Kaniksu Health Services welcomes new dentist

By KATHY NUSSBERGER

Managing Editor

Kaniksu Health Services announced that a new dentist, Harlen Hobbs, is joining the group. Hobbs was recruited by Kaniksu and is in the process of completing his move to Boundary County from Tennessee.

Hobbs graduated with honors from dental school in 1999 from the University of Tennessee and owned his own practice for seven years before deciding to relocate. Hobbs also took the National Boards Part 2, his class finished first in the country, and he annually takes several more continuing education classes than is required to maintain his licensure.

"I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and when the opportunity presented itself for me to move back to this part of the country and be in an area where I could do all the things I love, like hunting and fishing, I couldn't resist," Hobbs explained. "I was looking into visiting other areas when I received the call regarding this position. I was put in touch with Kaniksu's Executive Director Victoria McClellan, and I flew out here to interview this spring, was offered the position and accepted."

One of the reasons Hobbs decided to accept the position was because he wanted to spend more time with his kids.

"I wanted to provide a better quality of life for my family and being in private practice took me away from them," he explained. "I also look forward to offering quality dental care to everyone in this community."

Kaniksu Operations Director Andrea Kramer, added that Hobbs has a great sense of humor and plans to integrate fully into the community.

"He is a member of the Masons, very active in his church community and plans to become active in all aspects of this community," Kramer said.

Hobbs, a father of six, has two children living with him here in Boundary County.