Dr. Martin sells practice

Patients of Dr. Douglas Martin, D.M.D. recently received a letter stating he would no longer be practicing in Wahkiakum County as he is going on sabbatical.The business has been sold to Dr. Jared Seal who has taken control of the office effective September 14.

After earning his degree from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in 1986, Martin began a practice in Lake Oswego, Ore. In 1996, Dr. Martin opened an office in Cathlamet where he only expected to spend a few days a month; however, in 1997, he sold the Oregon office and began practicing full time in Cathlamet.

Prior to his arrival, Wahkiakum County had not had a dentist in more than 10 years. Since he came to the community, Martin’s practice has grown to more than 2500 patients. Over the years, Dr. Martin’s practice has become known as, “Gentle Dentistry for All Ages,” easing the fears of even the most dental phobic.

While on sabbatical, Dr. Martin plans to travel and spend time with his family.

“I want to do some things while I still can” Dr. Martin said. “I see so many people that work to retirement then they retire and can’t do the traveling and sailing and what they want to do.”

He added that he will remain in the area as he has family near by. He has no plans to leave or to open another office elsewhere. His wife, Jill, who has worked the front counter, has no immediate plans to leave. She said she will stay as long as it takes to get a new person behind the counter.

“We love it here,” Dr. Martin said.

Dr. Jared Seal also received his degree from OHSU graduating in 2004. Seal has been practicing dentistry in Longview for the past two years. Dr. Seal is an experienced dentist and is vice president of the Lower Columbia Dental Society, becoming president next year.

Dr. Seal feels taking over for Martin is a great opportunity.

“Dr. Martin has captained a great ship," he said.

Dr. Seal has no reservations about serving his new clients, especially those afraid of going to the dentist.

“It is a pretty typical thing no matter where you practice,” he said. “It’s a great challenge, but we like to turn people around.”

In the beginning, Dr. Seal plans to keep the same hours as Dr. Martin. But with time that may change. There is a possibility of adding a fourth day to the schedule, perhaps even more evening hours and a periodic weekend day, depending on the demand. He has no plans on changing the accepted insurance or fee schedule.

“Same great prices, same great service,” Dr. Seal joked.

Dr. Seal is a resident of Cathlamet along with his wife, Auburn, and their three children, and all love the community.

“Go Mules!” he exclaimed.