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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm

Dr. Frances Yankie DDS, 239 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA (2026)

03/20/2026

Spring Cleaning for Your Smile: As a Whole Family Dentist, I believe families that care for their teeth together thrive together!
There’s something about Spring Cleaning in March that invites a reset. The light lingers a little longer in the evenings, the air starts to soften, and all around Mill Valley you can feel that subtle shift—people opening windows, clearing out closets, getting ready for a new season.
We call it Whole Family spring cleaning.
But here’s a thought I often share with my patients: what if we treated our dental health the same way we treat our homes this time of year? Not as a chore—but as a shared family ritual. A reset. A way to take care of something important together.
Because in my experience, families that prioritize their health together—especially their dental health—tend to build stronger habits, better routines, and yes… happier households. That’s the heart of whole family dentistry.

Spring Cleaning for Your Smile: As a Whole Family Dentist, I believe families that care for their teeth together thrive together! There’s something about Spr

11/30/2025

Please don’t see me as the Grinch by talking about cold weather tooth sensitivity—I swear I’m not trying to kill the Christmas spirit—I’m just a dentist looking out for you (and your enamel). Believe me, this is one of my favorite times of year. It’s the one season that guarantees my boys feel just obligated enough to come home and spend time with their mother. But every January, I see the aftermath: cracked teeth, loosened crowns, stains galore. So consider this your smile-saving guide to getting through the holidays with your sparkle—and your dental work—intact.
If your teeth could talk during the holidays, they might scream. Between candy canes, hot toddies, roasted nuts, and never-ending platters of sticky sweets, this season is a minefield for your mouth. Add in dry winter air, festive stress, and the occasional ice-skating mishap, and your smile might just need its own survival kit.

Cold Weather Tooth Sensitivity: Teethy hurting from the cold air or hot drinks? Come see Dr. Frances H. Yankie, DDS & learn why winter makes your teeth hurt.

09/14/2025

These days, the world feels impossibly loud. Everyone seems to have a platform, an opinion, a hot take. From headlines to hashtags, it’s hard to go more than a few minutes without being told what to believe, who to trust, what to fear—or worse, who deserves redemption and who doesn’t.
And I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.

Not just as a dentist, or a mother of two sons, or someone who lives and works in beautiful, dynamic Mill Valley—but as a Christian. A woman of faith. A believer in truth that doesn’t shift with trends or hashtags.
There’s something unsettling about the way today’s culture gives so much moral authority to voices that are still learning how to listen. We live in a time where 22-year-olds—with barely a fully formed sense of self—are encouraged to decide what’s right and what’s wrong, who is “acceptable,” and, chillingly, who deserves to live or die.
I don’t mean that as an attack. I remember being 22. I thought I knew everything.

These days, the world feels impossibly loud. Everyone seems to have a platform, an opinion, a hot take. From headlines to hashtags, it’s hard to go mo

08/25/2025

Let’s imagine, for a moment, that Mill Valley had its very own sinkhole. Not the kind that makes headlines, but a small, sneaky one—just big enough to throw off your morning commute or swallow a misplaced water bottle near the high school.
While this sinkhole is purely fictional (don’t worry, your parking spot is safe—for now), it got me thinking: cavities are a lot like sinkholes. They start small. Invisible, even. But give them a little time, a little pressure, and maybe a few sticky snacks, and before you know it—you’re in deep.
As Mill Valley kids head back to school and settle into the rhythm of backpacks, bell schedules, and lunchboxes, let’s talk about how to avoid oral “sinkholes” this fall.

Sinkholes & Cavities: Small Cracks, Big Trouble
Sinkholes and cavities have more in common than you’d think:

- They’re hidden at first. Cavities start quietly—demineralization you can’t see or feel. Just like tiny shifts underground.
- They grow when ignored.

Let’s imagine, for a moment, that Mill Valley had its very own sinkhole. Not the kind that makes headlines, but a small, sneaky one—just big enough to throw

08/03/2025

Powerball fever is sweeping through again, and as of this writing, the jackpot has climbed to $426 million. And yes, I bought a ticket. I’m not saying I’ve cleared space in my garage for a Gulfstream jet or anything—but let’s just say my sons have received suspiciously cheerful texts from me this week.
But as a dentist who lives, works, and races in Mill Valley, I can’t help but imagine: what would I actually do with all that money? Besides the obligatory trip to Lake Como and maybe a race day with Lewis Hamilton (hey, I can dream), here’s what my post-jackpot dental life might look like:

1. Free Invisalign for Every Kid in Marin (Yes, Even Your Nephew Who Lost His Retainers... Twice)
Let’s be honest—Invisalign is amazing. It’s discreet, effective, and far easier than traditional braces. But for a lot of families, it’s still out of reach financially.

Powerball fever is sweeping through again, and as of this writing, the jackpot has climbed to $426 million. And yes, I bought a ticket. I’m not saying I’ve

06/29/2025

If you've ever watched—or run—the Dipsea Race, you know it’s no casual stroll. It’s 7.5 miles of steep, dusty, beautiful challenge. There are staircases that never seem to end, sun-dappled paths through Muir Woods, cheering friends at the finish, and that glorious moment when your legs are on fire, but your heart is flying.
Here in Mill Valley, the Dipsea is more than a race. It’s a tradition, a test of consistency, grit, and joyful community. And strangely enough, it’s also the perfect metaphor for one of my favorite parts of dentistry: Invisalign treatment.
You might laugh, but hear me out—getting to a straight, confident smile has a lot in common with preparing for the Dipsea.

