Dr. Jason Howell

Orthodontist

I love being an orthodontist. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and the friendships that I’ve built with my patients and their families are one in a million. It has always been my focus to make each patient feel at home when they come to me for treatment, and I work hard to give my patients the attention they deserve!

Education & Experience:
My education in dentistry and orthodontics has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. Before becoming an orthodontist, I received my undergraduate degree from Boise State University. I also graduated cum laude from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Following dental school, I completed one year of hospital residency in general dentistry. Following my hospital residency, I completed two years of formal orthodontic training at the University of Louisville.

Continuing Education:
By regularly participating in continuing education, I am able to stay current on the latest technology in orthodontic treatments. My patients deserve the best, and continuing education allows me to provide my patients with more options and better results. I am a member of several professional associations that provide me with opportunities for continuing education, including the:

A Commitment to the Community:
I am truly blessed to live and work in such a wonderful community. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families, and it is always such an honor to know that I have made a difference in so many of my patients’ lives. I couldn’t ask for a better job or a better group of people to be sharing their smiles with me. I look forward to working with you!

Personal:
I am an avid mountain biker, hate sushi and love being with my family. Whether I am boating, hiking or just hanging out, it’s my favorite place to be! If I had a superpower, I would be the world’s greatest ninja! However, if you ask my patients or team, they might say I already am!

Dr. Jeffrey Davis, Pediatric DDS

Dr. Jeffrey Davis

Pediatric Dentist

Education & Experience:
Dr. Jeffrey Davis grew up in Boise where he attended Boise High School and received his undergraduate degree from Boise State University. Dr. Davis then graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 2004. He owned and operated Alpine Heights Dentistry: a thriving family and cosmetic dentistry private practice in Meridian, ID, for nine years. Dr. Davis found he had a special passion working with children and teenagers, and decided to pursue his career in Pediatric Dentistry. He completed his hospital based pediatric residency in 2015, and became Board Certified in 2016.

Dr. Davis is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, the Idaho Dental Association, and a member of Gnathos Orthodontics. In 2007 he completed the Clinical Modification of Dentofacial Development, applied orthodontic and dentofacial treatment methods and continues to be an active member of Gnathos.

Personal:
Dr. Davis and his wife Audra are the parents of four children and his hobbies include cycling, water skiing, golf, basketball, and scuba diving. He enjoys spending time with his wife and coaching his children’s sports.

Dr. Mark Olsen

Pediatric Dentist

Education & Experience:
Dr. Mark Olsen grew up in Brigham City, Utah, and earned his BS in Psychology from Brigham Young University. Dr. Olsen then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry where he also received the award for Special Needs Dentistry. He then completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Dr. Olsen served as a general dentist for four years at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where he treated military members and their families. He then decided to narrow his focus to pediatrics and moved with his family back to the United States for a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio. After his residency, Dr. Olsen and his family moved all the way to Misawa Air Base, Japan where he worked for three years as the sole pediatric dentist, providing dental care to children of Air Force and Navy families. Dr. Olsen is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Personal:
Dr. Olsen and his wife Ashley are the parents of four daughters. They love traveling and enjoy being outdoors looking for adventures, and they are excited to be a part of the Treasure Valley community.

Dr. Travis Burk

Dentist

Education & Experience:
Born in Oregon, Dr. Burk developed his love for hard work and learning from his parents. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Health at BYU and then moved on to OHSU to complete his dental training to become a general dentist. Following graduation, Dr. Burk had the opportunity to work as an associate in a pediatric practice before finding his home at The Kids Dentist and Orthodontics. A kid at heart himself, Dr. Burk loves using his talents to help children enjoy coming to the dentist! His combination of fun and professionalism allow children to feel comfortable while their dental needs are met – setting them up for a lifetime of good dental habits.

Personal:
Dr. Burk is happily married to the love of his life, Abby, and they stay busy with their three kids. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports and spending time in the outdoors that Idaho has to offer! He loves the open skies, sunsets, rivers and lakes, and is happy to call Idaho home.

Dr. Paul Curtis

Orthodontist

Education & Experience:
Dr. Curtis completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah, graduating in behavioral science and health. He then studied dentistry at the University of Louisville, graduating cum laude in 2014.

