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Dr. Cristina Bender smiling and talking to a patient

caring & comme

Caring & communicative

Pearl Care was a great experience. Everybody was caring and very communicative. I knocked out a filling and they were able to get me in next day and got it all fixed with no discomfort at all. The dental staff and dentists were outstanding.

James M.
Dr. Cristina Bender smiling and talking to a patient
Dr Cristina Bender DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Dr. Cristina Bender

“Owning the practice where I used to be a patient is a dream come true. It's a joy to carry on the legacy and serve the community by building relationships and helping people achieve better overall health.”

Dr Cristina Bender DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Coming back home

Excited to be back home, Dr. Tina loves serving the community where she was raised. She loves to learn and is committed to continuing her education for the benefit of her patients.

With advanced training in oral surgery, she is able to provide services, such as surgical implants and extractions, under IV sedation. She strives to ensure every patient has an excellent, personalized experience knowing they’ve received the best care possible.

Dr. Cristina Bender smiling

Pursuing Dreams

Born and raised in Ellensburg, Dr. Tina's dream was always to settle down here. She attended Ellensburg High School, where she graduated top of her class and received a full scholarship to the University of Washington. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, she went on to attend the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She also completed a one-year Advanced Education in Dental Residency program in Toppenish with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. Holding the title of Dental Director, she joined the Northeast Washington Health Programs in Colville Washington, where she managed three clinics for two years.

Beyond Dentistry

When she isn’t seeing patients, Dr. Tina enjoys spending family time with her husband, Matt, and their children Mila, Sienna, and Austin. You might see them out for dinner at a new restaurant, boating on the weekends, or traveling to unique places. They love to spend time with family and friends and enjoy their hometown.

Dr Shannon M Bland DMD of Pearl Care Dental

Dr. Shannon Bland

"Dentistry is about more than teeth. I've loved expanding my skills as a dentist and caregiver by studying how dentistry is related to other health issues, all to give the best to the people in my hometown of Ellensburg."

Dr Shannon M Bland DMD of Pearl Care Dental

Finding Passion

Dr. Shannon M. Bland, DMD is a familiar face here at Pearl Care Dental. Years ago, while she was on breaks from school, Shannon was a dental assistant here in our office working with Dr. Bender and retired doctors Dr. Cole and Dr. Melton. It was here at Pearl Care that Dr. Shannon developed her passion for dentistry. She still has very close relationships with the doctors she worked with here at PCD and has maintained close contact with them, leaning on them for mentorship while attending dental school.

Shannon is very excited to be back in Ellensburg to serve the community that she grew up in. Ellensburg means a lot to Shannon — she has many fond memories of the community involvement and support she received throughout the years.

Whole-Health Approach

Dr. Shannon shares many of the same passions in dentistry as our Dr. Bender including the whole-health approach to dentistry. In 2022, she and Dr. Bender attended the Collaboration Cures event put on by American Academy of Oral & Systemic Health (AAOSH) and the American Association of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry (AAPMD). There they attended courses in airway and sleep health and had a chance to network with some of the greatest minds in airway and sleep medicine. She has also had advanced training in clear orthodontic aligners and training in advanced dental technologies.

Education and Honors

After graduating from Ellensburg High School, Dr. Shannon attended California State University of East Bay on a full-ride scholarship where she was a student athlete excelling in basketball while she studied for her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. She then attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine where she received her Masters of Medical Science. Dr. Shannon graduated with honors with a DMD degree from AT Still Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health in 2023.

Home Life

Outside of the dental office, Dr. Shannon enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially helping her dad on the farm, going boating, watching sports, trying new restaurants, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Dr Brandon Tyler DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Dr. Brandon Tyler

“The initial reaction after the delivery of a new smile, then seeing that patient afterwards and hearing how much it has changed their life is so fulfilling.“

Dr Brandon Tyler DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Switching Gears

After graduating from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Brandon Tyler spent five years working on nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy in Bremerton, Washington before pivoting to dentistry where he could rebuild and create life-changing smiles. He graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry with fellow classmate and friend Dr. Cristina Bender where they often spoke about practicing together someday. Twelve years later, at Pearl Care Dental, they’ve finally made good on that promise.

Advanced Training

Clocking over 1,200 hours of high-level continuing education courses attended by professionals around the world, Dr. Tyler’s training in dental implants, dental surgery, and aesthetic dentistry leave patients with beautiful and lasting smiles. He’s also a proud graduate of the highly-acclaimed Kois Center and is currently pursuing accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the American Board of Oral Implantology. From porcelain restorations to full mouth rehabilitations, he enjoys combining his specialized dental education with his background in engineering to achieve outstanding results.

Personal Life

Outside the office you’ll find him spending quality time with his wife, Cynthia, and their two sons, Andrew and Warren. They love hitting the slopes and indoor/outdoor rock climbing together.

Dr William Mckibben DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Dr. William Mckibben

“Every patient deserves to feel their absolute best. My goal is to walk with you step by step to get you to your happiest and healthiest self.”

Dr William Mckibben DDS of Pearl Care Dental

Discovering Direction

Growing up in California, Dr. William McKibben graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He went on to graduate from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in Washington, D.C.. Prior to joining Pearl Care Dental, Dr. Bill opened his own practice where he served patients for 35 years.

Outside the Office

Beyond the office, he and his wife, Pat (who is his high school sweetheart) love living in Ellensburg. They love to spend Saturdays playing with their grandchildren or exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Memberships and Certifications

Dr. Bill is a founding member of the Pacific Academy of Interdisciplinary

Dentistry. For twelve years, he served as a member of the peer review committee for the Harbor Dental Society. He is also an active member of the Washington State Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Yakima Valley Dental Society.

Seeking education

Dr. Bill is passionate about ensuring patients receive comfortable, high-quality care. As a graduate of many cosmetic and advanced residencies at the Esthetic Professionals Dental Education Center in Tarzana, California, he wants to make his patients feel their best. He became a clinical instructor for cosmetic techniques at that same center. Ensuring he stays on the cutting edge, he participates in meetings highlighting patient care and current techniques and materials.

We can't wait to meet you

Call 509-925-6553 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit.

We'll be in touch soon.

Pearl Care Dental welcoming patient