Meet Lane County Dental Society's 2023 President: Dr. Mercedes Del Valle, DDS, FAGD reprinted from LCDS May/June 2023 Newsletter

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My parents are from Chile and permanently made Puerto Rico their home in 1961. I finished high school in Puerto Rico in 1986 before attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for my undergraduate studies, graduating in 1990. I then went to the University of Iowa for dental school, graduating in 1994. I remained at the University of Iowa for a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, which I completed in 1995.

I have aspired to be a dentist since the 8th grade, when I participated in a school project for career week. The project required me to interview three individuals with different careers. I interviewed a rural veterinarian, a hospitalist internal medicine physician (my godfather), and my hometown general dentist. Initially, I was interested in becoming a veterinarian, but after interviewing the three professionals, I was most drawn to what my dentist had to say about his profession. He was extremely happy being a dentist, enjoying his work-life balance, helping people, and not having to deliver devastating news to patients. He mentioned that every day brought different challenges and that he was always excited to go to work. Now in his late 70s, he still practices part-time at his daughter's dental office. I shadowed him numerous times during high school, and like him, I have come to love all aspects of general dentistry.

I like to engage in a wide range of activities outside of the dental practice, pursuing hobbies such as hiking, playing the piano, and reading. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two dogs: Sadie, a 15-year-old Border Collie-Labrador mix who weighs 47 pounds, and Zoey, an eight-year-old German Shepherd weighing about 75 pounds. Sadie was an amazing hiker, but she hasn't hiked for two years now due to a decline in her stamina. Zoey has since become my hiking companion, while Sadie relaxes at home.

Dr. Donald Dexter, DMD Opens Sleep Center at Eugene's Inkwell Building - Reprinted from January/February 2023 Newsletter

 

At his new practice Eugene Dental Sleep Center, Dr. Donald Dexter will treat obstructive sleep apnea with appliances as a noninvasive alternative to the CPAP.  Dr. Dexter started his extensive study of sleep medicine in 2012 and has attended Mini-Residencies at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Dental Sleep Medicine, Temporomandibular Disorders, and Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine. In 2020 he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). 

Dr. Dexter’s efficient approach to working with his patients streamlines the process so they can get relief quickly.  After the first visit, the patient is sent home with a sleep study device. Once completed, the study is automatically sent to to Dr. Dexter. He has had some patients go through their initial visit to starting treatment in as little as 3-4 weeks.

Dr. Dexter describes his practice as community-based, “You can build a house with a hammer, but you need more than a hammer to build a house. Oral appliances are a tool that I can provide and teach patients how to use, but there are a lot of other tools in the toolbox that builds a house of wellness."  

His office has two community areas. One is the Red Room, a reading room with refreshments and resources for staff and patients. The other is an art exhibition room that will host art shows and provide space for community wellness classes. This room will also serve as a community meeting room that can host study groups and other small events. 

Dr. Dexter's passion for art and community is not new. In 2021, Dr. Dexter curated the R0 Prayer Flag Redux Community Project displayed in Eugene’s downtown. R0 refers to the number of infections that occur because of one infection. The project’s purpose was to positively infect others with peace, hope, love, empathy, and compassion in the face of the Covid Pandemic. Community members joined with Willamette High School students to create the flags. (“2021 Windowfront Exhibitions”)

“2021 Windowfront Exhibitions” Retrieved from https://eugene-or.gov/4638/2021-Windowfront-Exhibitions.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Sproul-Hammond, DMD Finding Life Balance through Giving Back and Setting Priorities - Reprinted from January/February 2023 Newsletter

 For Army National Guard veteran, Dr. Sproul, service is what drew her into dentistry. Her father, Dr. William B. Sproul, was a dentist and Sonja didn’t think she would follow in his footsteps until after she went on a dental mission trip to Belize with him as a high school student. There she discovered the joy of serving and the travel opportunities that can accompany the dental profession, later volunteering on humanitarian trips to both Africa and Honduras. She was also attracted to the artistic and creative aspects of the field. She now helps encourage other young women to join dentistry by having them shadow her at her practice.

