Cyrus J. Lee, DMD, FACD
Cyrus J. Lee, DMD, FACD, is executive dental director and CEO of Permanente Dental Associates. In this role, Dr. Lee leads nearly 200 dentists, specialists, denturists, and professional staff at one of the largest independent, dentist-led, multispecialty dental groups in the nation. Together, they deliver evidence- and value-based oral health care to 285,782 Kaiser Permanente Dental members in the region.
Dr. Lee joined the organization in 2006 and has practiced general dentistry for more than 20 years. He has served in a variety of key operational and strategic leadership roles for Permanente Dental Associates, most recently as dental director for care delivery. During Dr. Lee’s tenure, Kaiser Permanente Dental continues to be accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care in recognition of delivering high-quality care. Kaiser Permanente Dental first achieved accreditation in 1990 and has been accredited continuously since.
Prior to his role overseeing care delivery in 21 dental offices in both Oregon and Southwest Washington, Dr. Lee held several leadership roles. Early in his career, passionate about community health, Dr. Lee recommended the creation of and became Permanente Dental Associates’ first community health lead dentist.
Dr. Lee earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Northwestern University and his dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, in Portland. He completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry program while in the U.S. Army Medical Department. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom while on active duty, as well as on assignments in the Republic of Korea before returning to Oregon in 2006 to join Permanente Dental Associates.
In 2017, Dr. Lee completed the Executive Scholar Certificate program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He serves on the faculty at the Oregon Health & Sciences School of Dentistry as clinical assistant professor.
Dr. Lee is a strong proponent of treating the whole person through true medical-dental integration — via shared electronic health records and dentists’ ability to coordinate care with Kaiser Permanente physicians and clinicians.
He’s also an advocate of clinician wellness and the development of current and next-generation dentists.