Went to Dr. Higdon after explaining my wife's symptoms (closed and locked jaw due to TMJ issues and chronic pain) to the receptionist on the phone. She said that we should come in immediately. We dropped everything and rushed to his office. The receptionist scolded us for being three minutes late. After being escorted into the examination room Dr. H came in, introduced himself to my wife, and started asking her questions. Because my wife's jaw is locked it is extremely painful and because speaking aggravates her pain, I tried to talk on her behalf. He stuck a finger in my face and said he didn't want to hear from me. He proceeded to spend the next half hour asking my wife questions, cutting her off halfway through her answers and getting increasingly visibly agitated when she asked a question. He scolded her for waiting so long to come in to see him, lectured us about insurance, and scolded her multiple times for being three minutes late. He refused to say what any future treatments might entail, refused to even begin to diagnose the problem, and got angry when my wife didn't answer his questions fast enough or in the right manner. He insisted we sign up for a full 1-1/2 consultation because he "just can't figure this out right now." After handing my wife a mouth-guard type device to use he said that it would "loosen up the muscles in her mouth." When my wife asked what we should do if it hurt after wearing it, he insisted that it wouldn't hurt. It would just provide relief. When my wife asked again what to do if it caused her pain (continue wearing it? call him? take it out?) he got red in the face, started to shake with anger and told her it would be fine. When we got to the parking lot my wife put the device in her mouth and it instantly caused a sharp stabbing pain in her jaw. I have no idea why Dr Higdon is so angry. My wife and I came to him after spending hundreds of dollars on physical therapy, medication, and consults with other experts. While none of them have been able to provide much relief, none of them blamed my wife for her condition, none of them scolded us, and none of them made my wife cry like he did. And none of them charged us $100 for the experience of being belittled. There are other TMJ experts in town. We will find the effective, kind one and write it up on Yelp so others can be helped. Also, he has been disciplined in the past by the Oregon Board of Dentistry. You can look up his record by going to their website. Best of luck. read more

I suffered from back/neck/TMJ/TMD pain for 15 years before I found Dr. Higdon. I had tried everything: physical therapy, chiropractic, a "brux guard", massage, acupuncture, osteopathy, yoga. I begged my primary care physician for help for years. My symptoms always returned. It wasn't until Dr. Higdon stabilized my bite that I found any lasting relief. I feel indebted to Dr. Higdon for giving me some relief when no one else could. He coordinated my care with a physical therapist, an orthodontist, my osteopath and my sleep doctor. He maintains a good working relationship with a large network of practitioners in the area and I trust his recommendations 100%. I have been seeing Dr. Higdon on and off for about five years now. Though I curse fate for giving me this chronic pain condition, I am grateful that it led me to Dr. Higdon. I consider him the dean of the small pool of professionals dedicated to TMJ/TMD issues in the Portland area. I pray he postpones his retirement. We have discovered over time that my own issues spread into sleep medicine and obstructive sleep apnea, which are a little outside Dr. Higdon's core domain, but I have always found Dr. Higdon to be open minded and willing to listen and willing to work with other physicians and other approaches. I find Dr. Higdon's office and staff to be small, modest, and very professional. They have been exceedingly helpful with insurance issues. In my experience he sees only one patient at a time. Compare to the typical modern dentist's office, where the emphasis is on getting as many patients in and out in as short a time as possible. I believe he is past the point of trying to "grow his practice" and truly only interested in seeing patients he can help. Any dentist in Portland will make you a TMJ/TMD splint. But that two day continuing education seminar where that dentist learned about TMJ/TMD issues? Dr. Higdon taught it. TMJ/TMD is all he does. He has dedicated his life to it. Dr. Higdon has a competence and a confidence and a patience I associate with my grandfather's generation: men who know what they are doing and reserve a little good humored patience for those who do not. He possesses a mastery of his craft which comes only from decades of mindful study and practice. As much as I would like to put my condition behind me, I am going to miss visiting his practice. Another reviewer mentioned a reprimand from the state board. I was curious so I looked it up. It's true. There is one infraction. Between 1964 and 2016 (52 years as a licensed dentist in the state!) he did, one time, in 2002, neglect to renew his license on time. I certainly won't let that stop me from profiting from his care. read more

