Meet Dr. Kent Zerr Dr. Kent Zerr DMD has been serving our community and providing excellent dental care for the Salem area since 1980.Early Life and EducationDr. Zerr, an Oregonian born in 1959, has made significant contributions to the field of dentistry and his local community. He graduated from Albany Union High School in 1971, where he excelled as the Student Band Director and Drum Major from 1969 to 1971. In his youth, Dr. Zerr engaged in various agricultural jobs, including picking beans and berries, weeding beats, and canning, which instilled in him a strong work ethic from a young age. From the age of 16 to 22, he worked in local markets in Albany and Corvallis, taking on roles such as box boy, sock man, checker, and shift manager. This diverse background provided him with valuable customer service experience that would benefit him in his future career. Dr. Zerr began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in 1971 but ultimately transferred to Oregon State University (OSU), where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Microbiology. He continued his education at OSU, earning a Master’s in Business Administration in 1976. His passion for healthcare led him to the Oregon University School of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from 1980. Professional CareerDr. Zerr initiated his dental practice in July 1980 in Salem, Oregon, and has since established himself as a prominent figure in the dental community. He is a life member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Marion Polk Dental Society, and the Oregon Dental Association. Over the years, Dr. Zerr has contributed to the profession through his leadership roles, becoming a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 1993 and serving as its President in 1998. He was honored as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry in 2004. In addition to his local practice, Dr. Zerr has been involved with Northwest Medical Teams as a Lead Provider, participating in various dental missions to Mexico, including in Oaxarea in November 1999 and Juchitan in 2005. His dedication to service continued with Medical Teams International from 1994 to 2018 and volunteering as the Dental Director at the Salem Free Clinic between 2004 and 2015. Community InvolvementDr. Zerr believes in giving back to his community, reflected in his active participation in local organizations. He served on the Chemeketa Dental Advisory Board from 1981 to 1987 and was involved with the Sunnyslope Neighborhood Organization from 1982 to 1985. A devoted advocate for youth sports, Dr. Zerr was a board member of the West Salem Little League from 1986 to 2005 and participated in the Capital City Umpire Association from 1993 to 2019, umpiring baseball and softball for 26 years. Personal InterestsBeyond his professional commitments, Dr. Zerr enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking, which provide him with a balance to his busy professional life. His lifelong connections to the community and commitment to service continue to inspire those around him, making Dr. Zerr a respected and valued member of both the dental field and his local area. |
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