Our Staff
Our Dental Staff:

 

Bill Ritter, DDS

When he's not brightening a patient's smile, "Dr. Bill" (as he's known around the halls of Willow Tree Dental) can be found bicycling the many roadways and thoroughfares of Southwest Idaho. As the miles roll past, Dr. Ritter often reflects upon his
good fortune to live in the Gem State and be a part of so many patient's lives.

Originally from Ohio, and a second-generation dentist, Dr. Ritter moved to Idaho in 1968. He attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He completed dental school at University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco.

Dr. Ritter has brightened the smiles of our men and women in uniform as a Dental Officer in the U.S. Navy. He then brought his talents to the Treasure Valley and founded Willow Tree Dental in 1988. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Bill enjoys spending time with his two children, as well as mountaineering, and snow skiing. And , if you see him cycling around the Valley, be sure to say "hello"!

Whether working with new patients to achieve better oral health, or helping them to feel more attractive with a dazzling new smile, Dr. Ritter's goal for every patient of Willow Tree Dental is that they walk away with the best possible dental care and a true belief that…. Make It Easy To Smile!

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Bruce Richardson, DDS

Giving hope to a patient and watching their reaction at seeing a newly restored smile are two of the primary reasons Bruce
Richardson chose dentistry as a profession, and periodontics as a specialty.

Originally from Utah, Bruce Richardson received his Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University. He attained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.

Upon graduation, Dr. Richardson entered the United States Air Force and completed his General Practice Residency at Scott AFB Regional Hospital in Illinois. From there, he returned to conduct his Periodontal Residency at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle.

Continuing in the military, Dr. Richardson held a number of distinguished positions. Some of his most notable duties included: Director of the USAF Dental Implant course at Keesler AFB, instructor of Dental Residents, and head of the Periodontal Department.

Dr. Richardson's professional memberships include the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and American Board of Periodontology. He is one of a few select periodontists in the state of Idaho that are Board Certified Diplomates by the American Board of Periodontology. Additionally, he is a published contributor to several noted dental research journals. Among these include the Journal of the American Dental Association, General Dentistry, Journal of Dental Research and American Journal of Dentistry.

Though accomplished as one of Idaho's most experienced periodontists and dental implant specialists, Dr. Richardson considers his wife and five children his greatest passion in life.

As a dentist who performs some of the most complex dental procedures, Dr. Richardson understands the unique connection our mouths have to our overall good health. That's why he's committed to help educate patients on the importance of proper dental health and doing whatever it takes to… Make It Easy To Smile!

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Julie Hess, DMD

Dr. Julie Hess knows how to help patients from all sides of the chair. She started by earning adegree in nursing from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Her diligence paid off with multiple academic scholarships, which helped her receive a
Doctorate of Dentistry from the University of Kentucky. She graduated with High Honors in the top 5 of her class of 50.

As an LPN and RN she cared for critically ill, oncology, and trauma patients. As a Dental Assistant her duties included the full compliment, from X-ray imaging and dental impressions, to restoration and lab functions. This variety of duties allows Dr. Hess to relate to patients on a variety of levels, keeping her patients well informed.

Besides devoting herself to medical studies, Dr. Hess has volunteered much of her free time. She's been involved with pediatric clinics, a children's cancer camp, the Ogden Rescue Mission, the American Red Cross, and various church programs. Dr. Hess also was a Chapter Vice President for Operation Smile, and served a humanitarian mission to the Ukraine including teaching English.

Believe it or not, Dr. Hess does find time to enjoy singing in her church, reading, cooking, camping in the Idaho outdoors, and spending time with her son.

Her goal as a dentist is to educate patients about the importance of good oral care, and to provide dental care in a gentle, comfortable environment. Dr Julie Hess and the staff at Willowtree Dental are always striving to… Make It Easy To Smile!

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Robert Hendricks, DDS

Striving for excellence has been the continuing goal of Dr. Robert Hendricks.

After earning his Dental Degree from Georgetown University, Washington DC, he was an associate in a private practice. Dr. Hendricks then joined the Coast Guard, where he served in a variety of capacities including Dental Officer and Deputy Dental officer at Coast Guard stations in New Jersey, New Orleans, and Virginia. He was elevated to Director of the Medical/Dental Clinic for the Coast Guard in Astoria, Oregon and Traverse City, Michigan.

During his last duty station at the US Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City, he was a member of the Seattle Study Club, which is as one of the premier dental continuing education programs in the world. The club keeps members current with the latest developments in functional and esthetic dentistry allowing members to provide leading edge dentistry to their patients.

Dr. Hendricks also is a member of the US Public Health Service and was attached to the US Coast Guard for 25 years.

For many years, Dr. Hendricks has been an avid photographer and more recently a wood turner, producing intricate wooden bowls known as hollow forms. His interest in various art forms has helped him produce the most esthetic restorations possible for his patients.

Dr. Hendricks is only satisfied with his work when his patients are excited with the results. It's his special commitment to…. Make It Easy To Smile!

