MERCER ISLAND - Key Persons
After graduating cum laude from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Shiotsu earned his dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco, the #2 ranked dental school in the nation. While there, he was awarded the Regents' Scholarship for high academic achievement.
Following dental school, Dr. Shiotsu stayed in San Francisco where he completed a two-year postgraduate program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, maintaining a special emphasis in Hospital Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry, and Clinical Teaching. While receiving his advanced training in General Dentistry, Dr. Shiotsu found his passion in helping patients with complex dental issues often requiring dental implants, so he decided to pursue a specialty in prosthodontics. Upon completion of this training, Dr. Shiotsu moved to Southern California, where he completed two separate postgraduate programs in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University.
Dr. Shiotsu is highly respected by his colleagues, who often refer their patients to him for help in resolving complex and challenging dental situations. He is one of a handful of dentists in the U.S. to receive certified university-based specialty training in both the surgical and restorative aspect of implant dentistry. He is a national lecturer and an author, often asked to speak on the topic of implants and esthetic dentistry.
He is a member and the past president of the Washington State Society of Prosthodontists, and a member of the exclusive, prestigious Academy of Osseointegration. He is also a member of Washington State Dental Association where he was elected and served as member of house of delegates for two years (2013-2014). Dr. Shiotsu has been voted one of the area's Top Dentists by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine every year from 2011-2020.
A native of Washington state, specifically Mercer Island, Dr. Tam graduated from Mercer Island High School in 2011 and then completed a Bachelor's of Science degree in Neurobiology at the University of Washington (UW). His strong interest in both art and science led him to the UW School of Dentistry, which he graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2020.
Dr. Tam started his career as a volunteer dental assistant at the Dental Fears Research Clinic while at the UW. From there, Dr. Tam got involved with research on topical fluoride use and its effectiveness in preventing cavities.
During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Tam also worked both as a chemistry tutor and science educator at the Pacific Science Center. He strongly believes in the importance of science education and understanding how our oral health and teeth impacts our overall well-being.