Media Release: Susan Armstrong, DDS, one of three dentists accepted into pediatric dental residency program

The team at Bluefish Dental & Orthodontics is pleased to announce that Susan Armstrong, DDS has been accepted into the Lutheran Medical Center Pediatric Dental Residency Program in Yakima, WA. The two-year program, which begins this July, immerses dentists in scientific study and clinical experience including advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures. Other areas of focus are child psychology and clinical management, oral pathology, child-related pharmacology, radiology, child development, management of oral/facial trauma, care for patients with special needs, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Upon completion of the program Dr. Armstrong will be eligible for board certification as a pediatric dentist.

Dr. Armstrong received her DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) from University of Detroit Mercy and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish, WA. Her previous residency experience sparked an interest in pediatric dentistry, and led her to accepting a position with Bluefish Dental & Orthodontics, a children’s dental practice in Central Oregon, in 2007.

“In every way Bluefish has played a role in my decision to return to school to complete a residency program in pediatrics,” said Dr. Armstrong. “In fact, my experience here is the main reason that I want to pursue my education in pediatrics. I have had the very best mentors in pediatric dentistry­­—Dr. Cate Quas, first and foremost—and Dr. John Frachella. They have made me who I am today and helped me to realize that I do not want to practice any other facet of dentistry than pediatrics.”

Pediatric dentists are considered the “pediatricians of dentistry” and limit their practice to treating children only. They provide primary and specialty oral care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special mental or physical health needs. One of the main components of pediatric dental training is child psychology, emphasizing the establishment of trust and confidence in children.

“I really enjoy interacting with kids, getting to know families and becoming a part of their lives,” said Dr. Armstrong. “Every day in the office we say that we have the opportunity to witness small miracles, like seeing a fearful child that one day marches in to visit us without a care in the world.”

While the team at Bluefish will miss Dr. Armstrong during her residency, they wholeheartedly support her as she takes this step forward in her career.

“At Bluefish we are big believers in continuing education,” said Dr. Catherine Quas. “It has been a delight to watch Dr. Armstrong grow as part of our practice, and we are looking forward to seeing her continued evolution. She is an excellent dentist, and we are so proud to have been part of her journey up to this point.”

“I am looking forward to solidifying my career in pediatrics, learning new styles of behavior management and new procedures in pediatric dentistry that I can bring back,” said Dr. Armstrong. “This residency will help me to continue to grow and become an even better practitioner, and that is what the kids and families deserve.”