Over 30 Years of Local Service
Opened in 1984 by Dr. Irene Hunter, Tenino Family Dental was established on a foundation of providing professional dental care with exceptional service. Over 30 years later, Dr. Suzanne Winans leads Tenino Family Dental with those same principles. Many of our patients and staff have been with our practice for over 20 years.
Tenino Family Dental provides family, cosmetic, and preventative dental care to the wonderful Tenino community and its greater area. Welcoming back patients from Chehalis, Centralia, Lacey, Yelm, Tumwater, and Olympia, you will find that the difference in our care is worth the beautiful drive to Tenino!
OCR Notice of Nondiscrimination
Meet Our Team
Dr. Suzanne Winans
Dr. Winans is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She received her undergraduate degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Washington and practiced as a hygienist for 20 years. She was employed here at Tenino Family Dental for 10 of those years then returned to the University of Washington School of Dentistry to graduate with her Dental degree in 2004.
She received many clinical and academic awards during her education and graduated in the top 10% of her class. Dr. Winans believes learning is a life long experience and takes many hours of continuing education annually as well as participating in the Spears Study Club.
Patients are Dr. Winans first priority. Her philosophy of care and values include excellence in clinical care and focusing on each individual patient… she enjoys taking time with patients to listen carefully, examine thoroughly, discuss options and then develop a plan of care that works for each individual.
In addition to her work in the office, Dr. Winans is committed to the enrichment and health of the local Tenino community. Through sponsorship of the Local Tenino Farmers Market, the Young At Heart Theatre, and many other local community projects she hopes to enrich and give back to the wonderful community of Tenino. She is a member of the Thurston Mason County Dental Society, the Washington State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Dr. Winans is also an “in-office” volunteer and provider for the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.
When out of the office, Dr. Winans puts family first by keeping up with her daughter and husband. She enjoys traveling, cycling, horseback riding and creating new dishes with fresh foods from the local farmers.
Dental Hygienists
Julia, Tracy & Cari
Julia
Theme Song: My Front Porch Looking In, by Lonestar
Favorite Quote: “Gratitude changes everything”
Local Inspiration: My family and I love enjoying time together outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We like fishing local lakes, clam digging at the coast, playing at parks, camping in the area, and walks around Capitol Lake.
Family: My husband and I have 2 young toddler daughters. Our hands and our hearts are full!
Professional: I’ve been a part of the Tenino Family Dental team for 4 almost years. I feel like I hit the dental office jackpot from the start because most days feel more like fun with family than work. One of my favorite things about working here is that the sound of laughter fills the office every day. Staff and patients manage to have a great time while providing and receiving top notch dental care. I also appreciate how Dr. Winans truly does her best for every patient, every day. She is the most thorough and caring dentist I have worked with since my start as a dental assistant 14 years ago.
Tracy
Favorite Song: “It’s a Wonderful Life”, because it reminds me of my Dad. He has an amazing perspective of looking at the positives and problem solving.
Favorite Quote: “In this life we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love” Mother Theresa
Local Inspiration: The trails and lakes in our area are my favorite. I love to be outside in the beautiful PNW.
Family: I have two kids and it’s so fun to watch them become young adults.
Professional: I have worked at TFD for over 25 years and love my job! It is truly a joy to work with caring professionals who work with the utmost integrity, compassion and humor. I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing team!
Cari
Theme Song: “Be the Light” -Thomas Rhett
Favorite Quote: “At the end of the day, at the end of the week, at the end of my life, I want to be able to say that I contributed more than I criticized” -Brene’ Brown
Local Inspiration: Our family loves camping, motorsports, hiking, and kayaking! We love all that the beautiful Pacific Northwest has to offer, from the glorious mountains to my favorite place: the beach!
Family: I have been married to Josh since 2001. We have twin boys; Conner and Mason. We have no family in Washington state. We have grown to love the Tenino community and have so many deep friendships…it’s like we created an extended family here!
Professional: I graduated with my degree in Dental Hygiene from Oregon Institute of Technology in 2001. I’ve been practicing in Washington since November 2001. I finally found my dental “home” here at Tenino Family Dental. I love being able to work with and get to know my patients. My favorite part of being a dental hygienist is helping my patients find tangible solutions for their dental concerns.
