After enjoying a successful practice in Minnesota, the mountains of Oregon beckoned and I relocated with my family to Bend in 2003. The wonderful people I have met in this beautiful area have made the growth of my practice truly enjoyable. I am committed to providing the best dental care to the people in my community, and to helping them maintain and achieve excellent dental health.
Before joining Bend Dental Group, I completed a general practice residency atNorthwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. During my residency, I experienced working in all phases of advanced dentistry, including implant dentistry and advanced prosthetic dentistry. I handled many dental emergencies, and worked closely with patients preparing for cardiac surgery, transplants, chemotherapy, or radiation.
I recently moved to Bend from Chicago, with my husband Josh and Hank, our English Bulldog puppy. When not in the office, I love exploring all that Bend and Central Oregon has to offer, from checking out new restaurants to exploring the trails and river. (Hank comes along on all of our adventures-- he loves the great outdoors!)
My favorite part of dentistry is that it gives me the opportunity to meet and build rewarding relationships with so many incredible people, including both my patients and the oral healthcare team. I love that dentistry allows me to wear many different hats and have my hand in many different procedures throughout the day. One procedure may require me to be a bit of an engineer, another requires a surgeon, while another may require an artist.
I moved to Bend from Seattle, WA where I pursued advanced training through a General Practice Residency at Swedish Medical Center and Seattle Special Care Dentistry. During residency, I gained experience treating patients of all ages with complex medical issues, including those with special needs, developmental delays, and dental phobia. I also obtained advanced training in oral surgery, moderate sedation (twilight anesthesia), pediatric dentistry, implant dentistry, and root canal therapy. I want to be able to treat everyone in the family, no matter their needs.
I am excited to call Bend home because I love any activity that gets me outside. I try to ebb and flow with the seasons and find happiness in whatever weather Mother Nature is providing. I enjoy ski touring, mountain biking, cycling, trail running, hiking, camping, backpacking, fly-fishing, kiteboarding, surfing, climbing, and triathlon. The access to the outdoors and the variety of activities in Bend are not easily matched and I love having the mountains, trails, and river in my backyard.
I am so excited to join the team at Bend Dental Group. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to practice dentistry with those that share a passion for oral health care and total body wellness while providing high quality dentistry.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 153 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNicholas Freeman
a year ago
Dr. Sam Elcik is my new favorite dentist. It's clear he enjoys what he does and he's very good at it. I got 2 cavities filled and it was by far the most pleasant dental procedure i've ever had - I had no idea shots could actually be painless. I'm very happy to have Dr. Sam as part of our community and looking forward to getting more work done by him in the future.
Eric Bessex
a year ago
Every one is always super friendly and helpful
David Davis-Van Atta
a year ago
I am new to Bend. I have many and somewhat particular and elaborate dental needs. I have been very happy to have found Bend Dental for my dental care. Each and every visit that I have had has been excellent in every way. The knowledge and depth of care for my particular and general needs has been absolutely first rate 5 put of 5. And accommodations made for me could not, could not, have been more helpful and understanding. So far as I know, Bend Dental's work, knowledge, sophistication and technical modernization, care, and professionalism, cannot be improved on. I have been going to Bend Dental now for some time since I arrived in Bend. My work with this practice has only enhanced my respect for their work and genuine care for their patients. I have gotten the best, and most high-tech, manufacture and installation of not one, but three implants. They fit perfectly, first time, and have been excellent ever since, from last summer until now (December, 2020). I waited quite a number of years to be able to install these implants, now finally completed. It's been a real improvement to have these. The other thing I am so well aware of now is the degree of care required to be COVID-safe and caring about this vital aspect of all our lives now. I've seen no establishment better than Bend Dental. It shows, and feels, in everything they do. Including the high-tech air cleaning devices installed in each room. If only everyone, and every business could, and would, be this good and conscientious. 9/2022: I continue to choose Bend Dental for my dental care. And Bend Dental continues to provide superb care, knowledgeable, what I need no less and no more, performed with skill and comfort. Highly recommend.
Rosalie Chamberlain
a year ago
Going to the dentist is a pleasant experience - people, procedures and outcomes.
Phil Martin
a year ago
I appreciate that Bend Dental and Kim are willing to accommodate my schedule with early morning appointments. As always, Kim is personable and professional and is truly interested in the health of my teeth and gums. She always takes time for a thorough cleaning and educates me on proper care of my teeth. I highly recommend Bend Dental Group.
