Meet Our Compassionate and Highly Skilled Dental Hygienists at Tropical Smiles Dental
Hillary
Hillary grew up primarily in Cedar City, Utah, and earned her Dental Hygiene degree from Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University). After graduating in 2014, she spent five years practicing in Salt Lake City before moving with her children to the Big Island in 2019—a place they now happily call home.
Outside the office, Hillary enjoys traveling, staycations, new adventures, home and yard projects, and keeping up with her active kids. Professionally, she is committed to staying current on the latest dental procedures and research to ensure her patients receive the highest level of care. Her favorite part of dentistry is building genuine relationships and creating comfortable, individualized experiences for every patient.
Leianah “Lei”
Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Leianah always dreamed of becoming a dental hygienist. After earning her Associate of Liberal Arts from Palamanui Community College, she moved to Maui to pursue her passion. She graduated from UH Maui College as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2023 and returned home to serve the community that raised her.
When she’s not working or studying, Leianah enjoys going to the beach, exploring new places, and making unforgettable memories with family and friends. As a recent RDH graduate, she is excited to grow in her profession and care for patients alongside the Tropical Smiles team.
Jeanette
Jeanette was raised in Hawaiʻi and is a proud Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy alumna (Class of ’88). She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in North Carolina in 1998 and brings more than 25 years of clinical experience to the Tropical Smiles team. Jeanette is known for her gentle, thorough approach and her dedication to patient education.
She has been married to her husband, Norman Wessel, for 27 years and is honored to serve the Kona community. Jeanette looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality care as part of Dr. Nitta’s team.
Have YOU Ever Considered a Career in Dentistry?
Dentistry is a deeply rewarding field centered on caring for the teeth, gums, and mouth—an essential part of overall health, confidence, and quality of life. Within this profession, dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants all play vital roles in helping patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.
After meeting the talented hygienists at Tropical Smiles Dental, you may be wondering what it takes to join the profession. A career in dental hygiene is both meaningful and accessible right here in Hawaiʻi. If you’re curious about taking the next step, talk with your dentist or reach out to Hawaiʻi’s dental hygiene programs to learn more about this growing and impactful field.
Mention This Kama‘āina Offer! New Patient Special $199. Tropical Smiles Dental | 808-329-1715 | info@tropicalsmilesdental.com | www.tropicalsmileshawaii.com
