The Masters of Dentistry building at 628 NW York Drive, Bend: grey stucco, a steep gabled roof and the swan sign above the arches.
Accepting new patients · second opinions at no charge

Implants start to finish, here in Bend.

Dr. Tad Hodgert has placed dental implants since 1972 and teaches implant and restorative dentistry to other dentists. Diagnosis, grafting, the implant and the tooth on top all happen in one office in Northwest Crossing.

Dr. Tad Hodgert, DMD 50+

years given to the art and science of implant, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Fellowships, teaching and memberships held by Dr. Hodgert

ICOIFellowAmerican Academy of Implant DentistryAssociate FellowOregon AAID MaxiCourseMentorGnathology NorthwestMember for decadesClinician’s ReportClinical research associate
The swan sign on the gable of the Masters of Dentistry building, above two arched windows.
The steep shingled roof and arched dormer window of the practice building on NW York Drive.

Why “Masters”

In Bend’s sports community a master is someone with a deep history in their sport who keeps learning and practising to be the best they can be. That is the name on our door, applied to dentistry.

Dr. Hodgert still races in Central Oregon; before Thrilla cyclocross had its name, it ran at his house in 2002. The same habit of practice runs this office.

Dr. Tad Hodgert racing a cyclocross course through the pines in Central Oregon.
1972
The year Dr. Hodgert began placing dental implants. He passed the AAID exams in 1976.

Meet your dentist

Dr. Tad Hodgert, DMD

One of the early adopters of dental implant therapy, and at the front of it ever since. Dr. Hodgert believes true oral health is inseparable from overall health, and that every treatment plan should be built around the person in the chair: their goals, their concerns and their long-term function.

  • Teaches other dentistsBone grafts, implants and complex restorations. Mentor on the Oregon AAID MaxiCourse.
  • Fellow and Associate FellowInternational Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
  • Research and studyA clinical research associate for Dr. Gordon Christensen’s Clinician’s Report, and a member of Gnathology Northwest for decades.
  • Outside the officeA father of five on a tree farm high on Tumalo Creek, a lifelong competitor on the bike, and the author of a Healthful Living column for Northwest Crossing Living.

The people who make it run.

Laura has been part of this office for nearly 37 years, and Jimena finished hygiene school in 2023. Between them they handle everything from scheduling to assisting with the most complex bone graft and implant procedures.

Laura Milne, Office Manager and Dental Assistant at Masters of Dentistry.
Office Manager · Dental Assistant

Laura Milne

EFDA · Phlebotomy · LAF

In dentistry since 1984 and with Masters of Dentistry for nearly 37 years. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation earned while working in the dental field.

Megan Joens, Dental Assistant at Masters of Dentistry.
Dental Assistant

Megan Joens

EFDA · EFODA · Phlebotomy · LAF

Over 17 years as a dental assistant. Born and raised in Bend, and plays for her local women’s rugby team.

Jimena Cruz, Dental Hygienist at Masters of Dentistry.
Dental Hygienist

Jimena Cruz

Originally from Guatemala, a dental hygiene graduate of 2023, and co-owner of a specialty coffee shop in Antigua, Guatemala.

Kelsey Wells, Dental Hygienist at Masters of Dentistry.
Dental Hygienist

Kelsey Wells

Seven years as a dental hygienist. Born and raised in Bend, and coaches HIIT classes at a local gym.

Dental implants

Every step of your implant, in one office.

Implants are the closest thing to regrowing a natural tooth, and far better than dentures. Dr. Hodgert treats them as a fine art based on science, and on skill built through experience.

  1. We diagnose, plan the treatment and work with your goals and your budget
  2. If the bone is not there yet, we create it with a graft, here
  3. A titanium or zirconia root is placed in the bone
  4. Later the crown goes on, with your bite engineered so the implant lasts
1972 Placing implants since. Oregon’s most experienced implant dentist, in the practice’s own words.
  • Looks like real teethStable, durable and undetectable.
  • Fills the gapOne tooth or several.
  • Protects neighboursStabilises nearby teeth and shares their work load.
  • Chews and smilesLike natural teeth.
  • Saves boneFor healthy, strong jaws.
  • No referralsNo periodontist or oral surgeon needed.

Dentistry in Bend, OR

Complex cases welcome.

Implant, restorative and cosmetic dentistry with a science-based, whole-body approach. Proven materials, modern techniques, and nothing chosen because it is quick, easy or cheap.

Dental Implants

Titanium or zirconia, placed and restored here, with any bone grafting done in the same office. You are not sent to a periodontist or an oral surgeon.

  • One or more missing teeth
  • Bone grafting
  • Titanium or zirconia
  • Implant crowns
Read more →

General & Preventive

General dentistry means the doctor is not restricted to a specialty. Examinations, cleanings with our hygienists, and a prevention plan you can actually follow for life.

  • Exams and diagnosis
  • Cleanings
  • Gum disease
  • Lifetime prevention plan
Read more →

Mercury-Free & Amalgam Removal

No mercury placed here in over 30 years. Old silver fillings are removed with the mercury captured at the tooth, and replaced with resin or porcelain.

