Why the name change?
Between the physical relocation of the practice to the Hollywood District in the same building as Haven Dental PDX combined with the evolution of my treatment style and interests, the name change felt like the logical next step.
The Work Changed Before the Name Did
From the beginning, I focused on hands-on, thoughtful care, not quick adjustments, rushed visits, or one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Over time, that approach became more refined and more specific.
The majority of patients I work with are dealing with pain or dysfunction involving the head, jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper back, often after trying multiple providers without lasting results. These cases require a combination of clinical reasoning, skilled manual work, and an understanding of how the nervous system, posture, breathing, and stress interact.
At the same time, it became clear that effective care in this area often overlaps with dentistry, particularly when jaw position, airway, bite mechanics, or oral appliances are part of the picture.
The name needed to reflect that reality.
Why Haven Dental and Haven Bodyworks Work Together
Even when not at “work”, Alex and I spend a lot time talking about health and life in general. We have a shared vision for a new model of healthcare that focuses on true preventative integrated care as opposed to “patch & repair” that we currently live in.
As a result, Haven Dental and Haven Bodyworks share a common philosophy:
the body doesn’t function in isolated systems, and care shouldn’t either.
Traditionally, pain in the face, head, and neck falls into a gap between professions. Medical doctors and dentists are essential for diagnosing disease and addressing structural or medical issues, but they are not typically trained to manage musculoskeletal pain patterns. Chiropractors and bodyworkers are trained to treat those patterns, but are limited when deeper structural, orthodontic, pharmaceutical, or surgical intervention is required.
By working in closer coordination, we’re able to:
Address pain conservatively when appropriate
Recognize when additional intervention is needed
Communicate clearly across disciplines
Avoid fragmented or redundant care
This doesn’t mean every patient needs dental and bodywork care. It means your care is informed by a broader clinical context when it matters.
A Shift Toward Focused, Sustainable Care
The new name also reflects a shift in how care is delivered.
Rather than offering generalized sessions, visits are now structured to be focused, efficient, and goal-oriented. While I am still happy to address other areas of pain/dysfunction, my primary focus will be pain causing conditions of the head, neck, shoulder, and upper back. This allows me to:
Be more consistent
Reduce burnout
Stay available long-term
Provide care that makes sense within real-world constraints
Longer, more comprehensive sessions are still available when appropriate, but the default approach is intentional rather than expansive.
This change supports better outcomes for patients and a healthier practice overall.
What Stayed the Same
While the name and structure evolved, the core values did not.
Care is still hands-on and individualized
Sessions are calm, unrushed, and thoughtful
Treatment plans are explained clearly
Decisions are made collaboratively
No one is pushed into unnecessary care
The name change simply brings the outside of the practice into alignment with what’s been happening inside it for a long time.
Looking Forward
This marks a commitment to clarity in scope, communication, and care.
It allows us to better serve the patients we’re best equipped to help, collaborate more effectively across disciplines, and build a practice that is sustainable for the long term.
As always, the goal remains the same:
care that’s grounded, honest, and actually helps people feel better.
