A career based on curiosity and care
Erin Waid did not take a direct path into dentistry. Her career developed step by step, guided by curiosity and a strong interest in patient care.
“I have always been fascinated by helping people in a practical 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 of New Orleans. Her early life was marked by both discipline and education. Her father was a lawyer. Her mother worked in early childhood education. This balance between structure and care would later be reflected in her work.
In high school she ran cross-country. “It taught me persistence,” she says. “You don’t see results overnight, you see them every day.”
This attitude would accompany her on a long and demanding academic journey.
Educational path: From biology to dentistry
Waid started with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Portland. At that point, dentistry wasn’t the goal.
Instead, she devoted herself to 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 a system,” she explains.
Her performance was outstanding. She was nominated for the Graduate Student Excellence Award, which is based on academic achievement, leadership and community service.
But over time her interests changed.
“I realized I wanted to be more involved in 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 this time she received several awards, including the Dean’s Research Fellowship and an award in oral biology.
Her research focus was on early childhood dental care. “I was interested in why some treatments worked differently for each patient,” she says.
This interest in detail and precision led her to specialize further.
She completed her residency in endodontics at OHSU, where she also contributed to research that was later published in 2025.
Career timeline: From clinical to specialization
Waid’s early career reflects a wide range of clinical experience.
She started in research, 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 to think critically,” she says. “You don’t just follow steps. You ask yourself why.”
She then worked as a family nurse in the fields of dermatology and medical aesthetics. Her duties included treating skin diseases and performing cosmetic procedures.
From then on, she transitioned into dentistry full-time.
At OHSU’s Russell Street Clinic, she worked as both a general dentist and an assistant professor. She treated patients while also teaching dental students.
“I enjoyed the mentoring,” she says. “It forces you to stay sharp and explain your thinking.”
She later worked in emergency dental care, caring for urgent cases such as trauma and infections.
“In this environment you learn to make quick and accurate decisions,” she explains.
In 2024, she fully stepped into her role as an endodontist. She now practices at Salem Endodontic Associates and Multnomah Endodontics and Microsurgery.
What does an endodontist do?
Endodontics focuses on the inside of the tooth. These include the pulp, nerves and root system.
Waid’s daily work includes diagnosing toothaches, treating infections and performing procedures such as root canals and microsurgery.
“Many patients come in anxious,” she says. “My job is to solve the problem and make the experience manageable.”
Her background in nursing, research and general dentistry gives her a broader perspective.
“I look at the bigger picture,” she explains. “Not just the tooth, but also the patient’s history and concerns.”
Leadership in dentistry and research
Waid’s career shows a pattern of constant development and depth.
She is a member of the American Association of Endodontists and the Marshall Baumgartner Endodontic Study Group. The focus of these groups is continuous education and collaboration.
She also remains connected to research.
“Dentistry is changing rapidly,” she says. “You have to keep learning.”
Her published work and academic background support this approach. It doesn’t just apply existing methods. She also contributes to this field.
Philanthropy and community work
Outside of clinical work, Waid was active in community service.
She served on the Ryan White Planning Council in Multnomah County from 2018 to 2021. The group helped decide how to allocate $3 million in federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs.
“This work gave me a different perspective,” she says. “It’s about system-level impacts.”
Early 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 marked by a major leap. It is characterized by consistent progress.
She moved from research to nursing, then to dentistry, and finally to a specialty. Each step built on the last.
“I didn’t plan everything at once,” she says. “I followed what interested me and where I could grow.”
Today, she continues to focus on patient care, technical skills and continuous learning.
Her interests outside of work are simple. She loves running, playing golf and spending time with her family.
“It helps me stay balanced,” she says.
Final Thoughts: A career built over time
Erin Waid’s journey shows how careers can advance through exploration and discipline.
It combines clinical expertise with research, teaching and social engagement. This mix has made her a fixture in her field.
“I think success comes from staying curious,” she says. “And the willingness to continue to improve.”
Her story is not about shortcuts. It’s about showing up, learning and building expertise over time.
