Our dental team is happy to welcome you to our practice. We are pleased that you have chosen us to care for your dental needs. We are committed to your improved health.
Our main emphasis is on prevention. Preventing disease is less costly and more rewarding than correcting problems once they occur.
Good health is not accident. It is the result of good habits, proper nutrition, and regular professional care.
This website provides important information that will help you become familiar with our practice. It also contains answers to often asked questions. We appreciate this opportunity to introduce ourselves and look to serve you with quality dental care.
We want you to know that in our office you can expect to be treated with respect at all times. We strive to deliver the best treatment that dentistry has to offer. We believe that these goals can be met through continuous and open dialogue with our entire team.
We encourage you to involve yourself in your own treatment and ask questions throughout our relationship. In our opinion, an involved patient is most likely to achieve the highest level of healthcare and we are appreciative to help you obtain the best dental care possible.
Thank you for being a part of our dental practice. We are aware of the many options available to you when seeking a dentist. We are proud you have chosen our office!
Plan Your Visit Today, Call Us at (509) 783-8822Our Doctors
James P. Chapados, DDS, PS
I was born in Kodiak, Alaska and was raised in Chehalis, Washington. I attended Washington State University majoring in Zoology. I played baseball all four years at WSU and enjoyed the competition at the college level.
My summers were spent in Fairbanks, AK, playing summer ball and working for my uncle. I graduated in 1973 and was accepted to the University of Washington Dental School. I took a semester off during my Junior year to attend spring training for the LA Dodgers in Florida which I enjoyed immensely.
Getting back to the real world, I returned to dental school and completed my dental degree in 1978. After graduation, I moved to Moses Lake, WA, to fulfill a commitment to the Public Health Service for two years and started the first La Clinica dental office in eastern Washington.
In 1980, I moved to the Tri-Cities and took over the practice of Dr. Robert Shepherd in Pasco. In 1992, the practice was moved to Kennewick and in 2004, to the current facility. My wife and I have three grown children and one crazy dog. My interests away from dentistry are family and sports—golf, WSU football, baseball games, and trying to walk Badger Mountain as often as I can.
I have appreciated all the great people that I have gotten to know and who have put their trust in my abilities during 30 years of business in the Tri-Cities. Dentistry has been and still is a very rewarding career.
I have been very fortunate to have wonderful and diligent staff members who help me provide excellent dental care to all our patients. Thank you for your confidence in me and our practice.
Daniel A Petersen, DDS
I grew up in rural Duvall, Washington and attended Cherry Valley Grade School in Duvall and Tolt High School in Carnation. I fulfilled a life-long dream by attending the University of Washington and obtaining a degree in Chemistry and getting accepted to the University of Washington Dental School.
I graduated in 1988 and remained on staff as part-time clinical faculty until the year 2000. Then I worked for the King County Department of Public Health from 1988 until 1992 after which I went into private practice in Edmonds, WA, until 1999. The practice was sold on March 1, 1999, and I moved to the Tri-Cities to be with the love of my life, Barb Hays, who became my wife on November 16, 2000.
I joined Chapados Family Dentistry in August, 1999, and have enjoyed the wonderful relationship personally and professionally with Dr. Chapados and his family ever since. I love the Tri-Cities; its people, weather and lifestyle. I enjoy golfing, traveling, sports and spending time with family and friends.
Lance W. Gledhill, DDS
I was raised on a farm north of Pasco and am happy to have returned to the area after completing my schooling. A 2003 graduate of Brigham Young University (Zoology), I received my DDS degree at the University of Washington in 2007 and was the recipient of the John D. Guthrie Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry.
An athlete at heart, I enjoy all types of activities including snowboarding, waterskiing, running, and hiking. Of the four seasons, Fall is my favorite for one reason in particular—college football—Go Cougars! I also enjoy reading and painting occasionally.
I have been at Chapados Family Dentistry since September 2008. I take great pleasure in working with their devoted staff in providing excellent and comprehensive dental care. I most enjoy building a continual relationship with families, as well as individuals.
I am married and have two daughters. We are expecting a son in October.
Our Hygiene Staff
Kathy C. RDH, BS
Kathy grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. She graduated and taught Dental Hygiene at the University of Minnesota. She and her husband moved to the Tri-Cities with their three girls and started working at Chapados Family Dentistry in 1992.
During the past four years, she has been a dental instructor at Columbia Basin College with the Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate in her commitment to help her patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Diane W. RDH
A North Dakota native, Diane graduated from North Dakota State School of Science with a certificate in Dental Hygiene in 1972. She says “the best part of her 38 years in the dental hygiene profession has been her patients. She has enjoyed helping them maintain and improve their oral health and therefore their total body health and that has been a rewarding experience.”
When Diane isn’t in the dental office, she enjoys hiking, camping, boating or anything that takes her outdoors.
Melissa M. RDH, BA
Born and raised in Vancouver, WA, Melissa started her higher education at Washington State University. She graduated in 1995 from Bassist College with a BA in Apparel Design and Textiles. Her love of fashion and sewing led her to a career in pattern making.
After working in the apparel industry, Melissa wanted a profession where she could make a difference in people’s lives. Following in her mother’s footsteps she pursued a degree in dental hygiene. Upon her graduation in 2000, Melissa was awarded “Texas Dental Hygiene Student of the Year” for her excellence in academia, commitment to community service, and passion for the profession of dental hygiene.
Settling in Richland, WA, Melissa started her dental hygiene career, eventually joining Chapados Family Dentistry in 2001. That same year she fulfilled a dream by traveling to Honduras with Northwest Medical Teams to provide dental care. She enjoys helping people achieve optimum oral health and thus improving their overall well being.
When not working, Melissa loves spending time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys traveling, cooking and outdoor adventures with all the boys in her life!
Bobbi T. RDH, BS
Bobbi began her career in dentistry in 1990 as a dental assistant. She then left to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University in Food Science and Dietetics. Bobbi’s love of dentistry and personal wellness inspired her to obtain her second degree in Dental Hygiene.
Bobbi’s enthusiasm, kindness and passion for teaching lead her to be recruited by the local community college as a dental hygiene instructor. Bobbi also is a beloved fitness instructor in the Tri-Cities teaching a variety of classes from yoga to kickboxing.
As a proud and active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association she currently represents the Columbia Basin Dental Hygiene Society as a State Trustee. Bobbi looks forward to assisting you, your family and friends.
Annette P. RDH
Annette grew up in the Mesa/Basin City area and attended Connell High School. She received her dental hygiene degree from Shoreline Community College in Seattle in 2002. Annette has been working at Chapados Family Dentistry since the fall of 2003.
Annette loves getting to know her patients and helping them get and stay healthy.