Meet the Team
Get to Know Our Pediatric Dentists!
Kennewick's Most Caring Pediatric Dentistry Team
We're So Happy to See You!
Meet Our Smile Surfers Dentists!
"The best part of dentistry is teaching little surfers to value and care for themselves. If a child is suffering from tooth decay, it's my goal to do everything possible to return him or her to a healthy state."
Dr. David Hamilton, DDS
The greatest part of his day is that he gets to teach kiddos how to love their best selves!
Education and Continuing Education
In order to become a pediatric dentist, he first attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, where he received a bachelor’s degree in natural science. Then he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Later, he served a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
Although his formal education is complete, he always strives to learn about the latest dental techniques and technologies. By knowing the most comfortable and efficient procedures in his profession, he can provide his patients with the best experiences available, while offering parents the best options available.
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Washington State Dental Society
- Benton Franklin County Dental Society
Practice Philosophy
As a pediatric dentist, he enjoys the daily interactions with his patients! He always tries to make them feel involved in and enthusiastic about taking care of their teeth. He likes to focus on preventive interventions and enjoy discussing these strategies with little surfers and their families.
He loves finding different ways to connect with his patients, like taking the time to learn about their hobbies and interests. He enjoys singing to his younger patients because they don’t care if he’s in tune! He’ll also never say no to a good game of high five (Up high, down low, too slow Joe!!!). Dr. Hamilton is always eager to serve our Spanish-speaking patients and families. He lived in Ecuador for two years and speaks Spanish fluently!
Family Life
"My number one priority is to have our patients develop a positive dental attitude and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime!"
Dr. James Collette, DDS
Dr. Collette enjoys the daily interaction with his patients, which often involves a magic trick or two! His focus is on prevention and education, and he feels that it is incredibly important to be involved with the community in promoting good oral health.
Education and Continuing Education
He completed his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience. He then graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery summa cum laude from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Following dental school, he completed his training in the specialty of pediatric dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio.
As a part of his continuing education, he is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Family Life
Dr. Collette and his wife live in the Tri-Cities area, and are grateful to raise their five children here. In his spare time, he enjoys doing various outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking and going to the gym. He also enjoys watching and playing team sports. His all-time favorite pastime, though, is going on vacation with his wonderful family!
"I love each child's unique personality, and appreciate the challenge of really getting to know each one. In doing so, I also learn how to interact with them in a way that will make them trust me and feel comfortable communicating with me."
Dr. Kirk Morris, DDS
For Dr. Morris, the best thing about being a pediatric dentist is having the opportunity to build a solid foundation of oral health that can last a lifetime. As the child’s first dentist, we not only have the ability to prevent and treat decay, but we can also make sure that dental visits are seen as a positive, enjoyable experience. Nothing makes him happier than watching a child with unhealthy teeth and a bad attitude towards dentistry return to the office months later with clean, healthy teeth and a bright smile. He strives to ensure that every child, no matter how they start, can end this way.
Dr. Morris also loves teaching the children and their parents about what he knows best: teeth! An important part of his job that he really enjoys is teaching children and their parents how to take care of the child’s teeth, so that they have one less thing they need to worry about!
Overall, Dr. Morris is just so happy to be a pediatric dentist. He loves the strength of the children’s personalities, the sincerity of their smiles, and the chance that he has to get to know them. He believes that it is a great feeling to work as part of a team where we all strive to ensure that their time with us will help each child to become more confident, friendly, healthy, and happy.
Education and Continuing Education
Dr. Morris loves learning about how pediatric dentists can help children develop healthy, functional mouths, with sparkling teeth that will last for a lifetime. He wants nothing more than for every child to grow up with a healthy smile that will bring confidence to them and warmth to others. As an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, he continues his education on a regular basis in all aspects of pediatric dentistry.
Family Life
Dr. Morris grew up in Provo, Utah. After living in both Los Angeles and Memphis, he decided to settle down in the Tri-Cities area. He says that he somehow convinced a beautiful, smart, caring redhead named Cheryl to marry him! They now have three amazing children. Dr. Morris loves spending time outside with his family. He is also hopelessly addicted to fly-fishing and can’t seem to spend enough time on the water. He loves backpacking, cycling, running, playing golf, softball, and basketball, as well as bird hunting. Most of all, Dr. Morris loves his wife and kids immensely; he takes the responsibility of teaching his children to be hard-working, honest, and considerate individuals very seriously. He strives daily to lead by example.
"Getting to know each young patient is not only a challenge I embrace, but a privilege I cherish. By earning their trust and building genuine connections, we create a canvas of comfort where smiles flourish and fears fade away.
Dr. Michael Rees, DMD
His favorite part about working as a pediatric dentist is making kids feel comfortable and overcome their fears.
Dr. Michael Rees, DMD, finds utmost joy in his role as a pediatric dentist, where he takes pride in helping children feel at ease and conquer their dental fears. With a childlike spirit, he connects effortlessly with his young patients, embracing their sense of humor and excitement to create a comforting and relaxed environment during dental visits. Dr. Rees cherishes the opportunity to work with nervous or fearful children, using his compassionate nature to make their dental experiences positive and enjoyable.
Education and Continuing Education
- Undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
- Graduating summa cum laude with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Temple University School of Dentistry.
- Completed his training in the specialty of pediatric dentistry at NYU-Langone in Yakima, WA.
Family Life
Meet the Dental Team at Smile Surfers in Kennewick!
Front Office Team Members
Angela
Operations
Aracely
Administrative Assistant
Corinna
Administrative Assistant
Hector
Administrative Assistant
Jan
Administrative Assistant
Dental Assistant
Janelle
Administrative Assistant
Kayla
Operations
Kristal
Administrative Assistant
Kylie
Administrative Assistant,
Dental Assistant
Lydia
Administrative Assistant
Operations
Milca
Administrative Assistant
Nayeli
Administrative Assistant
Osiris
Administrative Assistant
Ruby
Administrative Assistant
Yadi
Operations
Clinical Team Members
Alex
Dental Assistant
Ana
Dental Assistant
Ashley
Dental Assistant
Becca
Dental Assistant
Brenda
Dental Assistant
Cielo
Dental Assistant
Crystal
Dental Assistant
Evelyn
Dental Assistant
Janett
Dental Assistant
Jeannette
Dental Assistant
Kaylon
Dental Hygienist
Keana
Dental Assistant
Kelly
Dental Assistant
Kristin
Dental Hygienist
Kylee
Operations
Laura
Dental Assistant
Leslie
Dental Assistant
Lily
Dental Assistant
Mayra
Dental Assistant
Tara
Dental Assistant
Yailin
Dental Assistant
Yesi
Dental Assistant
Yuliya
Dental Hygienist
