In order to provide our patients and visitors with the most accurate and beneficial information, we only post comments and star ratings relevant to a specific provider or office once they have received a minimum of 30 surveys within the previous 12 months.

Samantha Paula R Lara, DMD

General Dentist

4.6 out of 5.0
383 Ratings, 107 Comments

Dr. Lara’s Biography

Dr. Paula Lara is a compassionate and personable dentist who values building strong, trusting relationships with her patients. She is dedicated to providing care that puts her patients’ best interests first, always taking the time to listen and make them feel at ease. One of Dr. Lara’s strengths is her ability to offer extra empathy, particularly for patients who may need additional comfort during their visits..

Her interest in dentistry began at a young age, inspired by her childhood dentist. She knew from that point that she wanted to pursue a career where she could make a difference in people’s lives through care and compassion. Dr. Lara was drawn to Willamette Dental for its collaborative environment and treatment approach that focuses on the patient’s needs.

When she’s not in the office, Dr. Lara enjoys spending her weekends indulging in film photography, baking, cooking, and exploring estate sales. You may also find her relaxing at home with her cat.


Education

  • Dental School – Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry

Specialty Training

  • Cultural Sensitivity Training

Medicaid

  • Accepts Oregon Health Plan
  • Open to New Pediatric and Adult Oregon Health Plan Patients

Languages Spoken

  • English

Patient Experience Survey Results

Our patient rating scores represent an average of all responses from actual Willamette Dental patients randomly surveyed by nationally-recognized patient experience firm, NRC Health.

Learn more about our patient reviews
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Patient Comments

Patient comments are gathered from our NRC Health Patient Experience Survey. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Learn more about our survey

Nov 22, 2025

5

On time and got me in for a broken the next day .

Nov 21, 2025

5

Great place.

Nov 20, 2025

5

Dr. Lara, Hygienist Mike, Assistant Taylor, and check-in/out reps Amy and Shana were all fabulous!

Nov 20, 2025

5

Good place and very clean

Nov 17, 2025

5

The team was so nice! Glad for the availability and the great care.

Nov 16, 2025

5

Friendly staff.

Nov 15, 2025

5

Very kind and helpful

Nov 14, 2025

5

They don't make future appt's in the office when I'm there at an appt. I have to call Willamette Dental a couple of months before my 6 months & usually it's difficult getting an appt. That's my only complaint about this dental company. Otherwise I have had excellent care from my dentist & the clinic.

Nov 18, 2025

5

The provider was friendly and nice. Listened to me and my issues were addressed, an appointment was scheduled to complete the issue.

Nov 13, 2025

4

Dr Lara was great! Listened to my concerns, answered my questions throughly, offered suggestions to improve dental health & goals. She seems to have a conservative approach to major dental work (crowns, bridges, etc) which I REALLY appreciate and was looking for in a dentist.

Nov 6, 2025

5

Everyone was great.

Nov 3, 2025

5

Willamette Dental care is the best dental care I have ever had. Dr. Laura and team were excellent. Dr Adjuj is my regular doctor and he and his team are great too. Tomoko at the front desk is great customer service

Oct 24, 2025

5

Dr. Lara and Tyler took care of me so well. Thank you so much.

Oct 26, 2025

4

I think it was a pretty decent experience. I think that I would have just, it felt very rushed. I had a lot more questions. Some things that we discussed were not revisited at the end. And I just felt like, you know, it was the end of the day. We need to go.

Oct 15, 2025

3

Support staff could use some training. They are also not the nicest over the phone

Oct 6, 2025

5

Thank you!!

Oct 5, 2025

5

My dental hygienist was amazing. He provided amazing care and was very knowledgeable.

Oct 5, 2025

5

I find this entire practice to be so welcoming on top of professional and talented care

Oct 6, 2025

5

Thank you very much. Receptionist was excellent.

Oct 5, 2025

5

Dentist made me feel comfortable.

Oct 4, 2025

5

The dentist was so clear w the options and was so supportive of my terror - I ideally am medicated prior to actually show up. The pain was rattling constant. The dental office called me w a cancellation and I so glad it was made available. Thanks so much.

Oct 2, 2025

5

All of the staff were attentive, knowledgable, and professional.

Sep 27, 2025

5

My doctor and dental assistant were very sweet and patient. I felt heard and taken care of. Very personable, will definitely return for care and recommend to others

Sep 26, 2025

5

I really appreciate it everyone's demeanor, friendliness, and attention to detail

Sep 23, 2025

3

The dental assistant was very condescending and judgy.

Sep 20, 2025

5

They were really busy and it sounded like short staffed, but they got us or at least me in, in a timely manner. And I presume the others, and worked really well. The only slight issue was I felt like it might've been a little rushed since they were a little understaffed, but I think they handled it beautifully and they took care of me very well. So it was a good experience all in all, and I will be returning. Thank you.

Sep 18, 2025

3

If in need if urgent visit. Appointments not available. You must get more providers!

