audit_keyword: best dentist hillsboro
How to Choose the Best Dentist in Hillsboro — A Patient’s Guide
Choosing a dentist is a personal decision that affects your health, your family’s health, and your peace of mind for years to come. Hillsboro, Oregon has dozens of dental practices, ranging from corporate chains to solo practitioners to multi-provider offices — and the differences between them can be significant. This guide walks you through the 10 most important criteria to evaluate when selecting a dental practice, so you can make an informed decision based on what actually matters, not just proximity or a flashy website.
Meet Our Team Before You Decide
Our Hillsboro practice believe the best way to choose a dentist is to experience the practice firsthand. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule a consultation.
The 10 Criteria That Define a Great Hillsboro Dentist
1. Doctor Credentials and Continuing Education
Every dentist has a dental degree — that is the baseline. What separates good dentists from great ones is what they do after dental school. Look for:
- Advanced certifications beyond the DMD or DDS degree. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), for example, requires hundreds of hours of verified continuing education across multiple disciplines — only about 7% of dentists earn this distinction.
- Specialized training in areas relevant to your needs — implant placement, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, sedation dentistry, or oral surgery.
- Professional memberships in organizations like the American Dental Association, Oregon Dental Association, and specialty groups such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
- Digital X-rays — lower radiation, instant results, better diagnostic accuracy than film
- 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) — essential for safe implant placement, oral surgery planning, and complex diagnosis
- CEREC same-day crown system — eliminates the need for temporary crowns and second appointments
- iTero digital scanning — replaces messy impression material for Invisalign and crown procedures
- Intraoral cameras — allow you to see exactly what the dentist sees
- Consistency — does the practice consistently receive positive reviews over months and years, not just a burst of 5-star reviews from one week?
- Response to negative reviews — does the practice respond professionally and constructively to criticism?
- Specific praise — do reviews mention gentle care, thorough explanations, reasonable pricing, and professional staff — or are they vague and generic?
- Volume — a handful of reviews may not represent the full picture; hundreds of reviews provide a more reliable signal
- Clear cost communication before treatment begins
- A wide range of accepted insurance plans
- Financing options for larger treatments
- A membership or savings plan for uninsured patients
- Location and parking — is the office easy to reach from your home or workplace? Is parking free and close to the entrance?
- Hours — does the practice offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments?
- Wait times — are appointments typically on time, or do you wait 30+ minutes past your scheduled time?
- New patient process — can you complete paperwork online before your first visit?
- Orenco Station and the NE Cornell corridor
- Tanasbourne and the Streets of Tanasbourne area
- AmberGlen business district
- South Hillsboro and Reed’s Crossing
- Rock Creek
- Reedville
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Cornelius and Forest Grove
At East Wind Dental Care: Dr. Merat Ostovar holds the FAGD designation from the Academy of General Dentistry — one of the most rigorous credentialing programs in dentistry. Dr. Jovan Gvozden brings over 30 years of experience, including advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery from Tufts University. Dr. Derek Youngblood is an OHSU School of Dentistry graduate with a focus on family and preventive care.
2. Range of Services Under One Roof
A dentist who can only provide cleanings and fillings means you will be referred elsewhere for implants, oral surgery, crowns, orthodontics, or sedation dentistry. Each referral means a new office, new records, new waiting periods, and fragmented care.
Ask: Can this practice handle dental implants, same-day crowns, oral surgery, Invisalign, sleep apnea treatment, pediatric dentistry, and cosmetic work — or will I be sent to specialists for half of my dental needs?
At East Wind Dental Care: We provide the full spectrum of modern dentistry — from routine cleanings and fillings to dental implants, All-on-4 full-arch restorations, CEREC same-day crowns, Invisalign, oral surgery, bone grafting, sedation dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, pediatric dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Most patients complete all of their treatment at our office without outside referrals.
3. Technology and Equipment
Dental technology has advanced dramatically. Practices that invest in modern equipment deliver faster, more comfortable, more accurate care.
Key technologies to look for:
At East Wind Dental Care: Our office uses digital X-rays, 3D CBCT scanning, CEREC CAD/CAM milling, iTero digital scanning, and intraoral cameras. This technology is not just for marketing — it directly improves the speed, comfort, and accuracy of your treatment.
4. Patient Reviews and Reputation
Online reviews provide insight into real patient experiences. Look beyond the star rating:
At East Wind Dental Care: We maintain a 4.9-star rating across hundreds of verified patient reviews. Patients consistently praise our thorough approach, honest communication, gentle chairside manner, and the personal attention they receive from our three-doctor team.
5. Emergency Dental Care Availability
A dental emergency — a cracked tooth, severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or facial swelling — can happen at any time. A great dental practice provides same-day emergency care, not a “call back Monday” voicemail.
Ask: Does this practice reserve time for emergency patients? Can I be seen today if I have a dental emergency?
At East Wind Dental Care: We reserve same-day emergency appointments every day. Call (503) 614-0198 and we will work to see you as quickly as possible — often within 1–3 hours for urgent situations.
6. Insurance, Affordability, and Transparency
A good dentist is transparent about costs and works with your budget. Red flags include refusing to provide cost estimates, pressuring you into treatment, or using bait-and-switch pricing.
Look for:
At East Wind Dental Care: We accept most major dental insurance plans, offer CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry Health financing, and provide our VIP Membership Plan for patients without insurance — 15% off all treatment fees with no annual maximums or deductibles.
