SW Dentist Recommendations?
It's time to take our son to the dentist and we're at a loss as to where to even begin. I read over the A Visit to the Dentist post from a few months ago, but the majority of the dentists recommended are on the Eastside. Can anyone recommend a good pediatric dentist in the Beaverton/Tigard/Sherwood/Lake O/SW area? Thanks in advance!









I don't have any personal experience with this dentist (we are LONG overdue -- this question reminds me we need to get our check-ups scheduled ASAP!) but I have a friend who takes her sons to Dr. Downey, a pediatric dentist off of Scholls Ferry/Murray in Beaverton. Her middle son was VERY resistant to dental check-ups to put it mildly, and she was quite impressed with the patience of Dr. Downey and his staff.
Posted by: rebecca | August 09, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Dr. John Hanna in Lake Oswego is a great pediatric dentist. His office is right on the lake so the kids can look out at the ducks during their visit!
Posted by: Katie | August 10, 2006 at 07:16 AM
As was discussed here at UM, my son has had some dental problems. We've also had some bad dentist problems (when in doubt, always always always get a 2nd opinion!)
Someone here recommended Dr. Allan Pike, as did the La Leche League chapter that I called for help.
He is wonderful! WONDERFUL!!! The office has a therapy dog to calm nervous children, lots of toys, video games to keep siblings occupied while their brother/sister is having work done, and best of all (and I swear it's true) a Love of children.
I am so happy that we took the recommendation to see him, and I just have to take every opportunity to recommend this office to others.
5440 SW Westgate Dr Ste 380
Posted by: another sara | August 10, 2006 at 07:28 AM
i'll second the dr. pike recommendation. i took my 3 year old there last month for a cleaning and it was a wonderful experience all around.
Posted by: jj | August 10, 2006 at 09:21 AM
I'll third on the Dr. Pike recommendation. My son is shy and nervous but LOVES going to the dentist. And...they know just how to handle nervous parents as well.
Posted by: Annalee | August 10, 2006 at 09:53 AM
I really like Marn Kasmeyer-Schweinfurth. My step-daughters like her a lot too and they validate parking, if parking downtown is an issue for you.
Schweinfurth Marn Kasmeyer
511 SW 10th Ave # 1105
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 224-4277
Posted by: kirsten | August 10, 2006 at 10:53 AM
This is getting redundant but we also think Dr. Pike is wonderful. We make the trip FROM the Eastside to the Westside just to see Dr. Pike. Here is a link to Dr. Pike's website:
http://doctorpike.com/
Mila has also seen Dr. Morish who is in the same office. Her manner mirrors Dr. Pike's and we recommend her as well.
Posted by: Milagros | August 10, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Wow - Dr. Pike has quite the reputation! Thanks SO much, everyone! We'll have to check him and the other dentists out.
Posted by: Marlynn | August 10, 2006 at 01:45 PM
Dr. Pike, all the way. Marvelous. He has a degree in hypnosis, NEVER straps a kid down, and all his staff is amazing.
Hands down the best. I only wish he took grown-ups, too.
Posted by: Rhonda | August 16, 2006 at 04:26 PM
I took my 3 year old to Dr. Downey in the Murray Scholls area of Beaverton and he is fabulous. Not only that, but all of his staff were absolutely wonderful as well. He is up to date on the latest technology and was great with my daughter. She had to have three cavities filled due to antibotics she needed after she was born and he was very sensitive to my anxieties as well.
Posted by: Kerri | August 17, 2006 at 01:27 PM
My 3 yo son goes to The Kids' Dentist, Dr. Yip, in West Linn. We love their gentle and positive approach. This office never makes me feel any pressure or guilt. They really educate you and give you choices. We had gone to Dr. Pike's office before, but they really rushed us and didn't have time to get to know my son. They must see a hundred kids a day.
Posted by: Jenny | August 18, 2006 at 04:49 PM
Our family just started going to Anthony Hoffman in Hillsboro. We really like him and the staff. They're friendly and fast. His office is clean and comfortable.
Posted by: Rachel | September 20, 2006 at 12:53 PM
OK, so I asked my doc about dentists today and he warned me to ask whether the dentist was still using mercury. What follows is total hear - say, but it was my doc's understanding that Dr. Pike was still using mercury. He gave us a couple of names, I'll be checking one out and if I like them, I'll post. Anybody else ever heard of this mercury thing?
Posted by: Betsy | September 26, 2006 at 02:52 PM
I'm not sure where your doc received his/her info but the filling my daughter has from Dr. Pike is mercury-free.
As an aside, I don't think the mercury question is a very useful one to judge dentists on these days. Most, if not all, dentists will provide you with the option of receiving a composite or ionomer filling instead of traditional silver amalgam.
