(808) 329-1715Tropical Smiles Dental has an incredible team of individuals who all make it their goal to provide the best comprehensive dental care in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. They love to work together with Dr. Melissa M. Nitta to give every patient the healthy and happy smile they need to feel confident about themselves. To get an idea of our incredible staff, read some of their biographies below! Or even better, call our office today at 808-329-1715 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and her team!
Sherry joined Dr. Nitta’s team in 2010 and has been a dental assistant for over 23 years. Sherry is very dedicated to caring for you and making sure you receive the best, highest quality dentistry possible.Sherry was born and raised here in Kona. She has four amazing kids and loves taking family vacations! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, and hanging out with family and friends, watching football. Sherry is very active with her son’s sports, and most importantly, she is a 12th man for the Seattle Seahawks!
When you arrive, you can count on me to be at the front desk with a big smile and a warm welcome. I’ll be here to help answer your questions, take your calls, and make sure everything goes smoothly when it’s time to check out. I genuinely enjoy interacting with our wonderful patients and working alongside our kind and helpful staff daily. Outside of work, I’m a proud mother of 2 and the devoted owner of 2 Rottweilers. Born and raised right here in Kona, you’ll often find me and my family soaking up the sun at the beach or exploring the mountains on our ATVs during our free time.
Angel – Registered Dental Hygienist
Angel is from a small rural town in northern Wyoming. She graduating from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, in 1996 with an Associate of Science degree, and from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in 1999 with an Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene. She has 21 years of clinical practice experience as a dental hygienist. Angel is known for being a kind, thorough and gentle hygienist, and she enjoys getting to know her patients!
Angel just moved to Kailua-Kona from Wyoming with her husband Carl, and electrical contractor, and their two daughters, Gabrielle and Angelina. She enjoys the warm, inviting weather of Hawaii and the ocean! She loves to go running, weight lifting, anything active outdoors and going to the beach with her family. Angel is very excited to be here in Kona and to be a member of Dr. Nitta’s amazing team!
Dixie – Dental Assistant
Dixie grew up in Boise, Idahao, and has been a dental assistant for over 18 years. In 2009, she moved to Oahu, where she met her husband, and they now have five amazing kids. In 2015, they moved to the Big Island.
Dixie enjoys going on vacations and getting back to Idaho and Oregon to spend time with her family. She and her husband also enjoy relaxing on the beach and spending time with their baby girl, Khalessi (their dog). However, during football season you will find her watching her dem boys! She is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan!!
Leianah – Registered Dental Hygienist
Leianah was born and raised here in Kailua Kona Hawaii. After earning her Associates of Liberal Arts degree at Palamanui Community College, Leianah moved to Maui to pursue her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Once she graduated from Maui College as a RDH in May of 2023, she returned to the Big Island to proudly serve her hometown community.
When Leianah is not working or studying, she loves to go to the beach, explore new places, and create amazing memories with her family & friends.
As a recent RDH graduate, Leianah is so excited to serve her communty with such an awesome team at Tropical Smiles.
Kinohi – Scheduling Coordinator/ Dental Assistant
Aloha Pehea’oe my name is Kinohi. I am a Scheduling Coordinator and Dental Assistant at Tropical Smiles, so I’ll be the one running around like a chicken without a head! Kalaoa grown and influenced by my Lee Ohana in the journey into dentistry. My dream is to be a dental hygienist which I am working towards. I love everything Moku’Aina–you can find me Ulua fishing on the shores of Ka’u, racing quads through the mountains of Waimea, but mostly spending quality time with my Ramble Ohana. I’m a mother of 3 and stepmom of 2 and all around go getter!!
