Ms. Clarkson, along with e-commerce company Wayfair, gave the $100,000 to help with renovations and cover expenses at the new practice in Dr. Willis’ hometown of Stamps, Ark., which has a population of less than 1,700.
“We love what you’re doing in your community,” Ms. Clarkson said. “And I know it’s a big dream, so we wanted to help.”
“In Arkansas, we don’t have a dental school here,” Dr. Willis said. “So when people leave for dental school — like me — they rarely come back, especially to small towns.”
Dr. Willis ran Cary, N.C.-based Willis Family Dentistry practice for 14 years before deciding to move back to Arkansas. Dr. Willis sold his North Carolina practice and aimed to raise $200,000 for the new practice’s construction and necessary dental equipment.
“The Kelly Clarkson Show” donation helped Dr. Willis fully open a three-operatory practice. Dr. Willis said he hopes his story will inspire other dentists to return home to provide dental care.
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