Sep 13, 2025

4

Wish you would open the calendar. If no dates available and I need to get in every 3 months, but takes me 6. We'll, that is not good. Open your schedule so I can make my appointments for every 3 months

Sep 12, 2025

3

My daughter has a fear of needles. She has a cavity that needs to be taken care of, but has a lot of anxiety and has not been able to do the treatment. I was disappointed at this visit because I felt like they were judging me for not making her do it rather than working with her on how to support her through her fear. The dentist was nice, but the hygienist felt very much like he was judging us and annoyed by the fact that we hadn't taken care of what service that she needed. There was a lack of compassion and partnership.

Sep 7, 2025

4

Was not offered a lead vest for x-rays.

Aug 28, 2025

4

Had me come in half an hour early but had to wait forever for dentist to see me ...a little annoying

Aug 25, 2025

5

They were all very friendly and very helpful

Aug 24, 2025

5

Everyone was very friendly!

Aug 20, 2025

5

It took forever to have someone call me back. I assumed the call back would be within maybe 20, 30 minutes, but it took hours and several calls for me to just get an appointment.

Aug 18, 2025

4

Great team, thank you!

Aug 15, 2025

5

Everyone was very professional and did an excellent job. The day I went it was extremely hot in your office and it was uncomfortable. I think it would be a more pleasant patient experience if the temperature was cooler in your office.

Aug 16, 2025

5

Absolutely one of the best dental experiences I've ever had. I am so thankful and grateful to my dental team for the excellent care.

Aug 15, 2025

4

Scheduling is the only thing that can be tricky. It can take a long time to get an appointment.

Aug 14, 2025

5

Every employee was extremely friendly and nice!?

Aug 9, 2025

5

I appreciate that I have very little wait time when I arrive for my appointment. Everyone is very friendly.

Aug 8, 2025

5

Great experience !

Aug 9, 2025

5

Nice people

Jul 29, 2025

4

The emergency appointment was a week out from initial contact and the determination of the appointment was to refer to an orthodontist, which I thought could have been done at the initial contact point instead of having to wait a week for an appointment only to confirm exactly what was conveyed in the initial contact communication. But other than a week delay, all seemed professional.

Jul 25, 2025

5

I was impressed with the knowledge, professionalism, and friendliness of all providers. Thanks for a great experience!

Jul 20, 2025

5

Satisfied

Jul 11, 2025

5

I really wish that I could schedule my next appointment at the time. I'm checking out. It's much easier for me to manage my schedule that way. I'm sure you have a reason for doing it this way, but it would be more convenient for the patient to schedule out. Working professional professionals have a harder time blocking off time.

Jul 9, 2025

5

was very happy with the 2 ladies that were helping us were THE BEST. They were so so so patient with my son who was so nervous to get a cavity fixed. They were walking him through everything and made sure to gain his trust which no location has done before

Jul 4, 2025

5

Very kind and efficient. Much appreciated.

Jul 5, 2025

1

My tooth I went in to get filled still gives me pain even after the producer. I can't sleep, and I can't go back soon because I have to work. I think they allowed students to practice on me and now I'm suffering because of the pain is still there.

Jun 26, 2025

5

I have always been pleased by Willamette Dental.

Jun 27, 2025

5

The care here was amazing. From checking in to end of visit was satisfying thank you for making my visit memorable.

Jun 20, 2025

3

Felt rushed. Not the best.

Jun 13, 2025

5

I loved my first visit at Willamette dental everyone from the receptionist, hygienist & doctor where all very welcoming, informative and caring.

Jun 10, 2025

5

The whole staff there including the front desk are absolutely amazing they're so friendly and warm and genuine

Jun 6, 2025

5

They were so great!! I will always use them.

Jun 1, 2025

4

Everyone was very nice. Lovely conversations. Professional care. Yay :)

May 25, 2025

5

Always great service and get work done quickly. They take extra care to make sure I'm never uncomfortable.

May 29, 2025

5

Always kind and caring love Willamette Dental been a patient for many years

May 23, 2025

5

Great

May 18, 2025

5

Courteous, pleasant, professional. Genuine and happy to be there.

May 16, 2025

5

Everyone is so respectful and caring, I am so glad that this clinic has such great team!

May 14, 2025

5

I was really happy with the dental assistant, she continuously asked me if I was comfortable and making sure that they did everything I needed and I was happy. It's helpful to know they care.

May 12, 2025

5

Very friendly and a nice experience

May 11, 2025

5

Very happy with overall appointment,all phases were very professional, will definitely be returning in the future,

May 2, 2025

5

Good service

May 2, 2025

5

I was able to get a rush appointment, thanks for that!

May 1, 2025

5

I found the staff to be kind and caring, including the dentist. As I have difficulty ambulating and use a walker, they were very accommodating and kind, and I felt like my needs were met in a very wonderful way. Thank you.