Front Office
Lisa & Tiffani
Lisa
Theme Song: Spirit in the Sky
Favorite Quote: “Random acts of kindness no matter big or small can make a tremendous impact on someone’s life”
Local Inspiration: My favorite spot to go is Port Townsend
Family: I am married with 2 grown children, twin granddaughters, and 2 dogs
Professional: I grew up in Tenino and have worked over 29 years at Tenino Family Dental. Our patients feel like friends and family. I love that we treat our patients with the best care possible.
Tiffani
Theme Song: Happy by Pharrell Williams
Favorite Quote: “The Happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”
Local Inspiration: Hidden passions for gymnastics, teaching, all things outdoors, anything adventurous and exhilarating. Hiking, camping, amusement parks, traveling to fun and exotic places, and family events are just a few of the things I enjoy most.
Family: My boyfriend Mikey and I spend our quality time together on his Harley Davidson motorcycle exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest sites. My Beautiful daughter Thea, who is the light of my life, keeps us both young and busy with all her sassy spunk and energy.
Professional: My favorite thing about being part of this amazing dental office is the shared passion for caring for patients in a gentle, comfortable, and compassionate way that still delivers quality dentistry. We all bring out the best in one another with care free, fun, laughter, and compassion for everyone. It feels like being part of a family and getting to work with your best friends all day. Started working with Tenino Family Dental in 2005 during my dental assistant internship. I have recently transitioned positions where you will see me behind the front desk training to take on the insurance and billing aspects of dentistry. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I do a lot of volunteer work with their Expanded Functions Dental Assisting program at South Puget Sound Community College. I manage and help organize all community events and drives that Tenino Family Dental hosts. I have been known to pose as the Tooth Fairy.
Dental Assistants
Linda, Tara & Bobbie
Linda
Theme Song: You’ve got a Friend in Me
Favorite Quote: “We are always only one thought away from having a good day.”
Local Inspiration: I became involved in blood donation as a teenager and still try to donate on a regular basis. It is a VERY small investment of my time that can potentially help to save a life. What an amazing opportunity!
Family: I have a large extended family and when we get together, we laugh a LOT and have the best time! I am so thankful for their love, various talents and fine examples of generosity, strength and resilience.
Professional: Since the very first day I worked at Tenino Family Dental Center, I have felt so at home and appreciated. Dr. Winans and our staff members work together as a team to support one another on a daily basis, and our goal is to provide outstanding dental care while focusing on patient comfort. I absolutely love spending time with our patients, and over the years have grown to think of so many of them as friends. I am so blessed to enjoy working in such a positive environment, shoulder to shoulder with these remarkable women!
Tara
Favorite Song: “Take me Home Country Road” John Denver
Favorite Quote: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Zigler
Family: I Grew up in Tenino and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 24 years, Sean. We have 2 boys, Coulson and Dalton. As a family we raise and show Angus cattle nationwide. Our cattle shows take us across the country, which helps support my love of road trips and seeing the U.S. I also enjoy staying healthy and keeping strong with Crossfit and running with my friends.
Local inspiration: Spending time on the farm, running locally with my friends year round, my favorite conditions being snow and sun!
Professional: I started my Tenino Family Dental Center journey in 1992 and became a certified Dental Assistant in 1994. Why WOULDN’T you want to stay somewhere where the quality, standards and passion for dentistry are so high? Where we are constantly striving to serve our patients in the best way possible. My why is simple, I believe in and trust Dr. Winans in every way. Her caring nature and her attention to details in all facets of life shines in her world and in our office. Our staff is like a family.
Bobbie
Theme Song: “Quiet -Elevation Rhythm
Favorite Quote: Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart. -Roy T. Bennett
Local Inspiration: My Family and I love the outdoors. We enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and exploring. We also love trying different restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are so many amazing local restaurants in our area.
Family: I have lived in the Tenino area for most of my life. I did move away for a while, but I am so glad to be back home. My husbands name is Dustin and we have two amazing children Rory and Kira as well as two chocolate labs Duke and Clover.
Professional: I graduated from South Puget Sound Community College dental assisting program in 2006. I worked with a periodontist from 2006-2015 and in general dentistry with Dr. Peeples from 2015-2020. I started working at Tenino Family Dental in November 2020. I’m beyond excited to be part of their team. I’ve wanted to work in the dental field since I was a kid and I absolutely love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else.