Ellington

Dr. Willie Hammontree’s goal at River Valley Dentistry is to make dental care comfortable and affordable for his patients, he said.

“With everything we’re doing, we’re trying to give things a little bit more of a homey feel,” he said of his Red Bank office, which features a recently redecorated lobby with a flat-screen TV and a variety of Keurig-brewed beverages to choose from.

Hammontree started seeing patients at River Valley in October 2011 and purchased the practice in July from Dr. Anthony Hodges, who continues to see patients at the office three days a week. Hodges owned the practice for more than 25 years, and the majority of the staff at River Valley has been there for at least 15 years.

Hammontree said the staff experience level is one aspect of the practice that makes it unique.

“The staff is highly trained and very passionate,” he said, adding that his assistant has obtained every certification available in Tennessee.

River Valley Dentistry offers all types of dentistry for children and adults, from implant restoration to root canals. Hammontree noted that he is also certified in conscious sedation.

“I really enjoy taking care of patients,” said the doctor, for whom interacting with patients is one of his favorite parts of practicing dentistry. “I enjoy taking care of someone that’s hurting or doesn’t like their smile.”

Although currently an Ooltewah resident, the Rhea County native said he has some sort of personal connection to most of his patients.

“They’re getting a very established office that’s been treating patients for 35 years,” said Hammontree of his patients, who receive the added benefit of the modern technology upgrades.

The fully computerized office features digital X-rays, which expose patients to less radiation as well as reveal more than conventional X-rays, therefore offering better diagnostics, he said.

“I’m big on technology and education,” said Hammontree, who regularly attends continuing education courses and plans to add more new technology to the office soon. “My big focus is staying on top of the latest thing.”