How often should we come in for cleanings?

Every six months for most people. Patients with gum disease or high cavity risk may benefit from 3-4 month intervals. We'll recommend a schedule based on your exam, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Home → Services → Family Dentistry every age, one dental home

Family Dentist in Salem, Oregon

Q: At what age should my child first see a dentist?

By their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits are quick, gentle, and mostly about building comfort. At East Salem Dental, first visits for kids under 3 are free with a parent's cleaning.

Q: Can my whole family be seen on the same day?

Yes. That's one of our most-used features. We stack family appointments back-to-back or in parallel chairs, so a family of four is typically in and out in about 90 minutes.

Q: Do you take OHP for kids and adults?

Yes. We welcome Oregon Health Plan members of every age, and OHP typically covers exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride for kids, and fillings at no cost to you.

One office for toddler checkups, teen fillings, your cleanings, and grandma's crown — with back-to-back scheduling so the whole family is done in one trip.

🕖Open 7am + Saturdaysbefore school & work👨‍👩‍👧Family blockseveryone done in one trip

A dental home for every member of your household

Finding a family dentist in Salem usually means compromise: the office that's great with kids can't handle grandpa's bridge, and the one with the fancy equipment makes your eight-year-old cry. East Salem Dental was designed to end that compromise. Dr. Elena Vasquez and Dr. Michael Tran treat every age — from a baby's first tooth to denture care — in one friendly office on Lancaster Drive.

Our exam rooms are stocked for both ends of life: a treasure box and flavored fluoride for the kids, warm blankets and patient explanations for the grown-ups, and intraoral cameras for everyone, because seeing your own tooth on a screen beats taking anyone's word for it.

What's included in family dental care

Checkups & cleanings — thorough, gentle, and on schedule, with digital low-radiation X-rays
Children's dentistry — first visits, sealants, fluoride, and cavity care with zero scary vibes
Tooth-colored fillings — durable composite that disappears into your smile
Crowns & bridges — most crowns completed in two visits
Gum therapy — deep cleanings with a maintenance plan you'll actually understand
Night guards & sports guards — protection for grinders and goalies alike

Built for busy Salem families

We open at 7am on weekdays so you can be seen before school drop-off, and we hold Saturday morning hours for families who can't miss work. Best of all, we stack family appointments: a family of four is typically finished — all four cleanings and exams — in about 90 minutes.

We're located at 1251 Lancaster Dr NE with free on-site parking, an easy drive from Four Corners, Hayesville, Keizer, and anywhere in Northeast Salem.

Insurance that works for families

We're in-network with most PPO plans — Delta Dental, MODA, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, and more, and we proudly welcome Oregon Health Plan (OHP) families. Kids' preventive care is typically covered at 100% by both. No insurance? Our Smile Membership covers the whole family from $79/month. Whatever your situation, you'll get a written price before any treatment starts.

Y sí — se habla español todos los días.

Family dentistry questions we hear a lot

At what age should my child first see a dentist? +

By their first birthday, or within six months of that first tooth — whichever comes first. Early visits are short and playful, and they make every later visit easier. Kids under 3 are seen free with a parent's cleaning.

Can my whole family be seen on the same day? +

Yes. It's our specialty. We schedule family blocks back-to-back or in parallel chairs. Tell us how many smiles you're bringing and we'll build the block for you.

Do you take OHP for kids and adults? +

Yes, for every age. OHP typically covers exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride for kids, and fillings at no cost. See our OHP page for details.

How often should we come in? +

Every six months for most people. If you have gum disease or high cavity risk, we may recommend 3–4 month intervals — based on your exam, not a sales quota.