Orthodontic Specialist ~ Dr. Zeeny Teja
What do you like best about being an orthodontist?
What is not to love about being an orthodontist, since it is all about the SMILE?! I form friendships with my wonderful patients, while contributing to improved oral health and a positive change in their lives. A fulfilling profession, indeed!
I feel privileged to be an orthodontist!
Why choose my office for your orthodontic care?
I take pride in my 'unique" office and the fact that you won't find numerous orthodontic chairs for me to supervise at any one time! To be able to provide exceptional care for my patients, I need to be available and focused on each patient’s progress. Your questions are answered not only at our Initial Complimentary Exam, but at every appointment. I have an extremely professional and competent staff, but ultimately, as the orthodontist, I believe that close supervision can only be provided if the right patient/doctor ratio is maintained. My unique practice is focused on individualized, personal care rather than on volume.
About me
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and I travel to Kenya once a year to visit family, though I consider Seattle to be my home, having lived here now for over 20 years. My 3 amazing nephews are the joy of my life. All my vacation plans revolve around their schedules, to allow me to spend as much time with them as possible!! It is becoming a little more difficult to impress them, but I am still their favorite (and only aunt) from our side of the family!!
Being physically active is what keeps my energy up and my stress level under control. Juggling work, volunteer activities and my home life, is physically and mentally demanding, and working out regularly has always sustained me. Walking and swimming are my favorites.
I love to read (historical fiction, motivational/personal development books) and I rarely miss a Tennis Grand Slam Event on television!
I cannot believe I have been an orthodontist for almost 20 years! In my spare time, I have always enjoyed volunteering. Voluntary service in any capacity, for any community, is a cornerstone of my life. Some of these activities include organizational roles and youth empowerment within my own faith community, assisting John Curley at fundraising auctions organized by the AKDN, to relieve poverty and to improve quality of life in the third world, tutoring pupils at a local Queen Anne School every week, accompanied by my office staff, sponsoring Little League teams, and supporting fund-raising activities for the local schools, Successful Schools in Action and other Charitable organizations.
Education
At the age of 16, I went to England to pursue higher education, which was not available at an acceptable standard in Kenya. The value of a good education was instilled in me by my father and, with his emotional and financial support, I went on to acquire three degrees:
- Dental Degree from London University in 1977 (B.D.S.)
- Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry, London University, in 1986 (M.Sc)
- Orthodontic Degree from University of Washington in 1991 (M.S.D.)
Professional Organizations:
- A professional Study Club that meets monthly to share new information and to network with my admirable colleagues.
- The Washington State Dental Association.
- The Seattle King County Dental Society.
- The American Association of Orthodontists.
- The British Orthodontic Society.
- I continue to pursue ongoing education, attending orthodontic conferences both in the United States and abroad and am certified as a preferred provider through Invisalign.
A few of the professional accomplishments that I am most proud of are:
- Being the first dentist to provide patient care at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi (1986)
- Serving as President of the Washington Association of Women Dentists, and as an officer for the Washington State Society of Orthodontists.
- Establishing a successful orthodontic practice in the Queen Anne Community.
Meet the team:
Front Desk Coordinator ~ Shawn
My favorite part of working in our “quaint” office is the patients, and their families. It is a very tight knit community and I love that.
I am Dr. Teja’s (front office everything), and I am usually the first smiling face to greet our patients. I have had the pleasure of being in the dental field since 1998, both as a clinical assistant and in the front office.
Outside of work, my husband Arne and I, and the rest of our family; Morgan, Jesse, Alek and Ahna love the outdoors, especially the beach, going on walks, and watching football! I thoroughly enjoy yard work too.
I look forward to meeting you!
Orthodontic Assistant ~ Sheri
Boy has time flown! I have been in the orthodontic field for 20+ years! Working alongside Dr. Teja, helping to achieve wonderful smiles, brings great satisfaction! Getting to know our patients while sharing stories and laughter is something that I never tire of. Our office has a quiet neighborhood feel, which lends itself very well to the "patient focused" type of treatment we offer.
In my spare time, I enjoy my four children and three grandkids! Life is good! We spend many happy hours RVing our way around Washington State.
Personal Relations and Media Coordinator ~ Julie
Promoting an office which gives exceptional care to its patients is easy! I am the errand runner, computer fixer (ha), social media writer and marketing person for the office.
My job is extremely flexible and creative. The flexibility is perfect as I shuttle my three teenage boys around. I love to exercise; yoga and walking my adorable Labradoodle, Chewy, being my favorites!
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