Meet Dr. Todd Gifford in Portland

“I love people and building the trusting relationships that are critical to such a personal service as dentistry. Combine that with my love of art and science – and you could say I was born to be a dentist!”


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Practice Philosophy

With establishing excellent patient relationships as his primary goal, it’s important to Dr. Gifford that you can access what you need to feel comfortable while you visit. Whether you’d like to watch your favorite tv show or movie, listen to your top music station, take comfort with a warm blanket, or even bring someone along to keep you company – his only concern is that you feel well cared for.

Dedicated to ensuring you love everything about your smile, Dr. Gifford provides a wide variety of beautiful cosmetic enhancements including Dental crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening – and works with only the best labs to ensure the high quality he demands for his patients.

Dr. Gifford has a knack for changing how he provides dentistry – based on each patient’s individual needs – whether he’s working with your youngest child or your oldest parent. He is committed to being a co-partner to help each member of your family achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Home Life

Dr. Gifford loves bowling so much that when he was 14, he took a job in a bowling alley cleaning the lanes manually by hand for an hour every day after school just so he could practice when he was finished with work!  Fast forward to today and Dr. Gifford has bowled over 30,000 games – 15 of them perfect games – and with an average of 215 in his last league outing, it's no wonder people want him on their team.

When he's not bowling, coaching bowling with Special Olympics Oregon athletes, or improving lives with dentistry, Dr. Gifford and his wife Jenny-Anne are enjoying family life with their three young daughters.

Experience & Honors


Education

Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree – OHSU School of Dentistry, 2007

BS in General Science, cum laude – Oregon State University Honors College, Corvallis, 2003

AS in Biological Sciences – Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, 2001

Employment

2010 to Present – Gifford Family Dentistry, owner

2012 to 2019 – Oregon AGD IV Sedation Course, screening & post-op

2011 to 2014 – Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, part-time faculty

2009 to 2010 – Deborah Struckmeier DMD PC, Portland, OR, associate

2007 to 2010 – Joy Arend DMD PC, Portland, OR, associate

2007 to 2008 – Glenn Balkins DMD PC, Corvallis, OR, associate

2002 to 2003 – Big River Restaurant, Corvallis, OR, manager/head server

1997 to 2003 – Portamedic, Salem, OR, medical examiner

1998 to 2000 – Lakeshore Lanes Bowling Center, Albany, OR, manager

1996 to 1998 – Providence Medical Center, Yakima, WA, EMT/trauma team

1992 to 1998 – U.S. Army, Medical Corps, medical laboratory technician

Awards

Kenneth W. Ford Scholar, September 2001 – present

Gerald E. Bruce Community Service Award, 2012

Distinguished Alumni Award Linn-Benton Community College, 2009

Oregon Howard Prize Memorial Competition for Patient Treatment, 1st Place, 2007

Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation Scholarship Award, 2006

Outstanding Academic Scholar Award, Gov. Kitzhaber, 2001

Jeffrey M. Lee Scholarship Award, July 2000

Leadership

Hillsdale Springfest Health & Wellness Fair, event chair, 2012-16

Hillsdale Business & Professional Association member, 2011 – present

Hillsdale Main Street Program, promotions committee member, 2011-14.

Multnomah Dental Society president-elect, 2012-13

Multnomah Dental Society vice-president, 2011-12

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry president, 2012-13

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry president-elect, 2011-12

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry vice-president, 2010-11

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry, editor of Recall, 2010-13

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry board of directors, 2009-13

ODA Annual Meeting council member, 2009-13

OHSU School of Dentistry Student Government president, 2004-07

OHSU School of Dentistry Class of 2007 president, 2003-07

Oregon Dental Association Trustee, 2005-06

Linn-Benton Community College student government president, 2000-01

LBCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society president, 2000-01

Dental Memberships

American Society of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry (ASIRD)

American Dental Association (ADA)

Oregon Academy of General Dentistry (OAGD)

