About
Meet Dr. Thomas Baker, D.M.D.
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My name is Dr. Thomas Baker and I am passionate about kids. With three wonderful kids, I feel I can relate to your family. Kids are my life! I interact with them every day in the office and my wife might even say I am still a kid at heart! I bring a fresh perspective on pediatric dentistry. I completed my pediatric dental residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, Missouri) in June 2016. Prior to my residency, I graduated cum laude from BYU-Idaho with a BS in Biology in 2010 followed by a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2014 after finishing in the top 10% of my class. I was awarded the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit and elected into the Beta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. I love to learn and have a particular interest in orthodontics, seeking annual training with the world-renowned Dr. Gerry Samson, a dual trained orthodontist and pediatric dentist, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Returning to Idaho Falls had some mixed emotions for me. It has been a period of challenges, growth, and opportunity. While finishing my last year of residency I was contemplating pursuing an opportunity with a pediatric dentist in a different state for a year and applying for an orthodontic residency. I love what I do as a pediatric dentist but orthodontics was a real interest of mine and I felt like I could bring a unique perspective to the profession with training in both specialties; however, life had other plans for me. In December 2015, my father, Dr. Gregg Baker, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a stage IV brain tumor. I believe we are always divinely guided and this to me was an opportunity I could not pass up. My father had a short window and was given 14 months to live. I knew that with only seven months of residency left I needed to return to Idaho Falls to help my father with the practice. The doctors told my dad to retire but he is a fighter and he continued to work. Less than two weeks after completing residency I joined my father in the practice in July of 2016. I worked side by side with my dad for two months. It was a dream come true! Those two months were invaluable and I feel like I benefited the most. I was able to see the passion my dad has for dentistry and more importantly his patients. He loves dentistry! He loves working with children and his patients love him! It is hard to put into words how much his 30 years of practice meant to him. On September 1st 2016 at the encouragement of his oncologist, neurosurgeon, and my mother, my dad, Dr. Gregg Baker, retired.
Our Mission:
We’re dedicated to promote and provide optimal oral health for Infants, Children, Young Adults, and Special Needs Patients, with a compassionate, qualified, friendly staff. We strive daily to create a positive dental experience for our patients and their families while providing exceptional and individualized dental care
As of Sept 1st 2016, I have taken over full time for my father. I am the only pediatric dentist in the office, but I feel so fortunate to have my dad close by as a resource and friend. I believe that our passions in life are areas where we can excel and as a result I continue to pursue advanced education opportunities in orthodontics. Although not the orthodontic residency I had initially planned, the training with Dr. Gerry Samson has provided me with valuable skills and a unique approach I may not have gained elsewhere. I believe this can provide my patients with comprehensive approach to growth, development, and timely orthodontic treatment.
Returning to Idaho Falls has brought my family and I back to our roots. I was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho while my wife, Janelle was born in Newdale, Idaho. Janelle and I love being close to our family, something we treasure and missed while we were away. I love spending time with my family and telling bedtime stories. As a family we enjoy riding bikes, going on picnics, attending sporting events, and having dance parties in the living room.
I am a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, the Idaho State Dental Association, the Wyoming Dental Association, Academy of LDS Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Upper Snake River Dental Society. I am certified by Idaho State Dental Association in Pediatric Oral Sedation and by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I also hold privileges at Mountain View Hospital and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to provide general anesthesia through certified nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists to kids with extensive dental needs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Baker, D.M.D
Melissa McLean
Dental Assistant
Hi, i’m Melissa! I started working at Baker’s Pediatric Dentistry in January 2023. I have 4 nieces and 3 nephews and have always loved working with kids! I am so glad to be helping your great kids with their oral hygiene. In my spare time I love to be outdoors and with animals!
Carlie LIvingston
Dental Assistant
Hello, I’m Carlie. I am from Idaho Falls and I started working at Baker Pediatric Dentistry in June 2023, training as a dental assistant. I love being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. I enjoy waterskiing, playing pickleball, snow skiing, hiking, and any type of board games! I am currently a student at BYU-Idaho and plan to continue my education and become a dental hygienist. I love helping kids feel confident about their smiles and teaching them ways to improve their oral hygiene.
Bailee Grover
Dental Hygienist
As a mom herself, Bailee knows firsthand the importance of caring for kids. Her experience as a parent combined with her Bachelor's degree from Idaho State University makes her a natural when it comes to teaching little ones the importance of good oral hygiene in a fun and interactive way. Bailee's bubbly personality and gentle touch can help ease the nerves of kids and patients of all ages, especially those with special needs. She strives to make every patient's experience as comfortable as possible, whether it's during regular check-ups or more involved treatments. As Simba from The Lion King once said, "Hakuna Matata," which means "no worries." Bailee hopes that all her patients come and leave their appointments feeling relaxed and happy, just like Simba.
Monica Alonso
Dental Assistant
Monica is a dedicated dental assistant who graduated from EITC in 2012. Married with two kids, she has a passion for the outdoors, enjoys traveling to new places, and treasures time spent with family and friends. Monica’s love for adventure and close-knit relationships keeps her grounded and fulfilled.
Rachel Barnes
Office Manager
Rachel is the first and last person you see in our office and she always has a smile on her face. She is so willing to help anyone with anything at any time, she does so great working in the font and making sure that everything goes smoothly. She is always making sure that the patient and parent are leaving our office with a smile on their face.
Rachel joined the Baker staff in April of 2003 as a Dental Assistant, and moved to Receptionist/Office Manger. She has enjoyed every part of working alongside Dr. Baker and meeting such wonderful kids and their parents the past 21 years.
Rachel and her husband Mike have been married since 2004 and have 2 great boys. In Rachel’s spare time she enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, traveling, attending contry concerts, hunting, fishing, and golfing.
Tauna Abegglen
Dental Hygienist/Insurance Coordinator
Hi, I'm Tauna!
I'm one of the Dental Hygienists here at Baker Pediatrics. Being born and raised in Idaho Falls, I'm committed to taking care of our local community. I'm a mother of four beautiful, energetic little girls, so working with children is a daily part of my life.
I knew from a very early age that I had a passion for dentistry. I began my education journey at ISU in Pocatello, and finished at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene (UCDH) in Orem, Utah with a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 10 years. I joined the team here at Dr. Bakers in 2018.
My life revolves around my family. I've been married to my handsome stud of a man Jeff since 2013. We have an adorable tiny 4 lb. toy poodle named Winston. When I'm not taking care of teeth you can find me playing outdoors with my children, gathered around the kitchen table playing a board game with my family, or curled up in a blanket watching a good movie.
Lexi Olsen
Dental Assistant
Lexi graduated from college of Eastern Idaho in 2020. Lexi is the mother of one son. She loves being able to help kids get on track with dental hygiene. When she isn’t working she enjoys hanging out with friends and family.
Cheyann Abegglen
Dental Hygienist
Cheyann joined the Baker staff in May 2017 after graduating from EITC in Dental Assisting. She worked as a dental assistant for 2 years before leaving for dental hygiene school. After graduating from Carrington College with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, Cheyann came back to work with us again. She really enjoys working in Pediatrics.
On her free time she enjoys going riding at the sand dunes, camping, golfing, and spending time with family.
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