Seattle Kids Dentistry believes that every child is unique and should get personalized dental care in a kid-friendly environment, along with the inspiration and education needed to maintain a lifetime of great dental health. Our team is here to make sure you and your child’s experience is an incredible one, and we look forward to creating beautiful smiles… one family at a time.
“I love what I do! As a pediatric dentist, I get to help families learn about the importance of good oral health, and we know that children with good oral health habits invariably become adults with good oral health habits. We work together so that the experience of going to the dentist remains a positive one – for the child and family”.
Dr. Kristi Linsenmayer is a Pacific Northwest native and a long-time resident of the Queen Anne area of Seattle. She has been practicing dentistry since 1993 and is a graduate of the University Of Washington School Of Dentistry. In 2007, she completed her specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry, receiving a MS in Dentistry degree with a certificate in pediatric dentistry. During her specialty training, she also received a Master’s degree in Public Health (M.P.H.) from the UW School of Public Health Department of Maternal and Child Health with a specific interest in the oral health of pregnant women intertwined with that of their child.
Dr. Linsenmayer has spent her professional career working in American Indian/Alaska Native health with over a decade of practice at the Seattle Indian Health Board, and is currently associated with the Indian Health Service throughout Washington and various communities and villages of Southeast Alaska bringing dental care to populations -at-risk. She balances the remainder of her professional time between her private practice in Ketchikan, AK and Seattle. Dr. Linsenmayer is also a member of the advisory council of the national Maternal and Child Health Bureau. She is published in Pediatrics, the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry and the Journal of Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology. Additionally, she recently lectured at ‘Native American Women’s Dialogue on Infant Mortality’ and ‘National Urban AI/AN Health Conference’. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Linsenmayer enjoys an active lifestyle, which includes running, yoga and bicycling.
Professional Affiliations:
Member, AAPD‐American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, since 2007
Member, WSAPD-Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, since 2007
Past President, Member, Northwest Pediatric Dentistry Study Club, since 2009
Associate Faculty, University of Washington School of Dentistry, since 1997
Associate Faculty, University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, since 2004
“Seattle Kids Dentistry is my longtime dream come true. After hearing about so many negative dental experiences my generation had as children, it was my goal to give kids a new perspective about going to the dentist and to get them excited about their dental health by creating a positive, fun filled, educational experience.”
Dr. Merchant loves children, and working with them brightens her day! In 2007, she moved to the Seattle area with the mindset to open her own pediatric dental office. With a warm and caring personality and years of experience working with kids, providing a fun, comfortable and educational experience for children and parents alike is her specialty.
A former Miss India, Dr. Merchant has a Masters Degree in Dentistry and a Pediatric Dentistry specialization from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. Since 2010, she has also been associated with Redmond Kids Dentistry, where she sees patients twice a week. She is one of few pediatric dentists to be certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, an honor representing the highest possible credentials within the field of dentistry. Dr. Merchant is also certified in the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Her areas of focus include all areas of prevention, treatment and special needs, and she believes in using the latest advancements in dental technology to deliver the best possible care to her patients. Outside of the office, you’ll find Purva kayaking, hiking, traveling to far away lands, practicing her headstand techniques, scuba diving, painting and living life to the fullest.
Professional Affiliations:
Fellow, ABPD ‐ American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, since 2009
Member, AAPD‐ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, since 2005
Member, Northwest Pediatric Dentistry Study Club, since 2008
Member, Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry Study Club, since 2009
Associate Faculty, University of Washington Department of Pediatric Dentistry, 2011
“Our team places a strong emphasis on educating children and families so that they can take good care of their health. I belive strongly in this prevention based approach to care.”
Deborah has worked in the dental field for twelve years as a financial coordinator. She curently attends Shoreline Community College where she plans to earn a degree in business with a focus on human services. Deborah will assist you through any administrative, scheduling and insurance related questions to ensure your experience with us is stress free. Besides work, Deborah loves music, travelling and spending time with her four amazing children.
“My three daughters, now all grown up, benefited from the expertise and compassion offered by a pediatric dentist. I am so grateful that they love going to the dentist! What a wonderful gift to give a child…. a bright, healthy and beautiful smile!”
Susan graduated from the UW with a BA in Advertising and has been welcomed back into the workplace by Seattle Kids Dentistry to help with the front desk and with our outreach events. She has devoted the past twenty years to being a stay-at-home mom and now that her daughters have all left on their own adventures, she has jumped at the opportunity to work with new parents and their children. Susan loves to bake, to dabble in art and spend time with family and friends.
“I love working with apprehensive children that come to the office, then leave happy and proud of themselves, knowing that I provided a positive and fun experience for them at Seattle Kids Dentistry.”
Mary Ann attended an accredited dental assistant program at Edmonds community college. She has worked for over 30 years as a pediatric dental assistant, both in Florida and in Washington. She has the ability to ease children in the dental setting with the ‘tell, show, do’ method, along with humor and fun. Mary Ann collects Wizard of Oz memorabilia, she loves amusement parks, especially riding roller coasters. She basically is a ‘BIG’ kid at heart.
“Working with children makes my heart sing and I have a passion for dentistry. Seattle Kids Dentistry places a strong emphasis on educating children, and I am very excited to be a part of this team since I share this philosophy”
Jola is originally from Poland and has now made Seattle her home. She has several years of experience working with young children, and has been surrounded by little ones as long as she can remember. She is currently a dental hygiene student at Shoreline community college and has been a welcome addition to the Seattle Kids Dentistry team. Her outgoing nature makes it easy for her to make friends and she loves to spend time with her family. Jola likes to dance, travel, meet new people, learn new languages and is an avid photographer. Jola believes “Your best smiles are ahead!”
