News & Events
Welcome to Wellness
Meet our newest providers joining the KWC team: dentist, dental therapist, physicians associate and physical therapist. Click here to read.
November 26, 2024
The Ko-Kwel Wellness Center’s oral health professionals are here to care for more than just a fantastic smile. Regular dental care is an important part of overall good health, and it provides a foundation for strong teeth and healthy gums for a lifetime.
The dental clinic has delivered skilled, compassionate care since opening our doors in February 2022. We promote dental health in collaboration with our patients, providing full-service oral health care to help you look and feel your best.
Meet our newest providers joining the KWC team: dentist, dental therapist, physicians associate and physical therapist. Click here to read.
The dental clinic is offering care to Coquille Tribal members, their spouses, Native Americans,Alaskan Natives, Nasomah Health Plan members, Advantage Dental (Must be assigned to our office),DMAP and Regence. Dental appointments will be offered to other patients in the near future.
If you have questions, please contact the dental clinic at (541) 888-9494, option 2.
The Ko-Kwel Wellness Centers offers patients a team approach to dental care. We are staffed with experienced and compassionate professionals who enjoy their calling to care for patients. Our oral health team includes a Dentist, 2 Dental Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistants and a receptionist. Working together, this team provides preventative care through regular examinations, cleanings and education on self-care for teeth and gums.
Dentist
Sam Scott, DMD, is our full-time dentist at KWC. Leading the Dental Department since October 2024, he has a been a practicing dentist in the community for decades.
Born locally, Dr. Scott earned his dentistry degree in 1988 from OHSU in Portland and immediately started his practice in Coos Bay.
Dr. Scott’s philosophy to care is deeply patient and community-centered, which is apparent in his patient approach.
“My philosophy is treating people like you want to be treated and be on time,” Dr. Scott said. “If you’ve got a 9:30 appointment, we’re going to see you at 9:30. I just feel like your time is as important as mine.” He provides general dentistry including preventative and restorative care, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontal, denture service, crowns and bridges.
Dr. Scott and the KWC Dental Team are excited to serve you!
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Dental Therapist
Jason Mecum took a leap of faith in 2016. With the backing of his tribe, he left his Oregon home to enroll in Alaska’s dental therapy education program. His goal? To work as a dental health aide therapist, in a Coquille Tribal dental clinic that didn’t exist yet.
The clinic still didn’t exist when Jason graduated two years later. So he bided his time, gaining experience at the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe clinic in Port Angeles, Wash.
DHATs are the dental equivalent of physician assistants. Working closely with dentists, they help bring professional dental care to traditionally underserved populations such as Native Americans and rural communities. As one of Oregon’s first DHATs, Jason is licensed to provide dental exams, fillings, cleanings and simple extractions.
Completion of the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center in 2021 finally brought Jason home to his ancestral territory. Practicing alongside his former teacher, Dr. Mary Williard, he is delighted to be serving his fellow tribal members along with other clinic patients.
Dental Therapist
Coquille Tribal member Alexandria Jones worked as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant for 11 years in Medford, OR. In 2016, the Tribe presented an opportunity for her to attend school in Alaska to become a Dental Therapist which she accepted with the goal of returning to Coos Bay to serve her Tribe.
Alexandria grew up on the Coquille tribal land and understands what it means to not have easy access to care. Because of this, the most fulfilling aspect of her job is being able to serve tribal patients in a culturally appropriate manner while helping them feel heard, comfortable, and happy at the end of their visit.
During her down time, Alexandria enjoys volunteering, learning new skills from home repair to mechanics as well as beading, watching her two children play soccer, snowboarding, and most of all exploring her heritage.
Hygienist
She doesn’t drill cavities or remove diseased teeth. Instead, hygienist Danielle Underwood’s daily mission is to help you avoid those services.
As a key member of your dental health team, Danielle removes debris that builds up on your teeth and under your gums. She helps assess and maintain the health of your mouth, including the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth.
Danielle enjoys trying different strategies to meet each patient’s needs, and she works to help patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. Seeing her for regular cleanings can reduce your chance of needing bigger dental procedures.
Danielle has an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Lane Community College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s in fisheries. She gained experience in two other Coos Bay dental clinics before joining the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center.
Dental services are available in Coos Bay only. To schedule an appointment at the Coos Bay dental clinic:
The dental clinic is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(541) 888-9494, option 2
Receptionist (541) 982-3397
For after hours dental emergencies, please call the Advantage Dental 24/7 hotline at 866-268-9631. This service is available to all KWC dental patients.
Insurance Card – Bring to your first appointment and/or when changes or updates are made.
Photo Identification – Bring to every appointment.
List of prescribed medications – name of medications, dose, and how/when you take it
List of vitamins and over-the-counter medications you take
List of allergies, especially those caused by medications or food
A complete dental history, and/or any updates since your last dental visit
We bill for service to:
If you cannot make your appointment for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible to allow us to accommodate other patients who need dental attention.
Patients who arrive more than 10 minutes late are considered to have missed their appointment and are may not seen during their originally assigned appointment slot.
Coos Bay
(541) 888-9494
(800) 344-8583 toll free
(541) 888-5556 Fax
630 Miluk Drive
Coos Bay, OR 97420
