New dental office opening soon

By KATHY NUSSBERGER

Managing Editor

Three years after he first began his career as a dentist, Hank Willis, DDS, announced that he is leaving Kaniksu Health Services to open his own practice on the South Hill in Bonners Ferry. He will be at Kaniksu for approximately two more weeks.

"I had a fantastic time working with everyone at Kaniksu, but my long-term goals have always been to open my own practice," Willis said. "I want to provide high quality dental care to the people of this community."

Willis, who joined Kaniksu right after four years of dental school at the University of Washington, Seattle, also completed a year of hospital dental residency to learn how to work with pediatric patients, do oral surgery and specifically tailor treatments for people who are medically compromised.

"Although a residency program is not a requirement for dentistry, I wanted a broader range of training to prepare me for someday opening my own practice," he explained. "And now I am finally reaching that goal with the opening of my new practice. At my new office I am installing a digital X-Ray to provide a higher quality of X-Ray, instant viewing on the computer screen and also decreasing the radiation output by about 90 percent over the standard X-Rays. The digital will also allow me to see in greater detail any tooth decay, root or bone problems, and improve my ability to educate my patients on their individual dental care and hygiene."

Willis will also have operating microscopes in his office that he said will greatly help in not only seeing what is going on with his patients but also improve his capabilities of diagnosing decay, cracks in teeth and doing oral surgeries.

"I especially enjoy working with the kids and helping them to overcome or prevent their fear of dentists," he added. "Our office will also have a Dental Hygienist on staff, and we plan to help our patients by working with a variety of insurance companies."

Willis has been married to Hannah for six years, and the couple has a two year old son and four year old daughter.

With the grand opening targeted for the first week in August, the new office will be located at 6811 S. Main St. on the South Hill, near Far North Outfitters and Farmers Insurance. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Willis, call 267-6454 after the grand opening.