Inspiring Conversations with Carrie Loewen of Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Loewen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was an army brat moving to different schools every 2 years. I knew I wanted to be a dentist when I was in 10th grade. I was the eldest of four, and my sister broke her arm. She had braces, and I helped take care of and clean her teeth. I enjoyed it so much that I knew I wanted to become a dentist. I went to college at Texas Tech University as a Chemistry major. I worked in an Orthodontic Office the entire time. Upon graduating, I went to UCLA dental school and during my first years there, my mentor Dr Philip Trask told me to go into Pediatric Dentistry. He announced to my entire class that I was going to be a Pediatric Dentist. When I completed dental school, I stayed at UCLA and went 2 years for my speciality certification of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr Trask was still there mentoring me into becoming the best pediatric dentist and asked me to join him at his private practice in Pacific Palisades with Dr Philip Kamins. He also had me join Faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry, Pediatrics and The Cleft Palate Team at St John’s(Providence Hospital). I practiced in the Palisades since 2011. Unfortunately, the Palisades Fire burned our office to the ground and we have since relocated to Santa Monica where I now work alongside Dr Kamins and have joined with Dr Torok.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The day 1/7/2025 started like every other day. Good morning to the staff, comments on what roadways were closed because of the winds. Greetings to our lovely pufferfish, Ms. Puff. Everyone came back from their holiday, excited to see all of our lovely patients. All of us ready to help them any way we can. I have been practicing at Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry for 14 years. We are committed to providing them with the utmost
care and support. I have cultivated a deep passion for these children and families.
I have watched them grow up over the years, and they hold a special place in my heart.
In addition to my role as a pediatric dentist, I collaborate with a general dentist, Dr Philip Kamins, (UCLA graduate whom Dr Trask joined) in the office. This partnership allows me to witness the growth of my patients into responsible and accomplished adults who make a positive impact on society. I derive great joy from speculating about their future aspirations and am delighted when I am able to accurately predict their
major field of study.
Upon graduating, He welcomed me to join his team in the Palisades. Dr. Trask was a remarkable individual and an active member of our community. He imparted invaluable knowledge in pediatric dentistry during my residency, equipping me with the essential skills to excel in the field, just as he had done with every
student. His infectious enthusiasm was truly generational. Patients fondly recalled his exceptional care during their
childhood.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Trask possessed remarkable business acumen. He guided me through the intricacies of business development, imparting his wisdom and expertise. His energetic demeanor and meticulous attention to detail ensured that I never forgot his invaluable insights. During his illustrious career, he successfully established two offices: one in Santa Monica and another in the Palisades. His aspiration was to create a space where his grandchildren could receive dental care, and it was an honor to serve them.
The Palisades holds a special place in my heart. It is a community where everyone knows everyone, and families are
known for their kindness, care, loyalty, and exceptional qualities. The children are truly remarkable.
When visiting the office, the staff strived to create an environment that fostered love and comfort. From the moment
patients enter the premises, greeted by Ms. Puff, to the final farewell, every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to ensure a positive and memorable encounter.
As the morning progressed, at 10:30 AM, our patient arrived for a limited exam. Extractions were the planned treatment. X-rays were taken, and my assistant informed me that the patient had to leave due to an emergency situation: their house was on fire. The treatment was unable to be performed. As the morning progressed, all of the patients were cancelling. Amidst the chaos, the staff managed to evacuate safely, with one member
unfortunately losing their home.
The most challenging phone call I had to make was with the Trask family. His beloved practice had been destroyed, leaving behind a void that could not be easily filled. In their words, his legacy gone. However, we recognize that we are a team, and we will overcome this adversity by rebuilding and restoring our community spirit. While the building may not be the same, the heart and soul of Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry will
endure.
Dr. Trask’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations. His impact lives on in the fortunate UCLA students he taught, and his influence will undoubtedly return through me.
The following week, I started seeing patients with the assistance of Dr. Adi Genish. Dr. Genish and the entire dental
community are truly remarkable. She has extended an offer of complimentary space until I regain my footing. The Ipedo community has been incredibly supportive in numerous ways.
Our dental societies, which I hold in high regard, have generously provided grants. My UCLA faculty from dental
school and residency have also reached out to offer their support. Additionally, my colleagues in residency and the cleft palate team at St. John’s have been invaluable. Each of these individuals have provided me with the strength to resume my work and assist these remarkable children.
During my initial week back-1/14/25, I performed a few extractions, rebonded a broken front tooth, and conducted
several cleanings on children who had to return to college. There were tears and plenty of hugs. I wanted to provide them with the utmost support and instill a sense of normalcy and
love amidst the chaos. I encountered a patient who frequently posts on Instagram and
enjoys baking. She shared with me during her dental cleaning session that she was planning to bake and post on Instagram for the first time since the loss of their family home. I encouraged her wholeheartedly.
With her teeth cleaned and the encouragement of her childhood pediatric dentist, she posted her first Instagram post for the day: a chocolate chip heart cookie. Her strength was
palpable, and it serves as a constant source of inspiration for me to continue my work and assist these children. I aspire to be a part of their healing journey, just as I am confident that they will contribute to my recovery and return to the Pacific Palisades.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A dental home that endures:
When circumstances required our practice to move to Santa Monica following the Palisades fires, Dr. Loewen’s vision remained clear: to preserve the sense of community and continuity families had come to rely on for years. This practice was always meant to be more than a dental office, it was created to be a true dental home. For families navigating displacement and change, maintaining familiar faces, trusted care, and a sense of normalcy became more important than ever, and that commitment continues today.

During this transition, the ability to continue caring for patients without interruption came down to people showing up for one another. With the support of her team and colleagues, including Dr. Torok, who helped ensure the practice had a place to continue serving families in Santa Monica, Dr. Loewen was able to maintain continuity of care during an uncertain time. While the Palisades will always be home and returning one day remains a hope, she is proud to continue caring for both longtime and new families with the same consistency, compassion, and trust that have always defined the practice.

I am a pediatric dentist that treats each child as my own. I believe in staying up to date on all of the technology. Offering all state of the art offerings- Laser Dentistry, frenectomies, airway evaluation, AI read radiographs, preventative dentistry, and Intraosseous numbing.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think being humble and getting to know your community has helped me the most. I stay active in organized dentistry, volunteer on the Cleft Palate team, Teach at UCLA School of Dentistry, and do school visits teaching the kids how to brush and floss. I am also the PA president of my Childs school.

Pricing:

• Free Consults

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.palikidsmiles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacificpalisadespediatricdent
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pacific-Palisades-Pediatric-Dentistry-100063668528994/

Image Credits
Sun and Sparrow