Our friendly dental team in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, is excited to meet you! We invite you to call Tropical Smiles Dental today at 808-329-1715 to schedule your appointment with our dentist, Dr. Melissa Nitta, and learn more about our services. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you care for your smile.

Meet Our Team

Sherry

Operations Manager

Sherry has been in the dental field for over 26 years, with many of those years here at Tropical Smiles Dental after joining our team in October 2010. She loves our patients, team and job, and enjoys being part of a practice that offers a rewarding career focus through helping others improve their smiles, confidence and oral health. Sherry is dedicated to providing exceptional patient experiences to each person who visits our practice.

Sherry is a mother of two and has two grandchildren she adores. When not in the office, she enjoys gardening, cooking, camping at the beach or in the mountains, traveling and spending time with her family. She is a die-hard Seahawks fan and loves watching football with her family and friends!

Kandy

Kandy

Schedule Coordinator

Kandy joined Tropical Smiles Dental in January 2023. She enjoys building patient relationships, being part of a team environment and helping to support strong connections between patients and staff. As one of the first and last faces patients see, Kandy works to give everyone a welcoming and professional impression.

She has a son and a daughter and has been in a 21-year relationship. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, riding ATVs and spending time with her two Rottweilers.

hillary

Hillary

Dental Hygienist

Hillary joined Tropical Smiles Dental in 2019. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Applied Science from Utah Tech University in 2014 and her Bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University in 2016. She works hard to stay current with dental advancements, continuing education and patient care. Hillary enjoys being part of a team where everyone truly cares about the patients and their health and well-being. She values the connection between her team and patients and enjoys supporting an environment built on trust and care.

Hillary is a mother of four children. Her family is very involved in sports, activities and the community. She enjoys traveling, reading and working on home projects. She moved from Utah in 2019 and now lives in Ocean View.

Leianah

Registered Dental Hygienist

Leianah joined our team in September 2023, bringing with her a strong educational background and a passion for patient care. She graduated from Kealakehe High School in 2016, earned her Liberal Arts Degree from Palamanui Community College in 2021 and completed her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene at Maui College in 2023. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Public Health Administration, which she expects to complete in 2025.

Leianah loves being part of a well-rounded and collaborative team at our office. She appreciates the supportive environment fostered by leadership and values how everyone works together toward the common goal of delivering exceptional oral health services to the community. For her, working at Tropical Smiles Dental means being part of a healthy, friendly and efficient workplace committed to quality care on the Island of Hawaii.

As a hygienist, Leianah provides dental cleanings and also plays a vital role in patient education. She believes that good oral health goes beyond routine care and works to empower patients to take control of their overall well-being through education and personalized attention. Her goal is to ensure every patient understands the importance of their oral health and feels supported in their journey.

Outside of the office, Leianah is a proud daughter and sister to a wonderful family. She recently got engaged and is looking forward to her wedding in early 2025. She and her fiancé also share their home with a red nose Pitbull named Zaiden. In her free time, she enjoys searching for shells on the beach, gardening and creating macrame art.

Jeanette

Jeanette

Dental Hygienist

Jeanette became part of Tropical Smiles Dental in January 2023. She graduated from Asheville–North Carolina Technical Community College and is proud to be part of a team where coworkers and staff love and care about each other. Jeanette values the relationships she builds with patients and team members, and is dedicated to helping patients return for treatment and ongoing care.

She lives with her husband and their two children. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and spending time with their two furry kids.

Dixie

Dental Assistant

Dixie grew up in Boise, Idaho, 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!!