Michelle Aldrich and Kimberly Ross started practicing as dental hygienists in the Salem area in 1992. After raising their children (four boys in all), they decided to challenge themselves and pursue their dream of becoming dentists. But, once a dental hygienist, always a dental hygienist! Why is this significant? Dental hygienists specialize in disease prevention, not cutting away tooth structure. If a cavity has the possibility to be reversed, then it should be tried before cutting away that precious tooth structure!
Dr. Aldrichmoved to the Willamette Valley in 1980 from Union, Oregon. The plan was to get a degree in Music Education, move back to Eastern Oregon, and teach band.She married her high school sweetheart and moved into a small trailer park next to the college campus in Monmouth. It was there they met Dr.Ross and her husband. An immediate friendship was struck between the two young couples.
Several years later the two friends decided to go to dental hygiene school. They attended OHSU School of Dentistry and received their Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). It was during their education at the dental school they first had an inkling they may want to eventually go on to become dentists. But as many dreams go, family priorities come first.
Over a decade later, Dr. Ross called Dr. Aldrich with information on going back to dental school. A few prerequisite courses and an entrance exam later, the two were off to dental school; Dr. Ross to Indiana University School of Dentistry and Dr. Aldrich to OHSU School of Dentistry. Sadly, after just ten short years in practice, Dr. Ross lost her battle with cancer. Dr. Aldrich continues to own and operate the practice and provide the type of dental care the two of them had always envisioned.
Dr. Wallace Dick started practicing dentistry in Sweet Home after graduating from Loma Linda University in 1994. He met and married his wife Brenda in 1996 and moved his practice to Keizer in 1998. When Dr. Ross became ill in 2019, Dr. Dick came in to help Riverbend Dental in their time of need. Part-time became full-time and many of his patients have joined him at Riverbend Dental. He has known Dr. Aldrich for approximately 15 years, dating back to his practice in Keizer when Dr. Aldrich was a dental hygienist in his employ.
Dr. Wallace grew up on a grain farm, a couple hours east of where the Alaska Highway originates on its way to the far north. After high school, he farmed with his dad and ran grader for the county, maintaining about 130 miles of gravel roads. In the 7 years between high school and his return to college, he worked for a meat delivery company driving various sized vehicles from small vans to tandem tractor and 42 foot trailer and also worked for a well stimulation company in central Alberta, performing the now infamous fracking with the average oil/gas well running at 5,000 to 12,000 feet in depth. At one point, he worked at an airport doing year round maintenance including snow removal, runway cleaning, hangar and equipment repair, steam fitting, and generalized grounds upkeep. Through all of it, the annual Canadian winter routinely made its appearance. He twice experienced 60 degrees below zero while working outside, and now heartily endorses the Oregon climate!
Dr. Wallace has a grown son, a daughter, and one granddaughter. He likes to golf, camp, bicycle, explore new states, build models, enjoys the coast, fly commercially, and would someday like to become a licensed sailplane pilot. He likes to find things he has in common with his patients, in order to connect with them. His attitude is to inform his patients of his findings as he works so that they are part of the process and feel connected, and perhaps share a smile and some humor on the way.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 33 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestApril Kelly
a year ago
Love love love Riverbend Dental! Not only are they excellent at caring for your teeth, they make you feel part of their family. Definitely recommend them!
Kat V
2 years ago
I haven't been to the dentists in this office, but I called multiple dentists offices when my dentist shut down unexpectedly. I came across Jordan Lopez who is in the office. Wow. What an excellent dedicated worker he is! He told me everything I needed to know and was willing to clear a quick appointment for me to be seen because of tooth pain. He checked out my insurance told me exactly what to expect in charges for different scenarios and scheduled me for that week. No other office offered such prompt professional service. I was so impressed but later found I had a schedule conflict. At that point my husband found me someone very close to our home or I would have gone to this office. Jordan Lopez called me to make certain that I had been cared for and still helped me know what to expect after I had my first checkup. If it wasn't a 30 minute drive for me, you would not be able to keep me away. I am hoping I can get at least satisfactory care w the dentist close by. Thank you Jordan Lopez!
Darlin'
2 years ago
Wow! I had the best dental experience yesterday at Riverbend. I was there for a new patient exam that was the most thorough assessment and dental education I've ever had. I also had a teeth cleaning and got to select and view/listen to a movie while my teeth were being cleaned. I even got a blanket! I felt so cozy and cared for! So glad I switched! I chose Riverbend because it was obvious from their website that they have taken very thorough precautions as far as COVID, and I prefer women providers. I'm a happy dental camper!
