If you took a poll asking how many people enjoy going to the dentist, most would say no. The fear of needing dental work beyond a routine cleaning can send some into a panic. But it doesn’t have to be that way — with the right dentist, it won’t be.
Like any healthcare provider, finding the right dentist can feel daunting, especially with so many options in Bend. Not all dentists are alike: while they share the same goal of keeping patients healthy, their training, experience, technology, and philosophy can vary widely. As a patient, understanding those differences helps you make a more informed choice. Here’s what sets Living Dental Health apart.
Experience and Training Matter
Dr. Andy Engel earned his dental degree from the OHSU School of Dentistry in 1998 and has been practicing in Bend ever since, founding Living Dental Health in 2013. After finishing his program requirements early, he used the extra time to pursue advanced training — and he hasn’t stopped since. He has completed advanced training in full-mouth reconstruction, oral surgery, dental implants, aesthetics, clear aligners, and tissue and bone grafting, including more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in smile design, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth reconstruction. He even trained alongside a prosthodontist to learn occlusion — how the bite fits together — on real cases.
Why does that range matter? Many patients will need at least one of those services at some point. A dentist with broad expertise can keep more care in-house instead of referring you out to strangers, and can choose the option that produces the best result rather than being limited to the few procedures they know well. (Dr. Engel still refers out when a case genuinely calls for a specialist — it just isn’t the default.)
A Different Kind of First Visit
At many offices, a first appointment is quick: paperwork, X-rays, a hello, and a look in your mouth. At Living Dental Health, your first visit is more like a consultation. Dr. Engel spends real time getting to know you, and that intake paperwork you filled out actually matters to him — he uses it to build a storyline of your dental past and connect it to what’s happening now. Your first visit may not even include a cleaning. Think of it as an investment of time so you and Dr. Engel truly understand each other. (Here’s what to expect from a first visit.)
Technology Most Practices Don’t Have
Every diagnostic test at Living Dental Health is done digitally, including X-rays. The office also has a CT scanner for 3D imaging, used as needed. Is it normal for a general dentist to have a CT scanner? No. But for cases like dental implants or complicated wisdom-teeth extractions, 3D imaging lets Dr. Engel see 360 degrees around an area to guide treatment precisely.
Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptom
Dentistry is more than a cleaning and the occasional filling. If you’ve had a lot of cavities, Dr. Engel wants to know why so he can help stop the pattern. He focuses on the epicenter of a problem rather than putting a band-aid on the symptom — because band-aids are always temporary. To him, good dentistry is a bit of detective work.
Honesty Over Upselling
Once you’re an established patient, everyone at the office knows you by name. Dr. Engel’s goal is a relationship built on trust — not a sales pitch. He isn’t trying to sell you services you don’t need, fancy toothpaste, or cosmetic procedures you haven’t asked about. Practicing with honesty, integrity, and compassion are core values the whole team strives to embody every day.
Is he Superman? No. But he’s a pretty nice guy who’s genuinely great at dentistry — and for a lot of people in Bend, that’s exactly what they’ve been looking for.
Still deciding? Learn what to look for in a new dentist, the three questions worth asking, and why a dentist who takes their time is worth finding. When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with Dr. Andy.