Dr. Donald R. Dexter, Jr. completed his BS in Psychology at Lewis and Clark College and earned his DMD at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. He has advanced training in dental sleep medicine and treatment of TMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Dexter is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, American Dental Association, Oregon Dental Association, Lane County Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Born and raised in Oregon, Dr. Dexter is an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes of southern Oregon, the first member of his family to attend and graduate from college, and the first member of any of the federally recognized tribes of Oregon to attend and graduate from dental school.
Dr. Dexter has a broad range of interests beyond the field of dentistry and medicine. He has a passion for the arts; particularly enjoying photography, architecture, and the design world. A proud supporter of local artists, he hosts quarterly photography shows in his office. Additionally, Dr. Dexter takes delight in food and cooking. He is a firm believer that food not only nourishes the body, but also the soul. Above all else though, what Dr. Dexter enjoys most is the constant joy of spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dr. Dexter is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) and the first dentist to receive this status in Eugene, Oregon and Lane County. The ABDSM is the leading testing organization in the United States for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. This designation is the gold standard in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea by dentists and represents a commitment to provide the highest level of care within this field of practice.
Out of professional curiosity, in 2008, I attended a multi-discipline medical symposium on sleep apnea. A cardiologist spoke of the cardiac risks associated with sleep apnea and recommended that attendees return home and have a sleep study. I did, and I was surprised to learn that I suffered from mild sleep apnea. I had none of the common risk factors, apart from the higher risk associated with being male. My first-hand experience of failed CPAP therapy led me into the field of oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. My pursuit of better treatment for myself inspired me to seek and obtain the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to become a practicing sleep dentist for the benefit of others.
The medicine wheel, sometimes known as the sacred hoop, embodies the Four Directions which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life. The presence of the medicine wheel in my practice is a reminder of the fact that when you live your life in a circular pattern, there is no beginning or end. Its a reminder to live in health and wellness, and treat others with the dignity and respect that you would like in return.
The four directions are represented by the four sacred colors of yellow, red, black, and white. The east represents the sun and is yellow; the south represents the warmth and vitality of life blood and is red; the west represents the stars and the darkness in the night sky and is black; the north represents the purity of snow and is white.
Closure and blockage of the airway during sleep result in disruption of sleep and a drop in oxygen. These events can cause microarousals, respiratory distress, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and disrupted non-restorative sleep.
Because of the ease and comfort of use, oral appliance therapy has a higher compliance rate when compared to CPAP therapy. This significant increase in compliance is a factor in determining the effectiveness of care.
Oral appliances are also comfortable, quiet, portable, easy to use and care for, and convenient for travel. Additionally, they do not restrict movements while sleeping, work with any sleeping position, can be used for patients who are CPAP intolerant, do not require electricity, and have no consumable parts to replace.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 102 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRalph Abbott
a year ago
Great time and care given
Nathan Tanner
a year ago
Great experience! Dr. Dexter is extremely knowledgeable and professional and I would recommend his office to anyone! Thank you for you kindness from you and your wonderful team!
E B
a year ago
Dexter and staff are the best!!!
Robin Grace
a year ago
In all my years of working with dental issues I have never felt so professionally attended to , supported in my dental care and hygiene, with this caring, highly competent and effective dental team.
Kelley Christensen
a year ago
I've never had a dentist spend an hour explaining in detail my x-rays, discussing treatment solutions, and just plain getting to know me as a human -- all previous dentists have spent about 5 minutes total with me after a teeth cleaning. So impressed! Dr. Dexter is personable, attentive, and patient-focused. Other staff (receptionist, hygienists) are very friendly and knowledgeable. 5/5 absolutely recommend.