Isabella Jacoby
2 years ago
Excellent dental experience here! They take a little more time than others to make sure you're comfortable and that any work they do is perfect. Only place I've ever gone where you can't even feel the novocaine shot. They really care about all their patients, and the quality of their work is top-notch. They're also extremely knowledgeable - I came here with an ache other dentists hadn't been able to resolve, and they fixed it with just a quick bite adjustment on the tooth. They take very sensible precautions around air filtration and circulation, and sanitation generally, that make it feel safe to come here.
Darlin'
3 years ago
Wow! I had the best dental experience yesterday at Riverbend. I was there for a new patient exam that was the most thorough assessment and dental education I've ever had. I also had a teeth cleaning and got to select and view/listen to a movie while my teeth were being cleaned. I even got a blanket! I felt so cozy and cared for! So glad I switched! I chose Riverbend because it was obvious from their website that they have taken very thorough precautions as far as COVID, and I prefer women providers. I'm a happy dental camper!
Patient Zed
3 years ago
The new receptionist at the front desk acts more like a bouncer rather than receptionist. She's gruff and abrasive and I am seriously considering a new dentist because of her. It's a shame because Dr. Aldrich is excellent and so is her back office staff. They are highly professional and dedicated and are no doubt 5 stars; however, this new woman at the front desk will just ruin your day and your experience there as a patient. My family and I have been patients at Riverbend for many years and have never had any issues. That's why it's so difficult to write this review.
no no
3 years ago
Wow. Far and above the standard of care I've become accustomed to in the greater Salem area. I am pleasantly surprised to experience dental care like I remember from long ago. If you're looking for a quality experience, this is the place. Thank you folks.
Patient Zed
4 years ago
The new receptionist at the front desk acts more like a bouncer rather than receptionist. She's gruff and abrasive and I am seriously considering a new dentist because of her. It's a shame because Dr. Aldrich is excellent and so is her back office staff. They are highly professional and dedicated and are no doubt 5 stars; however, this new woman at the front desk will just ruin your day and your experience there as a patient. My family and I have been patients at Riverbend for many years and have never had any issues. That's why it's so difficult to write this review.
no no
4 years ago
Wow. Far and above the standard of care I've become accustomed to in the greater Salem area. I am pleasantly surprised to experience dental care like I remember from long ago. If you're looking for a quality experience, this is the place. Thank you folks.
Kris Kemp
4 years ago
My spouse and I have been going to Riverbend for 3 years. It is the best dental care that we have ever received! Everyone is friendly, thorough, and professional. They are sensitive their their patients' needs. They are dedicated and passionate about what they do!
T S
4 years ago
This place was suggested by a relative, and I am sure glad it was. The staff here are so attentive, best teeth cleaning of my life. What a nice dentist office :-)
T S
5 years ago
This place was suggested by a relative, and I am sure glad it was. The staff here are so attentive, best teeth cleaning of my life. What a nice dentist office :-)
Kris Kemp
5 years ago
My spouse and I have been going to Riverbend for 3 years. It is the best dental care that we have ever received! Everyone is friendly, thorough, and professional. They are sensitive their their patients' needs. They are dedicated and passionate about what they do!
Kristen Smith
5 years ago
Most people dislike the dentist. This place makes me enjoy coming to do some of the hardest things for some of us. The staff is great, the doctors are awesome and the amenities are amazing! What more can you ask for!
Jessica Friel
5 years ago
I just got a filling and I hardly knew they started before it was over. I was watching Top Gun the whole time. It was great!! I was so comfortable the whole time. I highly recommend Riverbend Dental!
Seattle CRE
5 years ago
I was faced with finding a solution to my difficult dental issues. I am so happy that I chose Riverbend Dental to help me get my smile back. Dr. Ross, Dr. Aldrich and the entire staff delivered such excellent care and customer service. I have never experienced such personalized attention in a Dental Office. And Sarah makes the most awesome temporary crowns that people thought they were the permanent ones! I would not hesitate to recommend this group of professionals.
Kristen Smith
5 years ago
Most people dislike the dentist. This place makes me enjoy coming to do some of the hardest things for some of us. The staff is great, the doctors are awesome and the amenities are amazing! What more can you ask for!
Neal Sperling
5 years ago
The staff is very friendly, and all procedures are completely explained so no surprises when they are doing work.
David Zeis
5 years ago
Riverbend dental was very helpful in diagnosing my tooth issue and helping take care of it
Neal Sperling
6 years ago
The staff is very friendly, and all procedures are completely explained so no surprises when they are doing work.
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