Our goal is for you to leave our office with a memorable and enjoyable dental experience, which is why our welcoming and compassionate staff will do everything they can to make you feel right at home.
If you are looking to brighten and enhance your smile, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (206) 824-2804!
MEET OUR TEAM
Dr Benjamin Dorantes
Dr. Benjamin Dorantes was born and raised in Orange County, CA. He attended the University of California, Irvine, for his undergraduate studies with a focus in Biology. Dr. Dorantes earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2000.
Upon graduation, he helped launch a group practice in Kent, Washington, where he served as the managing dentist for 12 years. In 2012, Dr. Dorantes opened his own private practice and served the community of Kenmore, WA, for the next seven years. In May 2019, he made the decision to join his wife in practice, and together they purchased Des Moines Dental Center.
Dr. Dorantes, known as “Dr. D” by his patients and staff, is bilingual in English and Spanish, an asset that has allowed him to give back to the community through various volunteer efforts. He began donating his time with Medical Teams International in downtown Seattle, providing dental care for those in need via mobile dental clinics. He has also participated in outreach programs such as the Smile Power Organization, which offers dental care to residents of tent cities in Washington, and Compassion Washington, providing volunteer dental services in Auburn.
Dr. D proudly serves as the International Ambassador for the Smiles for Everyone Foundation and helped establish its Nicaragua and Paraguay outposts in 2013. He traveled to remote mountain villages in both 2013 and 2015, providing care and support to over 550 individuals. He returned to Paraguay in 2024 and 2025, where he provided care to an additional 225 people. He remains deeply committed to this cause and is currently planning another week-long mission trip to Paraguay in 2027.
In his personal time, Dr. D enjoys spending time with his wife and colleague, Dr. Kristin Vernon. He is an avid Husky football fan, enjoys cooking for family and friends, and likes running at Magnuson Park or around Green Lake. He also has a passion for WWII history, German artifacts, and Volkswagens. Dr. D has four grown children and two stepchildren who keep him and his wife busy. Dr. D attends several continuing education courses each year to enhance his skills and provide exceptional care for his patients. He has traveled to Brazil to study implant dentistry at ILAPEO in Curitiba, and he continues his advanced training at the Resnik Implant Institute and 4M Institute. He is proud to offer the All-on-X procedure and is one of the few certified ND:YAG laser dentists in his community, offering LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to his patients.
He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and Seattle-King County Dental Society. Dr. D enjoys incorporating the latest dental technology into his practice, including intraoral digital scanning, CBCT (cone beam) imaging, electric handpieces for noise reduction, and 3D printing. As a new member of the Des Moines community, Dr. D has already received a warm welcome from existing patients of Des Moines Dental Center and looks forward to becoming your Des Moines dentist!
Kristin R. Vernon DDS
Dr. Kristin Vernon was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She attended San Diego State University and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 1999, Dr. Kristin was awarded her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduation, she decided to further advance her knowledge in dentistry by completing a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program through the U.S. Army. Dr. Kristin served 2 more years in the Army, stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA (JBLM).
In her personal time, Dr. Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and partner, Dr. Benjamin Dorantes, keeping up with our combined 6 children, running, baking, reading, and traveling.
Dr. Kristin attends several continuing education courses per year to enhance her practice of dentistry and to provide exceptional care for her patients. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society, Spear Institute of Education and South Sound Dental Study Club. As a new member of the Des Moines community, she looks forward to integrating into the King County Dental Society and being able to provide the same exceptional quality dentistry that she has provided for the past 20 years in South Sound.