Dr Trusha Patel

Growing up, I never imagined I would become a dentist. In fact, as a child, I was often fearful of dental visits and experienced my fair share of dental pain. I still remember sitting in my father's arms outside a movie theater, unable to join the rest of my family because of a toothache. At that time, dentistry was the last thing I saw in my future. When it came time to explore career paths, I was certain I wanted to be in healthcare. I shadowed anesthesiologists, pharmacists, surgeons—even lawyers—in hopes of discovering my passion. Dentistry wasn't even on my radar until my mother encouraged me to spend a day with our family dentist. After months of hesitation, I finally agreed to shadow for half a day. That half-day turned into a week, which turned into the entire summer—and ultimately, the start of my career. Through dentistry, I found something I never expected: the ability to make a difference instantly. I fell in love with the unique blend of science, artistry, and the most important in my opinion—personal connection. Relieving someone's pain, restoring their smile, and helping them feel comfortable in the dental chair is what drives me every day. What once was a source of fear has now become my greatest passion. Because I know firsthand how vulnerable it can feel to be leaned back in the chair with your mouth open, I make it a priority to check in with my patients throughout every procedure. I take my time to explain what I'm doing and to answer questions—because I believe understanding and comfort go hand in hand with great care. Today, my goal is to create the same supportive and compassionate environment for my patients that changed my own outlook on dentistry. Education & Credentials Dr. Patel earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Washington, followed by a post-baccalaureate pre-dental program at Portland State University. She then received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the OHSU School of Dentistry in Portland, OR. Throughout her extensive training, she also participated in numerous research programs and held key leadership roles, demonstrating her commitment to the field.