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Great dentistry starts with great relationships: Meet Whidbey’s new dental team

Published 6:00 am Monday, August 3, 2026

Dr. Max Richling brings clinical experience, compassion-based care and community focus to Oak Harbor

For Whidbey Island’s new Harbor Dentistry owners Dr. Max Richling and Rachel, quality dental care involves more than teeth cleaning, fillings and cosmetic procedures.

“We believe great dentistry starts with great relationships. Our team combines clinical excellence with genuine care, creating an environment where you feel heard, understood, and at ease,” says Dr. Richling, practice owner. 

Raised in Washington State, Max and Rachel met in Seattle, as Max planned for a dentistry career after six years in the Navy and Rachel worked in business operations. Dental school followed in Arizona, where they also had two children.

“Our goal and our dream was to own our own practice,” Rachel says. “And after our second baby was born, it felt like the right time.” 

Exploring dozens of different practices across Washington, none were quite the right fit.

“And then we found the practice in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island.

“We saw the community, especially the Navy base being here. The periodontist in town mentored Dr. Richling when he was in the Navy in California, so it was a special connection.”

Dr. Max Richling and the team at Harbor Dentistry aim to provide a comfortable and anxiety-free dentist experience. Photo courtesy Harbor Dentistry

Patient-first dentistry: comfortable and anxiety-free

The Richlings officially became the owners of Harbor Dentistry in September 2025, bringing with them a philosophy of patient-first dental care.

Understanding that dental appointments can bring anxiety for many people, the Harbor Dentistry team works to help patients feel safe and at ease.

“Sometimes, people can feel really overwhelmed and we want to remove that worry,” Rachel says.

A digital scanner and large monitors in every room allow patients to actually see treatment options and why they’re needed. Treatment can then take a phased approach, with Dr. Richling prioritizing the most important issues.

“My philosophy is to help prioritize what’s most critical for the patient,” Dr. Richling says, highlighting the Harbor Dental team’s 49 years of combined experience.

“We can then work through their care plan so patients don’t feel pressured to do things all at once. We can also group treatments, rather than booking multiple appointments, if that’s easier for people.” 

And to ensure patients have all the information they need after they leave the office, a new practice management system can send copies via email or text.

A digital scanner and large monitors allow Dr. Richling to easily share treatment options with patients. Courtesy Harbor Dentistry

Removing barriers to dental care

A big concern for many patients is if they’ll be able to afford treatment, top of mind for Harbor Dentistry, where patients can finance treatment through a third party and pay monthly instead of upfront. Direct billing to any insurance company is also available. 

Even if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or have anxiety, Dr. Richling encourages people to reach out.

“We want to ensure the community is receiving the care they need and the first step is an initial visit.”

Harbor Dentistry offers a full range of dental care, from cleanings to emergency care. Courtesy Harbor Dentistry

Services offered & what you can expect

Harbor Dentistry offers everything from cleanings to emergency care, including:

• Routine checkups and cleanings
• Fillings
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Emergency care
• Whitening
• Extraction and bone grafting
• Clear braces
• Dentures and partial dentures

Initial visits include x-rays and a comprehensive exam, then Harbor Dentistry works side by side with the patient on treatment planning, specialist referrals and hygiene care.

“Every decision we make is guided by integrity and doing what’s right for our patients, every time,” Dr. Max says.

To book an appointment with Harbor Dentistry, call 360-675-3444 or visit harbordentalpractice.com. 

Visit in-person at 1049 SE Beach City St Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and stay up to date with the office on Facebook and Instagram.

Understanding that dental appointments can bring anxiety for some people, the Harbor Dentistry team works to help patients feel at ease. Courtesy Harbor Dentistry