My BEST Dentists Journal

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Lynn Yamamoto had no idea in 1973 that there were any female dentists

Dr. Lynn Yamamoto is the fifth of six dentists in her extended family, she really came into dentistry on her own. While encouraged to pursue a profession, she was not steered toward dentistry. “I liked going to the dentist (I know–I was odd!),” Lynn says.

She initially planned on becoming a dental hygienist. When she was applying to college, a family friend asked why she didn’t want to be a dentist instead of a hygienist. “Back in 1973, I had no idea that there were any female dentists! That conversation changed my career course.” She worked in a dental laboratory and for her uncle’s dental office in the summers, which was incredibly helpful early in dental school. Lynn had a context for the lab exercises that were assigned and felt it was a great fit for her. “I love helping people, I love fixing things, and I love meticulous work.”

In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the first in her family to have breast cancer. She had led a relatively healthy lifestyle, and was eight marathons into reaching her goal of running 10 marathons by her 50th birthday. Following her treatment, a friend asked her to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with her, which is a two-day, 39.3-mile walk to raise funds for education, treatment and research.

The event changed her life, and gave meaning to her having cancer. “I was tired of being a breast cancer patient, and I knew that if I could finish another marathon, I would no longer consider myself a patient. I would take my life back from cancer.” In 2013, Lynn completed her 10th Avon Walk, and will continue walking until a cure is found. “AND!” says Lynn, “I finished 10 marathons before my 50th birthday!“

Dr. Yamamoto returned to her native Sacramento, California to enjoy the long, hot summers, which she loves. When not working, you can often find her dancing hula, knitting or reading. She shares her love of reading by volunteering with the Sacramento Public Libarary Adult Literacy Program. Lynn would one day like to be a docent at the Crocker Art Museum, but until then, she volunteers at the museum in any way she can. You can also find her seeking out and petting other peoples’ dogs, as she waits to adopt another furry companion.

Dr. Lynn Yamamoto graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1983.  In 1984, she completed a general practice residency at Southern Illinois University, Alton, Illinois.  She has completed mastery courses at Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Lynn purchased the practice from Dr. Larry Feist in 1985, and practiced solo until 1995, when Dr. Steven Lee joined.

The two met on the Dental Health Committee for the Sacramento District Dental Society, and had done a Flying Doctors trip to provide dentistry to the village of Bacadehuachi, Mexico. On that trip they found that they had similar philosophies and values.

(06/11/2020)

More Information: https://www.mybestdentists.com/LynnYamamoto

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