1. Training Day: Dispea or Invisalign Start With Grit, Habit & Incremental Gains
Nobody runs the Dipsea without preparing. You train in bits and pieces—shorter runs, strength work, recovery days. The progress feels slow, until suddenly, you're bounding up Cardiac Hill wondering how you ever found it hard.

If you've ever watched—or run—the Dipsea Race, you know it’s no casual stroll. It’s 7.5 miles of steep, dusty, beautiful challenge. There are staircases

06/29/2025

If you've ever watched—or run—the Dipsea Race, you know it’s no casual stroll. It’s 7.5 miles of steep, dusty, beautiful challenge. There are staircases that never seem to end, sun-dappled paths through Muir Woods, cheering friends at the finish, and that glorious moment when your legs are on fire, but your heart is flying.
Here in Mill Valley, the Dipsea is more than a race. It’s a tradition, a test of consistency, grit, and joyful community. And strangely enough, it’s also the perfect metaphor for one of my favorite parts of dentistry: Invisalign treatment.
You might laugh, but hear me out—getting to a straight, confident smile has a lot in common with preparing for the Dipsea.

1. Training Day: Dispea or Invisalign Start With Grit, Habit & Incremental Gains
Nobody runs the Dipsea without preparing. You train in bits and pieces—shorter runs, strength work, recovery days. The progress feels slow, until suddenly, you're bounding up Cardiac Hill wondering how you ever found it hard.

Invisalign treatment is more like the Dipsea Race than you think—Dr. Frances H. Yankie, DDS, shares how consistency, and great support make all the difference.

06/01/2025

If you told me ten years ago that I'd be seriously considering bringing a humanoid robot into my home, I probably would’ve laughed, tightened my ponytail, and headed out to the track. But here we are—2025—and between running a full-time dental practice, tuning my race car for the weekend, and trying to keep up with my two boys, the idea is… oddly appealing.
It’s not that I’m overwhelmed—I’ve always been good at juggling. But when I read a recent article about how close we are to consumer-ready humanoid robots, I paused. What if a robot really could help lighten the load? Not the kind that drills teeth (don’t worry), but the kind that folds laundry, preps meals, or reminds me I left my coffee in the microwave—again.

From the Pit Lane to the Kitchen
Companies like Figure AI and Tesla are rolling out prototypes of home-use robots capable of doing more than vacuuming under the sofa.

I f you told me ten years ago that I'd be seriously considering bringing a humanoid robot into my home, I probably would’ve laughed, tightened my ponytail,

05/25/2025

Summer in Mill Valley is one of my favorite times of year. The mornings are misty and calm, the afternoons are golden and buzzing with energy, and the trails up Mount Tam seem just a little more inviting with each passing day. It’s also a season where many of us recommit to our health. We drink more water, move our bodies more often, eat fresh food from the farmer’s market, and try—gently—to restore balance.
But there’s one part of the body that often gets left out of that conversation: the mouth.
As a dentist who has cared for families in this community for years, I see it all the time—folks who are doing everything right in terms of wellness, but haven’t yet made the connection between oral health and full-body health. The truth is, your mouth can be a window into what’s happening throughout the rest of your body.
And this summer, I’d like to invite you to start seeing it that way.

Summer in Mill Valley is one of my favorite times of year. The mornings are misty and calm, the afternoons are golden and buzzing with energy, and the trails up

05/18/2025

As I sit in my Mill Valley office, the morning sun casting gentle rays through the redwoods, my heart is filled with profound gratitude and hope. The recent inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, is a momentous occasion that resonates deeply with me—not just as a devout Catholic, but as someone who believes in the transformative power of faith.

Embracing a Historic Moment
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, brings a unique blend of American roots and global perspective to the papacy. His years of missionary work in Peru and his leadership within the Augustinian order have shaped a vision centered on unity, compassion, and humility. During his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square, attended by over 200,000 faithful, Pope Leo spoke of love, peace, and dignity in a world too often divided by hostility and indifference.
His message is not only timely—it’s timeless.

As I sit in my Mill Valley office, the morning sun casting gentle rays through the redwoods, my heart is filled with profound gratitude and hope. The recent ina

05/11/2025

Celebrating Motherhood from the Heart of a Marin County Dentist
Mother’s Day has always held profound meaning for me—far beyond the customary brunches, bouquets, or heartfelt cards. As a mother of two incredible children and a dentist serving families in Marin County, this day gives me an invaluable opportunity to reflect deeply on the intertwining roles I embrace daily. Being both a mother and a dental professional has provided me with unique insights and gratitude for the strength, dedication, and nurturing spirit that mothers universally embody.

In this blog, I'd love to share my personal reflections on motherhood, its profound connection to dentistry, and why prioritizing oral health is a beautiful expression of love and care—not only for our children but for ourselves as well.
Motherhood: The Heartbeat of My Practice
Motherhood profoundly shaped the way I approach my dental practice.

Celebrating Motherhood from the Heart of a Marin County Dentist Mother’s Day has always held profound meaning for me—far beyond the customary brunches, bou

Dr. Frances Yankie DDS

03/20/2026

11/30/2025

09/14/2025

08/25/2025

08/03/2025

06/29/2025

06/29/2025

06/01/2025

05/25/2025

05/18/2025

05/11/2025

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm