Dental Hygienist

A native Northwesterner, Liz Rusch was raised in Gig Harbor. During her high school years, Liz discovered her passion for dentistry through a Running Start job opportunity. She graduated in 2014 from Seattle Central Community College’s Dental Hygiene program. Liz recently completed her education in orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) so she can help those with orofacial myofunctional disorders create more positive muscular patterns involving their teeth, tongues, jaws and breathing.

“I am very passionate about caring for my patients. I go beyond the typical ‘brush and floss’ recommendations to try to discover how someone’s overall health might be impacting their oral health,” she says. “I assess each patient for any airway issues because breathing is a pillar of health. Along with Dr. Duffy and our team, I believe that our teeth and mouths have an important connection to our overall health.”

Liz is married, has four young children, and a soft spot in her heart for pediatric patients. Her desire to help them develop into their healthiest selves, led her to further her education in OMT. On days she is not in clinic, she works virtually with children across the U.S. to help them learn how to use their orofacial muscles in the most optimal ways. 

In her free time, Liz enjoys baking, visiting antique stores and coffee shops, raising backyard chickens, and exploring the PNW with her husband, kids and their labradoodle.