Caring Fresno, CA Dentist
Get to Know
Dr. Nicole E. Shinkawa
Dr. Nicole joined the family practice in June 2020 and now works alongside her dad and brother, helping patients of all ages achieve brighter, healthier smiles. She loves that dentistry is always evolving, giving her opportunities to learn, grow, and provide the highest standard of care. She loves building lifelong relationships with her patients. You can also catch her on Shinkawa Dental’s Facebook and Instagram @shinkawadental, where she shares tips, tricks, and fun dances—making dental visits a little less scary. Learn more about her below!
Why Did You Decide to
Become a Dentist?
Dr. Nicole’s first exposure to the dental world was through her father. Growing up, she spent many moments observing as Dr. Gerry ran his dental office, and she was inspired by seeing how much he genuinely cared about improving patients’ lives through paying close attention to their health. She learned that dentistry was not only about fixing teeth, but also about building relationships. Before she knew it, she was volunteering beside her father and learning how to improve patient care.
Dr. Nicole also remembers volunteering for a dental outreach program known as Team Smile, where she had the opportunity to educate underserved children about the importance of good oral hygiene. She simulated the effects of sugar and a lack of brushing on healthy teeth with a Styrofoam cup. The cup resembled a tooth, which was covered with sprinkles and maple syrup. At first, the kids were thrilled to see dessert, but then they became shocked when acetone was poured onto the cup and melted it! Their excitement of wanting to know how to prevent that from happening to their own smiles was really meaningful to her. It made her realize how much of a need there was for oral hygiene education and care in the local community. Simply put, she fell in love with dentistry and everything it has to offer!
Something else patients should know about Dr. Nicole is that she actually is still a little scared of the dentist’s office! She grew up feeling self-conscious about her smile because of various dental problems, but the right treatment transformed her teeth and her self-esteem. Because of these experiences, she can definitely relate to patients who may be anxious and will always do her best to help them have the most comfortable experience possible.
Where Did You
Study Dentistry?
i. Dr. Nicole completed her undergraduate degree at Fresno State, graduating Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in physical science. She then graduated from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry with her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, which is the same school Dr. Gerry and Dr. Adam attended!
She is grateful to be a part of dentistry, dedicated to serving her patients. With over 300 hours of advanced training, including courses like Kois, Mollis Coaching (Invisalign), and Hiossen (implant training). She is committed to staying at the forefront of the field. Proudly affiliated with the American Academy of General Dentists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Fresno Madera Dental Society, she strives to treat oral conditions to empower patients with preventative knowledge for long term oral health.
Outside of the Dental
Office, What Do You
Like to Do?
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Nicole enjoys staying active through yoga, running, and hiking. Her passion for helping others extends beyond the dental office — she loves giving back to the community through volunteer work at the Fresno Rescue Mission, Central California Food Bank, and Poverello House.
And here’s a fun fact: Dr. Nicole has quite the sweet tooth! She loves baking desserts with her mom and decorating sugar cookies for friends and family, especially around the holidays.
