After many years in the dental field, I still enjoy seeing all the smiles on my patients’ faces when they finally achieve an ideal state of oral health. I consider it an honor that patients come to me for their care and feel blessed to have the opportunity to send so many wonderful, healthy smiles out into the world.

My practice philosophy has always been to maintain healthy teeth and gums with the most effective and conservative treatments. I have treated many cases and helped all my patients to achieve their dental goals and keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.

I feel that I bring a unique energy to my work. As a lieutenant commander in the Navy during the years of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I received the Navy Achievement Medal and an Expert Pistol Medal and earned the nickname “The Beast.” I am a “straight shooter”: I aim at the critical issues that my dental patients face.

Dr Rhonda our dentist at Uptown Dental smiling
Dr Rhonda Savage sign
Education and Continuing Education
Professional Affiliations
  • Fellowships:
    Pierre Fauchard Academy
    American College of Dentists
    International College of Dentists
    Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders and Disciplines
    International Congress of Oral Implantologists
    American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
    International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

    Affiliate Instructor, University of Washington School of Dentistry for many years

  • Membership:
    Academy of Sleep Medicine
    American Dental Association
    Academy of general dentistry
  • Awards:
    American Association of Women Dentists for Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence
    The American Academy of Operative Dentistry for Outstanding Achievement in Operative Dentistry
    University of Washington School of Dentistry Governance and Service Award
    Seattle Pedodontic Society David B Law Award, in recognition of excellence in the clinical management of your pediatric patients
    ADA Clinical Evaluator Panel for Professional Product Review
  • Recognitions:
    The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, for an invaluable contribution to the annual meeting, Feb 25-25, 2006
    Northwest Precedent, Practice-based Research Collaboration in Evidence-based Dentistry
In The Community

I am truly blessed to live and work in the wonderful community of Gig Harbor. I believe that it is my job to give back to the community. From a professional standpoint, I volunteer for various dental society functions, I’ve been on and was the board of directors of the Washington Oral Health Foundation, the chair of the steering committee of the Puyallup Partnership for Improved Dental Health. I’ve served on the editorial board for the WSDA News. Personally, I’ve volunteered as a zoo dentist at the Point Defiance Zoo and have served on the board of directors. I’ve also sponsored many Gig Harbor Little League.

Outside The Office

My husband, James O’Neal Stephens, is a wonderful electrical engineer, and our daughter Kaitlyn is a retired professional international soccer goalkeeper. Our sons and their families live in the Gig Harbor area, including three amazing grandchildren! In my free time, I enjoy boating, gardening, reading, and traveling. I also have the opportunity to be a professional speaker and consultant in the dental industry, presenting at all of the major meetings annually.

Dr Rhonda our dentist at Uptown Dental smiling