Gentle. Human. Caring.
Meet
Our Team
Dr. Ajaipal Sekhon
Dr. Ajaipal Sekhon
“I believe in striving for a patient experience that is second-to-none, and that begins with a team approach that is gentle, attentive, caring and authentically human. Amazing technology is a bonus!.”
We love Our Community
What’s your origin story?
I’m originally from Northern California, where I went to High School at Sacramento Country Day, followed by college at the University of the Pacific, and dental school at the University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Dentistry. Growing up, my mom was a dentist, and my dad was a physician, so healthcare seemed like a natural fit.
How did you end up in Tacoma?
I moved to Tacoma with my wife in 2014 where I got my first job with Community Health Care in their Lakewood, Washington location. It was there that I obtained very valuable experience working with patients from a wide socioeconomic spectrum and that helped me develop understanding to the different needs and conditions unique to each individual who entrusts me with their care and wellbeing.
How did Defiance Dental begin?
After serving a few offices in the area, in 2016 I decided to open my own practice called Defiance Dental Studio in Ruston. With the help of my fantastic team and our commitment to delivering an excellent patient experience, the practice grew beyond the limits of our first location, and we expanded to a second location in nearby Old Town, called Defiance Dental Old Town in August 2024.
Today, we’re serving patients in both locations as we bring all our services under one name – Defiance Dental.
What's your passion in dentistry?
Treating patients in the most contemporary and cutting edge way that is available to us in the dental industry is my overall passion and goal as a dentist. People first, then cutting edge technology and treatments. I consistently hone my craft by taking extensive CE courses, staying on top of dental trends and techniques, and keeping track of the technological improvements and materials that promote better, safer and longer lasting outcomes. Courses are from some of the best and brightest in the dental industry like the Kois Center, Spear center, CDOCS, AGD, Fifth Quarter Seminars, DOCS and dental schools such as the University of Washington SOD, UCLA School of Dentistry, and UOP School of dentistry.
How about beyond dentistry?
My wife, Harjeet, is a practicing OB/GYN in Tacoma and we have 2 children and a dog named Leela. I love music, specifically Heavy Metal and Hard Rock but appreciate anything that sounds good! I usually talk a lot about music and try to have a varied playlist of genres and artists throughout the day. I’ll usually strike up conversations about concerts and shows for patients who show their appreciation for guitar-driven music! I also attend many Mariners games and use baseball analogies to explain things in the office. You might also find me joking around about the current landscape of professional sports with anyone who cares to listen and indulge me!
Dr. Hiroko Pfitzner
Dr. Hiroko Pfitzner
"I strive to make the patient experience as positive as possible through gentle and empathetic care so that patients feel safe and comfortable coming back for care."
We love Our Community
What's your origin story?
I graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California in 2016. Patient comfort is very important to me and I strive to make the patient’s time in the dental chair a good experience as possible through gentle and empathetic care.
How did you end up in Tacoma?
I lived in Southern California my whole life until I got married to my husband, who is from Washington, in 2020. Being surrounded by so much green and nature, I fell in love with Washington instantly and have made it my home. I enjoy traveling, gardening, exploring nature, collecting and listening to records, and spending time with my husband.
Why Tacoma?
I love that Washington has so much green and nature to offer without going out so far and Tacoma in particular has the Puget Sound. Not only can you enjoy the ocean view, but you alsoget to see the animals that live in the ocean, such as seals, and if you’re lucky, orcas!
What is your passion in dentistry?
It’s very rewarding to hear patients say they didn’t feel anything during an injection or they leavesaying they had a very positive experience, especially for those who had bad experiences with dentistry in the past. I strive to make the patient experience as positive as possible through gentle and empathetic care so that patients feel safe and comfortable coming back for care.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy watching and learning about different kinds of birds, gardening, traveling around the world to experience different cultures, and listening to all kinds of music, especially house music!
Our Staff
Julie
Lead Registered Dental Hygienest
Alexis
Registered Dental Hygienest
Kristen
Registered Dental Hygienest
Rachel
Financial and Insurance Coordinator
Emily
Scheduling Coordinator
Shannon
Lead Registered Dental Assistant
Kassandra
Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary
Jackie
Registered Dental Assistant
Latesha
Registered Dental Assistant
“never cease to impress me”
“Dr. Sekhon and his staff have consistently gone above and beyond for me, even staying late to accommodate my needs. Their attention to detail, patience, and professionalism never cease to impress me. You’re never rushed, never just a number, and always treated with the highest level of care.”
Jennifer A.
