Dr. Seth Swanson
Dentist
Dr. Seth Swanson moved to Whatcom County in 6th Grade and loves living in this area. He graduated from Western Washington University in 2011 with a degree in Chemistry. He then graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in 2015. He completed a General Practice continuing education well beyond the minimum required each year. Dr. Seth is passionate about comfortable, high-quality dentistry. He wants to make sure patients are able to make informed decisions in their care. He has extensive experience in oral surgery and restorative care after spending 5 years working in public health. Dr. Seth enjoys many outdoor activities that Western Washington has to offer including mountain biking at Galbraith mountain, hiking, and road biking. He and his wife have three children and love tent camping during the summers and spending time in National Parks.
Dr. Grant McClendon
Dentist
Dr. McClendon is passionate about dental health and genuinely committed to providing his patients with personalized care. He believes each patient desires and deserves a dentist who treats them as a unique individual. Dr. McClendon earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Economics minoring in Management prior to beginning his career in hospital administration, ultimately earning a Doctoral Degree in Dental Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences. In addition to his participation in numerous professional associations at the national, state, and local levels, he has conducted research and co-authored multiple articles which have been published in peer-reviewed journals as well as being honored with national awards and scholarships from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and The Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. McClendon has been honored by Colgate as an Interprofessional Scholar affiliated with the Center for Oral Health as well as having been inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, as an Alumni Member. As a General Dentist, Dr. McClendon enjoys restoring function and esthetics to his patients and has extensive clinical experience in the provision of oral surgical procedures and treating patients of all ages who suffer from dental anxiety, having completed a one-year post-graduate internship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. McClendon was born and raised in the colorful state of Colorado, and grew up appreciating nature’s beauty, both there as well as in the wonderful state of Washington. Dr. McClendon first moved to the Northwest in 2002 and has thought of Bellingham as home ever since. He is excited to get to know each of you in the coming days and is committed continuing the high level of care you have come to value at Bellingham Bay Dental.
Michelle Wheeler
Registered Dental Hygienist
Michelle loves building relationships with our patients and members of the community. She and her husband have two daughters and a yellow lab. Born in California, Michelle also lived in North Carolina and Maryland, before moving to Bellingham. She graduated from Sehome High School and then attended Western Washington University, later graduating from Clark College as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She enjoys reading, as well as running and biking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Fun Fact: Michelle has worked in this office since April of 1998, longer than any other employee. We are so lucky to have her.
Kerri Hagin
Certified Dental Assistant – Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
Kerri has worked in this office since 1998. Kerri is dedicated to providing a kind, caring, and gentle dental experience for patients, especially those who are anxious or apprehensive about dentistry. Kerri, her husband Jason, and sons, Jackson and Sawyer, live in Ferndale, where she was born and raised. Kerri attended Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College, before enrolling at Bellingham Technical College’s Dental Assisting program, graduating in 1998. She later attended the EFDA program at Bellingham Technical College from 2016-2017 and now has her license to place and polish fillings. Kerri enjoys camping with her family in their travel trailer and gardening.
Fun Fact: Kerri was destined for the dental field. She used to play “dentist” with her sister when she was a child.
Ashley Call
Registered Dental Assistant
Ashley graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 2011 and has been a dental assistant since 2012. She and her daughter Millie live in Nooksack with their two cats Wiz and Doogie. Ashley understands the dental office isn’t everyone’s favorite place to visit so she enjoys being able to comfort patients and show them a positive and gentle experience! She also loves seeing the before and after of cosmetic dentistry, we do here, seeing people’s reactions are so rewarding to her. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the gym, reading, and hiking.
Fun Fact: Ashley can tough her tongue to her nose.
Chloe Cowman
Registered Dental Assistant
Chloe graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 2019 and attended the Dental Assisting program at Bellingham Technical College after. Chloe completed her internship at our office and joined our team in January 2022. She lives in Nooksack with her parents and siblings and their 3 cats, Mister, Luna, and Pippi. Chloe’s favorite part of dentistry is meeting new people every day. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, longboarding, practicing calligraphy, spending time outside, and playing board games with her younger brothers.
Tasha Thorp
Registered Dental Assistant / Continuing Care Coordinator
Tasha was born in Bellingham and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 2018. She attended Bellingham Technical College for Dental Assisting and completed her internship at our office in 2020, and she has been with our office since. Tasha transitioned to our Continuing Care Coordinator role where she can use her knowledge in the front and back office to make patient care seamless. She still loves being able to hop in the back office and assist when needed! She enjoys seeing patients be able to get the care they need and forming friendships with her coworkers. Tasha lives in Lynden with her dog Bria who is half Corgi/half mini Australian shepherd. In Tasha’s free time she likes going to the gym, on weekend trips with friends and family, playing pickle ball, and trying new restaurants in the area.
Fun Fact: Tasha played tackle football as a kid!
Felicia Talman
Officer Manager
Felicia has worked at Bellingham Bay Dental since December 2006 – the same year she graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at Bellingham Technical College. Felicia worked as a Certified Dental Assistant until she transitioned to the front office as a Continuing Care Coordinator in October 2014. Her experiences in the front and back office make her a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the practice and are a wonderful asset to the team. Felicia’s favorite part of working at Bellingham Bay Dental is the family-friendly value, which allows her to focus on her husband, Allen, and their three daughters – Tylar, Kamryn, and Casey. The Talman’s live in Ferndale with their two Springer Spaniels (Sugar and Bud). Felicia’s many outside interests include photography, camping, archery, thrifting, and DIY crafts.