Today Dr. Sproul makes giving back an important part of her practice's philosophy. Although she is not currently making international dental trips, Sonja has partnered with local organizations, such as Catholic Community Service’s Refugee and Immigrant Services Program (RISP) to give back at her practice. When one of her patients told her about women refugees from Afghanistan who needed dental work she did not hesitate to help. She sees those she helps during her normal working hours, “It’s a nice way that I can still feel like I’m contributing my skills and really making a big difference in someone’s life ."

When asked about advice for women going into dentistry who plan to have families and want a good work-life balance, Dr. Sproul shares how this was possible for her, crediting her dad for his advice. He told her that having a financial plan from the beginning would allow her the opportunity to try and get ahead quickly.

Heading his advice to set herself up financially has afforded Dr. Sproul the flexibility that she has today, allowing her to do the work she loves and have time with her baby too. When she discovered she was pregnant, she had the flexibility to shift her schedule to three days a week. Another key to her successful work-life balance was is being part of a community of other women dentists with children who understand the challenge and are willing to help each other when emergencies arise.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Lewis Blue, Retired Dentist and Past LCDS President - Reprinted from LCDS November/December 2022 Newsletter

 

Dr. Lewis Blue and his wife, Judy

“I would like for an officer or some other respected dentist to call a dentist friend who hasn’t been involved in leadership and ask them to get involved, similar to the way I was prodded many years ago.”

Born in Oklahoma, Dr. Lewis Blue’s family moved from Oklahoma to Eugene when he was six years old. He knew he wanted to be in the health field since he was in Junior High.  After his brother entered a pre-dental program, he decided he wanted to be a dentist. Dr. Blue attended the University of Oregon School of Dentistry, and while pursuing his profession, he also was very active in student government.  He met his wife, Judy, while attending Dental School.  He was a senior, and she was in her first year studying to be a dental hygienist. They married after she graduated. 

Dr. Lewis Blue started a General Dentistry practice in 1964, which became the Oakway Dental Group when three others joined the practice. While practicing, Dr. Blue enjoyed how grateful people were when he was able to provide the care that they needed.  

His wife, Judy, assisted him in his practice as a receptionist and a part-time hygienist while they raised their daughter and son. Judy was also a teacher for Lane Community College’s dental hygiene program for over twenty years. Dr. Blue joined LCDS in 1964.  Dr. Keith Stenshoel called Dr. Blue and told him he needed to get involved.  This friendly spurring led to Dr. Blue becoming an officer for Lane County Dental Society, holding many roles, including president in 1984. He was also active in the Oregon Dental Association, Oregon Academy of General Dentistry, and the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Dr. Blue stresses the importance of representation, “It would be wonderful if more members would get involved at the local and state level. It is disappointing to me that Lane County doesn’t have anyone on the Board of Dentistry. Being one of the larger populated areas in the state, Lane needs to be represented on the BOD.” Even now, Dr. Blue is assisting with the planning of the LCDS’ June 2023 retiree luncheon.

Now Dr. Blue is retired, golfing, and enjoying his four granddaughters. He remembers attending a retirement lecture years ago that helped him get perspective on planning for retirement. This speaker stressed the importance of not thinking that you will spend less money during retirement. “You won’t! So, plan accordingly!” 

Member Spotlight: Dr. Jossi Stokes Many Years of Service with ODA - Reprinted from September/October 2022 LCDS Newsletter

Dr. Stokes started her practice in the Eugene area 20 years ago.  Her first experience of leadership was joining the LCDS council as a director at large.  She continued to volunteer on the council holding all leadership positions until she applied to be an ODA Trustee. Being involved at the state level gave Dr. Stokes the opportunity to interact with dentists all over the country and learn a lot from other ADA leaders.  After taking a break from leadership roles, she was asked to join ODA’s new Leadership Development Committee which would help create leaders to fill needed leadership roles throughout Oregon. She served as the chair for a couple years.

