Ryan Downing
President
"Finding the perfect job or long term employee can be a lot of work. You have to be in the right place at the right time, know key people, and be educated about the pros and cons associated with making such an important decision. Even though I have been doing this a long time, I like the small things about my work. Such as a sincere thank you from a new grad that landed her first career position or gratitude from a doctor that truly appreciates finding a temp on short notice, it still matters to me."
Ryan is a graduate of the UW Business School with over 20 years of experience in recruiting and business management. He still actively interviews dentists and dental hygienists for permanent placement in the Seattle branch.
Cyndy Burki
Placement Director
"I know that each dental practice and its staff are very unique because of my long career in dentistry. I love my role at Dental Connections because it allows me to get to know each practice and the personalities in them. The opportunity to work with people and help them find that perfect fit is what makes my position so rewarding."
Cyndy started her career in dentistry in 1975 working at a pediatric dental office and was an office manager for several Pierce County dental practices before joining Dental Connections in 1998. Cyndy is currently the placement director for the Tacoma branch and interviews dentists and hygienists for temporary and permanent placement.
Shanan Salado
Placement Consultant
"I relish in my day to day tasks helping people. Dental Connections has brought me so much closer to people in ways that I never anticipated. Knowing that I helped someone get a job in an economical crunch is a gratifying experience. Building strong relationships with people and leaving an unforgettable impression is something that I value. Treating people like family is the key to my success."
Shanan was an insurance broker/agent for a large agency in California prior to her training in staffing and recruiting. Her people skills and customer service background made her a perfect fit for a placement consulting role at our company when we hired her in 2011. Shanan currently runs our assistant/business staff department in the Tacoma branch.
Tammy Smith
Placement Director
“I am grateful to be working at Dental Connections since 1995. I took a short, 2 year adventure to the east coast and am happy to be back on the best coast, the west coast. I love meeting new people and getting to know them personally so that I can help them find work. Our team at DC takes great pride in providing the best possible service to both our clients and applicants."
Tammy was formerly in corporate management/human resources for a major retail group in Alaska. She started with our company in 1995 and has held many different roles. Tammy is the placement director for the Seattle and Bellevue branches. She currently interviews hygienists, assistants, and business staff for temporary and permanent placement in Seattle.
Karen Gunter
Placement Consultant
“I enjoy the challenge of finding the right applicants for any job, no matter if it is just for a day or for long term. It feels great to have an office appreciate your efforts helping them find the perfect fit. Building long term relationships is very important to me. I love celebrating a success with someone or helping them through a difficult time. I especially enjoy mentoring new graduates by helping them transition from the rigors of school life into the challenges of the real world. Seeing them blossom in their new careers is very exciting.”
Karen started her career with Dental Employment Services in 1997 as a placement consultant. In 2006 she purchased the business form Norma Dow and was the owner for 10 years. She is now part of the Dental Connections team as a placement consultant that interviews dentists and hygienists in the Bellevue branch.
Alicia Jardine
Placement Consultant
“I love working with our applicants and learning what their career needs are. I get to help them find temporary jobs to support their family. If that temp job turns into a permanent position it really does feel great knowing the impact I am making. It is very rewarding to me.”
Alicia is new to the dental staffing industry and has been with our agency since 2015. Her prior management experience in retail made her a natural fit with our company culture. Alicia currently works in the Bellevue branch placing dental assistants and business staff.
Vannara Jimenez
Temporary Placement Coordinator
"I am very grateful to be part of a team that provides the best possible customer service. It is rewarding knowing that applicants can count on us for advice, support, and care during their job search."
Vannara is new to the dental industry and joined our team in 2016 as administrative assistant. Her prior experience in accounting and customer service made her a natural at communicating with applicants and clients. Vannara is currently in the new role of temporary placement scheduling for hygienists in the Seattle and Bellevue branches.
