A North Carolina-based dentist will be opening his own practice in Stamps, Ark., to provide community-driven dental care.
The practice will be the first Lafayette County has seen in 20 years. Giles Willis, DDS, will focus on providing affordable care and education to the community, including a program aimed at informing youth about good dental habits.
Dr. Willis worked in underserved communities in North Carolina for three years at Hertford County Dental Center and Chapel Hill, N.C-based Piedmont Health Services. He also has his own practice, Willis Family Dentistry, in Cary, N.C. He decided to return to his hometown to give back to the community after remembering his own family's experience not being able to afford dental care.
Dr. Willis has been raising money for building renovations through community fundraisers and received a grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation for dental equipment. He hopes to welcome his first patient this summer.