After graduating from dental school, he served in the United States Navy, practicing dentistry as a Naval officer in South Carolina. Despite his love and appreciation for the military, he and his family moved to Colorado to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an orthodontist. He completed his residency in orthodontics, earned a master’s degree in dentistry during his time in residency, and also successfully challenged the American Board of Orthodontics clinical examination to qualify himself as an ABO Board Certified orthodontist (a prestigious accomplishment for orthodontic specialists).

After practicing for a period in Colorado, Dr. Curtis and his family sought out the opportunity to move home to Idaho to continue practicing orthodontics.

Personal:
Dr. Curtis and his wife, Whitney, have three children: Millie, Lucy and Calvin. They love Idaho and are so happy to be settled home in Meridian. In his free time, Dr. Curtis loves spending time outdoors with his family going hiking, camping and boating. He loves all things sports, particularly basketball, football, tennis and golf. Along with his love for family and sports, he is also passionate about Mexican food, cold cereal and anything mango.

Dr. Curtis loves being around people, and he became an orthodontist because he loves working with both kids and adults to help them transform their smiles!

Dr. Rebekah Goforth

Orthodontist

Dr. Rebekah Goforth was born in Boise. Although her family moved to North Carolina when she was a child, they always kept the Treasure Valley in their hearts. When she was ready to settle with her family, they decided to call Treasure Valley home. Always attracted to the mountains, Dr. Goforth attended Appalachian State University, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the east coast, where she graduated with honors with a major in biology and chemistry. Afterwards, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, where she served as the president of the dental school’s student body, followed by an orthodontic residency while earning her master’s in oral biology from the University of Tennessee. Her husband’s career in obstetrics and gynecology moved her family to Baltimore, Maryland, where she practiced orthodontics in a private practice. As a tribute to her commitment to excellence, she is among the 33% of orthodontists nationally that are board certified. She enjoys making smiles and giving back to her community and her profession, and she teaches orthodontic residents and practicing orthodontists alike at the Tweed International Orthodontic Foundation. In her free time, you can find Dr. Goforth spending time outdoors with her husband, her son and her dog. Her favorite indoor activities include painting, knitting, writing and reading. She enjoys eating good food and trail running in the foothills to compensate.

Dr. Tarisai Githu

Dr. Tarisai Githu

Pediatric Dentist

Dr Githu (Ghee-th-oo), a native of Nairobi Kenya, takes pride in her cultural diversity. She has lived and been educated in Zimbabwe, England, and the United States.

She often loves to share how her first visit to a dentist at the age of nine sparked her interest in the profession. She vividly recalls the attentiveness displayed by the Dentist, who was not only gentle throughout the treatment, but also took the extra step to walk her out to the waiting room at the end of the visit. The Dentists’ kind countenance and perhaps the red lollipop he gave her as well, left her impressionable mind filled with curiosity for Dentistry.

In pursuit of her Undergraduate degree, Dr Githu attended Idaho state university in the small but friendly town of Pocatello, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

Dr Githu went on to receive her Doctorate in Dental Surgery at Howard University in Washington DC. She then experienced New York City while attending a general practice residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. An experience which prepared her for a year long competitive internship in her home country of Kenya, subsequent to attaining a Kenyan Dental license.

Dr. Githu returned to the United States to practice as a general dentist in a family practice. She particularly loved working with pediatric patients, a passion she nurtured by volunteering at a local elementary schools’ dental clinic. After a few years, Dr Githu made the decision to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry, which she completed at the illustrious University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr Githu is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and prides herself in practicing evidence based dentistry.

In her free time she loves to travel, write poetry, and she is a great host, plant and dog mum. Dr Githu is thrilled to be back in Idaho where her journey in the United States began, and to be close to family and friends. A big kid at heart, she absolutely enjoys what she does and looks forward to creating positive environments and experiences for her patients.

Our Team

Here at Idaho Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, our fun and entertaining team is eager for the chance to meet with you! We are well trained in helping children receive quality dental care in a safe environment. Our team tends to children of all ages, including children with special needs or other disabilities. We speak both English and Spanish to accommodate the needs of each patient! To learn more about our dental offices, we invite you to contact us today and schedule an appointment with our team.

Our Mission

As locals in the greater Idaho region, our doctors and team are closely connected with the community and take great care in providing each of our patients with personalized treatment! We are passionate about assisting patients with their dental concerns and are deeply committed to helping children receive pediatric care in a safe and comforting environment. To help you and your child feel welcome here, we offer easily accessible dental care at affordable prices. You can reach out to our team today for more information about meeting with our doctors.

Skip to content

Request an Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

x

Get the New Patient Special

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

x