Dr. Kay

I’m excited to be a part of the Yelm Dental team. It has been a blessing to be involved with such a great group of people and to be able to return to the beautiful Pacific Northwest after a twelve year absence

I am a 2004 graduate of Brigham Young University, and a 2008 graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry. My family and I spent the following two years in Detroit, Michigan where I received additional training in oral surgery which included I.V. sedation, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, and dental implant surgery.

During those twelve years away, I married my wonderful wife, Stephanie, a native of Federal Way, Washington. We have four rowdy boys named Thomas, Hewitt, Donny, and James. These little guys keep us busy with their many activities. We have enjoyed becoming a part of the Yelm community.

As a new member of the team at Yelm Dental, I wholeheartedly support the office’s long-standing commitment to efficient dental care with a gentle touch. Patient comfort and safety are my first priorities. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to provide you with the high quality care that our patients are accustomed to receiving here at Yelm Dental.

Thanks for visiting our web site. I am Dr. R. Marlin Kay and look forward to being your dentist. My dreams are being realized every day I work with our wonderful patients. As a 1977 graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, I began dentistry trained by some of the best clinicians. My practice is built upon the principles of gentleness, thorough communication of treatment options, fairness in fees, and conservative treatment and prevention of dental conditions. Continuing education courses enthuse me to adopt new advances in dentistry, including implants, digital x-rays, anti-snoring appliances, and fiber optic Perioscopy in the non-surgical treatment of gum infection.

Great individuals have come together creating a dental team that is the best in our area. I have empowered each staff member to reach for their highest potential in personal and professional fulfillment. The result is a joyful environment where everyone is committed to providing you with excellence in dental care.

My life outside the dental office finds me busy with my family. Friday night is strictly reserved as date night with my precious wife Lisa. Other times I may be found on a tennis court or a racket ball court still trying to be victorious over one of my children who may be home visiting from college. Sunday is my day to worship God and renew my spirit. My lifetime pursuit is seizing every day with excitement, to find inner joy by serving God in doing what I can to help other people. My dental practice family is an important part of this pursuit.

Hi! I am an Army wife, married for twenty years with four amazing children. I have worked in many offices around the country and in Germany. I have enjoyed traveling and experiencing other cultures. However, I am most happy to call Yelm our home. Living most of my life in the south, the northwest is truly the most beautiful place I have ever lived. I love the small town life that Yelm has to offer and Yelm Dental is the best place I have ever worked. I do not live by my own family and my co-workers are like my family here in Yelm.

You will see me when you check in for your appointment or hear my voice on the line when you call to make a new appointment. I strive every day to help our patients in a friendly and professional manner. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Yelm Dental, helping patients and their families is very rewarding to me.

I am a Yelm native. I have lived in Yelm most of my life and love raising my family in such a wonderful community. Since I have recently married, I am excited to start a new chapter in my life and am happy to be here at Yelm Dental. Working at different offices has taught me many valuable lessons, one of which is to be grateful to work in such an amazing clinic.

I receive and process all insurance claims. I will go to bat for you and work with your insurance to make sure you get the most out of your dental benefits.

I have been working with Dr. Kay for the past 20 years, and have known Dr. Smith since he was a small child. How time flies! I was a chair side assistant for many years and have now been working in the front office specializing in insurance benefits for the past several years. I can help you get the most out of your dental insurance.

My husband and I have raised our daughters here in Yelm, and are now watching our grandchildren grow up here also. Some of my favorite pastimes are quilting, reading, shopping and enjoying sunshine, even if I have to hunt it down!

In 2000 I started working in Dr. Kay’s office as an assistant to the hygienists. This helped me decide to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I have been working as a hygienist full time since I graduated from the Clark College dental hygiene program with honors in 2003. In school I was elected class president and dubbed “Mr. Has to Know” by my fellow students. They often became frustrated with me because I was always asking questions, even if we had been in class for 12 hours. No one could leave until I had a satisfactory answer to my question.

My love for dental knowledge continues today. I continue to study the newest developments in oral hygiene and I enjoy sharing this knowledge with my patients. If you have a question about your dental hygiene I will be happy to answer it. However, I understand that sometimes you just want to sit in the chair and sleep. In that case I can be very quiet and avoid giving unsolicited advice. My goal is to inform you of the status of your oral health, and then to help you to implement a plan to improve your oral health.

My hobbies include tennis, water and snow skiing, reading sci-fi/ and fantasy books, and watching sci-fi movies. My greatest joy is found at home with my family. I have been married to my wife Amye since 1997. We have four children, Taylor, Ashlyn, Madelyn, and Brayden.

I developed a love for dentistry at an early age while working as a dental assistant for my father. I went on to attend Washington State University and Eastern Washington University where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1981. I have worked for Yelm Dental Clinic since 1985. The most rewarding part of my job has been the relationships I have developed over the years with my patients. I also enjoy doing cosmetic dentistry and challenge myself daily to deliver gentle and painless dentistry. On a personal note—I have been married to a wonderful man since 1981.

We have 2 boys—they have both left the home nest and are doing very well in their endeavors. Our family loves to snow ski and ride dirt bikes together when we have the opportunity for a reunion. I have become addicted to tournament water skiing, even qualified for Western Regionals and placed in the top 10. Old dogs can learn new tricks! My other love is playing the piano and organ for other’s enjoyment at church and social outings.

My name is Lisa Soran. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist having graduated from Clark College in Vancouver, Washington in 1991. I have worked in the dentistry field since I was 17 years old. I started as a dental assistant, then receptionist until finally settling into dental hygiene.

I have recently married the man of my dreams. Along with my two boys, I’ve now added four more! We enjoy traveling many other activities with the kids.

Working with Dr. Kay and Dr. Smith has been a wonderful experience. I have been given the chance to work with the latest technology and a supportive staff.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to practice dental hygiene. This profession combines both my love and appreciation for others as well as a decidedly nerdish passion for evidence based treatment planning and patient care. I count my association with Yelm Dental as one of the many blessings in my life and have been a part of the dental team here since 2007. I graduated from Pierce College in 2003 with my Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and continued to completion of a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Washington University.

I believe that the therapy and education that I provide for the patients in my care must be of the highest quality, and that remaining current on the latest treatment options available is essential.

Yelm is my home, along with two small dogs, a clutch of chickens and my spouse. We enjoy being a part of the Yelm community. We also enjoy our beautiful surroundings and the view of Mount Rainier on a good day from nearly every street in our town.

Our family moved to Yelm in 1999. It has been my privilege to be associated with Dr. Kay and Yelm Dental Clinic since that time. I graduated from Pierce College Dental Hygiene program in 1993. I enjoy the field of dental hygiene as it provides challenges for perfection, opportunities for intellectual study, and most importantly, interaction with many people. As I help patients improve their oral health, I also gain information on many subjects from lawn care tips to vacation recommendations from my patients. Visiting with patients is one of the high points of my days.

On a personal note, I am a mother of four. Supporting my children in their activities and helping them grow into compassionate, responsible adults brings great satisfaction to my life. I was raised in Tenino and feel very fortunate to live close to my parents and siblings. We have a close extended family and enjoy spending time together.

My name is Kim and I am a licensed dental assistant, having graduated from Spokane Community College in 1996. I have been involved in the dental field for over 20 years and have found this career to be very rewarding.

I have enjoyed working for Yelm Dental since March 2000. I enjoy helping people and I take pleasure in the great relationships I have made through the years with the incredible staff and amazing patients at our office.

I have two wonderful children, Chris and Skylar, and we enjoy many outdoor activities together as a family, such as playing soccer and camping.

Hello my name is Sue Larson. I am married to a great guy since January 1982 and together have raised three great kids. I have worked for Dr. Kay since the very first day he opened his doors in 1980. Back then it was just he and I and a 2-operatory office.

My family and I have been a part of this fine community since the early 1970’s by volunteering and participating in various youth and sports programs. I enjoy watching the Mariners, Seahawks, and WSU Cougars. I also enjoy quilting, gardening, and taking care of my animals.

I have been with Yelm Dental now for over 30 years. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such a great dental family who takes pride in caring and providing the greatest dental care.

Hi, my name is Shonna and I have been a dental assistant since 1987. I have lived in the Tacoma area since 1984 and moved to Yelm in 2007. I joined the Yelm Dental “Tooth Team” in 2008. I enjoy helping our patients feel comfortable and work hard to make sure that they have a positive dental experience.

I enjoy life with my husband Bill and our son Willie. I also have two grown children Rudy and Julie, and one granddaughter Alyssa. I enjoy camping, hiking, gardening, playing at the beach or mountains, bike riding, reading, and traveling.

My name is Kallie and I have been a dental assistant since 1997. I enjoy every day to the fullest and it brings me great pleasure to help people, especially as I work in the community where I live. I have lived in this area for the majority of my life and have no plans of leaving.

I am married and have one child, Wyatt, who brings to me joy and smiles everyday. As a family we generally spend our leisure time outdoors doing the things we enjoy as a family. I encourage you to get outside and play!

Hi, my name is Janet. The military has presented my husband and me with a wonderful opportunity to be stationed here in Washington. We come from a small town in Arizona with lots of desert and sunshine, but we have come to really enjoy living in Yelm with its many beautiful green trees and plenty of rain.

In the clinic, you will see me going three ways at once. I will stop in the room to input data while the hygienist is checking the health of your gums. I will then bring the necessary equipment to your room and finish by making your next appointment. I maintain a very fast pace in a demanding job. I love it. I hope to bring a little sunshine to your day! When you see me, let me know you saw my bio and I will show you where the prizes are. :)

My name is Val Larson and I have been working for the Yelm Dental Clinic since March 2009 as a hygiene assistant and a sterilization tech. I grew up going to the dentist here and have gotten to know the staff over the years. My mother, Sue, also works for the Clinic as a dental assistant and has for my entire life. I have learned a great deal about dentistry and how important it is to maintain your oral hygiene while working here.

I graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Sport Management and Leadership Studies and played club fastpitch while attending college. I help coach the Rainier High School fastpitch team in the spring, and I am a huge sports fan (playing and watching). I am an avid geocacher and I love to travel. I love being part of the community and I enjoy working with people who have a passion for what they do.