Camas-Washougal orthodontist? (Vancouver, Salmon Creek: schools, to live, costs)

[hjbraces]

I am an orthodontist (specialist in "braces")and I am wondering if any believe the Camas/Washougal area is large enough to support a local orthodontist. How many dentists are there in the Camas and Washougal area? Dentists tend to refer patients to orthodontists so this gives me an idea of a potential need. I am sure most tend to go to Vancouver for their medical/dental needs? Orthodontic visits are frequent (monthly) and having a local office I feel would benefit many. Camas and Washougal appear to both be areas experiencing high growth ..... with many families moving to the area for the schools. Is this correct? I would appreciate ANY comments on this possibility and even location advice if you have any. Camas makes the most sense as the Washougal community needs to pass through it to get to Vancouver. Thanks for the help!

[StealthRabbit]

I'm not sure how many Orthos we have out here, but be careful, the Camas people are far less likely to come east for treatment (since they are frequently west anyway). Would be best to talk with our local dentists, I wasn't too keen on their recommendations when we asked. (personal interviews made short work of that decision)

I would look into the area near Harmony Sports Center (NE 18th st) off 192nd. They can come via Fern Prairie or Hwy 14, and are there often for soccer / indoor and out; or between there and Hwy 14 to be convenient for Camas / Washougal folks. (maybe SE 34th and 192nd) I know there are already a few dentists at that location, but not sure about orthos.

We've used a great ortho in Vanc, and the best point was KEPT appointments (no waiting, and in and out... and very personable and not at all condescending.) much different than the one I used at age 40 + when I did mine (in Vanc also...) I waited much more time than I spent on treatment, a very miserable 4 yrs... even when scheduling 'right after lunch' in the middle of the day

[DaphneinMN]

Hi I just moved to Camas about a month ago, and it seems like there are dentists everywhere. I can't imagine how they all stay busy. That being said, this community is growing like crazy and the big draw is the school system--so there will be a lot of kids and a need for a lot of braces. I don't know how many orthos are here. I need to find a good one for my son--any recommendations?

This is a great area to live--thought it's definitely the suburbs, you can still find a small town vibe and people are really friendly. Housing stock is good, too--and we found it to be cheaper than in Mpls./St. Paul. And the scenery is amazing.

[bobisa]

Actually, I would look at the Salmon Creek area (North Vancouver) and Battleground. There's only one Orthodontist in Battleground and that area is growing faster than Camas/Washougal. I think because the housing costs are better in Battleground. Also, Salmon Creek only has one Orthodontist. In Camas/Washougal there are actually 3 or 4 Orthodontists and there are another 4 or 5 in East Vancouver, which is very close to Camas, so it seems to be covered. I know my Dentist in Washougal said that the Dentists in Camas/Washougal have their Orthodontist that they like and refer too and don't like to step out of their comfort zones. Good luck.