Colby Cockrell, DMD
General Dentist & Managing Partner
Educational Background: After graduating from the University of Washington in 2003, I attended dental school at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating in 2008.
Continuing Education Courses Attended: Implant Seminars Continuum Course – an 8 day, 88 continuing education credit intensive course with a live patient component, placing 20 implants on patients in the Dominican Republic. Ongoing Continuing Education through Spear Online Education.
What year did you join the current practice and/or group? 2010.
Why do you enjoy the dental profession? I’m able to not just solve people’s dental problems and maintain their health, but I’m also able to cultivate relationships.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I’m passionate about getting to know patients beyond their dental health – their interests, hobbies and activities. Being able to see patients multiple times a year on a regular basis allows me to stay in touch with people in our community!
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? I believe in customized treatment plans for each patient, not the one-size-fits-all approach that you may find elsewhere.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? I am an avid sports fan — if you didn’t know the score of last night’s game, you’ll probably hear about it while you’re in the office (Go Huskies!). I also enjoy golfing, skiing, and taking in the occasional rock concert.
Where were you born/raised? Born and raised in Olympia and I have always called Western Washington home.
Pets and Family: Married with two sons, Cameron and Carter. We have a cat and 2 dogs.
Asma Arara, DDS
General Dentist
Educational background:
Residency in Advanced Comprehensive Program | New York University, College of Dentistry
Master Degree in Clinical Research | New York University, College of Dentistry
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) | Tripoli University Faculty of Dentistry
Continuing Education Courses Attended:
Certificate Training in Dentistry | Duggan’s Institute of Dentistry in Costa Mesa, CA 2021
Affiliations or organizations you belong to:
American Dental Association
Washington State Dental Associations
Libyan Dental Associations
What year did you join the current practice? 2022
Why do you enjoy the dental profession? Because I am able to provide comprehensive dental care and help people maintain and improve their oral health.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? My favorite part is the interaction with many different people. Each patient has a story to tell, and every procedure provides a different challenge.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? Because each day I get the opportunity to provide a positive impact on the oral health and self-confidence of others; it’s extremely rewarding and enjoyable.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy cooking, baking, reading and traveling.
Where were you born? USA – California
Where were you raised? Libya & Netherlands
Minwoong Na, DMD
General Dentist
Educational background:
Columbia Valley Community Health, Advanced Education in General
Dentistry • Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry – Doctor or
Medicine in Dentistry • Oregon State University – Biochemistry Bachelor of Science with
Summa Cumme Laude
Continuing Education Courses Attended: Spears Education, Dr. Youngsam Kim’s 3rd Molar Extraction Seminar
Affiliations or organizations you belong to: Washington State Dental Association
What year did you join the current practice? June of 2022
Why do you enjoy the dental profession? What I like about being a dentist is that I get to use my artistic skills to help my patients achieve their best smiles. Every case is different and I like being challenged every day.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? Most people are scared of going to a dentist. Trust me, so am I! Since I know how uncomfortable it can get seeing a dentist, I always try to put myself into my patients’ shoes and perform a procedure in the most gentle way possible. I love how my patients who were scared and worried initially said the procedures were not as painful. It is very rewarding to see a sign of progress in my patients and these interactions motivate me to become a better dentist.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? Tranquility Dental Wellness has a good team! Each team member respects and trusts each other. I am grateful to be a part of this awesome team.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? My hometown, Seoul, is close to mountain trails and beautiful beaches, which is what the Pacific Northwest offers as well. I love to try a new hiking trail in my free time. I also love traveling and exploring new restaurants.
Where were you born? I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea.
List your family: I am married to my lovely and sweet wife, Yustina.
Gurveen Khatkar, DDS
Associate Dentist
Educational Background: University of Washington School of Dentistry – DDS 2020, University of Washington – Psychology BA 2016.
