Aspire Dental
Lisa Kakishita, DMD:
Practice Profile Page

I look forward to my visits to Aspire Dental.  Dr. Lisa and her team always go above and beyond to ensure that I feel comfortable and well taken care of.  The dental hygienists are very attentive and remember conversations that we have previously had.  They always ask me about how I am doing.  I feel like a friend and important voice my dental care when I go for my appointments as opposed to a number.  I think that speaks well to the level of commitment that Aspire Dental has for their patients.   They really take care in ensuring that everyone has a positive experience while feeling empowered to maintain a healthy smile!  I would highly recommend Aspire Dental!

Easily the best dentist experience I have ever had. The office has such a warm feeling from the moment you walk in (definitely NOT something I have ever associated with the dentists office). I no longer dread the day I have to go to the dentist- which also means I no longer avoid it and am getting the care that I need to be healthy! All of the staff are incredibly kind, thorough in explanations, and I trust them and their expertise. In the past I had felt like dentists were trying to sell me more services than I really needed but it was difficult to know because of the power dynamic of them being the doctor. I don’t feel like that at ALL here. I am provided the information that I need to make an informed decision. Also from what I can tell it’s a majority woman run/led office and I am very excited to support this business!

I look forward to my visits to Aspire Dental. Dr. Lisa and her team always go above and beyond to ensure that I feel comfortable and well taken care of. The dental hygienists are very attentive and remember conversations that we have previously had. They always ask me about how I am doing. I feel like a friend and important voice my dental care when I go for my appointments as opposed to a number. I think that speaks well to the level of commitment that Aspire Dental has for their patients. They really take care in ensuring that everyone has a positive experience while feeling empowered to maintain a healthy smile! I would highly recommend Aspire Dental!

I’m a new patient at Aspire Dental and I’m really happy with my choice. I had a great cleaning with Preslie! She was polite, thoughtful and efficient and I didn’t feel judged – one of the biggest fears I have when I go to the dentist! She also shared suggestions for ways to keep my teeth moving in a healthy direction between visits. The appointment started on time and I was finished with time to spare. The front desk team is awesome. Candi detailed out the cost to me prior to my appointment and answered all of my silly insurance questions, because insurance is confusing! Dr. Lisa and her team put together a dental plan for me that included potential next steps with the importance of each procedure and the out-of-pocket cost to me. I appreciate knowing what needs to get done, how soon and what it will cost me so I can plan ahead! I also did not feel pressured into any unnecessary treatments or even pressured into booking immediately. Honestly, I’m looking forward to my next visit and I don’t think a lot of people can say that about their dentist appointments.

Apsire Dental is the best dental practice I have ever been too. I have terrible genetics in terms of teeth, and I’ve had some traumatic dental experiences in the past. The staff at Apsire Dental does excellent work, answers all of my many questions, and always puts me at ease. The team is friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. They use modern equipment and methods, and I recommend all of my friends in the area when they need a new dentist.

I love Dr. Lisa and her team. I have been an Aspire Dental patient for many years. Very conveniently located downtown for me as I usually can take the streetcar from PSU, especially now at their new location. Special shout out to my hygienist, Julia. I had my 6 month cleaning today and she was so amazing that I almost feel asleep. I cannot say enough about the front office staff. It reminds me of “Cheers” where I am barely in the door and they are already greeting me by my name. Every chance I get, I refer friends and colleagues to Aspire Dental.

I pretty much never write Yelp reviews, but was so pleased with my visit here yesterday that I decided it was worth signing in specifically to give accolades. From the very first phone call confirming my appointment, to checking out at the end, the staff at Aspire Dental were kind, courteous and upbeat. After a lengthy stint without dental insurance, it had been a while (*ahem, years*) since I had been to any dentist–embarrassing! I was admittedly quite nervous about the preachy “shame-on-you” lecture I was sure I would inevitably receive–but no such lecture ever came. The Aspire staff weren’t the least bit judge-y or condescending, but rather were completely sweet and enjoyable during the entire appointment. They were professional, thorough, and made sure I understood everything that was going on throughout my visit, without once losing their friendly demeanor. The clinic itself was light, bright and clean, and they played a super fun playlist with music from all different genres, which kept the vibe upbeat. I never thought I would say I legitimately had a fun time at the dentist, but no, really, I did. Thanks Aspire!

When you first walk into Aspire dental you feel immediately welcomed. All dental anxieties wash away with the calm friendly hygienist from the moment they great you in the lobby to the minute you leave their chair. My hygienist Preslie is always caring and gentle with her cleanings. Dr. Lisa takes genuine interest in each patients life. Dr. Lisa will never recommend unnecessary or costly treatment and they discuss out-of-pocket costs and explain your insurance before starting any treatment. This place is wonderful and conveniently located right off the street car in downtown Portland!

Dr. Kakashita and her team are phenomenal! I was referred to her by a colleague and she has restored my faith in good dentists. She and her staff clearly value their relationships with patients, and one another. The office is always busy, friendly and well organized. Dr. Lisa is never rushed and spends time to give you an update as well as recommendations for potential treatments. They always do a great job of providing you all your options, as well as expected costs. There are usually have giveaways/promotions and holiday decorations as well, which makes coming to the dentist a little fun!

Apsire Dental is the best dental practice I have ever been too. I have terrible genetics in terms of teeth, and I’ve had some traumatic dental experiences in the past. The staff at Apsire Dental does excellent work, answers all of my many questions, and always puts me at ease. The team is friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. They use modern equipment and methods, and I recommend all of my friends in the area when they need a new dentist.