Blake Dilworth
2 years ago
Visiting Bend Dental Group was hands down the best dental experience of my life. I cannot recommend their practice enough. All of their staff were extremely friendly and informative; each person I interacted with took time to explain what they were doing and answer my questions. The dentist I saw, Sam, sat down with me prior to my cleaning, and we had a conversation about my dental history. It was the first time a dentist has ever taken time to listen to me about how I understand and manage my own dental health and history. Our conversation informed the direction that the visit and my plan of care took. While I likely won't be living in Bend when I'm due for a cleaning next, if I find myself near enough regionally again, I will be making the trip back to Bend Dental Group!
darlene peters
2 years ago
Professional and caring staff. Always treated as important and staff are attentive.
Brandon S.
2 years ago
Great establishment, you can tell everyone here is doing their best! Always on time as well, sometimes they get you in early but you never have to wait 15 + minutes after your appointment time to be seen. Dr. Sam Elcik is Awesome! Very Friendly, Efficient and Skilled. Easiest Dental experience I've ever had, two thumbs up 10/10.
Jean S.
2 years ago
I look forward to my visits at Bend Dental. The staff are all friendly and welcoming. I have great confidence in the work and I enjoy my time there. The high level of skill in dentistry is impressive. Every step is communicated clearly and every effort is given to patient comfort. Thank you!
Ellie Barbieri
2 years ago
FIVE STARS! I have struggled with my teeth for years and needed to get implant surgery for two missing teeth. Dr. Elcik and his team not only made me feel incredibly welcome, understood my financial restraints and went above and beyond to make sure I get the smile of my dreams. The surgery went incredibly well and there was zero pain for myself afterwards. If you are looking for a dentist I could not recommend Dr. Elcik more!!
Eric Bessex
2 years ago
Every one is always super friendly and helpful
Timothy Glock
2 years ago
The dental practice has the best staff as they are great people, professional, courteous and a group that exhibits highly skilled practitioners who know their practice extremely well!! The highest dental practice that I have ever been associated with from an overall standpoint!!
Scot Graham
2 years ago
Quite happy with the amount of time spent and the attention to detail. I have very sensitive teeth and even a cleaning can be a challenge. They listened to my concerns, took it seriously and added a step to desensitize my teeth. The result was the most pain free exam in a long long time. This was my first since Covid, so it was basically a deep cleaning. Great experience! Dr. Stahrr has a great chairside manner and Kim my hygienist was terrific. Highly recommend.
Ben H
2 years ago
Nice staff but high cost and little warning I came here for a new patient visit. I'd encourage anyone else to get an fee/coverage estimate before getting any services, particularly if they aren't in your network. The fees for std procedures were steep vs my prior dentist. I passed the bill and recommended procedures past my prior dentist office. They were surprised both by the amount billed as well as the higher more invasive treatment they had recommended. The staff were indeed courteous but I left believing they weren't looking out for my interest as a patient and owing a substantial percentage more than was covered by my insurance.
Dr. Meaghan Dishman
2 years ago
I refer a ton of patients to Bend Dental on a regular basis! They do an excellent job, are extremely professional, their office is warm and inviting, and the staff is top notch. My Mother is an Orthodontist-Pediatric Dentist, so I've literally grown up in the dental world, and have a high respect for the profession. You'll enjoy your visit to the dentist at Bend Dental!
Rick Snyder
2 years ago
Great group of dentists with all the latest equipment. Crowns in a few hours not days or weeks.
Luis Urich
2 years ago
I am compelled to express my gratitude to Dr. Stahrr and her team. The professionalism and bedside manner where remarkable. I felt very comfortable and safe with all the special suction equipment they use for the dental aerosols. If you are looking for a caring compassionate dental team, I highly recommend Bend Dental Group.
Brooke Walsh
2 years ago
Dr. Elcik and the entire staff at Bend Dental Group are so wonderful. Dr. Elcik is a great dentist, easy to talk with and so thurough. I have never had a dentist pay that close of attention to me and my teeth. If you are looking for a talented, caring and compassionate dental group then Bend Dental Group is the place to go!
Louis Gwin
2 years ago
Perhaps the most complete examination and cleaning I have received in my 74 years. Staff extremely friendly yet very professional. Dr. Johnson is easy to talk with and the technology at his fingertips is amazing. Covid protection protocols employed by the practice are reassuring.
Miranda Berkley
2 years ago
Dr. Elcik is amazing! I have been very nervous for years about getting my wisdom teeth removed, but he and his team made the entire experience truly as painless as possible. The office is very thorough and organized, and I have been very happy with all of the service i've received so far!
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