Most PPO plans in-network OHP patients welcome Se habla español
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm · Sat 9am–2pm ☎ (503) 555-0123
Home → About Us the people behind the smiles

Built by neighbors,
for neighbors

We opened East Salem Dental because our own families deserved a dental office that gives clear answers and dependable care, and so does yours.

our story

It started with a bad experience — someone else's

Dr. Vasquez's abuela once drove 40 minutes across town because no nearby office "felt comfortable" for a Spanish-speaking grandmother on OHP. She got a rushed visit, a confusing bill, and a treatment plan no one explained.

That story became our blueprint in reverse. East Salem Dental was designed from day one to be the office where everyone — the software engineer with premium PPO coverage, the retiree who needs dentures, the family on OHP — gets the same unhurried explanations and the same honest prices.

Today we're proud to be one of the fastest-growing dental homes in Salem, with over 300 five-star reviews and a waiting room that sounds like our neighborhood: English and Spanish, kids and grandparents, all welcome.

That promise now has a page of its own: our community commitment — one schedule, one standard of care, OHP and Medicaid families welcomed without limits, and every visit helping keep it that way.

Dr. Elena Vasquez & Dr. Michael Tran Founders, East Salem Dental
what we believe —
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Clarity is kindnessIf you can't explain it simply, you shouldn't drill it. Photos, plain language, real prices.
🤝
One standard of carePPO, OHP, cash, or membership — the dentistry is identical. Only the paperwork differs.
🌎
Meet people in their languageSe habla español todos los días — from the front desk to the operatory.
🕐
Respect the clockWe run on time. If we're ever 15+ minutes late, your next hygiene visit is on us.
your doctors

Two dentists, one obsession: your trust

EV

Dr. Elena Vasquez, DMD

General & Family Dentistry · Co-founder

OHSU School of Dentistry graduate with 12 years of experience. Dr. Vasquez leads our family and emergency care, and is famous for her "show me before you tell me" chairside style — every diagnosis comes with a photo you can see. Mom of two, Bush Park regular, unapologetic Timbers fan.

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MT

Dr. Michael Tran, DDS

Dentures & Restorative Care · Co-founder

With advanced training in removable prosthetics and implant dentistry, Dr. Tran has rebuilt over 1,000 smiles. He treats every denture like a custom instrument — measured, tuned, and adjusted until it disappears into your life. Weekend woodworker, which explains a lot.

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the front line

The team you'll actually talk to

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Lucia Mendoza

Office Manager · Insurance Whisperer

Eight years untangling dental insurance. If a benefit exists in your plan, Lucia will find it — in English or Spanish.

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Katie Pham, RDH

Lead Hygienist

Gentle hands, great playlists, and a sixth sense for nervous patients. Katie's cleanings have converted more dental skeptics than we can count.

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JR

Jose Rivera, EFDA

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

The calm voice beside the chair. Jose walks every patient through what's happening before it happens — nadie se queda con dudas.

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come on in

An office designed around you

📷Intraoral camerasSee exactly what we see, on a big screen
🩻Low-dose digital X-raysUp to 80% less radiation
🅿️Free on-site parkingRight off Lancaster Dr, next to the bus line
🧸Kids' cornerBooks, toys & a treasure box for brave patients
the road so far

A short history of a new favorite

January 2026

Doors open on Lancaster Drive

Two doctors, four team members, and a promise taped to the breakroom wall: clear answers, dependable care.

March 2026

Same-day emergency program launches

Daily reserved slots for toothaches and breaks. Over 400 emergencies seen in the first six months.

May 2026

100th denture delivered

Celebrated with cake the patient could actually eat. (She chose the caramel apple.)

August 2026

300+ five-star reviews and counting

Now welcoming new PPO, OHP, and membership patients, and adding Saturday hours to keep up.

come meet us in person —

The first visit is the hardest. We make it easy.

Free office tours anytime. Or jump straight in with a new-patient exam — often $0 with PPO insurance.

Book my first visit ☎ (503) 555-0123 Evening & Saturday appointments available
☎ Call now Book online