Meet our
Smile Liberators

Our dedicated team of doctors and staff is committed to providing exceptional care with a personal touch. From the front desk to the treatment room, every member of our team works together to create a welcoming, comfortable experience for you and your family.

Meet Dr. Bushman

Dr. Ryan Bushman combines skill, service, and a spirit of adventure in everything he does. A Quincy native, he earned his undergraduate degree at Eastern Washington University before completing his dental degree at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Committed to both family and community, Dr. Bushman and his wife chose to settle in the greater Spokane area, where they raise their five children surrounded by extended family and the outdoor lifestyle they love.

Beyond the office, Dr. Bushman is always on the move—whether skiing, boating, or exploring the beauty of the Inland Northwest with his family. His dedication extends beyond dentistry, as he proudly serves in the Army National Guard, Dental Corps, providing care to fellow service members. Whether treating patients in the office or serving those in uniform, Dr. Bushman is passionate about helping people smile with confidence.

Meet Dr. Smith

Dr. Smith brings skill, compassion, and a love of learning to every patient she serves. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwest Nazarene University—where she also played on the women’s soccer team—she went on to graduate from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry with her DDS degree. Now a dedicated member of the American Dental Association and Idaho State Dental Association, she continues to refine her expertise through ongoing education. She has also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for the last 8 years as a dentist in the Dental Corp.

Passionate about dentistry and driven by a hands-on approach, Dr. Smith provides exceptional care with kindness and precision. Outside the office, she thrives in the great outdoors, enjoying soccer, skiing, hiking, and boating. She’s also a talented baker—her famous apple pie is a staff favorite! Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, and two young daughters making family memories.

Meet Dr. Ayer

Dr. Carrie Ayer grew up in a small town in Northern Nevada. She pursued the interest in dentistry after having braces as a young adult. She moved to Sacramento, CA and graduated from University of California Davis with a B.S. in Nutrition Science. Dr. Ayer believes nutrition is a key component to maintaining a healthy life and teeth. She was accepted to University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 2007.

Dr. Ayer practiced dentistry on Maui and Big Island for several years. She focused on community healthcare and outreach to schools on the Hawaiian Islands. She enjoyed preventive general dentistry and oral health education for the underserved children and adults on the islands. The islands were wonderful, but she missed the four seasons and decided to move to Bellingham, Washington, where she practiced at a group private practice for six years. End of 2021, Dr. Ayer moved to Northern Idaho. She enjoys snowboarding, hiking, water sports, and spending time with her husband and fur babies. She is looking forward to exploring the new vicinity and plans on retiring in the area.

She has compassion and love for dentistry. She offers a variety of procedures and wants patients to have a relaxed, comfortable experience. She values education and takes continuing education classes to polish her skills and learn advanced techniques to help her patients maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Our doctors at Hayden Lake Family Dental are skilled, compassionate professionals dedicated to providing top-tier care with a personal touch. With advanced training and a passion for patient-centered dentistry, they create customized treatment plans that prioritize both health and confidence. Backed by a warm and knowledgeable team, we ensure every visit is comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

The team that puts you first