Zooka! Kids Dentist Makes Toothcare in Central Oregon Fun

Would you believe that you could use the words "dentist" and "fun" in the same sentence? Well, at Zooka! Super Toothcare for kids, Dr. Rex has employed a unique approach that minimizes fear of the dentist and maximizes good health for the entire family.

We've been going to Zooka! since moving to Bend, Oregon in 2006. We love the staff, the detailed attention and the fun atmosphere for children of all ages.

Brightly painted yellow walls with red accents are just the beginning when you walk in the door. Free video games are offered in the lobby, along with streaming movies, comfortable seating and even carnival fun mirrors next to the bathrooms. Once the kids head into the back for exams, they can watch televisions mounted in the ceiling with headphones to minimize distress and calm nerves.

The art decor is completely unique to Zooka! Hand-drawn cartoons of a superhero fighting cavities (Dr. Rex vs. the Cavity Cretins) adorn the walls. Inspiration strikes even the youngest patients who hope to battle the sugar bugs that may be hiding in their teeth!

While we love all the dental hygienists at Zooka! we keep coming back because we believe in Dr. Rex Gibson. Since 2000, Dr. Rex has been a leading pediatric dentist in Central Oregon. We have been to his office for a number of dental emergencies, and he has successfully performed several tooth extractions for my own children.

According to the Zooka! website:

After graduating from Kansas State University in 1994, Dr. Rex received his dental education from the university of Nebraska. After dental school, Dr. Rex completed a two year advanced training residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for Pediatric Dentistry where he graduated 2nd in the nation.

Dr. Rex is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Rex also enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering his time with the Kemple Clinic, a local non-profit children’s dental clinic.

On a personal level, Dr. Rex is great to chat with and will take all the time that you need. Maybe it helps that he has young children of his own. We always end up chatting about my kids (his patients) and what is going on in our lives for a bit. He offers advice as far as their development, what to expect in the 6 months ahead before their next visit, and even beyond that.

For example, two years ago, we noticed that my youngest son had an extra adult tooth in his upper jaw. At the time, he was not yet 5 years old. But we already knew that Sam would need surgery to remove the additional front tooth. At each subsequent appointment, we looked at X-rays and determined when it would be best to remove the tooth - which required early extraction of his two top baby teeth.

Bend, Oregon is only 80,000 in population. Redmond, to the north, is about 45,000 people. The entire region east of the Cascade Mountain range is much smaller and more intimate - if you will - than Portland, Oregon and the Valley. That's why its even more important for businesses to participate in community activities.

Dr. Rex has made a significant impact in the Central Oregon community. Each year, Zooka! collects Halloween candy to donate to U.S. troops. Children are paid for their contributions.

The pediatric dentist office participates in Children's Dental Health Month each February, too. In fact, February is the month in which Dr. Rex dunks into the icy Deschutes River for the annual Polar Plunge to raise money for local charities!

In July, Dr. Rex and the staff at Zooka! take part in the Saving Grace Children’s Festival in Drake Park. The annual event raises funds for domestic violence and sexual assault services, including the confidential shelter in Bend, and children’s programs.

I've enjoyed the ease of billing and ability to contact the office at just about any time. For example, my daughter's 2 bottom adult teeth started coming in before she had lost the baby teeth. I snapped a photograph with my cell phone and emailed it to Dr. Rex. Within 1 hour, I had an appointment for tooth extractions that day!

Convenience and communication are two important aspects for any local business. When it comes to your kids, you want the best for their health care. That's why Zooka! pediatric dentistry is such a good business and value for your time and money in Central Oregon.

Zooka! is open Monday-Thursday during regular business hours, and can also be contacted in the event of a dental emergency.

Zooka!

Bend Office

1245 S.E. Third St, STE A-1
Bend, OR 97702

Redmond Office
710 SW Highland
Redmond, OR 97756

Phone: 541-318-5688
Fax: 541-322-5581
E-mail: teamzooka@zookadental.com