I do not recommend this place. My experience is on par with Panther's review. I don't take pleasure in saying that I think this place is all about making money. But it is. I don't know what it "used" to be like but it ain't like that anymore. I went there for a second opinion regarding jaw/gum pain. The consultation fee was over $500. Before the visit I asked if it would be alright to make 2 separate out of pocket payments which they approved. I would pay half at the time of the visit and the other half in 4 weeks. They approved. Okay, so that's out of the way. The panoramic x-ray was taken incorrectly. My front teeth were not visible. That is the film that was used. Then there's a couple of hours of talking and hands on diagnostics. At the end of the day, the diagnostics were okay but there's way too much talking. I think this dentist fancies himself as some sort of psychiatrist. I wasn't privy to the fact that I think he tapes the entire visit because a couple of weeks after the visit I received a copy of the "results" of his examination which included several quotes from me. He sent this to my regular dentist and my primary care physician. I was not advised that the consultation was being taped. I also wasn't "asked" whether or not I wanted the report sent to my dentist and primary care physician. In addition, the report was pretentious, long, and indicative of someone who really likes to come across as important. Instead of just providing the results, it was hear ye hear ye crap. So, after a couple of hours he advised me to get a night guard. I'm intrigued by the other reviewers who commented on getting their crowns built up. I'm wondering why that wasn't brought up during my visit. In my opinion, I think I may have benefited from that as I have a couple of worn crowns that I'm sure are effecting my bite. My take on all of this was that he pretty much dumped my problem back into my lap. On completion of the visit as we were walking out of the office he says that if I decided to get a night guard through him that it would cost $3000. I was waiting for someone to say, "and operators are standing by . . . " $3000 for a night guard? Oh, but that includes necessary visits and adjustments from his highness. Okay, so I go to the front desk to pay. The receptionist confirmed method of payment. I was to pay half now and the other half when I received a bill in 4 weeks. That was our agreement. Well, 2 weeks later I received the first of 3 phone calls badgering me for the balance. Mind you, 4 weeks had not even passed yet contrary to our agreement they wanted payment in full. My impression of my experience of this place was one of being totally ripped off and taken advantage of. And the only serious attempt of dealing with MY situation was to figure out how to surgically remove money from my wallet. $3000 for a night guard? I called the dentist I saw prior to this one in order to obtain yet another opinion. He brought up the subject of a night guard too for less than $600. I asked them what the protocol was for getting a night guard in order to understand the reason for one costing $3000. I was advised that their $600 cost included being seen by the dentist, the impression, etc. It wasn't the queen's coronation as implied by Dr. Higdon. My suggestion to anyone entertaining thoughts of going here is to go somewhere else. The prices are WAY overblown and the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. read more

Dr. Higdon's treatment is definitely top of the line. His expert knowledge and referrals caused such an improvement in my TMJ that I go days at a time without pain now, whereas previously I was popping Ibuprofen like it was candy just to get through the day. I only give three stars, however, because over the course of my treatment they decreased all of the support staff until it was just the Doctor and one assistant. It became impossible to get someone on the phone. I was constantly leaving messages and never getting a call back. read more

Samuel Higdon is the ONLY TMJ specialist to see in the Portland/Vancouver area! He understands TMJ like very few people do and works to make your bite stable and pain free. He knows the best specialists to see whether it be a physical therapist, orthodontist or surgeon. TMJ isn't typically covered under most insurances and a little understood field of study. So you have to understand that he has a method to his madness and have faith. It is expensive but better than having to drink your food. read more

I am so grateful my dentist referred me to Dr. Higdon. He is the only person my dentist would consider to help me. My TMJ was debilitating and painful. Dr. Higdon, with incredible skill and experience, developed a specialized plan to help me. I am so thankful for his wonderful care. He truly spends his life to help others. I am glad I am one of them. Karin C. small business owner read more

I had excellent results with my treatment for TMJ. Dr Higdon came recommended by another dentist and after mentioning his name to other dentists I know the comments were all positive. I would recommend Dr Higdon to any and all that have issues with TMJ & he also finished by rebuilding 50% of my crowns to help my bite!! Great job. Bob Glass read more

I too was referred to Dr. Higdon for TMJ problems caused by poor orthodontic treatment 50 years ago. I talked to many professionals who recommended him before deciding to visit Dr. Higdon. He spent a lot of time with tests diagnosing my problem then presented me with a clear treatment plan. The TM joint is the most complex one in our body and he was able to explain the limits of what could be accomplished and what I could expect. He has replaced 3 of my crowns over the last 4 years and given me a bite plane that has really reduced my pain. What a relief! I found his office to be well run, clean, on time and has a friendly staff. Dr. Higdon even came in on his day off to accommodate my schedule. read more

