Trio Dentistry
Where Personalized Care Meets Modern Design
Dr. Melissa Woo owner of Trio Dentistry in Mill Creek, WA.
Dr. Melissa Woo is the dynamic force behind Trio Dentistry, a beautiful five-operatory clinic in Mill Creek, WA.
Her office is named after her three kids, who she describes as her reason for being. She is also one of three siblings.
Trio has been a customer of Burkhart since 2017 when they signed a 5-year lease on a preexisting, slightly cramped office. As that lease ended, they started searching for new office space that could be built for her needs.
“In my mind, it was, I’m going to be here five years, and then not that I wanted a bigger practice, but I wanted the space to have a practice that I was proud of going to work every day.”
While planning the modern 5-operatory space, Dr. Woo prioritized fully enclosing all treatment rooms to enhance patient comfort. Custom-fabricated barn doors from Big Sky Northwest were installed for this purpose. These sliding doors contribute to the room’s aesthetic and block out noise without causing claustrophobia. Similarly, the tall partitions in the hygiene rooms provide additional security.
Dr. Woo and her husband worked with Equipment Specialist Steve Stimson, which included more than one trip down to the A-dec facility in Newberg, OR, to review and choose layouts and equipment.
“The trip to A-dec was a key component to finalizing the operatory layout dual-entry, with walls between every room &
sliding doors to enhance patient privacy & maximum access to the operatories,” says Steve.
The waiting area, decorated in muted shades of green and grey, highlights custom-built steel windows behind the front desk and an asymmetrical wood trim accent wall.
She has a unique approach to patient relationships, which she calls co-diagnosing. Recognizing that patients often struggle to interpret X-rays, she takes the time to sit them up in the chair and thoroughly review the findings with them. Additionally, she will frequently capture extra intraoral images to provide a clearer understanding.
“I tend to try to spend more time with our patients, especially at the first visit, to show them their X-rays and pictures so they can understand their dental issues. I always give them options and let them make the final choice on their treatment plan.”
When a patient has multiple issues to address, priorities are discussed, and they proceed with what the client prefers to tackle first (dental emergencies notwithstanding). This collaborative approach replaces the traditional doctor-led decision-making. The goal is to alleviate the fear of dental visits and enhance the overall experience. This office goes the extra mile, whether offering more TLC, scheduling shorter appointments, or even helping to keep an eye on their child.
They provide more than just comprehensive dental care. “We consider you as a person first, and your dental needs come second,” says Dr. Woo.
They also offer a subscription pricing model that covers standard exams and cleanings yearly at reasonable prices, ensuring repeat business and fostering solid client relationships. It’s a membership plan where patients pay a set monthly payment, ranging from $39-59 per month, with both child and adult plan options. It includes their cleanings, exams, X-rays, and a 15% discount on any treatment. It’s an affordable and predictable way for patients, especially older ones without dental insurance, to plan for their dental care.
The front office spends a lot of time ensuring patients feel included in the decision-making process and aren’t rushed or forced into immediate decisions. If they need to take their treatment plan or photos home to discuss with their spouse, that is fully supported. “Ultimately, the patients must make the final choice on what they feel is best for their care.”
Dr. Woo can do without a large, bustling practice that sacrifices personal touch. She prefers to focus on each patient individually and has built a staff that reflects her values. “My core team of hygienists and assistants is amazing. Debbie at the front office is incredibly warm, welcoming, and helpful.”
The relationship between Burkhart Dental and Trio is strong. Account Manager Niki Allan shares her positive experiences: “Every time I walk into her office, I’m greeted with love and kindness. Their welcoming smiles and the warmth of the office make it feel like home.”
Dr. Woo also appreciates Niki’s support: “Niki’s been great. She was the rep at our old office and is always super responsive…I usually email her our supply list once a month, and she just gets it. We go back and forth with a couple of emails, and if she needs to pick something up at the office, she swings by. She’s wonderful and really helpful.”
Trio Dentistry wants their patients to feel like they’re joining a dental family. For Dr. Woo, it’s not about the money; it’s about the well-being and health of her patients. She delights in seeing families grow and strives to care for them as whole individuals. She enjoys caring for entire families—kids, parents, and grandparents—who have come to know them over generations.
Ultimately, Dr. Woo wants her patients to know that “You are going to find yourself in a very kind and caring environment. We’re going to do whatever we can to make you feel welcomed and comfortable.”
To learn more about Dr. Woo and Trio Dentistry, visit TrioDentistry.com
Written by Dawn Kahl
Published in Catalyst – Q4 2024.
Category: Office Planning & Design
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