Dr. Derek Conklin
Dr. Derek Conklin loves dentistry and was fortunate to be introduced to it as a teenager by a family friend who was a dental student. From that time on, the idea of being a dentist resonated with Derek.
He had an interest in science and art, and loved the idea of being able to use those interests to interact with people and improve their health.
Derek kept the idea of dentistry in mind as he served a two-year religious mission in Ecuador for the LDS Church. The people he met in Ecuador continued to inspire him to enter a profession that would allow him to help and serve people.
When he returned to the states, Derek began his studies in pursuit of dentistry. Soon after he met his lovely wife, Carrie, and they began their life together.
Derek graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Biology and then graduated from the School of Dentistry at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) with his DMD.
Since then, Derek has actively been involved in continuing education, keeping up with the latest advances in dentistry.
Derek has studied dental implants with some of the best oral surgeons, as well as orthodontics with Invisalign. It is important to him that his patients receive the best care possible. Dr. Derek Conklin is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.
While Derek is passionate about being a dentist, he also has a wide variety of interests and hobbies. Derek loves the outdoors – running, biking, hiking, and especially snow shoeing, backpacking, and camping. He volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts so he can share his love of the outdoors and inspire young men to develop skills that they need to thrive in the world.
Derek has participated in triathlons, including an Ironman competition. Derek also has interests in watercolor painting and identifying birds and travel. He loves to read and often reads more than one book at a time. After the adoption of their daughter, Hannah, Derek became passionate about the cause of adoption. He and his wife currently serve as the Chairs for the Oregon Chapter of Families Supporting Adoption, an adoption education and advocacy group.
Derek, his wife Carrie, and their daughter Hannah live in the Gresham area where together as a family, they love to go to the zoo, OMSI, the park, take trips to the beach, and eat at Red Robin. Hannah is a fan of Red Robin’s macaroni and cheese! They love to travel as a family, and hope to plan some trips in the future. Derek and Carrie hope to adopt again.