A Career Built on Curiosity and Care
Erin Waid did not take a straight path into dentistry. Her career evolved step by step, guided by curiosity and a strong interest in patient care.
“I’ve always been drawn to helping people in a hands-on way,” she says. “But I also wanted to understand the science behind what I was doing.”
She grew up in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans. Her early life was shaped by both discipline and education. Her father was an attorney. Her mother worked in early childhood education. That balance of structure and care would later show up in her work.
In high school, she ran cross-country. “That taught me consistency,” she says. “You don’t see results overnight. You show up every day.”
That mindset would follow her through a long and demanding academic journey.
Education Path: From Biology to Dentistry
Waid began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Portland. At that point, dentistry was not yet the goal.
Instead, she pursued nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Seattle University and trained as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
“I wanted to understand the whole patient, not just one system,” she explains.
Her performance stood out. She was nominated for the Graduate Student Excellence Award, based on academics, leadership, and community work.
But over time, her interests shifted.
“I started to realize I wanted to work more with procedures and problem-solving,” she says. “Dentistry gave me that.”
She enrolled at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine. During that time, she received multiple honors, including the Dean’s Research Scholarship and an award in Oral Biology.
Her research focused on early childhood dental care. “I was interested in why some treatments worked differently across patients,” she says.
That interest in detail and precision led her to specialize further.
She completed her endodontics residency at OHSU, where she also contributed to research later published in 2025.
Career Timeline: From Clinics to Specialization
Waid’s early career reflects a wide range of clinical experience.
She began in research roles, working as a Research Assistant and later as a Clinical Research Coordinator. These roles exposed her to patient monitoring, data collection, and clinical protocols.
“It taught me how to think critically,” she says. “You don’t just follow steps. You ask why.”
She then worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in dermatology and medical aesthetics. Her work included treating skin conditions and performing cosmetic procedures.
From there, she moved into dentistry full time.
At OHSU’s Russell Street Clinic, she worked as both a General Dentist and Assistant Professor. She treated patients while also teaching dental students.
“I enjoyed mentoring,” she says. “It forces you to stay sharp and explain your thinking.”
She later worked in emergency dental care, handling urgent cases like trauma and infections.
“That environment teaches you to make fast, accurate decisions,” she explains.
In 2024, she stepped fully into her role as an endodontist. Today, she practices at Salem Endodontic Associates and Multnomah Endodontics and Microsurgery.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
Endodontics focuses on the inside of the tooth. This includes the pulp, nerves, and root system.
Waid’s daily work involves diagnosing tooth pain, treating infections, and performing procedures like root canals and microsurgeries.
“A lot of patients come in anxious,” she says. “My job is to solve the problem and make the experience manageable.”
Her background across nursing, research, and general dentistry gives her a broader perspective.
“I look at the full picture,” she explains. “Not just the tooth, but the patient’s history and concerns.”
Leadership in Dentistry and Research
Waid’s career shows a pattern of steady progression and depth.
She is a member of the American Association of Endodontists and the Marshall Baumgartner Endodontic Study Group. These groups focus on ongoing education and collaboration.
She also continues to stay connected to research.
“Dentistry changes fast,” she says. “You have to keep learning.”
Her published work and academic background support that approach. She is not just applying existing methods. She is also contributing to the field.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Outside of clinical work, Waid has been active in community service.
From 2018 to 2021, she served on the Ryan White Planning Council in Multnomah County. The group helped decide how to allocate $3 million in federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs.
“That work gave me a different perspective,” she says. “It’s about impact at a systems level.”
Earlier in her life, she was involved with the Seafair Organization in Seattle. She served as Miss Seafair and later mentored young women in the scholarship program.
“It was about building confidence and communication skills,” she says.
A Practical Approach to Growth
Waid’s career is not defined by one big leap. It is defined by consistent progress.
She moved from research to nursing, then to dentistry, and finally into a specialized field. Each step built on the last.
“I didn’t plan it all at once,” she says. “I followed what interested me and where I could grow.”
Today, she continues to focus on patient care, technical skill, and ongoing learning.
Her interests outside of work are simple. She enjoys running, golfing, and spending time with her family.
“It helps me stay balanced,” she says.
Final Thoughts: A Career Built Over Time
Erin Waid’s path shows how careers can evolve through exploration and discipline.
She combines clinical skill with research, teaching, and community involvement. That mix has positioned her as a steady presence in her field.
“I think success comes from staying curious,” she says. “And being willing to keep improving.”
Her story is not about shortcuts. It is about showing up, learning, and building expertise over time.
Read more:
Erin Waid: Building a Career in Modern Endodontics
