Our staff is here to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit to our office. Our team includes experienced and energetic people whose goal is to communicate well with our patients and provide the best care possible.
Not having been born here, people often ask, “What brought you to Alaska?” Well, it was always one of my childhood dreams to move to and live in Alaska. I can finally say I have seen that dream come true and more importantly, I love it here! What a wonderful place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I am a graduate of the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!) and have been practicing as a general dentist since 2008. I appreciate the variety and challenge that comes with general dentistry and I am committed to helping people achieve their goals.
When not working, I find great enjoyment in working with youth groups and providing service in my church. My greatest pleasure comes from spending time with my family and in introducing my two boys to all of the wonderful outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer. I would value the opportunity to meet you and discuss what my team and I can do for you. We have a passion for helping and will work hard to provide you the quality dental care you deserve.
Scott Lyke, DMD, was raised in Woodinville, WA. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of Puget Sound. He received his D.M.D. from Oregon Health and Science University. He began practicing in Carlton, OR, and moved to Anchorage in 2009 with his lovely wife, Jamie, who is also a dentist. Dr. Lyke has three beautiful daughters. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing, and playing guitar.
Joanna has been in the dental field for more than 20 years. She has practiced as a Registered Dental Hygienist since graduating from the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program in 2010. She has experience in both private practice and public health and is passionate about providing comfortable, compassionate care while helping patients understand and improve their oral health.
Originally from Utqiaġvik, Alaska, Joanna has a strong connection to family, culture, and community. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, coaching Alaska Native traditional games, and supporting youth through her nonprofit, Arctic Exposure Traditional Games.
Cindi has dedicated 45 years to the dental hygiene profession, bringing deep expertise in preventive care, patient education, and periodontal health to every appointment. For the past three years, she has been fortunate to practice here in Alaska, where she has continued refining her clinical skills while adapting to the unique needs of northern
communities.
Originally from South Louisiana, Cindi loves to cook, bake, and garden in her free time. Although she has thoroughly enjoyed her Alaskan chapter, she plans to return to Louisiana in the summer of 2027 to welcome her first grandchild and continue sharing her passion for lifelong oral wellness closer to family.
I was born and raised in Albania and moved to Alaska in 2019. I joined Bright Smiles in March 2023 but have been in the dental field for 12 years. What I love most about my job is interacting and connecting with patients and making them feel the most comfortable in the practice and during their visits.
I enjoy spending time off from work with my wife Penesta and my precious daughter Luna! You will probably find me on Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese with them! I’m a fan of rock music and hope one day I will have a chance to see a live concert of my favorite band Bon Jovi. If you see me outside of the clinic don’t hesitate to say hi.
Stacey joined our Bright Smiles team in 2017. However, she has worked with Dr. Cavaness since 2013. You may recall chatting with her to book your appointments or when you check-in. Some patients may know her as the person who keeps changing her hair color or as the person who loves eating spicy food. Occasionally, she helps our assistants and hygienists with taking x-rays or any other way she is needed on a busy day. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have a six-year-old son. When she’s not at Bright Smiles she loves to spend time with her boys. They enjoy sightseeing, shopping at local shops, and experimenting with new recipes at home. If she isn’t spending time with the boys, she enjoys picking up new hobbies such as baking, crocheting, knitting, or getting decorations ready for the office. If you recall ever seeing a cartoon version of Dr. Cavaness around the office, it is likely she and the team are responsible for it. Currently, she is attending UAA for a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is aiming to double major in Business Management.
My name is Eden. I have worked as a dental assistant for the past year and a half. Born and raised in Alaska, I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, berry picking, and dip netting. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). I chose this field because of the fulfillment and professional growth I have experienced in my current role as a dental assistant.
Hello, my name is Ava. I place a strong emphasis on maintaining excellent oral health. I believe a healthy smile contributes significantly to overall confidence and well-being, and I am committed to continuing good dental habits as I prepare for college.
I look forward to learning more about preventive care and working with the team to keep my smile healthy for years to come. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and creating lasting memories.
Brijon joined our Bright Smiles Dental team in 2014. As the Financial Coordinator, she’s here to help patients have a smooth check-out experience by explaining how their insurance can help with their treatment needs and what options are available to fitting treatment costs into their budget.
Brijon has decades of experience in the dental office. She grew up in a dental family here in South Anchorage and was put to work as soon as she knew her alphabet well enough to make and file charts. What kid wouldn’t love playing with labeling stickers and a typewriter? She’s worked in both the clinical and clerical sides of dentistry and enjoys the diversity of being able to help in multiple areas.
When she’s not working at the office, she can be found working at home taking care of her husband and four kids, taking classes in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, teaching youth at her church, reading, playing at a playground with the kids, singing to every song she hears, and trying out new recipes for her family and coworkers. Her secrets to peace and keeping her sanity are faith, prayer, music, and a good night’s sleep.
Tammy was born and raised in Hawaii and has called Alaska home since 1978. A proud West High graduate, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Alaska.
As the Scheduling Coordinator at our dental office, Tammy brings organization, warmth, and a genuine care for patients to every appointment she helps arrange. Outside of work, she has been singing in Alaska for 45 years and loves camping ONLY in a motorhome and spending time with family and friends.