  • Amalgam removal
  • Resin fillings
  • Porcelain restorations
  • Fluoride used sparingly
Read more →

Full-Mouth Restoration

Rebuilding the bite so the teeth work with the jaws, gums, muscles and face. With today’s porcelains a metal-free mouth is often durably attainable.

  • Bite restoration
  • Metal-free porcelain
  • Worn teeth
  • Complex cases welcome
Read more →

Veneers, Crowns & Onlays

Forty years with composite and porcelain. Composite can be more conservative in simple cases, and veneers are far more conservative than crowns.

  • Porcelain veneers
  • Composite veneers
  • Crowns
  • Onlays
Read more →

TMJ & Facial Pain

A large share of our continuing education goes to TMJ and myofascial pain. We work on the bite and the grinding, and guide you through the lifestyle side.

  • TMJ and jaw pain
  • Myofascial pain
  • Grinding (bruxing)
  • Sleep apnea
Read more →

Mercury-free & fluoride-wise

Science-based safety, for four decades.

Mercury-free for 30+ years

Dr. Hodgert has practised without mercury for over 30 years, and has been safely replacing mercury fillings for four decades.

Captured at the tooth

We capture the mercury at the tooth, inside the nitrile dam, before it can escape, rather than relying on catching it outside the mouth.

Replaced with resin or porcelain

Safe, attractive materials that function as long as mercury fillings or longer, and make the tooth stronger rather than weaker.

Fluoride, used with care

Fluoride is used minutely and with specificity: at a specific target, conservatively, and never to be swallowed.

Health & prevention

You are more than your teeth.

Tooth decay and gum infection are linked with heart and joint disease, so prevention comes first. It starts with a diagnosis, then a lifetime plan you can confidently follow.

  1. Diet. Fewer daily carbohydrate exposures, and a rinse with a clear liquid after each one
  2. Clean. A small, soft brush is still the most important tool
  3. Irrigate. Below the gum an oral irrigator reaches far more than floss
  4. Catch it early. A small filling can prevent a root canal or an extraction
Dr. Tad Hodgert's Healthful Living column in Northwest Crossing Living, January 2020, headlined What Does The Start Of Your New Year Look Like.
Dr. Hodgert’s Healthful Living column, Northwest Crossing Living, January 2020.

Lugol’s iodine

Deeply disinfecting and inexpensive. It tastes strong and can stain, but cleans off readily.

Salt & soda

Deeply researched, the least expensive and chemically simple. Best for the chemically sensitive, and we can show you how to mix it.

Essential oils

The doctor’s favourite rinse, especially Dental Herb Co’s “Under the Gum”. Nothing artificial, non-staining, and good against bad breath.

New patients

Second opinions at no charge. Challenges appreciated.

We are accepting new patients. We listen first, explain your options and what each is likely to achieve, and then build your care into your budget.

  1. Call 541-389-2300, or send the form below and we will call you back
  2. Fill in the new patient forms at home and bring them with you
  3. We diagnose, explain the options and plan your care with you
The glass entrance at 628 NW York Drive, with the number 628 and a bicycle on the window.
628 NW York Drive, Suite 101, in Northwest Crossing near Summit High School.

Patient reviews

Forty years, and still their dentist.

★★★★★
I am so thankful for Dr. Hodgert and the entire staff at Masters of Dentistry. The staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in regards to every aspect of your visit there. I recently had an unusual dental issue that was affecting the quality of my life. Dr. Hodgert was able to rectify the situation with understanding and kindness. … Darla V.Yelp review, 2021
★★★★★
Tad has been our dentist for 40 years and he and his staff have always taken excellent care of both my and my husbands teeth. My husband has had many challenging dental issues and was always offered the choice of various solutions. A very caring professionally run office. Mary D.Yelp review, 2018
★★★★★
After many years of worn teeth from a mismatched bite, MoD fixed my teeth. Great work. JeffPatient testimonial

Common questions

What people ask before they book.

Do I need a specialist for my implant?

No. Masters of Dentistry does all the steps for your implant, from the diagnosis and any bone graft to placing the implant and restoring the tooth on top. You do not have to go to a periodontist or an oral surgeon.

I have been told I do not have enough bone. Can I still have an implant?

Often an implant needs bone that is not there yet, and we create it. Dr. Hodgert regularly teaches other dentists how to do successful bone grafts, and the graft is done here, in the same office as the implant.

Do you place mercury (silver) fillings?

No. Dr. Hodgert has practised without mercury for over 30 years. We remove old mercury fillings with the mercury captured at the tooth, inside the nitrile dam, and replace them with resin or porcelain.

Do you use fluoride?

Sparingly and specifically. We treat fluoride like any other sometimes essential drug: used at specific targets, conservatively, and never swallowed.

Can I get a second opinion?

Yes, and there is no charge for it. Complex cases, and cases other dentists may have considered challenging, are welcome.

Where are you, and when are you open?

628 NW York Drive, Suite 101, in Northwest Crossing near Summit High School. We are open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:30pm. Call 541-389-2300.

Visit us

Northwest Crossing, near Summit High School.

Hours
Monday
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Tell us what is going on, and we will call you back.

We will contact you to confirm a time. Please do not send private health information through this form.

✓ Accepting new patients ✓ Free second opinions ✓ Mercury-free