Dr. Rickland G Asai, DDS

Rickland G. Asai, DMD
A little bit about Rickland G. Asai, DMD, general dentist.
A native Oregonian, Dr. Asai attended Oregon State University obtaining a degree in Pharmacy before graduating from OHSU School of Dentistry with Honors in 1981. Growing up in Oregon, Dr. Asai has a keen interest in "Keeping Oregon Green", by pursuing environmentally friendly products, goods and services. He has done some volunteer work for the Northwest Earth Institute, headquartered in Portland.
Since graduation from dental school, Dr. Asai has continued his professional education by participating in numerous study clubs and continuing education courses. His particular areas of interest are keeping up with the newer tooth colored restorative materials, bonding systems and cements as well as techniques for replacing teeth with dental implants. Diagnostic and therapeutic lasers have found a place in Dr. Asai's practice as well. If there is one thing that really has risen to the top of importance in Dr. …Asai's practice, it is the preventable nature of dental disease—especially as it pertains to children. He likes to say that good oral health is based on a foundation of prevention, prevention, prevention; that's why the toothbrush acts as that reminder in our logo.
Dr. Asai has taught dental hygiene and dental assisting courses at two local community colleges, and continues to have dental assisting student externs train in his office. He also has Beaverton High School health career students and Portland State University pre-dental students observe his general practice as they explore opportunities in the dental field.
Dr Asai has been involved with the Oregon Dental Association, serving in several officer positions: Trustee from Washington County, Speaker of the House, Vice President, President Elect and President in 2009-2010, and currently as an ADA Delegate from Oregon. Current memberships include the American Dental Association, Oregon Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Asai understands that not everyone has access to affordable care, so he donates free and reduced cost dental services through such programs as Dental Lifeline, Give Kids A Smile, Senior Smile and Christina's Smile. Dr. Asai serves as President of the Dental Foundation of Oregon, the Oregon Dental Association's charitable arm. In 2008, the Dental Foundation of Oregon proudly launched the Tooth Taxi, a thirty-eight foot mobile dental van, which delivers dental care to school aged children in Oregon communities throughout the year. The Tooth Taxi provided over one million dollars in donated services during its first year of operation. Last year, in 2010, Dr. Asai was instrumental as ODA President, to help set into motion the planning for the Oregon Dental Association's first Mission of Mercy (MOM) Clinic held November 2010. It was a resounding success, as over 1500 people were treated and over $800,000 worth of care was donated free of charge.
On the national level, Dr. Asai has served on the American Dental Association's CERP committee and the Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs (CEBJA), which he chaired in 2006-2007. He has been a member of the ADA House of Delegates for many years, and currently still serves in that capacity.
Dr. Asai has been recognized in his home component with the Washington County Dental Society's Benjamin Lemire Award in 2006, as well as 2003 Co-Dentist of the Year in Oregon by the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry.
Rick and his wife Betsy live in SW Portland with their miniature poodle, Rosie. They have two adult children, Libby and Alex. They have one grandson. Outdoor activities include vegetable gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, fishing and golfing. Traveling and dining out are favorite indulgences.