Treating people, not technology, ultimately persuaded Ryan Anardi to have a change of heart.

And a promising career start with his mentor and father.

The father-son team, which has been in practice for a few weeks, represents a new and welcome opportunity to learn and grow together as dentists.

A generation apart, they share the same office.

“It’s a dream come true,” Dr. Kim Anardi said of welcoming his son to his practice, which has been a part of the Auburn dental community for more than 25 years. “He’s worked hard for it. I’m just excited to have him here working with me.”

At first, Ryan wasn’t about to follow in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from Auburn High School, he pursued a career in business at Central Washington University. He worked in the ITT world, including a stint with company giant Qwest.

“But I decided it wasn’t for me,” Ryan said of his tech-to-teeth transition. “I wanted out of that mode. … I wanted to work and interact with people.”

He also had frequent conversations with his 58-year-old father, a successful dentist who warmed his son to the idea of one day taking over his general practice.

Ryan took the educational and training detour, got re-acquainted with the health and sciences, and in May, at the age of 33, graduated from dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The young dentist is happy, having exchanged bytes for bites.

“It’s been good,” Ryan said of joining his dad. “I wanted to work with people, have flexible hours and have the time to spend with my family. Balancing things is important to me.”

Although apart in years and different in personality, father and son complement each other. They promise to grow in a profession that continues to evolve in technology and treatment.

“He’s more Type A, I am more Type B,” Ryan said. “He’s the one teaching me. Hopefully, he can learn from me.

“He’s excited to have me here,” he said. “He’s going to teach me 25 years of dentistry in five years … and that’s fantastic.”

To reach the Anardi office, 1320 8th St. NE, Suite 101, please call 253-833-1070.

Doctors Ryan and Kim Anardi will treat patients at their Auburn office. Mark Klaas, Reporter