Meet Dr. Trista Pottenger, Invisalign® Specialist
Dr. Trista Pottenger is a lifelong Idahoan, and when she talks about treating her neighborhood, she means it literally — some of her patients were her neighbors growing up. Her hometown connection is part of why she came back to High Desert Dental as an associate in 2017, and why she didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came to purchase the practice in November 2021.
Since then, she’s grown the team to 15 staff members, brought on associate dentist Dr. Katelyn De La Montanya, and leaned hard into the specialties that have become her signature: Invisalign and long-term occlusal health. Ask her why, and she’ll tell you it comes down to one idea she keeps coming back to: the best dentistry is the least dentistry. Teeth that are properly aligned are simply easier to keep healthy for life, and everything else follows from there.
Specialties, Philosophy, and Expertise
Specialties
- Invisalign treatment for all ages, including interceptive orthodontics
- Occlusal health & bite correction
- Dental implants
- Restorative dentistry
- Family & general dentistry
- Crowns & bridges
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Pottenger’s patients consistently mention the same things: she doesn’t rush, and she explains everything before she recommends anything. This isn’t an accident — it’s how she was trained to think about treatment planning. She’s known for taking the time to walk patients through multiple options rather than handing down a single verdict, so people leave appointments understanding the “why” behind their care, not just the “what”.
Expertise
As an Invisalign Diamond Provider, her expertise shows up most in how she treats overbites, underbites, crossbites, crooked teeth, and spacing issues, all mapped out with iTero® digital scanning so patients can see the plan before treatment begins. She brings that same clarity to dental implants, restorative work, and family dentistry for every patient in the chair.
Academic Excellence and Advanced Training
Dr. Pottenger’s path started close to home and stayed grounded in her community. She’s a graduate of Borah High School in Boise, earned her Bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University in Pocatello, and completed dental school at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, AZ, where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
She hasn’t slowed down since earning her degrees. Beyond her Invisalign training, she’s pursued continuing education in interceptive orthodontics for kids and teens — catching alignment issues early, before they become bigger problems. In her own words, she’s drawn to dentistry that combines education, technology, and prevention to help patients make decisions that pay off for years, not just for one visit.
Education, Honors & Awards
Education
- Borah High School — Boise, ID
- Bachelor’s Degree — Idaho State University
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) — Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine
Honors
- Diamond Invisalign Provider
Awards
- #1 General Practice Provider of Invisalign in the State of Idaho (3 consecutive years)
Areas of Expertise
- Invisalign
- Bite Correction
- Interceptive Orthodontics
- Preventive Care
- Dental Implants
Certifications & Associations
Certifications & Continuing Education
- Invisalign Diamond Provider Certification
- iTero Digital Scanning Certification
- Interceptive Orthodontics (advanced CE)
- WaveOne Endodontics (advanced CE)
Professional Memberships
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
The Team Working Alongside Dr. Pottenger
She’s not in this alone, and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Associate dentist Dr. Katelyn De La Montanya handles much of the practice’s restorative and general dentistry, freeing Dr. Pottenger to focus more deeply on Invisalign and occlusal health. The hygiene team is trained specifically to talk with patients about alignment and long-term oral health, not just cleanings — and the front office runs on the same philosophy Dr. Pottenger built the practice around: clear answers, no judgment, every time. Across the practice, technology like cone beam 3D imaging, digital and panoramic X-rays, iTero 3D digital scanner, and intraoral cameras means patients see exactly what the team sees, not just hear about it secondhand.
Curious what that looks like for your smile? Explore High Desert Dental’s Invisalign options or request a consultation directly with Dr. Pottenger.
What Patients Are Saying About Dr. Trista Pottenger & the High Desert Dental Team
Dr. Pottenger’s patients constantly rave about how welcoming the environment is and how personalized yet efficient the appointments are. With an emphasis on patient understanding and education, Dr. Pottenger ensures that each patient is able to choose dental care that makes sense for themselves.
Life Outside the Office
When she’s not in the office, Dr. Pottenger is usually shuttling her three kids between practices and games, as well as cheering on Boise State with her husband (who teaches there) – game days are a whole family event! When she gets a free afternoon, she’s out enjoying Idaho the way only a native can: camping, rafting, and making the most of the outdoors she grew up in.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Pottenger Today
Dr. Pottenger is proud to bring excellent, judgment-free dental care to the place she calls home. She knows the confidence a healthy smile can bring, and she wants every patient who sits in her chair to feel that same confidence too. With a 4.9-star rating across 750+ Google reviews, you can see why so many Boise families trust her with their care. If you’re ready to find out for yourself, request an appointment with Dr. Trista Pottenger today. She can’t wait to meet you and see your smile!