Apr 28, 2025

3

I came in for a crown, but unfortunately I am not able to chew on that side since coming in. They brought me back in to grind down the temp crown, which helped a bit but I'm still not able to chew on that side. Not sure what went wrong, I hope something can be done to fix the issue

Apr 27, 2025

5

Great team work and nice environment front desk where very nice and welcoming waited for me knowing I was lil late to my appointment Great job

Apr 24, 2025

5

they never sent over my prescription for pain management medication

Apr 25, 2025

5

Everything and everyone was great. It was a well run operation.

Apr 25, 2025

5

Thank you!

Apr 25, 2025

5

Thank you

Apr 25, 2025

4

The length of time to get an appointment is ridiculous and when they schedule you for an appointment you never know what's being done at said appointment or the time you'll be schedule for. Communication isn't the greatest and even the raise left hand doesn't work and the provider leaves and novacaine starts to fade away.

Apr 24, 2025

5

Too long to get an appt.

Apr 21, 2025

5

Appt times have always been an issue with willamette dental. Scheduling appts one or two months out can become tedious. Other than that the staff at my visit was top motch

Apr 18, 2025

5

I love Willamette Dental and the team in the Milwaukie office.

Apr 16, 2025

4

Sat in the chair for 35 mins before was seen. Talked to me for 2 mins and was done. What an absolute waste of time for an appointment for a broken tooth and pain. Waited 2 weeks to be seen and absolutely nothing was done other than a referral.

Apr 7, 2025

5

Very fast, kind and professional. Thanks

Apr 4, 2025

5

I am a fairly new client of Willamette Dental. So far, I am very pleased with the services provided. Very little wait time, Easy to schedule appts. Dr and support teams have been very thorough.

Apr 3, 2025

4

I had an emergency visit scheduled. Unfortunately, they were not able to assist me in my visit and I am being referred to another office. I was not offered any pain management when I stated that I am in severe pain. I have also not recieved a call back from the referral office.

Mar 28, 2025

5

From the front desk receptionist to all dentists and the assistance all were pleasant and nice.

Mar 16, 2025

5

Dentist and receptionist at the front desk were fantastic!

Feb 24, 2025

5

They did a great job. I was happy from the beginning to the end. They were really nice to me. I have brain cancer, so they understand that and they really worked with me. So I would highly recommend you guys.

Feb 24, 2025

3

Went there for emergency but they say they still need to refer me to a different provider and they will supposed to call me,3 days later,and i have'nt received any call from them! I've been in pain for 6 days now and until now they havent done anything yet to resolved this issue. Just very disappointed now.

Feb 24, 2025

5

Good service. Attentive and knowledgeable staff.

Feb 19, 2025

5

It was all perfect

Feb 19, 2025

5

I've had issues with a certain tooth for over two years now with no provider listening to my problem. When i went in and brought it up i was met with people who problem solved to help figure out the issue. It may not solve the issue, but it felt nice to be heard!

Feb 6, 2025

5

I had a great hygienist -- I didn't catch his name, but he was amiable and we talked about all kinds of stuff we had in common. Pretty great for a 7 AM appointment, and I appreciated having a male hygienist (and this is not a comment about the many wonderful female hygienists on your staff).

Feb 3, 2025

5

The dental assistant was AMAZING!!!! She was so great with my daughter for the whole experience!

Feb 2, 2025

3

Hygienist was great, when she was done I waited 20 minutes for the dentist. I had to tell another employee I couldn't wait any longer to get the dentist to do my exam. This was very irritating.

Jan 26, 2025

5

I was very nervous since I've had horrible pervious experiences with other dentists, they made sure I was comfortable and took breaks throughout the appointment. I'm extremely thankful for the team and happily able to say this was the first time I enjoyed the dentist.

Jan 27, 2025

5

Everybody was very friendly and professional. Thank you.

Jan 25, 2025

5

Patient friendly environment, professional and warm demeanor of all staff, considerate care.

Jan 24, 2025

5

I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend. The staff was friendly, explained everything and took the time to make sure the anesthesia worked. I've struggled with anesthesia and been ignored previously. They made sure and switched meds to make sure. Felt truly blessed after this experience!!

Jan 23, 2025

5

They saved my tooth!!! I am so so grateful for their skill and dedication!

Jan 23, 2025

5

My dental assistant and hygienist were lovely.

Jan 24, 2025

5

Great experience!!

Jan 18, 2025

5

Dental Asst. (forgot her name ) amazing!!! Dentist, couldn't be happier with results

Jan 11, 2025

5

Good experience

Jan 11, 2025

5

I am very happy the new dentist on staff. She was kind and took the time to make sure I liked the dental plan and understood it. The hygienist was wonderful as well.

Jan 5, 2025

5

They were timidly and helpfully in my emergency

Dec 29, 2024

5

Good people!! Great care !!

Dec 29, 2024

5

She was great. However, I do not like the frequent turn over of dentists at this clinic.

Dec 20, 2024

5

It was clean and quick. The staff was nice and understanding.

Dec 16, 2024

5

Surprised by how quickly they solved my issue. Much appreciated.

Dec 13, 2024

5

Very impressed with the quality of your service.

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