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Brian Bird, DDS


Dr. Brian Bird joined the staff at Willow Tree Dental because he wanted to work with a group of good people. He’s used to high performing co-workers after serving three years in the U.S. Air Force. He also knows the area well, since he grew up in Meridian.

Dr. Bird earned his Bachelors degree in Business Finance at Brigham Young University. He then pursued and received his Doctorate at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. Dr. Bird completed a one year advanced education General Dentistry residency with special training in I.V. sedation. He was able to gain more practical experience as a dentist in the Air Force, serving in California and Arkansas.

People are surprised to know that Dr. Bird lived in Uruguay for two years and speaks fluent Spanish. In his spare time he enjoys sports, the outdoors, and sharing a pizza with his wife and their three children. Dr. Bird is also a soccer coach, helping to give a good start to young minds. Like the staff at Willowtree Dental, Dr. Bird patient focused and dedicated to always…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Kaci Jensen, DDS


Dr. Solt has recently met the love of her life. She was married to Mr. Kirk Jensen on Nov. 7, 2009 and took his name.

Dr. Jensen has always felt at home in Idaho. Especially spending her first sixteen years in Boise and later Weiser. Dr. Jensen tries to make people feel at home in many ways…in her dental chair, or helping to restore homes in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Jensen received her undergraduate degree at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. She completed dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry.

Dr. Jensen served her country as part of the U.S. Public Health Service which is a uniformed service branch of the US Dept of Health and Human Services that responds to natural disasters, among other things. She received numerous government ribbons and citations while in the service. Dr. Jensen has also worked to improve the dental health of Native Americans on reservations in Oregon, Washington, and Northern Idaho. She has volunteered her time and skills for Give Kids a Smile and the Rotary Club.

If you’re a music fan, you might ask to hear Dr. Jensen play Cello sometime. Or, perhaps, say a few words in German. She loves rowing her scull. In fact, you might see her out on the smooth waters of Lucky Peak reservoir some time. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family in McCall and spoiling her retired racing greyhound, Audra.

So when you find yourself in Dr. Jensen’s chair tuning up your smile, she’ll also make you feel right at home too. She and the staff at Willowtree Dental…

Make it Easy To Smile!

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Carol Hilborn, DDS


Dr. Carol Hilborn started out in the field of real estate. She carefully learned every aspect…from taxes to leases to managing multiple residential and commercial properties. She went on to earn both her sales and broker’s licenses. When she decided to become a dentist, she worked equally hard to learn every aspect of that career as well.

Dr. Hilborn started by volunteering at dental offices in Mississippi helping to take chart information and x-rays, sterilizing instruments, and preparing examination rooms. She was also able to observe various procedures and surgeries. She had a head start on dental experience by the time she started classes at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she received her Doctorate.

Dr. Hilborn shared her skills and experience during missions to Belize and Jamaica, where she performed volunteer dental work on patients of all ages from toddlers to the elderly. She gained tremendous experience in giving examinations, anesthetic injections and oral surgery.

Now Dr. Hilborn has brought her wealth of knowledge to Idaho, providing implant restorations, cosmetics, and comprehensive care. Her warm chair-side manner puts you at ease, and her goal is to provide dental care in a gentle, comfortable environment.

Dr. Hilborn and the staff at Willowtree Dental always…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Robert French, DDS


Quick, what sport is famous for tooth injuries? If you said hockey…you’re right! And when it comes to experience with tooth trauma, Dr. Robert French spent seven years as a Team Dentist for the Idaho Steelheads Hockey Team.

Dr. French began his education at Brigham Young University, going on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology with a Chemistry Minor. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky, followed by an advanced education in General Dentistry Residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. His residency focused on restoration of implants, as well as comprehensive and detailed cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. French has performed hundreds of dental general anesthesia cases upon children, the mentally handicapped, patients with acute fear syndrome, and the medically compromised. Thanks to the Idaho Steelheads and past emergency on-call duty at Saint Alphonsus RMC, he has seen and restored numerous blunt force trauma and injuries.

He currently belongs to the Southwest Idaho Dental Society, and has been a member of the Saint Alphonsus Department of Surgical Subspecialties. He is also a member of the Idaho Forensics and Mass Catastrophe team. Dr. French has volunteered as a Boy Scout Master, and in the Treasure Valley chapter of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

In his spare time, the doctor enjoys the outdoors camping, hunting, fishing and riding ATV’s with his wife and three children. He also likes to work out…and work in an occasional round of golf.

When you’ve seen the kind of tooth trauma that the Idaho Steelheads collect, your visit in the chair with Dr. Robert French…is going to be a breeze! He and the staff at Willowtree Dental…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Chris Thomason, DMD



Born and raised in southeaster Idaho, Dr. Chris Thomason grew up loving the outdoors. In his free time, Dr. Thomason enjoys golfing , waterskiing, rafting, hunting and fishing. After serving a LDS mission in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Thomason attended BYU-Idaho, majoring in biology. There he receive multiple academic scholarships and honors. Dr. Thomason is an Eagle Scout and was a merit badge counselor while attending BYU-Idaho.

