From the #deltadentalARFoundation: Giles Willis Jr. was just 8 years old when he had to have two teeth pulled, one baby tooth and one permanent tooth. 

Too much candy was to blame and also, not seeing a dentist for regular checkups. His parents didn’t have much money and going to the dentist was something you only did when you were in severe pain. 

Giles was in severe pain. 

Right then and there, Giles decided that no 8-year-old or anybody, for that matter, should have unnecessary dental pain.  He made up his mind to become a dentist at that moment. 

Fast forward 35+ years, and now Dr. Giles Willis Jr., DDS, is about to return to his childhood home in Southwest Arkansas to open the first dental office in Lafayette County since 2004. 

He has purchased 506 Thomas Street in Stamps, AR, the very building where he had to have those two teeth pulled as a youngster. When it was put on the market in 2019, it was like “divine intervention,” Dr. Willis says. He’s currently renovating it, with funding, in part, from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. A Community Grant is providing financial support for new dental equipment, such as x-rays machines, equipment, and dental chairs.

If all goes according to plan, the first patients will be welcomed in about 6 to 8 weeks.

But much of Dr. Willis’ work will take place in the local schools. He’s partnering with one of his dental supply companies to offer “Lessons in a Lunch Box” to teach students ages 5-17 good dental habits. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease, yet it’s highly preventable. 

“No child should be at risk of complications arising from dental caries when all it takes is oral education and preventative maintenance to keep the teeth healthy,” Dr. Willis emphasizes. He adds that he wants his clinic to provide a “dental home” for those students so they’ll have an ongoing relationship with the dental staff to obtain good oral health guidance, prevention and treatment.

This is community history in the making, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. #blackhistorymonth

Congratulations to Dr. Willis for his vision, his dedication and his love for his hometown and his home state. 

If you want to make a difference and help improve the oral health of members in your community, check out our grant opportunities here.

This story was first published on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

UPDATE, December 2021

OMG, OMG, we are so excited we can't stand it. One of our 2021 #CommunityGrant winners, Dr. Giles Willis, just received a $100,000 #hristmassurprise during The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kelly Clarkson. He is opening the first dental clinic in almost 20 years in his hometown Stamps, Arkansas, Lafayette County. 

Wow. Congratulations.

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