Multnomah Dental Society (MDS)

Volunteer Interests

Tooth Taxi, Portland

Give Kids A Smile, Portland

Project Homeless, Hillsboro

Multnomah Dental Van, Portland

Oregon Mission of Mercy, Portland

West Albany High School Career Day, Albany, OR

Ida B. Wells High School Career Day, SW Portland, OR

Ida B. Wells High School annual merit scholarship for $3,000

Honors

Commencement Address, OHSU School of Dentistry Graduation, 2007

Endodontic Honors Course, 2006-07

Commencement Address, LBCC Graduation, 2001

Featured in Leaders of the 21st Century, Albany Democrat Herald, December 2000

Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and every member of your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

Melissa B.– Office manager

Melissa B. – OFFICE MANAGER

GFD Team Member since March 11, 2014

Melissa's voice may be one of the first you hear when you contact our Practice. With over 20 years of experience in dentistry, both as a clinical assistant and in multiple front office roles, she is an expert in guiding and advocating for our patients (and potential patients) as they seek to make educated decisions related to their dental care options and to know how to minimize the associated out-of-pocket costs. Ask for her by name and get the answers you deserve to know in advance.

Amanda B. – Registered dental Hygienist

AMANDA B. – Registered Dental Hygienist

GFD Team Member since September 12, 2012

Amanda B. is one of Dr. Gifford's former "star" students from the Pacific University Dental Hygiene School class of 2012.  She was an outstanding student and has proven to be a dedicated professional and fast friend to each of the patients for whom she regularly provides care.  Her accomplishments are many, so here are a few highlights. Amanda was honored at her hygiene school graduation with the Colgate Student Total Achievement Award and the Dennis Muir Award for "scholarship, leadership, compassion, ethical standards and community service."  Her volunteer activities include serving the underserved in Nicaragua, the Oregon Mission of Mercy, and Give Kids A Smile events held locally. Originally a Beaverton native, she now resides near Hillsdale with her husband Bo and their two dogs, Betty, the three-legged Swiss mountain dog, and Huck the rescue dog from Texas. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, travel – especially to gorgeous local beaches – in her camping trailer, and is an avid Cubbies fan.

Nicole K. – expanded functions dental assistant

NICOLE K. – EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT

GFD Team Member since JUNE 19, 2019

Nicole came to us with more than 20 years experience working in the dental field in a variety of areas. She managed a dental sedation course for the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry for over a decade, and has known and worked with Dr. Gifford in that capacity since first meeting in 2012. It was an easy decision to join the GFD team when a position opened in the summer of 2019.  Already, she has proven to be a great fit for our team culture and philosophy of practice. We look forward to having her with us for many years to come.

Nicole K. – expanded functions dental assistant

Caroleen C. – Dental Assistant

GFD Team Member since JUNE 19, 2019

Caroleen has been an invaluable member of our GFD team since 2022, bringing with her a wealth of dental experience and a commitment to excellence in patient care. Hailing from Southern California, she seamlessly integrated with our team and continues an unwavering dedication to providing quality service to each person in her care. Working closely alongside Dr. Gifford, Caroleen’s professionalism, attention to detail, and compassion shines through her work.

Outside the office, she enjoys immersing herself in all that Portland offers, from our city’s vibrant culture to its stunning natural beauty. Caroleen also loves spending quality time with her friends and family.

Nicole K. – expanded functions dental assistant

Emmy K. – Patient Care Coordinator

GFD Team Member since JUNE 19, 2019

Emmy has been an important member of our team since 2022, and her warm, welcoming, and positive attitude fits in perfectly with our practice. She plays a crucial role in ensuring our patients receive the care they need and is known for putting a smile on the faces of all she encounters. From answering phone calls to greeting patients, Emmy is a friendly face to all!
In her free time, Emmy prioritizes quality time with her husband and their beloved border collie, Birdie. She embraces life joyfully, both professionally and personally!