Why calm comes first
Dr. Maya Okafor spent her residency watching patients white-knuckle their way through appointments and decided her own practice would run differently. She opened Lakeside in 2018 with longer appointment slots, plain-language explanations, and a no-surprises rule that covers both the treatment and the bill. It worked. Most new patients now arrive by referral, usually introduced with some version of "I used to hate the dentist." The lake view helps. The noise-canceling headphones help more.
Small team, familiar faces
Dr. Maya Okafor
Dentist & Founder
A University of Washington DDS with over a decade in practice, Dr. Okafor speaks at conferences on anxiety-aware dentistry — and still books double time for every new patient.
Grace Lindqvist
Lead Hygienist
Gentle hands, great playlists, and a sixth sense for when you need a breather. Grace has been looking after Port Meridian's teeth for twelve years.
Priya Nair
Office Manager
The voice on the phone and the person who untangles insurance so you don't have to. The estimate Priya quotes is the bill you'll get.
Things patients ask us
Do you take my insurance?
We're in-network with most major PPO plans and will happily bill out-of-network plans on your behalf. Call with your card handy and Priya will check your coverage before your first visit — free.
I'm anxious about the dentist. What do you actually do about it?
Plenty. Longer appointments so nothing feels rushed, a hand signal that pauses treatment instantly, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and nitrous if you want it. Tell us what's hard, and we'll work around it.
What happens at a first visit?
About an hour: a conversation first, then digital X-rays, a full exam, and usually a cleaning. You leave with a plain-English summary and written costs for anything we recommend — no pressure attached.
What if I can't afford treatment all at once?
We offer interest-free monthly plans and will phase your care so the urgent things come first. A tight month should never be the reason a small problem becomes a big one — talk to us.
Do you offer early or same-day appointments?
Yes — 8am slots for before work, and time held every morning for emergencies. The office runs Monday through Friday; after hours, call the office line and press 2 for urgent care.
Been putting it off?
Whether it's been six months or six years, you'll get the same welcome: no lectures, no guilt. Just a clear picture of where things stand and a plan that respects your budget.