All our professionals at R. Bruce Coye, D.D.S. maintain the highest levels of accrediation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of latest trends in dentistry.

• Runi Snelson, R.D.A.
• Sherry Barker
• Debbie Ditto
• Melody Esquer, R.D.A.
• Judy McNulty
• Joan Arakawa, R.D.H.
• Marilyn Dickson, R.D.H.
• Julie Leahy, R.D.H.
• Lisa Michie, R.D.H.
• Joanne Cox, R.D.A.
• Kate
• Lab
• Doctors

Please accept our sincere gratitude for your interest in obtaining your dental care at our office. My name is Runi Snelson. As office Administrator, it is my pleasure to welcome you and acquaint you with our office staff. Our primary goal is to help you attain your optimum dental health.

With a staff of 38 people, you may see different faces on subsequent appointments. We would like you to feel at ease with each staff member and to know how the experience and knowledge of each one contributes to the dental services we offer.

I joined this office in 1976 after my initial training in a prestigious New York dental office followed by 10 years in a very fine huntington Beach dental office. I obtained my formal dental training at Cypress College and received my Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) certification in 1977. I maintain my dental continuing education with participation in management seminars, updating my CPR with the Red Cross, maintaining my X-ray license, and supporting the Dental Assistants' Association.

In my spare time, I enjoy a wide variety of activities including ballroom dancing, knitting, oil painting, skiing, aerobics, and classical music. In addition, I enjoy my independent travel consulting with Women in Travel and as a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. I was raised in Bergen, Norway, and I have a wonderful 3 year old granddaughter.

I am here to assist you with your dental treatment, and I will be pleased to answer, or find the answer to, any of your questions. For now, please allow me to introduce you to our staff.

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Sherry Barker joined our office in 1979 after moving to Orange County from Arizona. She graduated from the Arizona Dental Assistant School in 1970 and practiced her vocation as a dental assistant in an orthodontic office and in a very highly regarded prosthodontic office until her move to California.

Sherry and her husband, Doug, enjoy the beach, travel, movies, fishing and each other's companionship.

Sherry has extensive experience as a dental assistant and receptionist to help you schedule your appointments in the most convenient and efficient manner.

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Debbie Ditto
Receptionist / Practice Manager

Debbie Ditto was born and raised in Los Angeles attending Hacienda Heights High School and Mt. San Antonio Community College. She joined with Dr. Rich in 1992 and joined our staff when Dr. Rich merged her practice with our office in 1995.

Her genuine concern for our patients' comfort and well-being, as well as her adept interpersonal skills, makes Debbie a very important member of our front desk team. As a Treatment Coordinator, Debbie helps our patients arrange all phases of their restorative dental care in the sequence that meets their personal goals and needs. In addition to individual treatment planning, she coordinates appointments that are most convenient to our patients' schedules, makes affordable financial arrangements, and works to maximize patients' dental insurance benefits. She is a strong patient advocate.

Debbie and her husband, Bill, have two delightful children - - a son 22 and a daughter 19. Their son is a senior at UC Santa Barbara and is majoring in psychology. Their daughter is a freshman at Sonoma State University. Debbi and her husband enjoy their visits with them as well as their family retreats to their Capistrano beach house. Debbie's other activities include running and traveling with her husband.

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Melody Esquer, R.D.A., our one true native, was born and raised in Newport Beach attending Estancia High School. Melody obtained her dental assisting education at the Bryman Campus of the National Education Center graduating in 1973. She continued her education with a two year program in Dental Assisting at Orange Coast College graduating in 1976.

With thirty-one years as a dental assistant, receptionist, and office manager, Melody has become an extremely efficient and proficient staff member. She truly enjoys assisting you with your appointment scheduling and dental insurance.

Melody and her husband of twenty-three years have two beautiful daughters age nineteen and twelve. She is active with her daughters in YMCA programs, Indian Maidens, Trail Blazers and various school and church activities including past terms as Auxiliary President for St. John the Baptist School.

Melody enjoys traveling in her spare time, having traveled extensively through Eurpoe and the Hawaiian Islands. Other hobbies include cooking, crafts, and the beach.

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Judy McNulty moved to Los Angeles from Illinois at the age of seven. Judy attended El Camino College and U.C.L.A. extension courses obtaining her C.D.A. in 1965. Sher received one of the first Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) certificates.

Judy enjoys sewing, walking, hiking, biking, Kundalini & Hathe Yoga and traveling with her wonderful husband Mick. Judy also enjoys cooking and loves entertaining at home, utilizing what she learned at the Orange Coast College Culinary Arts program.

Judy has two lovely daughters. Jenell, with her husband and two sons, reside in Huntington Beach. The other grown daughter, Julie, and her husband, live in Washington State. They were recently blessed with a healthy baby boy.

Judy joined Dr. Eriksmoen's staff in 1977 and became part of our current staff when the dental practices merged in 1992. Judy is enthusiastic about her career in dentistry which enables her an optimum balance between occupation and family.

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Joan Arakawa, R.D.H., was raised in Orange County and graduated from California State University Fullerton in 1972. She furthered her education at the Interior Designer's Guild and wored in the field of interior design for nine years. At the urging of her dentist father, Joan returned to college and received her Dental Hygiene degree from the U.S.C. School of Dentistry in 1993. After graduation, Joan taught at U.S.C. part time and practiced Dental Hygiene at her father and brother's dental office. We are delighted Joan moved to Newport Beach and joined our staff.

Joan is an avid dance enthusiast, partaking in dance classes three days a week. She also enjoys cycling and time with her cat.

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Marilyn Dickson, R.D.H., is originally from Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Yakima Valley College in Washington with an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene, with full expanded duties, in 1977. She practiced in Yakima for eight years. In 1985, she moved to Newport Beach where she joined a prestigious periodontist's office.

From 1990 to 1996, Marilyn lived in Singapore and traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe.

When she is not working, Marilyn enjoys her daily run, going to the gym, tennis and cooking.

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Julie Leahy, R.D.H.
Registered Dental Hygienist

Julie Leahy, R.D.H., is a native Californian, born and raised in Orange County. She now resides in Yorba, Linda with her husband Randy and daughter Madeline.

She started her career in dentistry after graduating from Canyon High School in 1989. Continuing her education, Julie obtained her dental hygiene degree from Colorado Northwestern Community College in 1992. Julie thoroughly enjoys her profession as evidenced by her enthusiasm, and she maintains her proficiency with continuing education courses.

Julie's spare time activites include cooking, walking, traveling, and many trips to Disneyland.

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Lisa Michie, R.D.H., was born and raised in Delano, California. After high school, Lisa moved to Long Beach achieving her Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation in 1980. With this degree, she maintianed a vocation in property management and development.

Lisa developed an interest in dental hygiene, graduating from Cypress Dental Hygiene College in 1997. She serves the dental hygiene community with active memberships in the California, Orange County, and American Dental Hygiene Association.

Lisa, and her husband of 24 years, enjoy surfing, bicycling, and fly fishing.

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Joanne Cox, R.D.A.
Dental Assistant

Joanne Cox, R.D.A., was born on Long Island, New York, and arrived in Claifornia at age eight. She attended Sunny Hills High School and graduated from Fullerton College in 1980. Joanne joined our office in 1994. With more than 20 years experience in the dental assisting profession, and a special emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, Joanne has become a vital part of our dental assisting team.

Joanne enjoys time with her 15 year-old daughter and her activities. Joanne and her husbnad also enjoy running, tennis, skiing, and a workout at the gym.

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Bio coming soon

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