Posted by: Tony at Milagros | September 26, 2006 at 03:50 PM
I visited Dr Pike this morning with my 15 month old daughter. It was a truly wonderful experience. I am completely satisfied! We just went in for an evaluation, as my daughter is too young for cleanings. I think it was a wonderful way to get her used to the idea of going to the dentist every 6 months....learning to trust the dentist, his assistants and the environment of the office.
Posted by: Rebecca | October 04, 2006 at 11:50 AM
Well, On Tony's reassurance, I went with Dr. Pike for my 2.5 year old. WOW. Rarely do you find a business that is so centered on the patient. From the therapy dog to the live gerbils to Dr. Pike taking Carter by the hand on a tour of the office and "fixing" his shoes as a way of gaining confidence. The place rocks. It is obvious they love what they do. Heck, the guy has written the book on no fear pediatric denistry.
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?isbn=0595391842
By the way, his son will be joining the practice soon.
Thanks everyone!
Posted by: Betsy | November 08, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Okay, I have to weigh in on this one because I'm a hygienist and have worked with 5 local Pediatric dentists. . . From my experience working in children's dental offices for the past 6 years I have to say that Dr. Ben Kang in Tualatin and Dr. Krista Badger in the Hollywood district are easily the best Pediatric dentists in the Portland area. Many Pediatric dentists have assistants do a large portion of dental cleanings and both Dr. Kang and Dr. Badger pay the extra cost of having a hygienist on staff. I am a mother of two and would trust either of these two dentists with my children. They are highly ethical and thoughtful doctors, who truly care about patients and provide exceptional care. They have both been around for quite a while, are both fast, efficient and technically skilled dentists who also happen to have a great chairside manner and can easily put children and parents at ease. Hip-hip-hooray for Dr. Kang and Dr. Badger!!!
Posted by: Donna | November 06, 2007 at 07:01 PM
Dr Hanna and Hughes. The best pediatric dentists. They are very gentle and the staff is great. I saw Dr.Hanna when i was a kid and now my kids are seeing him. I am 33 with no dental problems, not one cavity. The same goes for my kids as well. They are really good!
Posted by: Kelly | August 07, 2008 at 05:57 PM
We go to Hanna and Hughes as well. They are great but just to clarify....most dental problems are genetic. My kids have gone to them for years and we brush and floss and rinse everyday the way that all people are supposed to and my oldest still has cavities. He has very, very small pits in his teeth that a toothbrush could not get into. I have them too, as well as my Dad.
But back to Hanna and Hughes....great dentists, great view.
Posted by: anon | August 07, 2008 at 09:40 PM
i see a lot of recommendations for Dr. Pike. while my 18 month old had a great experience with him and his staff...i'm a little hesistant about his son, who is also practicing there and will take over when Dr. Pike (sr) retires.
does anyone have any direct experience w/ Dr. Pike (jr)?
Posted by: cynthia | November 07, 2008 at 10:24 PM
we love dr. pike jr. he made our son feel right at home and answered all our questions, even about flouride. Im delighted with the staff. its such a great place for kids. :)
Posted by: hannah | November 24, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I just wanted to brag about our dentist a little. We used to see a pediatric dentist in Portland where my kids never connected with the dentist. We recently moved to Tualatin and and now go to the Kids' Dentist in West Linn after recommendations from our neighbors and pediatrician. Wow, Doctor Yip and his staff in West Linn are fantastic and offer first class service! It's such a nice break to just surf the internet and sip coffee, while the staff takes care of my kids (We really liked Maria one of the assistants.) It's a nice feeling to know my kids trust them and don't really need me to hold their hand through every step. This dental office has so many cool things for kids, such as tv's on the ceiling, video games, books, toys, kid-sized chairs, and even a little door, but the best thing we like is the relationships that they establish with myself and kids. From now on, we're not moving anywhere if we can help it.
Posted by: Terry | February 22, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Cynthia,
I am not a raving fan of Dr. Stephen Pike (the son). Nothing dramatic and we still go to the practice, but, we're having to redo a filling now in a baby tooth that he messed up. I'm not even clear on why the tooth needed treatment in the first place -- and now we have to redo it?? I know that could happen to anyone, and, of course there's no charge for this, but still. He doesn't have the "bedside manner", or the confidence/wisdom of his father. I like Dr. Morish, but her hours are pretty limited.
Posted by: Jean | April 28, 2011 at 11:40 AM
People here can help you see a good dentist at your place. Be careful not to go immediately to any of the dentist mentioned because we cannot tell who is really a trusted dentist. Search them in the internet before going to their clinics or if you would like to visit their clinics immediately you should ask for their official recognition if they are well trusted and legal dentists.
Posted by: denture repair | April 12, 2012 at 08:35 PM
The Kids' Dentist, Dr. Dana Yip, is awesome with kids! We love the helpful staff and the cool jungle office. They are busy but always try to make it work with my crazy schedule. We live in Tualatin but don't mind the trek to West Linn.
Posted by: KelsonGirl | April 12, 2013 at 04:06 AM