At Clearwater Dental, genuine care and connection are the foundation for exceptional dentistry. Our practice is built on trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care.
A Patient-Centered Approach
We understand that dentistry is about more caring for smiles— it's about building lasting relationships with the families we serve. You will see and feel that our deep local roots and hometown values are evident in every interaction.
When you're here, you're family. Your well-being is our highest priority. Our team is dedicated to making every visit relaxing and positive. We pride ourselves on being exceptional communicators, treating our patients like close friends, and listening carefully to your concerns.
Teamwork and Dedication to Excellence
Our collaborative approach means you benefit from our team's combined expertise. We work seamlessly together, sharing insight and experience to ensure you receive exceptional, comprehensive care. We stay current with dental advances through ongoing education and training while maintaining our commitment to personalized, relationship-based care.
We are honored to serve our Tri-Cities community with the same values and dedication that have guided us for nearly four decades. We look forward to welcoming you to your new dental home in Kennewick, WA, where exceptional care and genuine connection go hand in hand.
Dr. Jerry Han
Dr. Jerry Han has been a proud member of the Tri-Cities community since the age of five, growing up in Richland and attending Hanford schools. After graduating high school, Dr. Han earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and completed his dental education at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
Upon earning his degree in 1999, he returned to the Tri-Cities to work alongside Dr. Steve Matheson, the founder of Clearwater Dental and the dentist who cared for Dr. Han’s smile as a child. Today, Dr. Han is honored to carry on the tradition of providing exceptional, patient-centered care that Clearwater Dental has been known for since its inception.
A Dedication to Improving Lives
Dr. Han finds immense satisfaction in making a meaningful impact on his patients’ lives. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his dedication to continuing education. Over the years, Dr. Han has pursued advanced training, becoming a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and completing the rigorous Misch International Implant Institute continuum. He’s also completed all Practical Clinical Courses by Dr. Gordon J. Christensen.
A Passion for Family and the Outdoors
Outside the office, Dr. Han treasures time with his wife, Britt, and their children. He enjoys spending his free time fishing and even handcrafting his own fishing equipment. Dr. Han is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a discipline that instills a sense of focus and perseverance.
Dr. Han’s dedication to his patients, team, and community is evident in everything he does. Whether perfecting a smile or mentoring a staff member, his goal is always to provide the highest standard of care in an environment that feels like home. At Clearwater Dental, Dr. Han continues to uphold the values of trust, compassion, and excellence that have been the foundation of the practice for decades.
Dr. Eric Rose
Dr. Eric Rose is proud to serve the community where he was born and raised. A Tri-Cities native and graduate of Richland High School, Dr. Rose went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Washington State University before earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Arizona. His deep connection to the Tri-Cities community and passion for health care led him back to his hometown, where he has been a dedicated member of Clearwater Dental since 2014. In 2017, he became a partner, continuing the practice’s legacy of family-focused, community-centered care.
Dr. Rose has always been drawn to health care because it allows him to combine his love of working with his hands and his desire to help others. As a dentist, he thrives on treating a diverse group of patients and finds it deeply fulfilling to support people in achieving their healthiest, happiest smiles.
It's All About Relationships
Dr. Rose finds great joy in building trusting, long-term relationships with his patients. For him, dentistry is about truly understanding his patients, connecting with them personally, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels like part of the family. This close-knit philosophy extends to the Clearwater Dental team, many of whom are Tri-Cities natives. Together, they’ve created a practice that reflects their shared values of community, care, and connection.
A Family Man with a Passion for the Outdoors
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Rose enjoys spending time with his wife, Shelby, and their two sons. Whether he’s coaching his boys or playing alongside them, golf has become a cherished family activity. Dr. Rose enjoys staying active through other sports, hosting friends and family for barbecues, and smoking various meats.
A Unique Childhood Memory
Dr. Rose’s interest in oral health might have started when he was two years old. After a fall from a rocking horse injured his tongue, the wound healed completely without stitches. As he got older, all that was left was a small scar, and he became amazed by the body’s ability to heal itself.
Dr. Lance Rhoten
After completing his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, Dr. Rhoten earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He joined the Clearwater Dental team in 2018 and provides high-quality care, focusing on building genuine relationships with his patients.
A Passion for Excellence and Personalized Care
For Dr. Rhoten, dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it’s about taking the time to truly understand his patients and ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. He believes that excellent dental care starts with genuine connections and enjoys learning about his patients' lives as he works with his team to create an outstanding experience
Dr. Rhoten also prioritizes his leadership role in the local dental community. He served as president of the Benton-Franklin County Dental Society, contributing to initiatives to enhance dental care in the region. Fluent in Spanish from his two years living in Mexico City on a church mission, Dr. Rhoten enjoys serving diverse patients and making everyone feel at home in his care.
A Family-Focused Adventurer
Outside the office, Dr. Rhoten is, first and foremost, a devoted dad. He spends most of his time with his wife, their children, and their beloved Goldendoodle, Rosie. One of his favorite ways to unwind is paddle boarding with his family during beautiful Tri-City summer evenings. Every year, Dr. Rhoten takes his kids on a backpacking trip, exploring national treasures like Mt. Rainier National Park or the North Cascades.
An avid backpacker, Dr. Rhoten has a personal goal of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks. Each summer, he and his family tick one or two parks off their list, creating lasting memories and strengthening their bond as they take in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Patients visiting Dr. Rhoten at Clearwater Dental can expect thoughtful, compassionate care beyond dentistry. He’s committed to ensuring every patient feels supported, confident, and empowered to achieve their healthiest smile.
Dr. Alexa Ellingsen
We are excited to introduce Dr. Alexa Ellingsen, the newest member of our dental team!
Dr. Ellingsen is an Eastern Washington native and is excited to be practicing dentistry back in Washington State, where she calls home. She completed her Bachelor of Science at WSU in 2014 and attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where she obtained her degree in 2018. After receiving her dental degree, she continued her training, completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program. She and her family moved to Upstate New York in 2019, where she practiced dentistry in the Syracuse area for four years.
Dr. Ellingsen and her family recently moved back to Washington, settling in the Tri-Cities, where she has been practicing since and is loving it. In her spare time, Dr. Alexa enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and two Goldendoodles, exploring all that the Tri-Cities has to offer.
She very much looks forward to meeting you!