Meet Our Best Dentist – Terri Baarstad DMD, FAGD

Dr. Baarstad is a passionate caregiver who has a vision – to change the world, one smile at a time.

Dr. Baarstad began her professional career as a dental assistant in 1987. 10 years later she enrolled in Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School, graduating as a DMD in 2001.

During her career she has seen how quality dental care can change the lives of her patients. She also recognizes that too many people avoid the dentist because they believe dentistry is uncomfortable, time-consuming and /or unaffordable.

Dr. Baarstad is passionate about correcting these misconceptions. Modern dental technology has transformed the way dental care is delivered, and today patients experience a comfortable, time efficient appointment.

Preventive oral care results in reducing oral disease and is extremely cost efficient. If you need restorative care, Dr. Baarstad uses modern dental materials to restore your teeth to their natural beauty. If your goal is simply to improve the look of your teeth, cosmetic materials can transform your smile. And, that’s how Dr. Baarstad and the SmileAlive team can change the world, one smile at a time.

A LEADER WHO SETS THE TONE

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.

REMOVING OBSTACLES

Did you know that only half of Americans see a dentist regularly? This statistic includes many people who have dental insurance. What are the obstacles that discourage so many Americans from seeking dental care. For some, it is fear and anxiety based on a past traumatic experience. Some are embarrassed about the current condition of their mouth, resulting from years of neglect. For others, it is a lack of knowledge about the value of preventive care and the possibilities of restoring their mouth to a healthy condition. Patients often express the belief “it doesn’t hurt so that must mean that I don’t need treatment”. Financial concern is another obstacle that discourages someone from making an appointment.

At SmileAlive, our stated goal is “Dental care that fits YOUR LIFE.” We know that each patient’s 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. Don’t let an obstacle prevent you from getting the oral health you want and deserve.

CONVENIENCE

Everyone is busy. That’s why we value your time and are committed to seeing you in a timely manner. SmileAlive has two locations: the Eugene office near Valley River Center, and our Springfield office in the Mohawk district. You can establish at one location or choose the office that best fits your schedule at the time of your appointment. Our doctors and hygienists are trained to provide most of the dental procedures that you and your family may need. Not only can we do your checkup, cleaning, fillings and crowns, but we also extract teeth, place dental implants and restore implants to replace one or more missing teeth.   We offer CEREC technology at both locations so that your crown can be completed in one day, eliminating temporaries and a return visit. If you are interested in cosmetic procedures, we offer teeth bleaching, veneers and minor orthodontics. Our goal is to provide as many services as possible in one place, minimizing the need to refer you and your family to different specialists.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology has changed the way health care is delivered today, creating both positive and negative outcomes. The advantages of technology at SmileAlive are: appointment text and email reminders, the ability to share your clinical information between our two offices, and the efficient processing of insurance claims and billing statements. Because of advances in equipment technology, we can create CEREC crowns in the office in one visit. We use a small vibration device (DENTAL VIBE) that blocks brain nerves and allows us to deliver painless injections. Digital radiographs deliver immediate images without chemicals and use a fraction of the radiation that the old film Xrays required. Intraoral cameras enable you to see inside your mouth so you can see what we see. We will continue to invest in technology that benefits our patients, but technology will never replace human contact. When you call our office, we will answer the phone with a smile because we appreciate that you have chosen our team to provide care to you and your family.

A STAFF IS LIKE FAMILY

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 People’s Choice Favorite Dental Office, including #1 in 2017.