Dr. Higdon is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! He literally saved my teeth. I noticed 3 or 4 years ago that my bottom front teeth were loose. I went to a regular dentist and after he tested all my teeth he said they were all loose! After giving it a lot of thought, the regular dentist referred me to Dr. Higdon. First Dr. Higdon tried putting a splint on my top teeth, told me to wear it all the time, and that stabilized my top teeth. He then tried the same thing on my bottom teeth, but it didn't work on them. For whatever reason, you can't put real teeth on top of fake teeth, so it wasn't an option to give me partial dentures on the bottom.. As my bottom teeth were crooked, he sent me to an orthodontist to have them straightened.Once straightened, he put a wire on the back of my bottom teeth so they would hold for 5 - 10 years, or possibly longer. He had to invent this procedure as he never had a case like mine before. I commend you, Dr. Higdon! Valli Freeman read more

On one of my final appointments and they took impressions that should have been taken up front, showing severe jaw dislocation that his long term plan couldn't possibly fix. This is after you've already paid thousands of dollars and personal time ending up merely wearing a cheap mouthpiece. Once he shows the said impressions, he explains his recommendation for himself to consult with his hand picked Orthodontist, who would likely demand large sums of money to fix the problem. The problem, that should have immediately been referred out to an orthodontist initially after intake appointments. Instead, he waits to take the impressions at the end of treatment. With the impressions, Dr. Hidgons' suggests the Orthodontic referral or a costly plan, involving shaving my original teeth down to fix the massive problem. After that consultation, professionalism was thrown out the window. The office refused to speak to me when i requested, within my legal patient rights: a copy of my file, including advice he gave moving forward with the diagnosis. It was as though he was reading a script as he described my final options... As he assumed I'd never seen an orthodontist in my life. Any doctor with a dental degree and speciality should be able to recognize previous history of use of braces. Now I'm accruing interest on my final bill sent monthly for at least 3-4 months now. My inquiry was prior to the start of the initial billing cycle. They will not return any calls regarding records at this point. They never answer during business hours now either. This does not make the business appear to be legitimate. Please take pause and get other opinions before choosing your doctor. read more

A friend of mine went to a dentist for what should have been just a routine cleaning. The dentist did not like my friend, and had the hygienist grind his lower front teeth down to stubs in a spiteful, criminal act. My friend complained to Dr Higdon, who examined him, and reported to the Oregon Dental Board that his lower teeth had been ground down due to normal wear, protecting the dentist in question from a lawsuit. I am a former dental laboratory technician, and it is obvious to me that a crime has been committed. I told this to Dr Higdon during a visit to his office with my victimized friend. He later disrespected me by saying to my friend that I didn't know anything. My friend has made subsequent visits to Dr Higdon in an effort to obtain justice. Dr Higdon insists that he come alone, presumably so there will be no witnesses and it is only the Dr's word against my friend. My friend also went to Dr Orazio in Tigard, Who covered up for the quack dentist. In my 30 years as a dental tech, I saw a widespread lack of ethics in the dental profession. But this case of malpractice and cover up is truly shocking to me. I strongly advise you to choose your dentist carefully. If some butcher damages your oral health, you have no recourse. read more

If you have TMJ or any jaw disorder, before you let anyone else (even your dentist) do anything, call and make an appointment with Dr. Higdon. I have had TMJ for many years now and have had 4 different splints, physical therapy, and finally surgery (DON'T GO TO DR. POTTER!) and still was miserable. He takes an incredible amount of time to analyze your problem and fix it. He made me a new mouth splint and in less than 24 hours 90% of my pain was gone. This man knows what he is doing! I can't recommend him enough. read more

i found dr. higdon to be very professional and friendly, his staff to be efficient and welcoming. i came to see dr. higdon about 2 years ago about long-standing TMJ pain. he came highly recommended from my regular dentist. after a thorough history and examination, he sat down and talked extensively with both my husband and i (for over an hour) about my condition, choices for treatment and prognosis - i don't think i have ever had such a long and informative conversation with a health care provider - i have been in the health care profession a long time (and speak from first hand experience) ... my follow-up treatments in his office over a 6 month period were effective - he recommended a physical therapist ... which i saw for several months and made a splint for me to wear at night - although my TMJ pain will never go away completely, seeing dr. hidgon has allowed me to have more pain free days - i highly recommend dr. higdon and consider him asset to the professional community ... lucienne read more