Meet Dr. Paula Stepp
Being a pediatric dentist means making a difference in patients' and their parents’ lives. Dr. Stepp works to motivate children to care about their oral health, develop good dental hygiene, and love to brush their teeth!
Dr. Stepp and the team use age-appropriate language, approach each child with respect and compassion, and treat each with gentle kindness and patience. In this way we are able to earn a child’s trust – even those who arrived feeling fearful – as they learn they are safe here and that we care about them.
Background, Education, and Experience
Dr. Stepp has been practicing for over 13 years. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois University and then obtained a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine.
From her first moment working with a child patient, she fell in love with every aspect of pediatric dentistry, she especially loves the challenge of changing a worried child’s mind about the dentist and being the first introduction to all things dental.
After dental school, Dr. Stepp served in the military and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Keeler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. She then completed her pediatric training with a Master’s of Science (MS) and Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
Her research on dental cements has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
Dr. Stepp is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Washington State Dental Association
- Pierce County Dental Society
- Evergreen Study Club
Through these organizations, she has access to numerous opportunities to study changes in the specialty. Continuing education is critical because it helps ensure that Dr. Stepp is using all available technology and techniques.
Beyond the Practice
As is true of many of the children and parents Dr. Stepp sees, family is the center of her life. She has been married to her best friend for over 17 years with four amazing children and a friendly Golden Retriever. If she's not in the office you’ll most often find her outdoors with her family. Dr. Stepp loves skiing, hiking, and camping. She's also obsessed with all holidays and plans her Halloween costume a year in advance.
Giving Back
Dr. Stepp is passionate about taking care of kids in the community. She loves to volunteer and support local organizations that help kids and families in need. Her family is active in a local church and they donate to several mission organizations. She especially loves sponsoring a child through Compassion International. Dr. Stepp has also participated in dental mission trips to Kenya and Jamaica, providing care to underserved individuals.
Being active in the community is core to who Dr. Stepp is. It sets an example for her own children, so they can see and experience how amazing it is to help others.
