As a dentist, I absolutely love the challenge of making dental experiences as close to fun as possible. Its a rare person, especially among children, who truly enjoys being at the dentists office, but I use my creativity and genuine care for patients to help build an environment that allows everyone to be comfortable and enjoy their time in our office.
I always tell my patients and their families that I am a real person first and a dentist second. My care and concern for my patients goes beyond their teeth and oral health: I love to build relationships with everyone whom I treat, and I do not take lightly the responsibility that I have to care for my patients in the most compassionate and personable way possible.
For my undergraduate education, I attendedWillamette Universityin Salem,to receive a degree in microbiology. Upon graduation, I went toOregon Health & ScienceUniversityfor my dental training and Doctorate of Medical Dentistry.
I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and I have worked hard to earn this prestigious title. Board-certified status is a title of excellence and is reserved for only the most educated, skilled, and trained dentists in the nation. I have strived to become the best dentist that I can be because I am dedicated to my patients health and happiness.
I also know that I must stay on the cutting edge of dentistry so my patients receive all the benefits of the latest trends, techniques, and technologies within the dental field. For this reason, I complete over 40 hours a year in courses that advance my professional skill and understanding.
By holding active membership in numerous professional affiliations, I am able to interact and interchange ideas with my fellow dental colleagues. This has always been a crucial component of my commitment to continuing education.
We also support and mentor students who are thinking about joining the dental field in the future. We love hosting field trips, and I love talking to groups of moms and community colleges about how to improve dental health and overall well-being.
I was born in San Diego but I have lived all over the country. For the past 20 years, I have called Oregon my home. At home, my favorite thing to do is to play with my two sons Cody and Dusty, and spend time with my family. I am involved in gardening, and working in my ceramic studio in my home. My favorite place in the world is Disneyland. If I wasnt a pediatric dentist, I would be working for Disney.
Dr. Holly Okerstrom grew up in Corvallis, Oregon and has practiced dentistry there for nearly ten years. She is excited to return to the Portland metro area, having received her dental trainingat OHSU. Prior to dental school, she received a degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound.
Dentistry for Kids was established to be different. We wanted to redefine the experience of dentistry for our patients, allowing them to grow up with all the confidence that a healthy smile provides. That will continue to be our mission as we reinvest in our practice and staff to meet that goal.
No matter how difficult or complex our patients situations are, we always do whatever we can to ensure our patients health and comfort all while making their experiences as rewarding and beneficial as possible.
In our state-of-the-art facility, each patient receives the highest level of treatment available in dentistry. We use only the latest and most advanced and proven techniques and materials so our patients treatments are as comfortable, effective, and time-efficient as possible.
Dr. Jamesis board certified, a distinction reserved for only the most experienced and skilled practitioners. The majority of our staff members have four-year degrees in dental hygiene. Weve invested in expanded functions dental assistants and highlytrained hygienists because our focus is on patient education and problem prevention.
Emergencies are unexpected and stressful, so we are always here, day or night, to handle any emergencies that come along. At our practice, there is no limit to our hours for treating someone in pain or with any sort of trauma. We are here for youalways.
In order for our patients to receive the most exceptional dental experience, we understand that they must feel relaxed and comfortable. You will always walk through our doors into an atmosphere of smiling faces and a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment.
We cater to young children by changing what a dental office looks like, sounds like, and smells like. Its something youll notice from the moment you step into the waiting room. In fact, theres much more playing than waiting! We have six advanced IPads on which the children can play educational games. We have a miniature cafe and kitchen for kids to play and make food in. We also have a train table and doll house for our littlest of patients. Our teen side has computers, vintage arcade games, a jukebox, modern arcade games, PlayStations, and a lot of private seating. Even adults appreciate our fun music and coffee!
We love building lasting relationships with our dental family, and one way that we love to engage with our patients and their families is through our infamous Star Nights. At 3:00pm on the third Friday of every month, we transform our office into a host of laser wallprojections, LED balloons, fake fireflies in jars, and ambient cricket sounds.
We look forward to meeting you and your family and answering any questions you may have about our practice or treatments. We are committed to working with you in helping the most important smiles of your family shine their brightest and healthiest.
Well always uphold open lines of communication and do our best to ensure your familys dental experiences are nothing less than exceptional. Our patients and their families are a part of our own family here, and we cant wait to welcome you!