Meet our doctors!

Dr. Michelle Stafford and Dr. Michelle Skierkowski (formerly Kurkowski) work together to ensure that your child has a positive experience in a caring environment. Both Dr. Stafford and Dr. Skierkowski enjoy teaching families and other healthcare professionals the importance of prevention and laying a foundation of healthy dental practices from a young age. Not only does our doctor team advocate for infant oral health and have extensive experience with patients of special needs, but both doctors are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists. Learn more about who your family will partner with at your next visit!

Michelle P. Stafford, D.D.S.

My daughter loves going to the dentist! Always a pleasure, from the child focused waiting room to the exam rooms to the dental chairs. Could not imagine a better kid’s dental office. Staff is very child friendly as well as Dr. Stafford. Couldn’t imagine a better pediatric dental office

Dr. Michelle Stafford founded World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry in August 2008. After graduating University of the Pacific: Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, Dr. Stafford chose the pediatric dental specialty because she believes that every child deserves to have a positive experience going to the dentist.

She completed an additional two years of training after dental school in an accredited pediatric residency program to become a pediatric dental specialist. Throughout this two year program she cared for children of all ages and especially children with special needs such as: autism, cerebral palsy and cleft lip/palate. This hospital-based  residency provided a safe environment to treat the dental needs of children under general anesthesia, conscious sedation and/or nitrous oxide.

Education:

• University of the Pacific, B.S. Business & Biology
• Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, D.D.S.
• Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, M.S.

Licensure:

• Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Oregon Class I Permit: Nitrous Oxide and Class II Permit: Conscious Sedation
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Medical Staff at The Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel

Community Involvement:

• Chairperson, Access to Care Committee
• Editor, Washington County Dental Society Newsletter
• Speaker for Portland Area Parenting Groups
• Elementary School Presentations
• Speaker at NCNM, Virginia Garcia & Artz Center, WCDS & Oregon Dental Conference 2012

Dr. Stafford enjoys hiking, crafty projects like sewing and scrap-booking and exploring the Portland area with her husband, Nicholas Peterka. They are expecting their first child in June 2012. Some of her other hobbies include photography, traveling and learning about different cultures. She has incorporated her love of travel into World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry. The office’s interior serves as a gallery for artwork and photography from around the world.

Michelle Kurkowski Skierkowski (Dr. Ski), D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Michelle Skierkowski joined World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry in July 2011 and loves working with our families!  A graduate of University of Michigan, she holds a BS in biochemistry and after graduating the School of Dentistry, pursued specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Her two year residency was also hospital-based, and she had the privilege of working with a variety of cases, including children with Down Syndrome and other special needs.  Dr. Ski believes that educating young mothers and providing a strong advocacy for infant oral health is essential in laying a foundation for a healthier tomorrow.

Education:

• University of Michigan, B.S. in Biochemistry
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry, D.D.S.
• Pediatric Dental Residency Program at University of Michigan, M.S.

Licensure:

• Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Community Involvement:

• Volunteer with Oregon Mission of Mercy
• Volunteer with Give Kids A Smile Day

Dr. Skierkowski (formerly Dr. Kurkowski) celebrated her marriage in December 2011 and both she and her husband enjoy traveling around the world and exploring the Oregon outdoors while hiking and camping. Dr. Ski loves to cook and bake (desserts are her favorite!) and try new foods from exotic places. She loves reading and practicing yoga, and hopes to someday compete in a triathalon.

What is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?

A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, or Diplomate, is a dentist that demonstrates an exceptional knowledge and expertise at a standard not possessed by other dentists. During the certification process a written examination followed by an oral examination with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is completed that determines the proficiency of pediatric dentists. Only about 47% of practicing pediatric dentists are board certified. Both Dr. Stafford and Dr. Skierkowski proudly practice as Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Stafford & Dr. Skierkowski are also members of these Professional Organizations:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Oregon Dental Association
• Washington County Dental Society
• Cedar Mill Business Association
• Beaverton Chamber of Commerce