Dr. Tinkle isn’t shy about saying that she adores her team and patients. They motivate her to be her best every single day and strive for improvement. She truly enjoys getting to know her patients and understanding how they fit into the world outside of our office. And unlike other practices, she can chat with her patients for much longer than she could if she were working for someone else who might be watching her time, leading to a more relaxed and personalized experience.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Tinkle had already finished her undergrad and wanted to be a foreign language teacher but realized that the language she wanted to teach (German) was losing popularity and was extremely difficult to find a teaching position. So, she decided to explore dentistry after her husband had started dental school. She asked some of his female classmates why they decided to pursue dentistry and liked that there is a large element of artistry to it. Plus, you get to take care of and help people and have more time with family compared to other healthcare professions.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
After graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University and earning her BS in science at Portland State University, Dr. Tinkle obtained her DMD from the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. Now with over 15 years of experience in the field, she continues to push herself, frequently taking advanced training courses through Spear Study Club and CDOCS workshops. She is also an active member of the American Dental Association, Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Dentistry is a common topic at home between Dr. Tinkle and her husband, Dr. Aaron Tinkle (a third-generation dentist). They’ve been married for over 20 years, and they’re the proud parents of two children (a son and daughter) as well as two cats and a dog. When she isn’t at the office or spending quality time with loved ones, Dr. Tinkle loves to travel and try new cuisines.
