Your Portland Oregon Dental Team
Julie - Office Manager
I have been a patient of Dr. David Carothers for over 20 years. I know you’ll experience as I did his expertise in knowing what the best care for your dental needs will be.
I have always enjoyed working in an office that is eager to help people. Here, I see pain relieved and smiles returned.
As Kathy is moving on to another adventure in her life, I’ll be filling some pretty big shoes. I’ll be working mostly behind the scenes making sure that each team member have what they need to maintain the
efficiency of our practice and care of our patients. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, my significant other Toby, Bella my min pin, Molly, an adopted cat, and Ginger a rescued lab. I love anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Heather - Financial Coordinator
I got my start in the field of dentistry in 1992 as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. In 1997 I transitioned into the management end of the dental field, combining my past dental assisting experience with advanced dental office administration.
As Financial Coordinator for our office, my primary function is to help our patients find an easy and comfortable way to pay for their dental investment. If financing is needed, I am able to offer some great options including interest-free for up to 18 months or up to 60 months at a moderate interest rate. I have an office with which to keep our discussions private. I have a willing ear to help patients that may need a little more time understanding their recommended treatment, how that impacts their finances and to help them find a way to make the investment in their oral health. Part of my job also includes the dental insurance area such as finding out the benefits, submitting insurance claims (most are sent electronically) and tracking any claims not paid in a timely manner. I treat our patients like I would want to be treated if I were in the same situation. Compassion and communication go a long way in working out solutions to a sometimes uncomfortable or difficult situation.
Outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, which include family, friends, and my three wonder dogs, Spanky, Sherman, and Catcher. My passion, which fills up the majority of my time outside of the office, is breeding and raising Arabian horses.
Sarah - Office Coordinator
I have been in the healthcare field for 11 years but had not worked in a dental office. I worked in the same building as our office and had been a patient for a couple of years when I was invited to join this great team. I have always had an affinity for the dental field but never had the opportunity to become part of a dental team.
I have learned a lot since I’ve been here and love every minute of it. I love people and my goal is to make each person that walks in the front door of our practice to feel welcome and cared for. I enjoy working in an environment that allows me to offer our patients a beverage or to give a new patient a tour of our office or call on patients to see how they’re doing after their dental treatment. It’s all about caring for people and that is what we do here. I’m really proud of what we provide and how we treat people.
When outside of the office I enjoy time with my family, friends and my dog, Gage.
Kim, EFDA - Treatment Coordinator
I have been a dental assistant for 14 years and love the variety my career gives me.
I worked with Dr. Carothers a number of years ago but had to leave because my family and I moved to Bend. I'm back in Portland and am very excited to be back at Dr. Carothers' office. I enjoy working with everyone here and love helping our patients feel comfortable and at ease during their dental treatment. I want my patients to understand their treatment and will answer any questions that come up regarding that treatment. I think it's important that patients understand what their treatment entails so they can make informed choices in their health care.
I also really enjoy the new technology that Dr. Carothers has put in place to help benefit his patients and I love learning the technology to assist him in making it easier for our patients.
Some of the activities I enjoy outside the office are knitting and digital photography. I also have two teenage girls that keep me on my toes!
Debi, RDH - Dental Hygienist
I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1996, having graduated from Mt. Hood Community College Dental Hygiene School in 1996. I completed my undergraduate studies at Eastern Washington University, earning my Bachelor of Science degree. As the Director of Hygiene for Dr. Carothers, I make it a priority to remain well-versed on the most current dental hygiene-related developments by subscribing to and reading dental journals and by attending workshops and study clubs. I participate in continuing education at the annual Oregon Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Hygiene Association. My total commitment is to the dental health of my patients and I enjoy providing recommendations to help my patients achieve a high level of oral health. I embrace the principles of ethical conduct, good communication and gentle yet effective treatment as my professional guidelines.
Outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my family. I scrapbook pictures and momentos of them and the things we have done together. I also enjoy staying fit which involves running, Pilates and yoga.