Kyndal L
2 years ago
If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant then do not bother to see Dr Dexter. Now my review is not based on this fact but on my experience and how it was handled by this practice. Upon finding out I was pregnant I told Dr Dexter and he said he wouldn't work on women in their first trimester, totally understandable so I left the appointment without anything being done and waited until my second trimester, again this is not the problem. I called and was told I needed a cleaning before they scheduled me for further work so I got the cleaning done and my next 3 appointments set, I preemptively reminded them I was pregnant, in my second trimester and my midwife encouraged this care at this point especially because I would soon lose my dental insurance. The morning of my 9am appointment I got a call where I was told he normally waits until after the baby is born before doing fillings and what did I want to do, I again explained my situation and was told cheerfully ok see you at 9! 5 min later I received another call saying he has a policy to not work on pregnant women. I again explained my situation and said so now I will likely have to get at least one of these teeth pulled because I don't have time to find and be seen at another practice before I lose my insurance or move into my third trimester to which the reply was I know, sorry. If it was policy to not work on pregnant women at all why tell me not in the first trimester when I first told them, why make me get a cleaning through them to schedule other appointments to just deny me the day of. The complete lack of communication and level of manipulation in forcing me to get the cleaning to make more appointments when policy says he won't even work on me is astounding. I am now left reeling because there is nothing I can do and will lose teeth more than likely because of this. If I would have been told my first trimester that he wouldn't see pregnant women I could have found a provider that would and wouldn't be in this situation. I'm absolutely disgusted by how it was handled
S Haffner
2 years ago
Dr Dexter is great and his staff so professional and friendly.
Gary Lane
2 years ago
Incredibly detailed and professional dentist and staff. Explanations are cogent yet easy to understand. After being in another city for ten years it is great to be back at the best dental office in my 71 years of chewing.
Ralph Pledger
2 years ago
Dentistry from Dr. Dexter and his team is probably about as good as it gets. Dr. D is very skilled at making the process as painless as it can be and I have always been very satisfied with my service from other members of his team. No negatives.
Ana Lara
2 years ago
Dr. Dexter's team is always kind, thorough and they explain what they are doing as they go. I have been with Dr. Dexter for almost a decade now and they have always done amazing work. Thank you Dr. Dexter and thank you to the team!
Daniel Henry
2 years ago
Pleasant staff and highly professional dental work! Wonderful to see the crew back in clear after the covid lockdown. Dr. Dexter and Co. are using ample protective gear, checking recent contact activity, and and as friendly and skilled as usual.
Akindred Healing
2 years ago
Every experience with Dr. Dexter and his staff leaves me feeling very cared for and seen. The office is a beautiful and welcoming space and the dental care is unsurpassed. I cherish this place as quality care is hard to come by in Eugene, I have found. Thank you so much for the genuine care in people and relationships!
Evelyn R. Miller
2 years ago
Dr Dexter and his staff are kind, efficient and they explain everything with great detail. I absolutely recommend them for all of your dental needs
Ann Ollman
2 years ago
Dr. Dexter and his staff are among the most compassionate and competent dental practitioners that I have ever encountered. I highly recommend Dr. Donald Dexter and his staff.
Jesse Pruitt
2 years ago
Hands down the best dentist office ever! Doctor Dexter is a great dentist and great man as well. The staff is very kind and thorough.
Chris Ogle
2 years ago
As good as it gets!
Courtney Stitt
2 years ago
Dr. Dexter and his staff were a welcoming, kind, and knowledgable office. The assistant was gentle while taking many x-rays. Dr. Dexter thoroughly explained what he was doing during the exam in a way that was very relatable and understood. The front desk was very kind and friendly during check in and check out. I am so grateful to have found a dentist and staff that I can feel comfortable with. Wonderful art in the office as well!
Charles Gilham
2 years ago
Excellent work. Dr Dexter allows me extra time for the numbing medicine to work - so the pain level is very low when preparing me for a crown.
Alan Gering
2 years ago
I went in with a persistent ache and issues. Wasn't sure how to resolve the problems. The staff and Dr. Dexter were just excellent. I left with a good amount of wisdom and a plan. It was great to see professionals so relaxed in their jobs.
Sir Seager Yapsalot
2 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Dexter for a few years now, following many experiences with other dentists. Dr. Dexter and his office and staff are the end of my search. They are awesome, and I recommend them to everyone I know. Dr. Dexter is very knowledge and personable, explains things well, and has a good humorous attitude. His work is great and has been done right every time. Dr. Dexter was even able to fix a dental emergency I had the next morning on a weekend (within hours of it happening.) The person who does the front scheduling and payment is also really nice to interact with, as are the hygienists who work there. It's exactly the experience and results you want when going to the dentist.
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