Melinda R. Oquist, DDS

Meet Dr. Oquist

Dr. Oquist was born in California but grew up in Alaska. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology. She received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from Loma Linda University in California. She has practiced dentistry for 20 years and has called Santa Ynez Valley home for the past 13 years with her husband and two daughters.

She is active in several dental study clubs that promote excellence and learning of new and existing techniques. She has taken extensive continuing education courses at UCLA, Esthetic Professionals, SPEAR, and Loma Linda University to stay up to date in Cosmetic Dentistry. While her specialties are those that involve cosmetics, “everyday” dentistry is also practiced at her office in Solvang.

She is a current member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Santa Barbara – Ventura Dental Society. Dr. Oquist enjoys working and serving people of all ages and backgrounds, and one of her greatest experiences is providing free dentistry to underserved children in Israel at Dental Volunteers Institute (DVI).

To Dr. Oquist, dentistry is a perfect blend of art and science. Although she loves many facets of dentistry, Dr. Oquist mostly enjoys getting to know her patients. To her, the heart of patient care is taking a personalized approach because each patient and their smile is special. Whether a patient’s concern is cosmetic, restorative, or a dental emergency, Dr. Oquist creates a genuine connection with her patients and provides them with the excellent, individualized care they need.