Local artwork adorns the wall. Framed photographs display local establishments and sites around town. A large abstract painting depicting an aerial view of the county greets you the moment you enter. You’re welcomed by the caring staff, take a seat, and while you anticipate your name to be called for you appointment, you’re comfortable and relaxed, taking in these beautiful works from local artists.
“The entire office was designed and decorated in such a way as to help people feel comfortable and relaxed,” says owner Hank Willis, DDS. “I know that dentistry can be stressful for people, and we went out of our way to create a positive experience for people from the moment they walk in the door.”
The innovative, expanded, state-of-the-art facility at 6674 Main Street in Bonners Ferry is home to Hank Willis Dentistry, which moved to its new location this past November. Providing dental services to all ages, Dr. Willis and his team offer everything from cleanings and exams, white (composite) fillings, crowns and bridges, to root canals, extractions (including wisdom teeth) and dental implants. They also offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to help relieve anxiety during dental procedures.
Dr. Willis is accompanied by three excellent dental hygienists: Paulette Chase, who has worked with him for 12 years; Lena Cordle, who recently moved her family to Bonners Ferry from the Coeur d’Alene area; and Miranda Stippich, who was born and raised in Bonners and received her RDH degree in June 2017.
“We always strive to treat [our patients] with dignity and respect, to be gentle, compassionate and caring at all times, to work for excellence, and we aim to provide a very high level of dental care,” affirms Dr. Willis.
Creating a positive and fun experience for each and every patient, he dispels the misconception that a trip to the dentist is painful and miserable. He strives to treat his patients in a gentle manner, proving to them that a trip to the dentist can be a pleasant experience. “I enjoy changing people’s paradigm of ‘typical’ dentistry.”
After dental school, Willis completed a one-year general practice residency, during that time spending three months at the Children’s Hospital in Seattle where he gained valuable experience in pediatric dentistry. To this day, he finds children’s dentistry the most rewarding. “I especially love doing dentistry for kids because it is an opportunity to have a lot of fun and send them out with a favorable experience and a smile.”
Dr. Willis and his family moved to Bonners Ferry in 2004 after completing his dental school residency training at the University of Washington in Seattle. “I was on a two-year scholarship with the National Health Service Corps,” he says. “In return for the scholarship, I had to come to a federally designated underserved area and work for a nonprofit community health center. I worked at Kaniksu from July 2004 to June 2007, and then [established] my private practice in August 2007.”
In addition to creating and maintaining beautiful smiles throughout the community, the staff at Hank Willis Dentistry shares the importance of good oral health, volunteering their time educating children by speaking at local schools. Dr. Willis is a sponsor of the Missoula Children’s Theater when it comes to town and contributes financially to the Pearl Theater. He helped sponsor the playground at the fairgrounds and has been actively involved at the FAA/4-H market auction. He is also a sponsor of the Distinguished Young Women organization, various sports teams and other community activities.
At Hank Willis Dentistry, they keep the community smiling.
Hank Willis Dentistry
6674 Main Street
Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
208.267.6454