Every so often, a story lands in your inbox that reminds you why compassionate care truly matters. This week, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Foundation’s School of Dentistry Alumni Newsletter featured an in-depth look at Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett, and we couldn’t be more honored. Thank you to OHSU for highlighting his work, his philosophy, and the lives impacted through his practice.
Inside Blodgett Dental Care, a shimmering map greets patients as they enter the lobby. Gold pins stretch across the United States and far beyond, each representing a patient who traveled to Portland seeking relief, answers, and a more human-centered approach to dentistry.
For Dr. Blodgett, D.M.D. ’99, those journeys mean everything.
A Practice Built on the Power of Listening
Known internationally for his humanistic, holistic, and biological dental approach, Dr. Blodgett has built a practice that attracts individuals with past dental trauma, recurring infections, chronic discomfort, and unresolved health concerns related to dental work that is negatively impacting whole-body health. What sets his clinic apart isn’t just the spa-like environment, though the calming design, aromatherapy, and soothing atmosphere certainly help; it’s the intention behind every step of each patient’s experience.
Patients may receive nutrition counseling, acupuncture meridian assessment, or coaching on whole-body wellness. These offerings may seem unconventional in a typical dental setting, but to Dr. Blodgett, they are essential components of personalized care.
“There’s so much power in listening to another person,” he shared in the OHSU feature. “Nobody knows what your body feels like better than you do.”
A Foundation Rooted in Empathy
Long before he became widely known as a leader in humanistic dentistry, Dr. Blodgett’s first calling was psychology. He was preparing to enter a psychology graduate program when he felt a deeper spiritual pull toward dentistry, a path where he could blend empathy with hands-on healing. That pivot led him to graduate from the OHSU School of Dentistry in 1999, shaping a career driven by emotional intelligence just as much as clinical expertise.
Today, that same empathetic approach is woven through every patient interaction.
Beyond the Practice: Sharing a Vision for Better Healthcare
While the heart of Dr. Blodgett’s work unfolds in the treatment room, his message extends far outside the clinic walls. He continues to share his patient-centered philosophy through:
- Coaching and mentorship
- Global speaking engagements
- His Toxic Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday social media posts
- His “Whole Health Podcast” explores all aspects of healthcare
- And most recently, his new book, Feel Whole Again: Your Humanistic Guide to Healthcare
Each platform reflects his mission: to help people understand the connection between dental health, emotional wellness, and whole-body vitality.
Gratitude to OHSU
We extend our sincere thanks to the OHSU School of Dentistry and the OHSU Foundation for shining a spotlight on Dr. Blodgett’s work. Their feature beautifully captured what makes his approach so transformative: the belief that truly listening to patients is the foundation of healing.
To read the full OHSU Alumni feature and explore more alumni stories, visit the OHSU Foundation’s website.
To explore Dr. Blodgett’s book, Feel Whole Again: Your Humanistic Guide to Healthcare
Visit this link