Pursing a dental career, he attained his credentials as Doctorate of Dental Medicine at University of Florida. While in dental school, Dr. Thomason served a humanitarian mission bringing dental relief in the Dominican Republic. During dental school, Dr. Thomason was apart of several community service organizations including: Give Kids a Smile, We Care, March of Dimes, and Ronald McDonald House.

Excited to be back in Idaho, Dr. Thomason is looking forward to serving and contributing to our community. And for patients of Willow Tree Dental…

Easy to Smile!


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Clark Elkins, DMD



Dr. Clark Elkins knows the balance between taking care of business and enjoying the fun of life.

After growing up in Fallon, Nevada, Dr. Elkins started working hard on his undergraduate studies in Microbiology at Ricks College in Rexburg, ID and BYU Provo, UT. He completed his dental degree at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. During this time, Doctor Elkins was part of the Oral Surgery Club that offered emergency dental services to villages in Haiti.

While in dental school, Dr. Elkins received a Navy scholarship and served 3 years active duty following dental school. He was stationed at the Marine Corps boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina for a year treating new recruits. He then served two years aboard the U.S.S. Ashland, an amphibious ship out of Little Creek, VA. His time included two deployments to the Persian Gulf.

Now for the fun! Dr. Elkins married his wife Elizabeth in 1999. They have four kids, three girls and one boy. In his spare time, he loves to play the guitar and sing with his brother in their band. You can often find them playing weekend gigs around the valley. He also likes to play frisbee golf and go camping with the family.

If the doctor looks familiar, maybe you’ve seen him on TV. Last year, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of being on Wheel of Fortune! Dr. Clark Elkins knows how it feels to have a dream come true. And if you’re dreaming of a beautiful smile, Dr. Elkins and the staff at Willowtree Dental always…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Wayne Mortensen, DMD



After growing up in Nampa, Dr. Mortensen attended Ricks College/BYU-Idaho, spent two years on a church mission in Argentina, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science at BYU in Utah. This is one dentist who knows how diet affects your teeth! After earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, Dr. Mortensen and his wife returned home to the Treasure Valley to be close to their families.

He views his role in oral healthcare as an educator, helping patients make educated decisions about their treatment. His easy-going attitude helps patients feel comfortable in his chair right away. That attitude also allows him to enjoy all the things Idaho has to offer, including camping, swimming, water skiing, and watching or playing most any sport. The Dr. has recently taken up golf, so feel free to offer some tips during your visit!

People may be surprised to know that Dr. Mortensen has driven from the Pacific to Atlantic coast. Each time he drives into a new state, he stops the car and takes a photo of the state border sign. He hopes to one day have a picture collection of every state welcoming him to that state.

After traveling around the country and overseas, Dr. Wayne Mortensen is thankful to be back home in Idaho, and truly excited to be at Willowtree Dental where they always…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Jethe Abraham, DDS



Going the distance. Dr. Jethe Abraham knows a thing or two about that. First, she went the distance to get a great dental education, starting and finishing her degree at the University of Minnesota. Secondly, she goes the distance everyday to make sure patients receive the benefits of her personalized dental care. And third, how many dentists do you know who can say they have actually run a marathon? That’s Dr. Jethe Abraham of Willow Tree Dental.

Dr. Abraham enjoys building trusting relationships with patients. She believes it is vitally important to build a solid relationship with patients. The more patients feel comfortable talking about their dental care the more complete their care can be and the happier they will be with their smile. Dr. Abraham says: “I find it rewarding to see improvements in patients' oral health and feel education helps patients be actively involved in their oral healthcare.”

Beyond her commitment to dentistry, Dr. Abraham has also been a volunteer with Give Kids a Smile Day and at a local community clinic. And, when she’s not working on smiles, Dr. Abraham enjoys the Idaho outdoors while biking, hiking, camping, swimming and of course…running!

It’s a great feeling, knowing a dentist who goes the distance for your oral health. And you can count on Dr. Jethe Abraham and the rest of the Willow Tree Dental team to always…

Make It Easy To Smile!

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Brandon Spencer, DDS



Sometimes a dentist can be exposed to some of pretty unusual patient circumstances. However, imagine being a dentist in a war zone! Dr. Brandon Spencer spent five years in the military as a General Dentist, including serving for a year in Iraq with the 502nd Dental Company. A desire to serve others comes naturally with this Willow Tree dentist.

Initially beginning his higher education at Ricks College in Rexburg, Dr. Spencer finished his undergraduate studies at Idaho State University. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Case School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. And, beyond the experience he gained serving in the military, Dr. Spencer also served a Pediatric Humanitarian Mission to Honduras.

Dr. Spencer is of a firm belief that he: "… wants patients to be comfortable with me and feel at home in the chair. I believe it’s important to make sure patients fully understand why they are receiving the dental work I recommend and how it will help improve their smiles.”

In his spare time, Dr. Spencer enjoys hiking, skiing and camping with his wife and four children, who he often can be found coaching on the soccer and baseball fields. And, among his many life experiences, he counts being raised on a farm as one thing people are most often surprised to hear about himself.

It’s just another great facet of the team you’ll find at Willowtree Dental, where they always…

Make It Easy To Smile!


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