The Team

Ryan Downing

President

"Why I love my job at Dental Connections tells you everything you need to know about what our purpose is. 1): We help dental professionals support their families through the referrals we give to temporary or permanent postions. 2): We help those same professionals make good decisions about the employers they choose. That is really what we are about at a basic level and I am proud of that"

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 dentists and hygienists for temporary and permanent placement in our 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

Placement Consultant

"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 joined our team in 2016 and is the placement consultant for dental assistants and business staff for the Seattle branch. Her prior experience in accounting and customer service made her a natural at communicating with applicants and clients.

Mellissa Dowd

Administrative Assistant - Tacoma Branch