Our Team

Our Dentists

Dr. Michelle Stafford

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Kristen Yu

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dentists

Dr. Stafford

Dr. Michelle Stafford

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.

Dr. Stafford is also very passionate about tongue and lip ties. After experiencing the effects of a severe tongue tie with her first baby, she was unhappy with the traditional treatment options, so she sought more education on the issue to be able to offer the laser procedure to release tongue and lip ties in office. Learn more about tongue tie here.

Dr. Stafford enjoys hiking, crafty projects like sewing and scrap-booking and exploring the Pacific NW with her two boys camping. Some of her other hobbies include photography, traveling and learning about different cultures. She has incorporated her love of travel into World of Smiles. The kids' office interior serves as a gallery for artwork and photography from around the world.

Dr. Yang

Dr. Michelle Yang

B970C27F-89D0-4CF6-A58C-F4F55D9BCA83 (1).jpeg

Michelle’s journey began in Korea, where she was born and raised, before life led her to Portland, a place that would shape her future. After navigating the halls of her high school in Portland, she continued her academic adventure at Oregon State University and then at Oregon Health Science University. Her career and curiosity took her on a whirlwind tour of the U.S - from the bustling streets of NYC to the vibrant culture of Denver, and the serene beaches of Hawaii.

Yet, through all her travels, Michelle always knew Oregon was her true home. Now back where her heart belongs, she enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their beloved dog. Whether she’s exploring new trails, wiping up culinary delights in her kitchen, or carving through fresh snow on her snowboard, Michelle fully embraces the beauty and excitement of life in Oregon.

Dr. Henriot

Dr. Diane Henriot

Dr. Henriot spent her early childhood in France but made Oregon her home when she moved to West Linn, OR with her family around the age of six. She went to Oregon State University where she discovered her passion for science and medicine and ultimately graduated from the OHSU School of Dentistry in 2015. Dr. Henriot has gained experience in all aspects of dentistry including procedures for children and adults. She enjoys building relationships with her patients and aims to improve your overall health through education and prevention. Dr. Henriot will ensure that her patients receive optimal dental care in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Outside of work, Dr. Henriot enjoys spending time with her family. She met her husband while in dental school and they now have a daughter, Zara, and a little cockapoo, Millie. Together they enjoy being outdoors and exploring all of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Dr. Kristen Yu

Dr. Kristen was raised in Elmhurst, NY. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Stony Brook University and pursued her dental education at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. It was during rotations working with children that inspired her to continue her post-graduate education in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kristen’s Specialty Pediatric Dental hospital training was completed at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she gained a wide range of experiences providing care for all children including those with special needs. Dr. Kristen believes in evaluating the children’s dental needs from a preventative and comprehensive perspective, ensuring that they receive quality care while still maintaining positive dental experiences.

Dr. Kristen moved to Portland from NY with her husband Ben. They welcomed their daughter, Camille in 2019 and love watching her grow and learn about the world around them. When she has a moment Dr. Kristen enjoys learning how to cook.

Dr. Yu

Dr. Jeffrey Kobernik

Dr. Kobernik is a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist; he completed his residency through NYU in Brooklyn. He received his doctorate in medical dentistry from OHSU. Upon graduation from dental school, he accepted a position as an associate dentist in Pendleton, OR. While there, Dr. Kobernik joined St. Anthony’s Hospital, where he focused on pediatric dentistry. Focusing on treating patients with special needs and developmental delay through the use of general anesthesia.

Dr. Kobernik’s interest in anesthesia took him to New York City where he was given the opportunity to be trained as a dentist anesthesiologist. Based out of NYU Langone Hospitals, Dr. Kobernik excelled at the practice of anesthesia and was named Chief Resident at NYU’s Dental Anesthesia residency.

Dr. Kobernik is an active member of the Oregon Dental Association, the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and he is a member of both the American Dental Society of Anesthesia and the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.

In his spare time, he enjoys riding his motorcycle, spending time with family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Kobernik

Team