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There is a lot to love about Dr. Hayley Lofquist - like the fact that she would rather be in the forest than just about anywhere else, or that she dreams of being dentist to Taylor Swift. Don't just take our word for it, though! We conducted a little interview with Dr. Hayley, and we are excited for you to get to know her.
Meet Dr. Hayley Lofquist
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
I decided to become a pediatric dentist because I love that we get to shape kids’ perception toward the dentist and create positive feelings that can last a lifetime! Despite having a mouth full of cavities as a three-year-old and needing a great deal of dental work, I always had fun and looked forward to my dental visits. I saw what a profound effect the dental team had on my feelings toward the dentist as a child and I wanted to be the one making kids love the dentist! There is nothing more rewarding than working to earn an anxious kiddo’s trust and helping them to gain confidence at their dental visits!
Did you have a favorite dentist when you were a kid?
My pediatric dentist, Dr. Peter Mielke, was amazing and inspired me to be a kids’ dentist myself! He had this calming and gentle presence that made everyone feel at ease and he loved to crack jokes.
If you could be a tooth, which one would you be?
I would be a baby central incisor because they get to be the first teeth to arrive to the party and the first to introduce kids to the magic of the tooth fairy (and babies are so darn cute when they only have those two little teeth on the bottom!)
What is your favorite flavor of toothpaste?
There is nothing that makes my teeth feel as clean and sparkly as good old-fashioned spearmint!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Right here in western Washington! My husband and I have always dreamed of living in the Pacific Northwest and have found our perfect home here. This area has stunning forests and lakes to explore and great coffee–it couldn’t get any better!
If you could be the dentist to any famous person, who would it be?
If I could be the dentist to any famous person, I would choose Taylor Swift or Mindy Kaling. Mindy is such a fantastic writer with a phenomenal sense of humor that she would keep me giggling all day. I have been a huge fan of Taylor’s music since day one and would have her follow me around and serenade our patients all day. However, I am a kid's dentist, so maybe I would be their kiddos’ dentist instead!
Do you have a favorite childhood toy?
When I was a toddler, I was obsessed with a large plastic orange cat. It was a little bit of a strange choice because it was not soft or cuddly at all and was a little sharp from my little teefers gnawing on it.
Where did you grow up
I grew up near the Twin Cities in Minnesota, in a tiny town in western Wisconsin. We lived on a river surrounded by lots of beautiful trees which has contributed to a lifelong love of the outdoors and nature. In addition to living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I have also lived in Michigan, Arizona, Rhode Island, and now Washington…dragging my poor husband from sea to shining sea!
Mountains or beaches?
Neither, my preference is lakes and forests! I always feel so refreshed and clean after coming out of fresh water and don’t have to worry about sharks (haha!) There is something about being in the trees that is so peaceful and smells so fresh…but if I had to choose between the two, I would choose mountains. There you have it! Dr. Lofquist is excited to be taking new patients. Have any other fun questions for her? Just ask! She enjoys getting to know her patients, so schedule an appointment to meet her today.
