Orthodontist

Dr. Patra Alatsis

Bio

Why did you choose orthodontics?

“Orthodontics is the perfect blend of art and science. It provides me with the opportunity to interact closely with my patients and their families, and grow their self-confidence by creating beautiful, healthy, and meaningful smiles! I couldn’t have asked for a more refreshing or more rewarding profession. I genuinely love what I do!

I’m excited to welcome you and your family to one of our offices in Tacoma or Gig Harbor. Our incredible team will work hard to help you love your smile.”

Dr. Patra works hard to ensure your smile and bite are harmonious.

When your teeth are straight and your bite is functional, it not only provides you a beautiful smile but it allows you to eat, speak, and laugh without being in pain.

Becoming an orthodontist requires extensive training beyond dental school. Dr. Patra is an orthodontist for the Gig Harbor and Tacoma areas and is a member of many orthodontic organizations. Her memberships include:

Served on the Board of Directors at Washington State Society of Orthodontics
Angle Society affiliate member
American Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
OHSU Orthodontic Alumni Association
Pierce County Dental Society

‘‘I love to see my patients smile! That first look, after the braces come off- that smile says it all!”

Dr. Patra’s Journey to Gig Harbor – Tacoma Orthodontics

Born and raised in Tacoma, WA

“I was born and raised here in Tacoma. I attended Stadium High School (Go Tigers!) and was avidly involved in the performing arts as a dancer, singer, and pianist. I danced for Tacoma City Ballet until I graduated from high school, and currently serves on the Tacoma City Ballet’s Board of Directors. I also swam for the Stadium girl’s swim team.”

Fun Fact: I used to be a substitute teacher

“I went to the University of Washington for my undergraduate degree (Go Dawgs!) and I still proudly bleed purple and gold! I was a student in the UW Honors program, excelled at math and science, and received my BS in Biology. During this time, I was also active in my sorority and served as president of the Mu chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority at UW.After undergrad, I spent two years teaching math and science as a substitute teacher for Tacoma Public Schools and traveling. Coolest place I visited? Singapore!”

Pursuing my true passion: orthodontics!

“I earned my dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. After Tufts, I completed my orthodontic residency program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) earning my Master of Science degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as my Orthodontic Specialty Certificate.During residency, I guest lectured for the OHSU predoctoral orthodontics course, taught for the predoc orthodontic clinic, and organized prospective resident interviews. I also studied orthodontic white spot lesions for my Master’s thesis.Best day EVER? The day I matched with OHSU for my orthodontic residency! Learning that I got to return home to the Pacific Northwest for my orthodontic training, I was ecstatic. It was the first moment all my hopes of becoming an orthodontist weren’t just hopes anymore… they were becoming a reality!”

Passing off the baton with Gig Harbor-Tacoma Orthodontics

“Upon graduation, I worked part-time in Oregon, eastern Washington, and northern Idaho, before moving back to my hometown to work with Dr. Scott Drake and transition his practices in Gig Harbor and Tacoma. I’m honored to continue to provide exceptional orthodontics to patients throughout our community.”

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