Dr. Baarstad is committed to providing an excellent dental experience for each of her patients. This commitment to the highest quality care means that she is continually improving her clinical skills, updating the equipment and facility, and training staff. In addition to ongoing continuing education, she has taken advanced training in placing dental implants. She has witnessed how patients have achieved dramatically improved dental health and self-image because of the advancements in dental implant technology. Recently, Dr. Baarstad completed the rigorous requirements to become a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), awarded to fewer than 5% of all practicing dentists in America. As the leader of the SmileAlive team, Dr. Baarstad believes that a commitment to excellence begins with the doctor.
At SmileAlive, our stated goal is Dental care that fits YOUR LIFE. We know that each patients needs and desires are different, and we will not dismiss whatever issue is your concern. Dr. Baarstad is committed to seeing each person as a whole. The SmileAlive team will begin by gathering information so that we can design a plan that works for you. This may include an immediate plan as well as a long range map with realistic and obtainable goals. Our trained staff will take the time to address any fear or question because educating you about your dental health is our passion. And, our financial team has a variety of plans to meet your individual need. Dont let an obstacle prevent you from getting the oral health you want and deserve.
SmileAlive is a family. Dr. Baarstad invests in her employees because she believes that a staff of happy, healthy employees is an immeasurable asset. Continuing education is provided for all staff so that each employee is fully trained for their position. We have fun. We care about each other. We lift each other up and encourage each other to be the best we can be. Because of this attitude, we have very low staff turn-over and many long term employees. Dr. Baarstad knows that having a great team of professionals benefits everyone our doctors, our staff and our patients is one of the many reasons why SmileAlive has been selected several times by the Eugene/Springfield community as a Peoples Choice Favorite Dental Office, including #1 in 2017.
After graduating from dental school he entered the Navy, was stationed in South Carolina for a short time and then was moved to Hawaii where he finished his Naval career. He enjoys all aspects of dentistry including oral surgery and endodontics. When he is not in the dental office, he enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and macrame. He looks forward to beginning his private practice dental career in Eugene.
Susan has two adult sons. One son is an endodontist (root canal specialist) in California, and the other son is in medical device sales. Susan has worked in dentistry for over 40 years and has been with the SmileAlive team since 2002.
Susan enjoys her relationshipswith team members, knowing together they are improving patients health and self images. She likes being part of a business that is making a positivecontribution not only to their patients but to the community. When she is not at work, you can find her at the golf course or on the ballroom dance floor. She is part of a dance performance group in Eugene and attendsmany local danceswhere she spins and glideseffortlessly on the dance floor. She is also an excellentcook and enjoys entertaining family and friends, treating them to her culinary skills.
Kris and her husband, Brad, both grew up in Wenatchee, Washington but have lived in Eugene since 1992. They have 2 sons, 1 daughter and one daughter in law. Kris has been in dentistry since 1976 and has been a hygienist since 1981.
She and Dr. Baarstad have known each other for over 20 years as they worked together in another dental office before Dr. Baarstad went to dental school. Kris joined the Smile Alive team in 2006 and a favorite part of her job is not only helping her patients achieve and maintain good oral health with a gentle, compassionate touch but also getting to know her patients on a personal level. She looks forward to seeing them on a regular basis. Outside of the dental office she enjoys quilting, scrap booking, cooking, reading, travel, and spending time with her grandchildren. Kris feels very blessed to work with an amazing group of professionals who sincerely care about each other and their patients.
Teri has been with SmileAlive since 2013 and sees patients at both our Eugene and Springfield locations. She started in the dental field in 1996 working many years at the front office doing just about everything before deciding to attend Lane Community College and get her Dental Hygiene degree.
She loves building relationships with her patients and connecting with them on a personal level. Teri and her husband grew up in the Eugene/Springfield area and their family includes their daughter and their son and daughter-in-law. They also have a golden lab and a pet squirrel too! Teri is quite creative and enjoys scrap booking and sign making. Teris patients enjoy her fun, caring manner and her thoroughness in caring for their dental health needs.
Cari began her dental career in 2003, starting as a dental assistant and joined the SmileAlive team in 2014. Cari is a new Grandma and you wont have to ask her more than once to show you a picture of her adorable grandson!
She is quite proud and she should be as he is a little cutie. In addition to her grandson, Cari and her husband have 3 wonderful children. She loves being able to interact with her patients and being able to play a critical role in creating the steps to move patients towards better dental health. She is a master at working with Insurance companies to help patients maximize their benefits. Outside of work hours Cari loves to travel, read and walk.
Teri has been a part of the SmileAlive team for 8 years and has 17 years experience in the dental field, all of it at our Springfield location. She worked for the dentist who previously practiced at our Springfield office and she is a huge asset to the practiceand has many long standing relationships with the patients. She really enjoys helping our patients and works hard dealing with their insurance making sure they get the most out of their benefits. Outside of the office, Teri loves spending time with her grandchildren, camping, kayaking and being at the Oregon Coast.
She is one of only 80 assistants in the state of Oregon to hold this certificate. She loves making patients feel comfortable at the dental office and is a highly skilled Dental Assistant having been in dentistry for about 9 years with 7 of those years at Smilealive. She and her husband are parents to two very active children and spend their weekends at their sporting events and activities. Amanda is also amazingly creative and loves to sew, craft and quilt. She is proud to be part of the Smilealive team and always has a smile and a positive can do attitude.
Brandie has been at SmileAlive since 2015 and has been in the dental field since 2005. One of her favorite parts being a dental assistant is being able to see the transformations in her patients after they complete their dental work.
She believes that for patients who may be apprehensive about dental treatment that the hardest part may be walking through the door and that the anticipation is almost always worse than the actual treatment. Brandie strives to make each patient feel comfortable and cared for by listening to their needs and concerns. She feels very fortunate to work with a team of professionals that feel like family. Brandie has a large extended family and they enjoy getting together often for dinners, camping and Bar B Ques. She grew up in the Eugene/Springfield area and loves raising her family and working here.
SmileAlive is a family. Dr. Baarstad invests in her employees because she believes that a staff of happy, healthy employees is an immeasurable asset. Continuing education is provided for all staff so that each employee is fully trained for their position. We have fun. We care about each other. We lift each other up and encourage each other to be the best we can be. Because of this attitude, we have very low staff turn-over and many long term employees. Dr. Baaarstad knows that having a great team of professionals benefits everyone our doctors, our staff and our patients is one of the many reasons why SmileAlive has been selected several times by the Eugene/Springfield community as a Peoples Choice Favorite Dental Office, including #1 in 2017.