Lee J. Cowles, DMD
Born and raised in Parkrose, Dr. Lee Cowles loves serving this beautiful Portland community just as his father did. Dr. Cowles attended Brigham Young University, where he completed his undergraduate studies, switching from a piano/music major to pre-dentistry after serving a two-year LDS mission in Missouri and Iowa. Following his undergrad, Dr. Cowles attended the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) School of Dentistry, where he graduated with his DMD.
Dr. Cowles loves being a general dentist because of his patients, whom he considers to be his friends and adopted family. He strives to provide his patients with comprehensive dental care so they don’t have to go to an unfamiliar specialist on a tight schedule. Being a dental wimp himself, Dr. Cowles always empathizes with his scared or concerned patients. He focuses on listening and communicating with all of his patients, whether they’re in for a toothache or a smile makeover.
Another reason Dr. Cowles loves dentistry is because it’s a field that requires continual learning and mastering of the latest technological skills. For over 25 years, he has been a member and former President of the Jacobson’s Dental Research Group at OHSU. Dr. Cowles spends many hours each year in continuing education courses to learn the latest techniques to deliver the highest-quality, comprehensive dental care.
When not at the office, Dr. Cowles enjoys spending time with his wife, Leila, and their five children, as well as going camping, playing racquetball, and doing family history research. About twenty years ago, Dr. Cowles’s sons acquired an interest in rocks and minerals. This interest led Dr. Cowles to develop a love for creating and making gemstone trees, which he has sold locally and around the world.
Meet Our Team
Our dental team is knowledgeable about the care we provide at Cowles Dental Care. Patients who visit our dentist in Portland, Oregon, will be treated like family while receiving comfortable, personalized care. Check out the biographies below to learn more about our team members.
Viviane Nguyen, RDH
Viviane, a native of Vietnam, moved to the United States with her mother, brother, and two sisters when she was 14. In 1997, she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in dental hygiene from the University of Minnesota.
Viviane moved to Vancouver, WA, in 1998 and has been practicing dental hygiene in Oregon and Washington ever since. Viviane worked for Dr. Cowles from 1998-2000 and returned in 2008. She loves Dr. Cowles’ sense of humor; as it always brings a smile to her face. The best part about working here, Viviane says, is the patients. Her patients feel like extended family, which gives the office a warm and comforting environment unlike anywhere else.
In Viviane’s spare time she likes to spend time with her family. She also volunteers at the Vietnamese innovation club teaching Vietnamese and dancing. She is focused on the Vietnamese Community, she enjoys rafting, go to the movies, hiking, and singing. Most of all she really enjoys traveling, whether to see new places or visit with family and friends.
Susan, Office Manager
Susan brings over 20 years of dental and office experience to our practice. One of her favorite challenges is dealing with insurance companies on behalf of our patients. She will go the extra mile for you by helping to schedule appointments, coordinating referrals, reviewing insurance benefits and plans, contacting pharmacies for prescription refills, and so much more.
