The Future of Dentistry
50 Years in the Making

Our mission is to deliver proactive patient care through a partnership with our patients to stop the disease-repair cycle by means of evidence-based methods of prevention and treatment.

Where We’ve Been

A review of the history and growth of Willamette Dental over the last 50 years.

1970s

A Humble Beginning

One small office in the quaint Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, OR, was where Willamette Dental Group began. It was 1970, and Eugene Skourtes, DMD, along with then business partner Gerald Cogan, DMD, fostered a new approach to dental care that focused on preventive care and long-term oral health instead of the traditional fee-for-service model.

1970s

1980s

Dentacare

We moved into contracting with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Oregon in the 70s – with Dentacare – one of the region’s earliest coordinated dental care programs. By 1983, Willamette Dental Group broke the mold again by offering patients their own pre-paid dental plans.

1980s

1990s

Washington & Idaho Expansion

Our practice continued to grow to more than 50 office locations throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In 1993 our insurance and patient care sites expanded into Washington, and we did the same in 1999 for Idaho.

1990s

Today

A Modern Approach

We are a fully integrated dental care organization, with highly skilled providers supported by our own insurance products that are comprehensive, affordable and simplified for our members. This progressive approach continues what Drs. Cogan and Skourtes originally set to do at the very beginning – focus on preventive care and long-term oral health.

Today

Where We’re Going

Dr. Skourtes continues as our visionary leader and the future of our privately-owned company is bright.

We intend to serve the oral care needs of our members in the Northwest for years to come. Our growth is steady and we like it that way. As new population centers emerge, or urban boundaries expand, Willamette Dental will pay attention to how we can best increase convenience for our members.

Modern thinking and advanced technologies support the care needs of our patients. We have 50 years of experience, and have our sights on the exciting possibilities that the next 50 years will bring.

OUR VISION
To be the employer and provider of choice.

Connected to Our Communities

We’re not just an office on a street. We’re your neighbors too. Willamette Dental is committed to extending oral health care education through active volunteerism. We also encourage our employees to respond to the needs of their communities by connecting with other non-profits, because there is strength in numbers.