After six years, Dr. Stokes is still a member of the ODA’s Leadership Development Committee. This committee continues to build leaders through the Oregon Dental Association Leadership Academy.  Those who participate will get an inside look into the workings of the ODA, as well as develop leadership and interpersonal skills. Dr. Stokes said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the leadership development committee, more than I ever thought I would. I couldn’t say enough words to encourage people to get involved.” After completing the academy, participants often find something they are interested in and start volunteering.  In addition to volunteering for ODA, Dr. Stokes also started volunteering as a board member for Food for Lane County, utilizing her leadership skills to help her community.

Dr. Stokes said, “Volunteering with ODA is easier than people think!” Today the time commitment of participating as a leader in the ODA has become more streamlined with Zoom meetings and shorter in-person meetings, making the time commitment more manageable than it has been in the past. 

If you want to apply for the 2023 leadership academy, applications need to be completed by December 2, 2022. More information and the application can be found here:

https://www.oregondental.org/about-us/leadership-governance/leadership-academy
 

New Member Spotlight: Dr. Mike Purcell, DDS - Reprinted from July/August 2022 LCDS Newsletter

Join LCDS in welcoming Dr. Purcell to Oregon and the Lane County Dental Society. He is currently working at Dr. Katrina Drew’s practice Pediatric Dental Associates in Eugene. 

In high school, Dr. Drew received a dental assisting certificate; after which, he earned an associates degree in Dental Laboratory Technology. He completed dental school in 1993 and began practicing general dentistry working three days a week with adults and one with children. He discovered that his passion is for pediatric dentistry and through this work he has been able to make positive impacts and children he has treated.

Prior to moving to Oregon with his son, Christoper, Dr. Purcell worked in his own practice for over twenty years. At Pediatric Dental Associates, he is able to pass on lessons that he has learned, thereby influencing future pediatric specialists.

Community service is also very important to Dr. Purcell. He has been involved in Colorado’s Give Kids a Smile Day, Colorado Mission of Mercy, and International Surgical Missions to the Philippines and Ecuador. He also was a member of the cleft lip and palate team at Boys Town. Dr. Purcell will continue to pursue his passion to make oral health available to those in need and look for future opportunities to go on dental missions at home or abroad.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Robert A. Carmichael - Reprinted from January/February 2022 Newsletter

When I walked into Dr. Carmichael’s dentist’s office, I was immediately aware of the fun, friendly atmosphere that can make clients and visitors feel at home.  I was greeted warmly by the office manager, Janet, who gave me a walk through the office that Dr. Carmichael decorated with a nautical theme. His collection of antique and historical dentist equipment includes electric toothbrushes from far back as the 1940s, bottle openers, a pump drill, and antique dental furniture, including a 1928 dental X-ray machine that was used before the dangers of radiation were known.

Dr. Carmichael is the third dentist to take over his practice. The first dentist was Dr. York and he was followed by Dr. Tye. The original Lane County Dental Society started in 1913 with 12 dentists, including Dr. York. Dr. Tye joined Dr. York’s practice and became a society member in 1919. This was the same year every member of the society pledged to take care of one indigent child every month.  These members would also volunteer their services at the Elk’s Dental Clinic and later at the Woman’s League Dental Clinic.

Before joining the practice in 1968, Dr. Carmichael served in Vietnam working in a forward area dental tent. While I was at his office, he let me examine a piece of shrapnel from a Russian rocket that hit his tent, as well as a picture of the crater outside the tent where the rocket hit. 

Dr. Carmichael said the biggest change during his time in dentistry is that dentists used to stand to work on patients and they only had one dental assistant who did a number of jobs in the office.  Today, each dentist can sit while they work on their patients and they need several staff members to run their office.

One of the biggest honors Dr. Carmichael received in his career was when he was awarded the Lane County Glen Purdy Distinguished Dentist Award, which honors one’s dental career as well as service to the community.  Dr. Carmichael served as LCDS’ president in 1985. When he does finally retire, he will continue to do volunteer work. 

View full January/February 2022 Newsletter

Subscribe to LCDS eNews