Dorothy Distelhortst, DDS
I graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine with majors in American Studies and German. It was during my senior year at Colby that I realized that as a dentist I could combine my love of working with my hands, science, and learning with my desire to help people with their health. I would also be continuing the family legacy as both my parents were dentists.
I graduated from the University Of Colorado School Of Dentistry in 1988 and then participated in its Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program. I continued my training with a General Practice Residency (GPR) Program with the Veterans Administration in Palo Alto, California prior to returning home to Vail, Colorado. In September 1990 I started my dental practice in East Vail, joining my father who had been serving the Vail Valley since 1975 as an orthodontist. He passed on to me his love of caring for people, helping patients have healthy beautiful smiles, and a passion for continually increasing my knowledge.
Since moving back to Vail, I have completed the core curriculum and Dawson Masters at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Fl. I have attended numerous classes at The Dawson Academy for Advanced Dental Study in St. Petersburg, Florida. I have completed the Systemic and Nutritional Dentistry course with The Institute for Nutritional Dentistry.
Professional memberships include the American Dental Association (ADA), Colorado Dental Association (CDA), and Western Colorado Dental Society.
I participate in 2 study clubs, one with 2 local female dentists and the other, which meets biannually in Montrose, consists of dentists who attended the Pankey Institute.
I live in Vail with my husband, Karl Edgerton, whose sister went to dental school with me, and we have 2 lovely daughters who love to ski and play volleyball. I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing with our dog, Mousse, and also love biking up Vail Pass to get in shape for the Children’s Hospital Courage Classic Ride and skiing.
The past 2 summers my daughters and I have enjoyed volunteering at the Sacred Heart and Soul Animal Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We hope to make it a tradition.
In July 2010 I plan to fulfill a dream of mine to participate in a dental mission trip to Guatemala with the Himalayan Dental Relief Project.
Meet the Team
Juanita, Office Manager
Juanita is a crucial part of the team that keeps Streamside Dental running efficiently. As the office manager she is responsible for coordinating office schedules and insurance issues, as well as lending her help as a dental assistant.
Juanita joined Streamside Dental in May of 2008 after an extensive 21 year career in the medical field. Outside of work she loves the opportunity to learn about something new and often spends time with her granddaughter. Juanita is a Colorado native and is fluent in Spanish.
“Every day is a learning experience; I enjoy meeting and taking great care of all our patients. Patients always leave with a great smile.”
Wende Struthers, RDH
Wende Struthers, RDH joined Streamside Dental in 2007. She has many years of experience, great passion and a sincere dedication to helping her clients achieve optimal oral health. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Missouri Kansas City, expanded her knowledge with advanced training in ultrasonics at the Las Vegas Institute and is currently researching The Holbrook Concept: Ultrasonics in Periodontal Therapy. Ultrasonics are a more effective and efficient way of cleaning teeth than scraping and scaling. Wende continues to study the mouth/ body connection. She spent 11 years in Lausanne, Switzerland practicing dental hygiene. She has travelled extensively throughout Switzerland and Europe, is fluent in French and loves to ski.
“Have you ever had an experience that totally altered the way you think, dramatically changed how you operate day in and day out, challenged tradition-yet left you refreshed and energized? The changes that I have recently made with the incorporation of tunable micro-ultrasonics in my dental hygiene practice have done just that!”
Courtney R.
Biography coming soon.