PLAYVIDEODr. Christel Cochell was born and raised right here in Salem, OR! For the last nearly two decades, she’s spent her days happily helping her friends and neighbors with everything from routine checkups and smile-enhancing cosmetic dental treatments to emergency dentistry. For her, taking a passionate and skilled approach that far surpasses the impersonal atmosphere found at most corporate dental offices is extremely rewarding. Keep reading below to learn more about her!
Dr. Christel’s interest in dentistry was first piqued in high school. At the time, her childhood dentist let her watch/assist him during her father and his sister-in-law’s dental treatments. She found the experience extremely interesting and fun! Between undergraduate and graduate school, she worked at a large group practice. Seeing a wide range of procedures and the countless people that were helped solidified this was the career for her.
After attending Oregon State University for her undergraduate years, Dr. Christel chose to pursue her Doctor of Dental Medicine at OHSU in Portland. She also attended the Synergy Training Program, which involved extensive education in planning and restoring dental implants, from simple single implants to cases with multiple implants to extensive full mouth reconstruction. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she also did hands-on group studies and lectures with Capitol Study Group and Marion Polk Dental Society. Today, she is a proud member of the following dental organizations:
When asked about her favorite part of her job, Dr. Christel’s shared that it’s patient education. Empowering those in her treatment chair with the tools they need to achieve a healthier, happier smile never gets old.
Dr. Christel is originally from here in Salem, and she is actually the first person in her entire family to graduate from college. When she isn’t busy at the practice, she is extremely passionate about volunteering and has worked with several worthwhile organizations, including Medical Teams International and the local Boys & Girls Club. In the past, she has also gone on mission trips to Mexico and participated in the Neighborhood Dentist Program. Her personal hobbies include hiking, camping, and playing pickleball. In fact, she plays both socially and in tournaments around the valley!