This was the best dental visit I have ever had!!! The staff was very friendly and made sure I was comfortable. I loved working with Dr. Lisa and Preslie who took their time with my cleaning and exam while also taking the time to answer any questions I had. Thanks for a great experience at Aspire Dental, I highly recommend you go here if you haven’t already.

Dr Kakishita’s and the Aspire Dental team got rave reviews from my daughter today. After having had a horrible experience with another dental office a couple of weeks ago we were left very nervous and worried. They were very understanding about our worries and many questions and they patiently took the time to send us information that they clearly understood my insurance. They even sent me a copy of my insurance benefits so that I can double check their procedure codes against it. They clearly explained what was covered and stuck to our agreement that only what was covered be performed on the first time. My daughter reports having gotten a very thorough cleaning. She was also told that our preference for crowns as opposed to veneers for a couple of front teeth was also her suggestion for teeth that will look better and last longer. They have sent my insurance pre auth for future work so that I can feel comfortable and be completely satisfied with the outcome of our out of pocket quotes. Back home we have had 20 years experience (I’m in the east coast) with our current dentist we always walk out with a smile. After our disappointment with a west coast dentist office at the beginning of this month, we were worried that it would be the same at Aspire but I can safely say we were put at ease by their kindness, patience and most of all their willingness to win over our trust. Thank you.

Aspire is the best! The Dr., as well as my regular dental assistants and the office staff and everyone, are super friendly and helpful. I’ve only had one other dentist that even comes close, and Aspire is still better. I’ve had some really bad dentists in the past. One gave me procedures I didn’t need, another sent me a letter telling me I was not longer a welcome client after a bad Google review! That’s not to say that the bar is set low and that Aspire steps over it. That’s saying that I understand how hard it is to pick a new dentist and the investment and implications involved. I found Aspire because of their good reviews and have to recommend them to anyone else searching. You won’t be disappointed.

This was my the best dental experience by far! The staff was very friendly and provided clear explanations of what was happening during the appointment. I felt comfortable asking a lot of questions. I appreciated that a thorough medical history was taken. Tasha was a great dental hygienist – amiable, competent and observant. Dr. Lisa was great too. I didnt feel like services were forced on me and appreciated that I was given options on how to follow up my care. GO HERE!

Everything about Aspire Dental is great! I ADORE the online option to schedule, so fast and easy. I have major dental anxiety; everyone there was so sensitive and caring. My cleaning went so fast and was very informative. The team there really wanted to get to know me as a person, not just a set of teeth. I have already recommended Aspire to all my friends and family! Can’t wait to see you ladies in 6 months!

My family has been seeing Dr. Lisa and her team for more than eight years now. I have never had a better experience at the dentist. They are professional and courteous. My seven year old daughter loves visiting their office and actually nags me to visit the dentist. She has been visiting since she got her first teeth and they even let her sit on my lap to watch me get my teeth cleaned first at her first appointment.

I love Dr. Lisa and her team. I have been an Aspire Dental patient for many years. Very conveniently located downtown for me as I usually can take the streetcar from PSU, especially now at their new location. Special shout out to my hygienist, Julia. I had my 6 month cleaning today and she was so amazing that I almost feel asleep. I cannot say enough about the front office staff. It reminds me of “Cheers” where I am barely in the door and they are already greeting me by my name. Every chance I get, I refer friends and colleagues to Aspire Dental.

Great dentist — would highly recommend to others! – Staff is friendly and helpful; – They validate parking – fantastic especially since their office is downtown – Hygienist did a great job on my cleaning – made me feel comfortable, was friendly and didn’t overtalk!! I think it can be annoying when the hygienist is cleaning your teeth and asking you a million questions — umm, hello, my mouth is wide open i can’t talk, please don’t think we can have a 2 way conversation! – Dr Kakishita was fantastic – gave me options, explained upsides and downsides of certain procedures and treatment options; I felt educated about my options and didn’t feel pressured to do anything. – Got a free sonicare toothbrush for my first visit, not sure how long this promo is running for, but it was a definite plus!

Had a great first appointment at Aspire Dental today! I’m one of those young adults that let my mom make my doctors’ appointments for as long as she would, and this was my first foray into booking an appointment on my own. They made it so easy and helped me understand my insurance. They explained all the jargon they used during my cleaning so I knew what was up and I got an exceptional cleaning. Both the hygienist and doctor were friendly and helpful. Will definitely be going back for my next cleaning!

Clean, brightly lit and comfortable interior space. Staff, hygienist and dentist all very friendly and accommodating. Avoided having to take my x-rays and get billed as they were more than willing to get them from my last dentist. Thorough cleaning and analysis of my dental history, asked if I experienced pain multiple times throughout the cleaning session to make sure I was comfortable. Explained what was going on during the session so I could ask questions and be fully aware of the process. They used some modern cleaning tech that I had not seen before. They offer you services that may not be covered by your insurance but articulate it upfront so there is no pressure to say yes. Got a free whitening pen as a new patient. Convenient location is a plus. Also dentist gave me heads up about lack of fluoride in Portland water system and how to prevent cavities as she asked and discovered that I grew up in the Midwest. A+, all set up to see them again in 6 months.

Having not been to an Dentist in 3 years, yesterday was a vivid reminder how important dental-care is to our overall health. Aspire accomplished it—Rebecca was most effective…thorough, and no pain, and Lisa was the consummate Pro—thorough also…with good advice going forward. The reception was friendly, and not over-done. Onward with Aspire! Bill Failing