Tacoma’s Top General & Cosmetic Dentist of 2025: Dr. Jacqueline Sanders

Dr. Jacqueline Sanders of Floss & Fido Family Dentistry has earned this sites personal recognition of Tacoma’s best and fasted growing general and cosmetic dentist in 2025.

Known for her unique conservative approach to surgery, personalized care, and artistry in transforming smiles.

Her welcoming clinic has become the "hot place" for those with high stress, anxiety or those seeking a second opinion from Corporate chains. Patients say it's because she combines a love for pets, love for music and making dental visits fun, relaxing, and patient centered.

Background & Education

Dr. Sanders’ journey to dentistry is nothing short of unique. She holds a pretty amazing academic background, including a degree in engineering, another degree in neurobiology from UT Austin , and a Doctorate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

As you learn more about her, you'll learn she's not just a another doctor. She lives in a farmhouse outside Tacoma, has multiple animals and builds and fixes most things herself. Maybe that's why people seem to connect with her?

Pulling Back the Curtain with Dr. Jacquie Sanders

Q: You’ve got a reputation for making even nervous patients feel at ease. Is that something you learned in dental school, or before?

A: Oh, definitely before. When you grow up in a busy house, learn to fix things yourself, and work everything from fast food jobs to engineering projects, you pick up a lot about how to work with people. By the time I opened Floss & Fido, I knew I wanted it to feel more like visiting a friend’s living room than a dental office. We just happen to have really good lighting and dental chairs.

Q: You’ve worked in both corporate and independent dentistry. What’s the biggest difference for patients?

A: Time and honesty. In a corporate setting, it can feel like you’re on a conveyor belt. The clock is always ticking, and treatment plans sometimes focus more on profit than people. Here, if you need 45 minutes to talk through your options, you get it. I’m not here to meet a quota — I’m here to make sure you understand and feel good about your choices.

Q: Patients mention your “conservative approach” all the time. What does that mean in real life?

A: It means I like your teeth, and I want you to keep them. If there’s a way to fix something without drilling half of it away or pulling it out, that’s what I’ll do. Dentistry isn’t a “replace everything” sport — it’s about working with what you have and protecting it for the long haul.

Q: You literally built your office yourself. Is that just because you’re handy, or was there more to it?

A: Well, I am handy — I’ve painted, wired, plumbed, and built things most of my life. But honestly? Starting a practice is expensive, and I didn’t have a corporate budget. So I did what I could myself. I think it’s part of why patients say the place feels personal — because it is. Every corner has a story, from the shelves I hung to the equipment I fixed.

Q: What’s the number one thing you wish people understood about finding the right dentist?

A: Don’t pick just on location or insurance. Those matter, but they’re not the whole picture. Pay attention to how you feel when you walk in. Are you rushed? Are your questions answered? Do you trust them? A good dentist makes you feel informed and respected, not just “processed.”

Q: You talk a lot about trust. How can someone tell if they’ve found a trustworthy dentist?

A: Listen to your gut, but also look for consistency. A trustworthy dentist explains why they recommend something, gives you options, and respects your decision. They don’t try to scare you into saying yes.

Q: Last one — what’s the vibe you hope patients leave with after a visit here?

A: I want them to walk out thinking, “That wasn’t bad at all, I’d come back.” Whether we were doing a quick checkup or a full smile makeover, I want them feeling heard, comfortable, and confident. And maybe a little surprised that they actually enjoyed going to the dentist