Thomas "Pat" Collins, D.D.S.
"I truly enjoy caring for our wonderful patients, keeping them pain-free, disease-free and enhancing their lives through quality dental care." |
A native "Marinite", Dr. Collins was born at Hamilton Air Force Base, and raised in San Rafael, attending McPhail School, Santa Venetia Middle School, (now Venetia Valley), and graduating from San Rafael High School in 1973. His education continued, at UC Davis and Santa Clara University for a BS in Biology, then a Masters in Biology at San Francisco State University. In June 1983 he graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. During this time he provided care in Central Califomia to migrant farm workers and their children, and later in Athens, Greece. Dr. Collins has practiced continuously in Greenbrae since graduation and enjoys applying his knowledge and training to the multidisciplinary needs of all patients.
Dr. Collins is a CR Clinical Evaluator, studying and testing emerging technologies and products used in patient care. Along with 400 other selected dentists throughout the world, their results are summarized in the monthly newsletter, disseminated to over 57 countries and translated into 30 languages.
Annually, Dr. Collins and his staff attend a summary conference in Lake Tahoe sponsored by the CR Foundation. This meeting updates dental offices on the conclusions from the above research on dental products, technology and equipment. To discover more on how Dr. Collins' involvement in the foundation benefits you, visit the Clinical Research Foundation at CR Foundation.
Dr. Collins resides in San Rafael with his wife of 35 years, Pam, their two teenagers, Meag and Sky, and their yellow labs, Chloe and Zona. His hobbies are many, and include spending time with his family, traveling, camping, boy scouting, and cycling.
Outside the Dental Office
Activities Dr. Collins is involved in when he's not at work:
February 2012
The annual "winter camping" trip to Yosemite. Check back soon to see how the weekend went.
April - May 2011
Dr. Collins and daughter Meag helped with the aid stations for the Marin Half Marathon/10K at China Camp, then the following Saturday to run the griddles for San Rafael HIgh School Pancake Breakfast supporting athletic programs. While a lower the anticipated crowd for the event, the Grill Dads did a fine job keeping the caffing dishes full!
The week also brought a new experience for the doctor - being a victim for the CERT finals. The Community Emergency Response Team test has two scenarios complete with "Earthquake Victims".
Dr. Collins was"moulaged" to simulate scratches, cuts, even a broken leg. Serious business and a good time!
May 7th was the big Dawg Pride Day of cleanup on campus. While many pulled weeds and picked up trash, Dr. C's job was in the Snack Shack and adjoining equipment locker. Three and a half hours of tossing, washing, cleaning and reorganizing. Looks great now and ready for the fall for football.
June 2011 |
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Giants game with the old scout troop! The Boy Scouts were honored at the game and everyone in the troop got to walk onto the Field of Dreams. |
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October 2011 |
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A backpack that ended up being more of a hiking weekend is the source of this photo. Name the location this photo was taken and receive a free dental office gift from Sylvia! If you know, let Sylvia know your guess, by emailing her at sylvia@collinsdentist.com |
Feb 2011 - Winter Camping in Yosemite
Becoming an Annual Event, winter camping in Yosemite Valley brought together doctor's good friends from LA to set up camp in Upper Pines for the weekend. With each camper selecting a meal, doc took on Jambalay complete with luscious shrimp. Even the campground host arrived with his Merlot to join in. Another former scoutmaster did a fabulous Dutch Oven cherry cobler one night for dessert. Here's a photo from the trek. |
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Oct 2010 - Troop 101 Scoutmaster
After 6 1/2 years, Dr. Collins stepped down from adult leadership of Troop 101 San Rafael. A challenging decision as the program is close to his heart, Dr. Collins served as Outdoors Chair, Troop Committee Chair, Assistant Scoutmast and scoutmaster for the Troop 101. With son Sky getting his Eagle ranks last year, it was time for new leadership. Good memories and good times and tons of photos!
May 2010 - Awards |
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Dr. Collins and his wife Pam were honored as Marin County's Outstanding Volunteers in Public Education. At the awards ceremony, they received the award sponsored by the Marin County School Administrators Association. The association recognizes students, teachers, administrators, and parent volunteers who have contributed time and energy to make a difference. Judy Colton, Principal at San Rafael High School, promoted the award, recognizing the couple for the many years of service: Pam as a founder and past president of WeAreSR! the parent association replacing the PTSA, and as a Director of the Tree Lot Fundraising Committee. Pam also has worked in both the counseling office and administration at SRHS. Dr Collins was recognized for his facilitation of the formation of WeAreSR!, his leadering the Athletic Booster's Grill Dads at the football games. He also acted as facilitator of several campus groups, lectured students in the ASB Leadership class, and recently stepped dows as chairman of the San Rafael High School Site Leadership Team. He has further contributed by serveing on the Measure B Bond oversight committee, the Surplus Properties Committee, and most recently the High School Budget committes for the San Rafael High School District. |
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May 2010 - Hall of Honor
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San Rafael High celebrated its 2nd Annual Hall of Honor. Rich and Dolly Nave, alumni benefactors, and Terry Summa, former head of the Music Department was honored. Dr. Collins roasted his former marching/symphonic band instructor by recalling memories of his outstanding teacher. |
April 2010 - College Tours of the East Coast |
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Yes both kids got into Harvard Law! Well the Harvard Law Library anyway. Good times from Providence to Boston to Springfield, New Haven and New York City. Which university did they like best? Who knows, but one thing is for sure, the Broadway shows in Manhattan were certainly a hit! We saw Billy Elliott and Next to Normal. Meag plans to stay at COM and Sky off the UC Davis in the Fall. |
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March 2010 - Hiking the Trails of Mt. Tam |
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On a cool clear morning Alpine Lake glimmers at first light. Dr. Collins continues his treak to hike all the trails and fire roads on Mt. Tam. This particular morning started at the dam and headed up Cataract Trail to the Helen Market Trail which drops back down to lake level. Further on the Kent Trail heads up the mountain to Serpentine Knoll for a look at one of the common metamorphic rocks of Mt. Tam. From there the hike continued around the bog of High Marsh with a brief stop for a bite at Laurel Dell. The trek down Cataract was busy with hikers with cameras out and mouths open. Good trek just under 4 1/2 hours. |
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Beginning of February.... |
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While most campers stayed home to watch the Superbowl, Dr. and good buddies from dental school camped in the snow at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Rain was the forecast and did not disappoint. The guys hiked to Lower Yosemite Falls and later to the recent rock slide below the face of Half Dome to get exercise and take photos. Cooking under the Easy Up kept the rain out and campers dry. All in all, snow is easier to have camping than rain. Maybe next year! |
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Quick Links
Professional Association Memberships:
Member of the California Dental Association (CDA)
Marin County Dental Association (MCDS)
American Dental Association (ADA)