We know how scary it can be to go to the dentist and orthodontist. Many people are afraid to come in, so we do everything that we can to create a calm and comfortable environment. Our staff is great at what they do. Theyre here to answer your questions and put you at ease.

Were proud to offer many different technologies so that you can get straight teeth in a way that works for you. We would be glad to go over all of your options so that we can make the right decision for you and your smile.

Weve created an office that reflects our enthusiasm for helping people. From an inviting reception area, to contests, dress-up days, and free ice cream in the summer, we want your visits to be the highlight of your day.

Dr. John McDonald and his wife, Meredith, have been married for over two decades. They have two children, Claire and Isaac, who make them exceedingly proud. Both children were in the Spanish immersion program in West Salem, and both Dr. John and his wife are strong supporters and advocates for public schools. Dr. John and his family enjoy the outdoors, theater, and travelling together. Dr. John also regularly plays hockey at the Sherwood Ice Arena in several of their adult leagues.

Dr. John is the oldest of four children. He and his siblings graduated from South Salem High School. As a teenager, he picked strawberries and worked at The Truitt Brothers cannery on the bean line and then in the warehouse. During the school year, he worked at his fathers orthodontic office, where he trimmed plaster models, did odd jobs, and decided that he would be an orthodontist someday. After high school, he earned his undergraduate degree at Colorado College and took one semester at Oregon State University. He then went on to earn his dental degree from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU).

After graduating dental school, Dr. John knew he wanted to be an orthodontist but wasnt quite ready for more schooling. He decided to join the Army in order to hone his dental skills and for a little bit of adventure, like they promised on TV. (Mainly he wanted a paycheck and a chance to live in Europe.) His first duty station was Ft. Campbell, KY, where he underwent extensive advanced training in the general dentistry residency program (AEGD). The Army wasnt quite ready to send him to Europe. They decided to send him to Korea for a year first. After Korea Dr. John finally made it to Germany, where he commanded a dental clinic in Heilbronn (south of Frankfort).

Following his service, Dr. John returned to Oregon and practiced general dentistry in Salem and Portland before being accepted to the orthodontic program at the University of Pennsylvania. It was there he met his wife, Meredith, and together they returned to Salem for Dr. John to join his father at McDonald Orthodontics. He and his father, Dr. Terry McDonald, practiced side by side until 2009, when Dr. Terry retired.

Joining my father in practice was a proud moment for both of us. For me, I was able to tap into his vast experience and accelerate learning and understanding of the complexities of orthodontic treatment. The mentorship I received from him continues to this day, as he still teaches the orthodontic program at OHSU and we talk (shop) on a regular basis.

In 2017, McDonald Orthodontics celebrated 50 years of serving up smiles in Salem. As the owner of the practice, Dr. John lives out his fathers legacy. Besides treating patients, he lectures nationally on orthodontic treatments and is a clinical adviser for 3Ms Orthodontic Division.

Dr. John is also board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics. This achievement has been completed by only a few in the Willamette Valley. To become board certified, hundreds of hours of study, hands-on patient cases, and critical peer review are required.

I began working with Dr. McDonald in 1998. My own daughters were in treatment here and after having such a wonderful experience I knew I wanted to be involved with this great group of people to help change lives by giving people a smile to be proud of.

I was treated as a child by Dr. Terry and both my kids were treated by Dr. Terry and Dr. John. My favorite part is when the kids come in at age 5-7. They grow up and literally transform before our eyes by the time they get their braces off in middle school or high school. I love to see that beautiful smile Dr. John created. It is priceless!!! To me, I have the best job!!!

It is not the what that motivates me to get out of bed in the mornings, it is the why. It is not the what that drives me to give great service and become an expert in my field, it is the why. It is about making a difference in peoples lives. This very thing, I truly believe, is what Dr. John and our staff here at McDonald Orthodontics are all about. We all truly want to make a difference in our patients lives.

As the Scheduling Coordinator, I get the pleasure of greeting the happy faces that come in. I love seeing their progress throughout their treatment. From start to finish you can see their transformation. Knowing you have been a part, even if just welcoming them in the office and making sure they are comfortable, is a great feeling.

I received treatment myself here at McDonald Orthodontics, so I can relate to what patients are going through. Our goal here is to make your experience a pleasant one that youll want to share with your friends and family.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My 25 nieces and nephews keep me busy with their activities. During the summer I am at Foster Lake most weekends. I also love hiking and exploring Oregon.

For me, seeing each patients transformation and how confident they become with their new beautiful smile is pure joy; plus, having the chance to build relationships with our patients and their families is the best part of my job.

Choosing an orthodontist is like adding a member to your family. If you have multiple children who are several years apart, you could be visiting the orthodontist for five or ten years, while they are getting ready for treatment through their last retainer check. We serve multiple families that Dr. Terry and Dr. John have served for generations. As with any long-term relationship, it pays to look deeper than surface level to make sure youre making the right choice.

Lastly, Dr. John is a little bit of an orthodontic nerd. Orthodontics is not just a job to him, its a constant learning and striving to provide the best care for his patients in a warm and comfortable environment.