We've cared for Southwest Portland families since 1983. Our work is comprehensive — we look at the whole picture and plan carefully.
Dr. Karl Shao earned his DMD at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he received the OHSU Alumni Association Scholarship for Excellence and the Ted Green Memorial Award for Restorative Dentistry. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington.
Born in China and raised between Guam, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest, Karl now calls Portland home. His clinical interests are restorative dentistry and helping anxious patients feel at ease in the chair.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Multnomah Dental Society. Outside the office, he and his wife Preslie are raising two young kids, and spend their time exploring Portland's food scene, traveling, and watching basketball.
Unhurried, comfortable appointments in a quiet office.
Most of what we do is comprehensive: routine cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, implants, and full-mouth restorative work. We sequence treatment carefully and explain options in plain language so you can decide what fits.
"This is a bizarre thing to say, but this practice is now the gold standard for how I want to be treated by literally any business. Every person I've interacted with at the office has been helpful and kind — even when it came to a billing concern."
"After serious issues caused by another dentist and a few in between who were ok, I was referred here by a friend. Best decision ever. The first dentist who understood exactly how my jaw alignment was affected. I won't go anywhere else."
"Best dentist ever! I've been coming for 21 years and every experience has been tremendous. Kind, caring staff!"
"They've been helping me for years. Friendly staff, hygienists are on point. Even though I don't live in Tigard I still drive here for dental work and cleanings. Good dentists are hard to find!"
"Hands down the most professional and caring folk I've ever had the privilege to work with in maintaining my oral health. They always go the extra mile to ensure your comfort and safety."
"From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed and cared for. Angela was honestly the best part of the trip — she made going to the dentist feel like Disneyland. I found my new dentist 'home' and would highly recommend."
"I highly recommend Ovation Dental. Dr. Karl Shao is an excellent dentist who is professional, thorough, and caring. He explained everything clearly and helped me feel at ease. Angela did a great job cleaning my teeth. She was gentle, skilled, and very friendly. The whole team provided outstanding care and made the visit a positive experience. I will definitely return!"
"Great dental care. Dr Shao is very gentle, caring, & has great integrity. I would very highly recommend him. He is out of network for me so I personally pay more for his services than if I went in network… would not even consider changing dentists. I feel like I have hit the jackpot in what I desire and need in a dentist. This actually goes for his whole office. Great practice & people."
"I don't think anyone puts “dentist visit” in their top favorite activities, especially when there's a chipped tooth and potential pain involved. But this experience was excellent. Dr. Shao was careful to make sure I was completely comfortable and fully numb and I never felt rushed or dismissed. The color match is perfect, and you'd never know anything was repaired. The staff is friendly, kind and very attentive. It's clear they care about their patients and that really stands out!"
"The staff knows your name when you walk in the door. They offer education while your examine occurs. Always offering future planning of care for prevention of teeth issues. Very professional, kindness, skilled team. Doctor Shao a busy person yet never makes you feel his care is hurried. If you're looking for a dentist we recommend this team."
"We have gone to Dr Orazio for years and were sad to see him retire but Dr Shao is wonderful! He fixed my broken crown, I've had my teeth cleaned by Samantha who is excellent and the overall experience has been great! … You'll do very well making Dr Shao and his team your dental home!"
"I had a great experience at Ovation dental! The office was very clean and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The staff were friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable right away. Dr. Shao took the time to explain everything he was going to do, which really helped ease any nerves. You can tell he truly cares about his patients. I highly recommend Dr. Shao and his team to anyone looking for excellent dental care!"