What makes a smile truly beautiful? Some say perfection, others, uniqueness. For the dentists at New Smiles Dental, it’s confidence. A smile brightens the eyes, can light up a room, and most importantly, can change the way a person sees themselves. For Dr. Nathan Doyel and Dr. Ben Aanderud, that ability to change a life is something they never take for granted.
New Smiles, formerly Pacific Family Dental, was established in 1999, and is located near Sherwood High School, directly off Highway 99 West and Meinecke Street. Their team consists of 25 employees including four doctors and eight hygienists. Dr. Doyel and Dr. Aanderud – partners in New Smiles for more than 20 years – have each been practicing dentistry for almost 30 years, constantly creating a welcoming environment and striving to offer only the best treatment options and care for their patients —just like they would their own families. That commitment shows up in monthly employee training, continual investment in the latest equipment and technology, and a culture that extends beyond the office walls.
“We want to provide the best care possible,” said Dr. Doyel. New Smiles has two out of eight Implant Specialists in Oregon, right in the same office. They provide a comprehensive range of services, from single to full-mouth implants to bone grafts, crowns, veneers, bridges, state-of-the-art cleanings, sedation options and free consultations. The longevity of their employees and their consistent desire to improve their office, services, and rapport sets them apart from other dental offices in the area.
Patients are always at the forefront of the doctors’ minds. “We listen to what their hopes and dreams are,” said Dr. Aanderud. New Smiles has a long-standing motto of treating patients like family, and remaining involved long after treatments are done.
Aside from dentistry, the team at New Smiles is involved in various community activities. Back in 2001, their office opened their doors for military personnel who needed checkups before being deployed. When COVID-19 first hit, they were the first dental office in the state to be certified by the CDC to help with vaccinations. They offer free wisdom teeth consultations for high school students, free teeth whitening for established patients and are grateful to give back to their community and schools.
The New Smiles family is involved in various events around town. From The Robin Hood Parade and Festival, to the Thanksgiving Day Give ‘n Gobble, to singing in plays put on by the Voices for the Performing Arts Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation For The Arts, to being the Title Sponsors for the sports program at Sherwood High School. The list is endless, and so is their love for their community. Many employees grew up or are raising their kids in Tualatin Valley and are thankful to be able to give back to the community that raised them and their family.
Understanding each patient means understanding the Sherwood community as a whole. New Smiles has worked consistently to satisfy each person who walks through their doors and make them feel like a part of the family. “We help anybody who wants to be helped,” said Dr. Doyel. New Smiles stays connected with many of the people they’ve helped, seeing firsthand how a renewed smile can brighten not only their lives, but the lives of everyone around them. Friendships and bonds drive their work that is deeply rooted in empathy, compassion, love and gratitude.
People have walked in with little to no teeth and walked out with a bright, beautiful smile, renewed confidence, and a newfound love for themselves. “You can change somebody’s life by changing their smile,” said Dr. Aanderud. For Dr. Doyel and Dr. Aanderud, dentistry has never been just a profession – it’s how they show up in a community that raised their families and shaped their lives. Their gratitude runs far deeper than what happens in a dental chair.
"We listen to what their hopes and dreams are"