About Us
James W. Thomas DMD MSD
Dr. Thomas received a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. He graduated near the top of his class with his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He then finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Thomas and his wife, Tricia, have four children. The Thomas family loves living in this beautiful area.
Dr. Thomas enjoys yardwork (really!), riding bikes with his family, the great outdoors, crossfit and running. When not at the office, you might find Dr. Thomas on the golf course looking for his golf ball, at the hardware store getting supplies for a new project, or driving his kids around on the four-wheeler.
Distinctions and Awards
American Board Certified
47th Annual American Dental Association/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Program – Second Place Award in Category 1
Eugene M. Seidner Scholarship Award
Earned Standard Proficiency Certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry in the use of dental lasers
Publications
Photomed. Laser Surg. August 2009 “Thermal safety of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers in hard tissue removal: thermal safety of erbium lasers on hard tissues.”
Dr. Thomas was active in biomaterial research during dental school and has 8 abstracts and 1 oral presentation with the IADR/AADR/CADR.
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Rocky Mountain Association of Orthodontists
- Utah Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
Natalie Degelbeck
Orthodontic Assistant
I was born and raised in Utah and have lived in Salem for 12 years. My husband, Greg, and I, and our 4 children love living in this area. I enjoy spending time with my family, I also love to exercise, work in my yard, and do DIY projects around my house. I enjoy working with our team here at Thomas Orthodontics. I especially love to work with our amazing patients and help take care of them!
Elaina Olsen
Lab Technician
In 5th grade I did a project about my dream job, orthodontist assistant. Fast forward a few years and here I am, working at an orthodontics office. Wow, dreams really do come true! Some of my favorite things to do are watercoloring and sewing. I love hiking, camping, and being out in nature. I especially love being with my family.
Karin Smith
Treatment Coordinator
I grew up in Springville, UT and now live in Spanish Fork. My husband and I have 5 amazingly awesome kids, ranging in age from 21-10. In my spare time, I love to travel, read, and shop (especially at TJ Maxx). I became a part of the Thomas Orthodontics team in September of 2018 and have loved every minute. I love being part of a team that really cares about their patients and makes everyone feel like family.
Kim Turner
Office Manager
I was born in Seeley Lake, Montana. My husband Trent and I live in Elk Ridge and have two amazing kids. My son Morgan, who is 16, and my daughter Kalin, who is 13. We enjoy being outdoors, camping, watching movies, and traveling. I personally love exercising, running, being in the sun, and baking lots of treats. I started working for Thomas Orthodontics in September of 2014. As a patient myself, I know the confidence a beautiful smile can give someone. We have the best patients and I love getting to know them, taking care of them, and being part of their smile transformations!
Mykell Bailey
Orthodontic Assistant
I graduated from Northern Utah Orthodontic assisting school (NUOA) in 22011. I’ve worked for Dr. Thomas since July 2015 and I couldn’t love it more. I am 24 years old and from Layton, Utah. I LOVE to meet new people and I live to laugh. There is nothing more satisfying than watching patients walk out of our office with a big smile on their face the day they get their braces off and knowing you helped make that happen. I love working out, being with friends and family, being in the sun/outdoors, and traveling.
Jamie Smith
Records Tech
I grew up in Salem, and have lived in Spanish Fork for the past 6 years. My husband, Dustin and I have 5 amazing kids ages 7-17.
I enjoy spending time with my family, yoga, shopping, and woodworking.
I love getting to know new patients by introducing them to our office. I am so happy to be part of the Thomas Orthodontics team.
Madison Dopp
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been in ortho for a year. I started working for Dr. Thomas in August of 2021. I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. I was born in Ogden and raised in Layton, Utah. I grew up playing sports and still love being active. I love running, working out, and being outside, especially in the summer. During the winter you can find me curled up in a blanket and watching a movie. I have a degree in health sciences and am considering going into dental hygiene. I love teeth and think smiles are our best accessory. I was 14 when I got braces. It was a highlight to watch my teeth straighten and I received many compliments during and after I got my braces off. I was no longer insecure about my smile. Now I get to be apart of that journey with all of our patients. Watching their smile improve and seeing the excitement once their braces come off. I get excited for them and I feel like I am making a difference. I also enjoy meeting and interacting with new people everyday.
Laina Benhoff
Scheduling Coordinator
I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon but have called Utah my home for the past 23 years. My husband and I are the proud parents of 5 amazing children- 4 sons and 1 daughter. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, being outdoors, and listening to true crime podcasts. I joined the Thomas Orthodontics team in June of 2020 and couldn’t be happier. I love interacting with our amazing patients, and helping them build confident and beautiful smiles.
Shawnie Craig
Marketing
I grew up in the Gunnison Valley and graduated as a dental hygienist from CNCC in 2002. It was there I met my husband and we now have two busy boys. They are the love and joy of my life. Dr. Thomas has given me the opportunity to expand my experience in the dental field as their office representative. I enjoy meeting and visiting with the offices in the area and their staff–not to mention bringing them treats to brighten their day.