Meet The Doctors

Carol O'Brien, DDS

Hello, and welcome to my practice! I'm Dr. O'Brien, and I truly love being a dentist. I enjoy meeting new people and becoming a part of their lives, while helping to maintain and improve their oral health. I see people from all backgrounds and ages, and it is fun to be able to connect with each patient. Even in the question of UW vs. WSU, I can say I'm BOTH a Dawg and a Cougar!

My education is as follows:

• Washington State University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering
• University of Washington – Doctorate of Dental Surgery

Although I finished with my formal education years ago, I feel it is vital to stay up to date on emerging dental technology and practices. That is why I am involved multiple dental study clubs: The Dental Collegium Study Club, a local Spear Study Club and the Tacoma Implant Study Group.  I am also a member of the Pierce County Dental Society, the Washington State Dental Society and American Dental Association

In addition to practice management courses, I also take ongoing courses in aesthetics and dental cosmetics. I enjoy my continuing education as it challenges me to grow and keeps me updated on the latest dental advances, so that I may pass on the best possible services to my patients.

I grew up in the northwest and am proud to call Washington my home. We live in a beautiful area! University Place and Tacoma has changed a lot in the past few years, and I'm honored to be a part of this community as it changes and grows. I hope you'll become a member of my family of patients.

---

Althea Acosta, DDS

Dr. Acosta is a Hoosier from Northwest Indiana. Her parents are from the Philippines and came to the United States to start their careers as a pathologist and a nurse. Their dedication to their job and compassion for their patients inspired her to pursue a career in health care.

Dr. Acosta earned the following:

• Indiana University – Bachelors in Biology and Chemistry
• Indiana University School of Dentistry – Doctor of Dental Surgery

After graduating in 2013 with a Health Professions Scholarship, she moved to Washington and proudly served four years in the United States Army providing oral health care for the servicemen and women at Joint Base Lewis McChord and continues that commitment today in our office.

Dr. Acosta is motivated to provide the utmost care for her patients. She understands the importance of lifelong learning and each day strives to be a better provider by regularly attending continuing education courses and is excited to bring her Bioclear and Injection Overmolding skills to our office.

She is a member of a local Spear study club, the American Dental Association and was selected to attend the Institute for Diversity in Leadership in 2019-2020, Washington State Dental Association, and Pierce County Dental Society serving on the Board of Trustees from 2018-2021.

Outside of the office, she loves spending time with her husband trying new foods or watching movies, and enjoys what she calls the three R’s: Reading, Running, and Rock climbing!

---

Hanna Kwon, DDS

 

Hello! My name is Hanna Kwon, and I’m an associate dentist at O’Brien dentistry. I was born in Chicago, raised in South Korea and Dubai. I enjoy connecting with people of different cultures!

My education is as follows:

• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Bachelor of Science in Biology
•  University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor – Doctorate of Dental Surgery          
•  South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio – Advanced Education in General Dentistry

During my post-graduate training at San Antonio VA, I had an opportunity to learn and do a wide variety of procedures. This provided me an insight to providing comprehensive care, collaborating well with the patients and good specialists.

I’m currently a part of local and national dental associations. I’m particularly passionate with gold restorations. Gold inlays, onlays, and crowns can keep more tooth structures intact and last a long time if done well. I’m part of the Academy of R.V. Tucker gold study club, where I learn to better my skills with doing gold restorations. I also continue to learn the new technologies with resin and porcelain restorations. I am motivated to update myself, so that I can provide the best possible services to my patients.

The combination of science and arts in dentistry is fascinating, and I love creating good work with my hands and helping people every day. I’m excited to see you at O’Brien dentistry!