On April 13, I took my father-in-law, Jack, a Korean War veteran who was 92 at the time and has…read moresince turned 93, to Brookside Dental in Gresham for his first visit with Dr. Robert Kowal and his team. I waited until May 6 to write this because I wanted to let the experience settle. It was that rare.
From the moment we walked in, I sensed a different kind of culture in this office. On the way in, Jack had cut his finger, and before we were even focused on the dental appointment, the front desk team responded with such kindness and calm attention that you would have thought we had come in just for that. They immediately helped with bandages and care, without making it feel like an inconvenience.
At one point, Jack's walker was blocking the door leading back into the office. A gentleman stood there patiently, smiling gently, with no sense of hurry or irritation. I later realized that was Dr. Robert Kowal returning from lunch. That small moment said a lot.
Our hygienist, Deb, was exceptional. I do not say that lightly. She was professional, intelligent, warm, calm, and deeply genuine. She helped with sterile supplies for Jack's finger without hesitation, and then carried that same level of care into the dental visit itself. She was never rushed. She connected with Jack as a person, not just as a patient. As someone who works in the medical and psychiatry field, and as someone who values genuine human connection, I recognize when care is real. Deb has that rare quality.
The entire visit felt like we had walked into an office of people we had somehow known for years, yet everything remained highly professional. Dr. Kowal and the team knew exactly what they were doing clinically, but what stood out was the way they treated Jack, with patience, dignity, humor, and genuine interest. This was not a rushed appointment. It was a true getting-to-know-you experience, paired with excellent dental care.
At one point I stepped out of the exam room and had a chance to visit with Dr. Kowal. That kind of personal connection is something I have almost never experienced in a dental or medical office. Even the other patients coming and going seemed relaxed and happy. You could tell this was not just special treatment for us; this appears to be the culture of the entire office.
I have rarely, if ever, witnessed this level of care in any healthcare setting. Brookside Dental, Dr. Kowal, Deb, and the entire team modeled what healthcare should feel like: competent, calm, warm, respectful, and deeply human.
This was far more than a good dental visit. It was one of the most unique and meaningful healthcare experiences I have witnessed. My father-in-law felt the same. Brookside Dental has created something truly special, and I hope the team knows how valuable and rare that is.
