Meet Our Dentists Bend, OR

“My passion elevating dentistry to a new level grew from my love of art, Working with my hands and genuine care my patients. I realized how important it was for me to offer my patients a wide range Of therapies and educate them on the different modalities of available care. In doing this, my patients are better equipped to decide what treatment method would be best for their oral health and financial means.”

Dental School Fosters Lifelong Partnership

Continuing his educational journey at The Ohio State University, Dr. Smith delved deeper into the field of dentistry, where his passion for comprehensive dental care, surgery, and digital technology flourished. This period also marked the inception of a profound friendship with Dr. Tom Spoonster, a bond that would later prove instrumental in shaping his professional path. Throughout his tenure at Ohio State, Dr. Smith devoted himself wholeheartedly to refining his skills and expanding his knowledge base, driven by a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional dental care to his community. His unwavering dedication and tireless efforts culminated in his graduation at the top of his class in 2013, marking the beginning of a promising career dedicated to serving others with excellence and compassion.

Four Years as a Proud U.S. Army Captain: Honing Expertise and Patriotism

Following his graduation, Dr. Smith proudly served as a Captain in the United States Army for four years. Stationed initially in Seoul, South Korea, and later at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he felt deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve his country. During his military service, he worked closely with dental specialists, honing his expertise and developing a profound sense of patriotism. His time in the Army not only refined his professional skills but also reinforced his dedication to serving others with the highest standards of care.

Journey from Fort Bragg to a Dream Wedding in Thailand

During his time in the Army, Dr. Smith met his wife, Riya, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Riya also served in the Army as a linguist for the U.S. Army Green Berets. Originally from Thailand, Riya attended high school and college in Sydney, Australia, and is fluent in four languages. The couple married in 2017 on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

Esteemed Implant Pathway Instructor and Aspiring Dental Implants Diplomat

Dr. Smith’s dedication to his craft is exemplified by his invitation to become an instructor at Implant Pathway, a prestigious program where he teaches fellow doctors the intricate techniques of implant placement. Known for his exceptional skills and expertise, Dr. Smith has built a reputation among top implant specialists as a highly skilled and knowledgeable practitioner. His pursuit of becoming a “Dental Implants Diplomat,” the highest honor for implant specialists, further underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of dentistry.

Bendite Makes Dental History as Central Oregon’s Sole Implant Diplomat

Dr. Smith, a native of Bend, Oregon, traces his roots back to the earliest pioneers who traversed the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. Growing up in the Tangewood neighborhood, he embraced the outdoor lifestyle of Central Oregon, spending his days snowboarding and playing the drums. His adventurous spirit led him to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout during his involvement with the Boy Scouts, showcasing his commitment to leadership and service.

After graduating from Summit High School in 2004, Dr. Smith embarked on his academic journey at the University of Oregon, where he proudly embraced the university’s spirit as a Duck. There, he pursued his passion for Human Physiology while also obtaining double minors in business and chemistry, laying a strong foundation for his future career in dentistry.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

 — 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.