They share a practice, a philosophy and a common goal.

All with a perfect smile, of course.

Meet Drs. Heather Woloshyn and Karen Clements – neighborhood orthodontists as different as they are alike.

“Karen is probably the better golfer,” Woloshyn cracked.

Together, they make a good team.

While it isn’t uncommon for two women to occupy the same orthodontics practice, Woloshyn and Clements represent a growing trend.

Traditionally, most orthodontists are men. But in recent years, the number of women in dentistry and dental specialties, including orthodontics, has increased dramatically, according to the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics.

In close-knit Auburn, the Woloshyn-Clements combination has formed a strong clientele relationship with families and adults, young and old, for six years, the last three at their new location on 8th Street Northeast.

“It’s just happens to be two women … but I never thought of it as being unusual,” Clements said. “I just feel really fortunate to work with Heather.”

They found each other at the University of Washington and eventually found the same practice.

Woloshyn joined Dr. David Turpin, one of her instructors and mentors, in 1993. Clements would join the tandem in 2002. When Turpin retired, the Woloshyn-Clements practice took shape.

“Karen is just great,” Woloshyn added. “She’s talented and great with people. It’s a nice fit.”

Class acts

Both are UW graduates with master’s degrees and high academic honors. Woloshyn continues to teach at the UW in the orthodontic graduate program and currently is the president of the Orthodontic Alumni Association.

Clements, an assistant clinical professor at the UW Dental School, was involved in the initial trial of Invisalign in 1998, and published her thesis on the transparent braces system in 2003.

Both are board certified members of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics and the Washington State Society of Orthodontics.

Both are active with their families and find time for the community. Woloshyn, for instance, is a member of the Rotary Club of Auburn.

Both are athletic. Both like the outdoors, and each enjoys the ski slopes. Woloshyn competes in triathlons. Clements competes in volleyball.

But there are some differences.

While Woloshyn grew up in Canada, the younger Clements came from California.

Woloshyn is sincere, more reserved. Clements is casual, more direct.

But in theory and practice, they share similar treatment philosophies and individualized care.

“Dr. Woloshyn is a very classy, soft-spoken and gentle lady,” said Karen Jamieson, orthodontic assistant. “Dr. Clements is a relaxed, kind-of-like-your-neighbor-next-door person.

“They work together wonderfully,” Jamieson said. “They have the same goals, same techniques. They take the time and talk to the patient.

“One can step in for the other. … They have a high level of finishing product. They do high-quality work.”

Clements has learned much from her close colleague.

“She’s a great role model,” Clements said. “She is great with people. She also volunteers a lot to organizations and gives back to the community.”

Their practice continues to give back. Their patients, for example, donated approximately 1,100 pounds to the Auburn Food Bank last fall.

With great advances in modern technology and practice, each provides what’s best for the patient in a friendly, open environment.

“We’re really involved with our patients,” Woloshyn said.

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