7. Comfort and Sedation Options
Dental anxiety is real and affects millions of adults. A practice that dismisses your anxiety or offers no solution beyond “just relax” is not meeting modern care standards.
Ask: What sedation options do you offer? Are they available for all procedures, or just surgical ones?
At East Wind Dental Care: We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. These options are available for routine procedures, not just surgery. Our team creates a calm, supportive environment for every patient.
8. Office Convenience and Scheduling
Your time matters. Consider:
At East Wind Dental Care: Our office at 7546 NE Shaleen St has free parking directly in front. We offer hours Monday through Friday with Saturday appointments available by request. New patients can complete paperwork online before their visit to minimize wait time.
9. Family-Friendly and Age-Inclusive
If you have children, you want a practice that genuinely welcomes young patients — not one that treats pediatric dentistry as an afterthought. If you are a senior, you want providers experienced in dentures, implants, dry mouth management, and medically complex patients.
At East Wind Dental Care: We see patients from age one through every stage of adulthood. We offer family block scheduling so parents and children can be seen during a single visit. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Persian, and Bosnian to serve Hillsboro’s diverse community.
10. Longevity and Community Roots
A dental practice that has served the same community for years — or decades — demonstrates stability, trustworthiness, and a genuine commitment to long-term patient relationships.
At East Wind Dental Care: Our practice has served Hillsboro since 2006 — nearly 20 years of continuous care in the same community. We are not a pop-up clinic or a franchise that changes ownership every few years. Our doctors live in and contribute to the communities they serve.
A Note About “Best Dentist” Claims
We want to be straightforward: no dentist can objectively claim to be “the best.” What we can tell you is that East Wind Dental Care meets or exceeds every criterion on this list — and we have the credentials, technology, patient reviews, and two decades of community trust to back it up.
The best dentist for you is the one who meets your specific needs, makes you feel comfortable, communicates honestly, and delivers consistent results. We invite you to experience our practice firsthand and decide for yourself.
Comparing Hillsboro Dental Practices
When evaluating dental practices in Hillsboro, consider using this checklist:
| Criterion | Questions to Ask |
|—|—|
| Credentials | Does the dentist hold advanced certifications beyond the DMD/DDS? |
| Services | Can the practice handle implants, crowns, surgery, and orthodontics in-house? |
| Technology | Does the practice use digital X-rays, 3D CBCT, and CEREC same-day crowns? |
| Reviews | Does the practice have hundreds of consistently positive reviews? |
| Emergency care | Can I be seen the same day for a dental emergency? |
| Cost transparency | Will they provide a detailed cost estimate before starting treatment? |
| Sedation | Are multiple sedation options available for anxious patients? |
| Scheduling | Are Saturday or early/late appointments offered? |
| Family-friendly | Does the practice see patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors? |
| Longevity | How long has this practice been serving the Hillsboro community? |
Hillsboro Neighborhoods We Serve
East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across the Hillsboro area, including:
See the Difference for Yourself
Schedule a consultation or your first exam. Experience our team, technology, and approach firsthand. Call (503) 614-0198.
Frequently Asked Questions — Choosing a Dentist in Hillsboro
Who is the best-rated dentist in Hillsboro, OR?
Several Hillsboro dental practices maintain high ratings. East Wind Dental Care holds a 4.9-star rating across hundreds of verified patient reviews, has served the community since 2006, and features a three-doctor team with advanced certifications including the FAGD and Tufts University oral surgery training. The best dentist for you depends on your specific needs, insurance, and comfort level.
What credentials should I look for in a Hillsboro dentist?
Beyond the baseline DMD or DDS degree, look for advanced certifications like the Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), ICOI fellowship for implants, or specialized training from recognized institutions. Continuing education, professional memberships (ADA, ODA), and years of clinical experience are important indicators of a dentist’s commitment to excellence.
How do I find a dentist in Hillsboro that accepts my insurance?
Call the dental office directly and ask which insurance plans they accept. East Wind Dental Care accepts most major PPO and HMO plans, including Delta Dental, Moda, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and Guardian. Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment. If you do not have insurance, our VIP Membership Plan provides 15% off all treatment fees.
Should I choose a dentist close to my home or my workplace in Hillsboro?
Either can work, depending on your schedule. East Wind Dental Care is centrally located near NE Cornell Road and NE Shaleen St, making it convenient for patients commuting from Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Intel campuses, and the AmberGlen business district. We also offer Saturday appointments for patients who prefer weekend visits.
How do I know if a dental practice uses modern technology?
Ask whether the practice uses digital X-rays, 3D CBCT scanning, CEREC same-day crowns, and digital impression scanners. These technologies improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment speed, and patient comfort. At East Wind Dental Care, all four technologies are standard in every treatment room.
What if I have dental anxiety — can I still see a dentist in Hillsboro?
Yes. Many Hillsboro dental practices offer sedation options. East Wind Dental Care provides nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety. Sedation is available for routine procedures, not just surgery, so every patient can receive comfortable care regardless of anxiety level.
Can a family dentist in Hillsboro see patients of all ages?
Not all general dentists actively treat young children. East Wind Dental Care sees patients from age one through seniors, offering pediatric dentistry, family block scheduling, teen orthodontic evaluations, adult restorative and cosmetic care, and senior services including dentures and implants — all under one roof.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198
Hours: Monday–Friday, with Saturday appointments available
Your Dental Health Deserves the Best
Explore our practice, meet our team, and see why hundreds of Hillsboro families trust East Wind Dental Care. Call (503) 614-0198 today.
