I moved to Alaska and I attended UAA and received a certificate in Dental Assisting. I love going to movies, scrap booking and spending time with family and friends. I have worked for Alaska Center for Dentistry Anchorage for two and a half years I love to work with the patients and my coworkers.

Zoya Lestenkof
(Dental Assistant)

I was born and raised in St. Paul Island, Alaska. Graduated from Chemawa High School, Chemawa, Oregon.I attended a dental assistant training program in 1975, thru the public health service hospital, in Mt. Edgecombe/Sheldon Jackson College, in Sitka, Alaska. I worked for the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana for 21 years. Moved back to Alaska in 2000 and I now work for the Alaska Center for Dentistry and find it a privledged to work with a friendly and caring dental family, who genuinely treat our patients and their dental needs with high priority. I am married to Maxim Lestenkof, also from the Pribilof Island. (St. George Island, AK) My hobbies are gong to church, singing, playing board games, reading, camping, fishing and love to travel. I enjoy being with and entertaining family and friends.

Deonne Shoemake
(Dental Hygienist)

I graduated from East High School here in Anchorage. I attended the ACC- Dental Assisting Program for one year and graduated from the University of Alaska’s Dental Hygiene Program in 1991. My hobbies include skiing, both in the water and in the snow, camping, fishing, reading, and spending time with my family.
I have worked here at Alaska Center for Dentistry Anchorage, PC since 1979. My first three years here were as an assistant, but after graduation in 1991, I began my current work as a hygienist. I love working here because of our great staff and our wonderful patients, some of whom I have known since I began working here.

Lori Efird
(Dental Hygienist)

I grew up in Anchorage and graduated from East High School. I graduated from the University of Alaska’s Dental Hygiene Program. I enjoy fishing, camping, reading, crafts, and spending time with my family. I have worked here at Alaska Center for Dentistry Anchorage, PC for twenty-two years. I enjoy working here because I love what I do, and I enjoy working with our patients- they are the best.

Teresa R. Wallace, CDA
(Office Manager, Business Manager)

I graduated from Wrangell High School. After graduation I went to Renton Vocational School to study Cosmetology. I moved to Ketchikan and Started dental assisting for a wonderful dentist over 23 years ago. I went to college in Ketchikan and took many business classes, and at the same time became a certified dental assistant with DANB. My husband moved us up here to Palmer to start a new life in the valley and I started management at that time. I have taken many business classes here and have had many hours of continuing education to continue my certifications. With the skills I have learned over the years as a dental assistant I now manage two state of the art dental clinics. I love all the staff that we have at both clinics and can’t believe how close you can become to each and every patient. What I love about this job is that you get to interact with the patient in such a loving and productive way to really make changes in their over all dental health. My husband Kevin and I have two wonderful children Tara and Kollin and are proud grand parents to Kynleigh Rene. As busy as our life is there’s nothing like spending time with family. I love to go anywhere outside and to see new things.

Jairo A. Buitrago
(In- House Lab Specialist)

I graduated from the New York School of Mechanical Dentistry, and the New York University ceramic program. I attend many seminars including those that pertain to my profession and our manufacturers. I enjoy the outdoors, fishing and hiking. I also play and referee soccer. I have been working with Alaska Center for Dentistry Anchorage, PC since 1981, and love our dedication to provide the best quality dentistry to our patients. I get the pleasure of seeing my work finished, and in the mouths of those we treat!