Provider updates

It’s easy to fall in love with the beauty Portland has to offer. From the snow-capped mountains, lush greenery and the sound of raindrops as you sit by a toasty fire, what’s not to love?! Born in Utah and raised in SW Nevada, for Dr. Terry Isom the scenery is quite the opposite but equivalent in unique beauty.

His journey to Portland and profession as an Endodontist has been an adventure full of rich experiences and great mentors along the way. It all started with his old family dentist who inspired him and sparked his curiosity about a career in healthcare.

Embarking on his undergraduate education, he started at Brigham Young University (BYU) his first year. A break for a couple of years brought him to France where he served as a missionary. Upon his return to BYU, the dental profession became a focus and with the guidance of his old family dentist, he applied and was accepted to the dental program at Oregon Health Sciences University. This was his first experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Upon graduating in 1986, he enlisted and served in the military as an army dental officer for four years. His journey took him overseas to Germany where he then met his next great mentor. This was his commanding officer. Although his experience in general dentistry “refined his dental school education,” his commanding officer encouraged him to specialize in endodontics and hone his skills. As Dr. Terry Isom’s military career came to an end, a new chapter back in Portland began for specialty training. Since then, he and his wife settled here where he continues to serve the greater Portland community.

Family and relationships are central in his personal and professional life. More than half of the staff at his practice are also family members. He emphasizes that “every patient that walks through our doors are welcomed and treated just like they were loved ones of our family. I get to meet people I may have never had the opportunity to meet.” He leads his life with a simple quote. “Love one another.” One of the best advices he’s ever received is that “everybody you meet is worthy of love and respect, especially when you have differences in opinion.”

Outside of the office, he and his wife enjoy the company of their kids, grandkids and pet chickens. If the weather is nice, you may catch him playing golf and jamming to the likes of Natt King Cole, Eagles, Beach Boys or Neil Diamond on his playlist. Classic rock is right up his alley. He also enjoys getting lost in a good book based on science fiction, fantasy, or thrillers. Lord of the Rings is an all-time favorite.

Despite what he may be doing in his busy life, making a positive impact on people and the world is woven through everything he does. To help is in his nature. We are glad to welcome Dr. Terry Isom and the rest of the team at Isom Endodontics to our CareOregon Dental provider network!