Physician Referral Form

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Dr. Eric J. Dierks

M.D., D.M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.D., F.R.C.S.(Ed), Retired

Founding Partner & Emeritus Surgeon • Dual Board Certified in OMFS & Otolaryngology

A founding partner of HNSA, Dr. Eric Dierks earned his medical and dental degrees from the University of Louisville. One of just a handful of American surgeons to be Board Certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as Otolaryngology (Head and neck surgery), Dr. Dierks completed his residency in these specialties in Delaware and in Texas.

Dr. Dierks retired from active surgical practice in March 2022.

DEGREES

Univ. of Louisville (MD & DMD)

BOARD CERTIFIED

OMFS & Otolaryngology (ENT)

LEADERSHIP

Founding Partner Emeritus

Retired March 2022: Please note that Dr. Dierks is no longer seeing any patients. For clinical care, please see our active surgical partners below.

Dr. Eric J. Dierks

Founding Partner (Retired 2022)

Clinical Introduction with Dr. Dierks

Comprehensive Surgical Practice

Specialized Practice & Surgical Scope

Dr. Dierks’ celebrated surgical practice consisted of head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery, Craniomaxillofacial Trauma, cleft lip/Palate Surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery including complex dental implant surgery. He possesses world-renowned experience in zygomatic dental implants, pioneering life-changing facial reconstruction techniques across the Pacific Northwest.

Please note that Dr. Dierks retired in March 2022 and is no longer seeing patients. The founding surgical principles of clinical mastery, compassion, and innovation he instilled at HNSA continue through our active surgical partners: Dr. Ashish Patel, Dr. Allen Cheng, Dr. Baber Khatib, and Dr. Lance Thompson.

Surgical Proficiencies

Areas of Surgical Expertise

Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery

Pioneering ablation and complex reconstruction for benign and malignant head, neck, and oral tumors.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

Internationally recognized mastery in severe maxillary bone loss rehabilitation utilizing zygomatic implants.

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma

Complex facial bone reconstruction, emergency trauma restoration, and multi-disciplinary tertiary care.

Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery

Specialized pediatric and adult corrective cleft surgery, alveolar grafting, and facial reanimation.

Post-Graduate Qualifications

Education & Subspecialty Fellowships

CAREER EMERITUS

Retired From Active Practice — March 2022

Transitioned to Emeritus status after decades of transformative surgical care and training generations of surgical fellows.

PRACTICE LEADERSHIP

Founding Partner — Head & Neck Surgical Associates

Co-founded HNSA, establishing the premier tertiary center for dual-degree head and neck surgery in the Pacific Northwest.

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENT

Affiliate Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — OHSU

Published over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters; internationally requested lecturer.

DUAL SURGICAL RESIDENCY

Dual Residencies in OMFS & Otolaryngology (ENT)

Completed comprehensive surgical training in Delaware and Texas, becoming one of a select few dual-board certified American surgeons.

MEDICAL & DENTAL DEGREES

M.D. & D.M.D. — University of Louisville

Earned both medical and doctoral dental degrees from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and School of Dentistry.

Leadership & Clinical Affiliations

Hospital Leadership, Teaching & Research

Dr. Dierks has published over 120 scientific journal articles and textbook chapters on complex microvascular reconstruction, zygomatic implants, and maxillofacial trauma, lecturing at major surgical congresses worldwide.

As an Affiliate Professor at OHSU and mentor to countless surgical fellows, Dr. Dierks played an indispensable role in shaping modern oral and maxillofacial oncologic surgery in North America.

Life in the Pacific Northwest

Christina enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, culinary arts, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Surgical Partners

HNSA Dual-Degree Team

Dr. Ashish A. Patel

M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Allen C. Cheng

M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Baber Khatib

M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Lance Thompson

M.D., D.D.S.

Private parking lot and dedicated patient pick-up bays at our surgical clinic: 1849 NW Kearney St, Suite 300, Portland, OR.

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5.0 Average Rating Across Verified Clinical Reviews

What Patients Say About Dr. Eric J. Dierks

Rated 5 out of 5

Verified Patient Parent • Wisdom Teeth & Oral Surgery

“Two of my kids have had their Wisdom Teeth removed by Dr. Dierks and one of them also had a growth on their tongue. His care and bedside manner is exceptional. He called personally the following day to check in, and it was a holiday. I just cannot recommend him enough.”

Nancy P.

Google Verified Review

Rated 5 out of 5

Verified Patient • Pre & Post-Op Clinical Care

“Dr. Dierks is excellent both as a surgeon and a person. We have sent him very challenging patients (severe bone loss, needing dental implant reconstruction). Both patients have been well cared for and have very positive things to say. His surgical skills and communication have all been excellent.”

Dr. Ethan Moulton DDS MS

Google Verified Review

Rated 5 out of 5

Verified Patient • Head & Neck Patient Navigation

“Dr. Dierks is a legend in his field. The level of surgical precision and personal integrity he brought to my care was unparalleled. A true master of his craft.”

Verified Patient

Google Verified Review

Continuing A Legacy of Dual-Degree Surgical Excellence

Dr. Dierks co-founded Head & Neck Surgical Associates to deliver world-class surgical care. Our active surgical partners carry forward his pioneering dedication to clinical mastery and patient compassion.