Continuing Education Courses Attended: I am currently working on implant training via Maxicourse AGD 2021.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I enjoy getting to know patients over their lifetime and having something I can do with my hands to help. I also enjoy getting to know them and always learning something new.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? I get to focus on doing good dentistry and serving patients without pushing unnecessary treatment.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? I like working out, dancing, and hanging out with friends.
Where were you born? Seattle, WA born and raised.
Gurveen Khatkar, DDS
Associate Dentist
Educational Background: University of Washington School of Dentistry – DDS 2020, University of Washington – Psychology BA 2016.
Continuing Education Courses Attended: I am currently working on implant training via Maxicourse AGD 2021.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I enjoy getting to know patients over their lifetime and having something I can do with my hands to help. I also enjoy getting to know them and always learning something new.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? I get to focus on doing good dentistry and serving patients without pushing unnecessary treatment.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? I like working out, dancing, and hanging out with friends.
Where were you born? Seattle, WA born and raised.
Heather
Dental Hygienist
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan.
What year did you join the current practice and/or group? I joined in 2018.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I love dentistry because of the people. Building relationships, educating my patients and helping them work through their fears and anxiety are my favorite things.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? I enjoy working for Tranquility because of the team and vision. I feel empowered to do what is right for each patient and provide personalized care. It is a positive environment and a work/life balance is encouraged.
Where were you born? I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to Washington in 2008.
I started dental assisting in high school and throughout college.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? In my free time I like to be outside, travel, go camping, take photos, and work on our travel blog.
Pets (significant others and kids too): My husband is Corey and we have three kids, Cohen, Lennon, and Sloane. We have a dog named Bella and a cat named Theo.
Shelby
Dental Hygienist
Educational Background: Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
What year did you join the current practice and/or group? 2022
Why do you enjoy the dental profession? I enjoy interacting with people and I really enjoy being able to work at my own pace being in dental hygiene.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I really enjoy getting to know new people.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? The whole team is willing to help whenever they’re needed which is really refreshing.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? I like to exercise, hike, paint, and go on small adventures with my family.
Where were you born? Georgia
Where were you raised? All over – I was an army brat.
Family: I have two kids; Camilla age 7 and Liam age 8 months as well as my boyfriend of 3 years, Cole.
Shannon
Dental Hygienist
Educational Background: I graduated from Shoreline Community College in 2016 with my AAS in dental hygiene. I was a dental assistant for 7 years prior to returning to Hygiene school.
Continuing Education Courses Attended: Throughout my career, I have completed many continuing education courses. I enjoy going to courses that are hands-on and interactive!
Affiliations or organizations you belong to: I am a proud member of both my local and national dental hygiene associations including the Washington State Dental Hygiene Association (WSDHA) and the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA).
What year did you join the current practice and/or group? I just recently joined Tranquility Dental Wellness in April of 2023. Tranquility is nothing short of amazing and I am so happy to be a part of such a great team of providers.
Why do you enjoy the dental profession? I enjoy building relationships with each of my patients and being able to educate individuals on their oral health. It is so rewarding helping people improve their overall health and educating patients on healthy habits.
What is your favorite part about interacting with patients? I love being able to provide exceptional care to our patients while easing any anxiety or fear they may have. It is my goal to make sure each of my patients leave feeling well cared for and confident in their smile.
Why do you like this practice and coming to work every day? I think what makes Tranquility Dental Wellness stand out is the unique atmosphere that we provide. Personally I have never seen a comfort menu before and the aesthetic of the office is so calming. I actually enjoy waking up and coming to work because of our great team and common goal of exceptional care.
What do you do outside of the office for fun or as a hobby? When I’m not working I love to watch movies, go camping and boating in the summer, visit family and spend time with my own husband and son.
Where were you born? I was born in the very small town of Grangeville, Idaho.
Where were you raised? I was raised in Clarkston, WA. I went to a very small HS right outside of Clarkston in Asotin, WA and graduated with only 32 people in my class!
Pets and Family: My husband and I were recently married on June 3rd, 2023! We have one beautiful 3 year old son named Jaylen and two dogs, Zoey and Bear.