Dr.
Brian Higa
Dentist
Class of 1996
By Lauren S. Kamei
Dr.
Brian Higa is a dentist at the Keaau Bay Clinic. He sees between 12-15 patients a day. Most of his patients visit regularly, but he also takes in
clients who are in need of immediate attention. Brian finds great satisfaction in caring for his patients’ dental
needs and problems. He takes pride in
making sure his patients are comfortable, and that they do not associate pain
with their visits to him.
After graduating form Waiäkea High School in 1996,
he attended Linfield College and the Oregon Health and Science University in
Portland for his DMD.
It was during Brian’s junior year in high school
that he decided he wanted to become a dentist.
He chose this profession because he knew he could return to his hometown
of Hilo. He also had much respect for
his own dentist, Dr. Alan Fujimoto. He
is currently working with Dr. Alan Fujimoto as an independent contractor.
Brian appreciates the Big Island and missed his
family and fishing while away at college for eight years. He remembers Waiäkea High School with
fondness, especially his math teachers Mr. Jay Chow and Mrs. Jasmine Urasaki
(current vice principal) who helped prepare him for his job.