Hi! I’m Dr. Daniel Lee.
I am a Washington native and grew up in the small town of Steilacoom, WA. I attended the University of Washington where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I then went on to receive my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University. Following graduation, I completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency program at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where I was able to further my training in dental implants, oral surgery, root canal therapy, pediatric dentistry, and sedation dentistry. For the past fourteen years, I have been honing my skills as a general and cosmetic dentist in private practices in Manhattan, NY, and Seattle, WA.
As a natural-born perfectionist, I am committed to delivering exceptional results and ensuring the longevity of my patients’ oral health. My highest priority is making sure that the needs and comfort of my patients are always met, and my philosophy is to always treat my patients with the same care and compassion as I would for my own family members. I take pride in my ability to properly treat patients with dental phobia and anxiety by exhibiting a calm demeanor and gentle touch. I am also a Kois-trained cosmetic dentist specializing in veneers, crowns, and Bioclear® restorations.
Since my job requires quite a bit of sitting, I like to stay active when I am not in the office. I am an avid golfer, so you can usually find me on a course or at the range.
Hi! I'm Dr. Christina Lee.
I was born and raised in Thornhill, ON, Canada, which is just outside of Toronto. I attended Queen’s University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences. I then earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University, where I was ranked #1 in my class of over 350 students. Upon graduation, I was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, and received the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence for demonstrating the most scholarship, character, and potential promise to the field of dentistry.
I knew early on (from the time I was a brace-faced teenager) that I wanted to become an orthodontist. The transformation from never wanting to smile to always wanting to smile was a life-changing experience that I wished to share with as many people as possible. After dental school, I was accepted into Columbia University, where I completed a three-year residency program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. I served as Chief Resident of my program and received a Master of Science degree for my research on the cellular mechanisms that occur during orthodontic tooth movement and fixed retention. For the past decade, I have been practicing in downtown Seattle and Bellevue, WA, and have made it my mission to help patients of all ages achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that they can take pride in for the rest of their lives. I specialize in clear aligners, braces, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), early childhood treatment, restorative planning, and treatment in conjunction with orthognathic jaw surgery. I am a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and Washington State Society of Orthodontists.
One of my main passions outside of orthodontics is music. I enjoy playing the piano and used to perform in musical theater productions and at events, but now I mainly sing in the shower and in my car. Here I am channeling my inner Beyoncé and Alicia Keys at the NYU Talent Shows!
Hi! I’m Dr. Alina Tran.
I am a Seattle native, born and raised. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I continued my education at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
From the beginning of my career, I have been committed to mastering both the art and science of dentistry. I believe that exceptional care starts with truly understanding my patients’ needs, goals, and concerns. My treatment philosophy centers on transparency, individualized treatment planning, and creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for. I prioritize prevention and patient education, empowering individuals to feel confident in their oral health both inside and outside the dental chair.
Patients describe me as gentle, compassionate, and thorough. I take great pride in providing dentistry that is not only clinically excellent but also comfortable and reassuring, especially for those who experience dental anxiety. My mission is to help each patient achieve a healthy, confident smile through thoughtful planning, evidence-based care, and a genuine dedication to their wellbeing.
When I’m not in the office, you can usually find me trying a new restaurant or planning my next travel. I love experiencing different cuisines and cultures, especially when I get to enjoy them with family and friends.
The Story
Drs. Daniel and Christina Lee met at New York University, where they both attended dental school. After graduating, Dr. Daniel completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, gaining extensive experience in comprehensive and emergency dental care. He then went on to work in private practices in Manhattan, refining his skills as a general and cosmetic dentist.
Dr. Christina pursued advanced specialty training at Columbia University, where she completed a three-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. During her time at Columbia, she served as Chief Resident and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics. It was during these years of training that Daniel and Christina married and began envisioning a future where they could combine their expertise to deliver exceptional patient care.
After Dr. Christina completed her residency, the couple moved to Seattle—Dr. Daniel’s hometown—where they worked together at a private practice in downtown Seattle for several years. It quickly became clear how powerful a collaborative approach could be. Orthodontic treatment enhanced cosmetic and implant outcomes, and patients in braces or clear aligners benefited from having their overall dental health managed seamlessly throughout treatment. Seeing the impact of this integrated care, along with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, inspired them to create something new.
That vision became The Smile Space.
Originally founded as a hybrid dental and orthodontic practice, The Smile Space has continued to evolve. Over the years, Drs. Lee have grown not only their family—welcoming two daughters—but also their team and the scope of care they provide. Today, The Smile Space is a multidisciplinary dental office, bringing together general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and surgical care under one roof.
In addition to Drs. Daniel and Christina Lee, the practice now includes Dr. Alina Tran (general dentist), Dr. Jaewon Kim (periodontist), and Dr. Jekita Kaenploy, (prosthodontist). This collaborative team approach allows The Smile Space to provide a full spectrum of services, including dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, gum grafting, dentures, full-mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and comprehensive restorative care. Whether a patient needs routine maintenance or complex, multi-phase treatment, care is thoughtfully coordinated by specialists who work together every day.
Just as important as clinical excellence is the patient experience. Drs. Lee designed The Smile Space to feel welcoming, calm, and refined—more like a boutique hotel or spa than a traditional dental office. Located in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood at 2nd Avenue and Broad Street, just steps from the Space Needle and Olympic Sculpture Park, the office reflects their belief that dentistry should feel comfortable, modern, and personalized.
Today, The Smile Space is proud to be known as a practice where patients of all ages can have all of their dental needs met in one place, by a team that values collaboration, precision, and genuine care. If you’re looking for a dental home that combines advanced treatment with an elevated experience, The Smile Space is the place to be.
