Registered Dental Assistant | Smile Specialist
Tammy Conley
Tammy Conley is a highly experienced Registered Dental Assistant and dental consultant whose professional journey spans more than 30 years, marked by clinical excellence, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Her career reflects a rare combination of hands-on expertise, leadership, and heartfelt service, making her a respected and sought-after figure in the dental industry.
Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Tammy’s early life was full of energy, discipline, and connection. She participated in a wide range of activities—from competitive dance and high school cheerleading to nearly every sport imaginable. She spent her summers enjoying time on Lake Havasu, water skiing behind her father’s fast boats and racing jet skis with family and friends. Another major influence in her upbringing was her Canadian heritage. Her mother is originally from Calgary, Alberta, and Tammy spent many summers there visiting extended family and attending the Calgary Stampede—North America’s largest rodeo event—an annual 10-day tradition that instilled in her a love of community and celebration.
A History of Excellence
Tammy’s passion for dentistry began in the seventh grade when she became fascinated by the transformation she experienced through orthodontic treatment. This curiosity evolved into a career goal, which she pursued immediately after graduating high school. She enrolled in the dental assisting program at Orange Coast College in Southern California, where she excelled academically and clinically. Her program included a prestigious internship at El Toro Marine Base, where she rotated through general dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics—gaining an early, well-rounded foundation in comprehensive patient care. Tammy graduated at the top of her class with a perfect GPA and went on to pass the California Dental Assisting Board exams with an impressive 98%, earning her credential as a Registered Dental Assistant.
Highly Experienced
Over the years, Tammy has worked with exceptional dentists and practices across the United States and Canada, including in Newport Beach, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, Stamford, Fort Wayne, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Calgary. She has held virtually every role within a dental practice—from chairside assisting and hygiene coordination to front office leadership and practice management. This breadth of experience has enabled her to see every aspect of patient care and practice success with remarkable clarity.
In addition to her clinical work, Tammy founded and operated her own dental-focused business, a venture that deepened her understanding of the patient experience and the operational dynamics required to sustain a thriving practice. Today, as a consultant, she works closely with dental teams to streamline systems, elevate customer service, optimize patient education, and implement strategies that improve efficiency and profitability— all while preserving the human connection at the heart of healthcare.
Personal Life
Outside of her professional life, Tammy is a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring the relationship between nutrition, wellness, and longevity. She also loves playing volleyball and pickleball and spending time with her close-knit family and friends. Tammy is a proud mother of two young adults—one working in a hospital in Northern Washington, and the other a recent Arizona State University graduate with a degree in business.
For Tammy, dentistry is not merely a career— it is a calling. Whether she is assisting with a smile transformation, mentoring a dental team, or helping a patient feel seen and heard, Tammy approaches every encounter with compassion, professionalism, and purpose. Her mission remains steadfast: to inspire confidence, elevate care, and make a lasting difference—one smile at a time.
Start Your Cosmetic Journey With Tammy Today!
For more information or to schedule your consultation with Tammy, please contact DrSkin Plastic Surgery, Regenerative & Medical Spa at (480) 904-3311 or complete our contact form. Begin your journey toward achieving your aesthetic goals today!
Q & A with Tammy Conley
Is there anything about your education and training that patients might find unique or interesting?
As a senior in high school, I participated in an elective program that gave me early exposure to the dental field. I spent part of my school day in an introductory dental assisting course followed by a hands-on internship with my childhood orthodontist. That experience confirmed my decision to pursue dentistry as a career. Later, during college, I completed a unique internship at El Toro Marine Base in California. We rotated through multiple dental specialties—including general dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics—which gave me a broad clinical foundation and helped shape my understanding of comprehensive care.
What is your patient care philosophy?
My approach is to “think like a patient.” I put myself in their shoes: What are they feeling—nervous, excited, uncertain? Do they know what to expect? I also consider how the environment looks and feels from their perspective. Is the space clean, calm, and welcoming? I’m always mindful of the details and aim to exceed expectations by delivering a positive, informative, and comfortable experience every time.
What do you like most about helping patients?
I love giving patients a confidence boost and seeing the happiness that comes with it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone feel good about their smile. I also enjoy educating patients and sharing practical dental knowledge—they often leave not just looking better, but feeling more informed and empowered, too.
What methods did you employ to accomplish your goal of becoming successful in your career?
I’ve always been open to learning. I welcomed mentorship from the dentists and colleagues I worked with, and I’ve continually invested in continuing education throughout my career. That mindset—staying curious, adaptable, and teachable—has helped me grow in both clinical and leadership roles.
What do you like to do in your leisure time when you are not seeing patients?
I enjoy learning about nutrition and how supplements benefit overall health. Staying active is important to me, so I like playing volleyball and pickleball. Most of all, I cherish spending quality time with my family and friends—it keeps me grounded and energized.
What three words best describe you?
Friendly, caring, and knowledgeable.
What mentors do you currently have, or have you had during your career that made a lasting impact on you?
Several mentors have played pivotal roles in my professional and personal growth. In Austin, TX, I worked with a dentist and his wife who helped me grow tremendously as a Treatment Coordinator. I managed full cosmetic cases from start to finish, blending my clinical background with front office experience. Their training in personality types and patient communication reshaped how I connect with others—professionally and personally.
In Indiana, the dentist I worked with as Office Manager helped me step into a leadership role where I could train others and share my knowledge to improve the patient experience and office operations.
I worked with a dentist here in Scottsdale who also had a major impact. He encouraged me to pursue my own teeth whitening business, giving me the confidence to take that leap. His belief in my skills and potential was incredibly empowering.
Additionally, I’m grateful to have two cousins who are successful business coaches and entrepreneurs. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me grow as a business owner.
Why do patients choose you, and what makes you different and unique?
Patients choose me because of my experience, professionalism, and the warm, personable care I provide. I take pride in delivering high-quality results while also making each patient feel valued and comfortable. What sets me apart is my commitment to patient education and my willingness to go the extra mile—whether that’s suggesting helpful improvements, explaining a treatment thoroughly, or simply offering a friendly, reassuring presence throughout their care journey.