Meet Dr. Lauren Ma
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be entrusted with my patients’ oral health and their smiles. I am humbled by this trust and committed to ensuring every visit is comfortable, productive, and finishes with the patient healthier and feeling better.
From a young age, I was drawn to science, medicine, and art. I also knew I need a profession that allowed me time to get to know people and build real relationships. Dentistry is the perfect blend of my interests and passions, keeping me excited, challenged, and engaged!
I love how each patient and each interaction is different. It goes far beyond different sets of teeth: my patients are a diverse group of individuals, each with their own personality, needs, and goals. I thrive on the challenge of learning who each patient is and the joy of working with them to create a treatment plan that addresses their clinical and personal concerns.
Kirkland Dental
I feel fortunate to work with Dr. Yagi and a team of very experienced and talented people. We value high-quality, patient-centered care and each of us goes above and beyond to ensure patients are comfortable and relaxed. Our team members support each other and have genuine, honest, caring relationships with our patient family.
Our office fosters a welcoming, respectful, lighthearted environment. We’re serious about dental care and we’re serious about making sure our patients are smiling throughout their visits!
Education and Continuing Education
I attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where I began a six-year accelerated program: three years as an undergrad and three years of dental school. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. I then completed my Doctorate of Dental Surgery with the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. During dental school, I received awards for Clinical Excellence in Aesthetic Dentistry and for Outstanding Dedication to Community Service.
My commitment to learning didn’t end when I graduated. I choose to participate in continuing dental education because the field is continuously evolving. In addition to staying on top of the latest innovations, materials, and methods, I strive to gain new perspectives from other providers. This ensures I’m able to provide the best possible care to each patient.
I regularly complete courses through major oral healthcare conventions, along with participating in seminars and lectures. I’m also involved with study clubs where I collaborate and discuss complex cases with colleagues and we review literature together.
Professional Memberships
I’m a member in good standing in the:
- American Dental Association
- Washington State Dental Association
- Seattle Kings County Dental Society
- American Association of Women Dentists
- Academy of General Dentistry
Beyond the Practice
I grew up in Bellevue and currently live on the Eastside, where I’ve been since moving back from California. Although I miss the sunshine, I’m happy to be back in the beautiful PNW where I was born and raised!
Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, rock climbing, and traveling. I have a large extended family and wonderful friends I love to spend time with and feel blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of laughter, love, and food to keep me grounded. I always enjoy checking out new places to hike – and to eat: two of the PNW’s best offerings!
I was immersed in community service at a young age and have maintained that passion as an adult. I’ve participated in dental mission trips to Belize and Jamaica. Now I regularly volunteer at Seattle Union Gospel Mission’s dental clinic and serve food at the Lord’s Table in downtown Seattle. Giving back to our community by helping others can have a profound impact: it reminds people that others truly do care!