Valerie Alder, R.D.H. – Hygienist
Valerie has worked in dentistry for over 30 years, 27 as a dental hygienist. She joined Thompson Family Dental in 2007. She also holds a licensure in Massage Therapy and is a Certified Life Coach. She loves helping patients achieve their optimum oral health and the flexibility and variety dental hygiene offers. You may receive a call from Valerie if you are overdue for your cleaning, as she values the importance of regular visits.
Valerie is a lifetime Oregonian, living in Hillsboro Oregon with her husband, 2 dogs, 3 cats and 15 year old daughter. She is a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 1 and enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking and yoga.
Darcie Angell, R.D.H. – Hygienist
Darcie has been a clinical hygienist for nine years. She graduated from OHSU with honors. While in college, she received her bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene, and was a member of a competitive rowing team. Being with Thompson Family Dental since 2006, she has developed a unique approach to relieving anxiety in even the most anxious patients.
Darcie is a native of Oregon, originally growing up in Keizer. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, hiking, her cats and cooking. She loves staying active and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Starr Thompson, R.D.H. – Hygienist
Starr began working for Dr. Thompson in 2009. After 3 years in college studying Electrical Engineering, she decided to become a Dental Hygienist. She completed her pre-requisite studies at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She then completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University in 2005. She loves what she does! She enjoys seeing the same patients every 3-6 months and educating them about their oral health. Some of her patients have become dear friends that she looks forward to seeing and spending time with outside the office.
Starr grew up in Hermiston Oregon and married her husband Scott, 11 years ago. For ten years, she and her family lived all over southern Idaho before moving to the Portland area in 2009. She has three children that she loves to play with and enjoys doing anything outdoors; running, hiking and biking. She has a competitive edge and has completed a couple of Triathlons and 10K’s. Where there is a spare moment, she loves to read.
Vanessa Paiva, E.F.D.A. – Lead Dental Assistant
Vanessa has been a dental assistant for 8 years since graduating from Dental Assisting, Career Center Inc. in 2003. She has her certification in Radiology, Expanded Functions, Sealant placement and CPR. She enjoys working with people and puts our patients at ease in helping them feel comfortable during treatment. Vanessa has volunteered for the Northwest Medical Van in Oregon and has worked for Thompson Family Dental since 2006.
Vanessa was born and raised in Northern California and moved to Oregon in 2002. She loves boating, camping on the river with family and friends, bike rides and takes nature walks with her 2 dogs.
Ashley Newell, E.F.D.A. – Dental Assistant
Ashley is one of the newest members of the team at Thompson Family Dental. She is bright, cheerful and eager to help our patients feel welcome and at ease. Ashley graduated from Concorde Career Institute in 2008 and has been at our office since 2010. She has her certification in Expanded Functions, Radiology and Sealant placement and CPR. She has a warm approach with staff and patients alike. She became a dental assistant to help people as well as meet new people.
Her favorite part of her job is seeing the results after improving someone’s smile, and to her, every day brings something new. She grew up in Coquille Oregon and moved to the Portland area in 2002. She enjoys camping and going to the beach.
Noelle Steel, E.F.D.A., E.F.O.D.A. – Scheduling and Patient Coordinator
Noelle has been with Thompson Family Dental Since 2002. After college, she gained several years of experience in both dental and orthodontic assisting. She is currently working in the front office, has compassion for patients and loves to help them feel cared for and at home in our office.
She helps with their treatment planning as well as reserving time with Dr. Thompson. Family is her passion. She loves to spend time with her husband and 2 sons as well as extended family.
Bethany Jackson – Office Administrator
Bethany has been with Dr. Thompson since 2003. Being a co-owner of a residential general contracting business for 20 years, gave her a unique edge when offered a position at a dental practice in Ohio. She soon discovered this was a new career that she loved! Bethany moved to Oregon in late 2002. She loves to sit down with patients and create a plan to facilitate their dental treatment. She finds joy in helping people.
In her spare time, Bethany regularly attends continuing education classes to keep current with industry changes for the front office. She has been involved with the Oregon Dental Executives’ Association since 2004, where she has been a past Sponsorship Director, and Vice President. She was elected Director for the Board of Directors in 2010, and is Chairman for the Interaction Meetings. She facilitates the Portland Chapter meetings for the ODEA. She is a beginning writer and speaker, enjoys outdoor activities and relishes the time she spends with her husband, children and 2 grandchildren.
