Dr Thomas Spoonster

“My main focus will always be doing right by my patients. Simply put, I genuinely care about people and want to deliver a functional smile they love, so that they can achieve their goals. I am constantly driven to further my knowledge to stay on the cutting edge of patient care, so that I can provide this service in a way that is attainable for every person who walks through our door.” Meet Dr. Thomas Spoonster, DDS The Early Dream — Education at The Ohio State University From a young age, Thomas Spoonster knew he wanted to help people—an ambition inspired by watching a close family member work as a surgeon. Born and raised in Ohio, his passion for healing and making a difference led him to pursue dentistry. Attending The Ohio State University was a lifelong dream, and it was there that his journey truly began. Surrounded by mentors and fueled by purpose, Tom laid the foundation for a career built on compassion, excellence, and service. From Residency to Realization — After graduating, Dr. Tom completed a rigorous residency at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Here, he provided multi-specialty care to a diverse patient population and discovered a passion for implant dentistry. He continued his career at Zidel Dental Group in Columbus, where his technical skills sharpened, and his understanding of dentistry’s life-changing power deepened. It was during these years that Tom felt called to forge his own path and step into the future of dental medicine. Love and Leap — While growing as a clinician in Columbus, Tom met Allison in 2016—a Michigan native working at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Despite their playful rivalry over college football (Ohio State vs. U of M), their connection was undeniable. They married in 2019 in Michigan and soon after made a bold decision: to move to Bend, Oregon, and start a new chapter. With Allison’s unwavering support, Tom partnered with fellow Buckeye alum Dr. Alexander Smith to pursue his dream of owning a dental practice rooted in excellence and innovation. Lifelong Learning — A Commitment to Continued Education Dr. Tom believes the best care comes from never settling—and always learning. He has completed thousands of hours of continuing education to stay at the forefront of dentistry, with over 700 hours dedicated specifically toward implantology. Among his proudest achievements is completing the MaxiCourse in implant dentistry through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a 300+ hour curriculum covering biomedical sciences, diagnostics, and clinical mastery. His pursuit of knowledge is driven by a simple goal: to offer every patient the highest level of care possible. — A Life Rooted in Purpose Now a proud father to two young daughters, Maria and Makayla, Dr. Tom is growing both professionally and personally in Bend, Oregon. His practice continues to grow, his patients are thriving, and his family has found a true home in the high desert. He is currently on the path to earning the prestigious Diplomat status through the American Board of Oral Implantology and working toward becoming an Associate Fellow with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His journey is far from over—but the foundation is stronger than ever.