In order to know a little bit about Dr. Chris, one has to take a trip off the island to the mainland. Dive deep into the interior of the continent, all the way to the prairie heartland, on the banks of a body of water that bears little resemblance to our crystalline, blue Pacific; the muddy Mississippi River home of giant carp, riverboats, and irritable catfish. It was there, in Moline, Illinois, that Chris grew up with three brothers, a sister, and loving parents.
His father, Dr. Donald J McNeil, was a dentist in this river town community, with a practice that spanned 50 years and numbered legions of devoted patients. It was at his fathers knee that Chris got his first exposure to life at The Office; helping prepare fillings, assisting in the darkroom with x-ray negs, cleaning and polishing the instruments, observing his dads delicate touch and winning personality (every patients favorite bartender/shrink/pal). No wonder that later on Chris, after obtaining his BS in Biology at Macalester College in St. Paul, went on to U of Illinois for dental school just like his dad had done decades earlier.
All these years Chris and his siblings were honing a keen interest in water sports, thanks to many years of competitive swimming (Chris was a High School and College All American in 1978,1979 and 1980) and summers spent in the big wind and waves of the Lake Michigan.
After graduating from dental school in 1988, Chris associated with his father in Moline before setting his horizons on California, where he and his wife, Annie, re-settled in the small town of Forestville, up north of San Francisco. There he associated with Dr. E. J. LeDu before becoming the sole owner of the practice when his mentor retired.
It was in California, that he and Annie developed their insatiable passion for surfing and windsurfing, honing their skills in the frigid, windswept wastes of the Pacific sharks and seals sometimes their only companions. After a successful tenure of 15 years in Forestville, and having established a thriving dental practice and rewarding life within the community, the bug for adventure and new challenges once again bit him. What if he lived in a place where he could work hard, and play hard year round warm water, tropical breezes?
In 2005, they along with their sons, Dylan and Evan pulled up stakes and sailed further west, to Maui; a place they had been vacationing for years. Settling in Paia on the islands North Shore, the family has managed to find that proper balance of (hard) work, and (harder) play continuing their pursuit of all types of oceanic water sports: surfing, kiting, foiling, hiking, diving. Hes obviously making good use of his time outside the office.
Dr Chris is a dentist versed in (and equipped for) the most modern techniques, but grounded in timeless, old school values learned from an artisan (his father) who knew how to take great care of peoples teeth (and people). Plus, hes a nice guy who can spin some ripping yarns about his salt water adventures. Just ask him.
Reviews
Rating 4.3 out of 5 based on 21 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJ.G. Thelen
2 years ago
Excellent experience!
Jennifer Van Laanen
2 years ago
The dentist told my husband that he had a new cavity each year. He got them filled. The last visit the dentist again said he had a new cavity, my husband got a second opinion and he did not have any cavity at all. We feel that the dentist has lied about needing work done and he will not be going back.
Wendall DeVera
2 years ago
I am a Veteran and having a Dentist Like Dr. McNeil accepting Veterans is a big plus. Very efficient and still personable, his staff are very exceptional, always making you feel welcomed. I personally wish I had found him sooner. If there was a rating above 5 stars, I would relay that to him..
Nunya Bhissness (Randol Flagg)
2 years ago
Excellent service. Staff is meticulous and efficient. My hygienist Kellen is fantastic. Dr McNeil replaced three old fillings of mine and I was in and out within forty-five minutes. Dr McNeil and his assistant worked together like it was an operating room on an episode of ER. They were calm, comforting, efficient, and when he said done- zero adjustments were needed. The waiting room feels outdated, but the exam rooms have top notch chairs and equipment. I highly recommend my dentist!
ELIJAH WHITFIELD
2 years ago
Watch out, go in for one thing he will recommend a big job like replacing all your filling, then they crack. Son had a cavity fall out and 6 months later in college, and he says he is not responsible. Also I found the front person very insincere at best. Found Dr. Vargus, the best yet.
ELIJAH WHITFIELD
3 years ago
Watch out, go in for one thing he will recommend a big job like replacing all your filling, then they crack. Son had a cavity fall out and 6 months later in college, and he says he is not responsible. Also I found the front person very insincere at best. Found Dr. Vargus, the best yet.
Jess
4 years ago
Dr. McNeil has been wonderful! We recently switched to him because we were very disappointed with our previous dentist. Dr. McNeil is extremely time efficient, works with your insurance company to ensure best coverage possible, and has wonderful manners. My husband and I would highly highly recommend him and his wonderful staff to anyone looking for a dentist!!
Rich Hevner
4 years ago
Chris and the gang are tops. The whole office is laid back and relaxed. Never have to wait. They have a nice system to keep me on track not to miss my appointments or be late. Love those reminders. Thanks you guys. See you in August I think. Aloha. Rich
Gwenivere Gill
5 years ago
Good vibes! I felt right at home and everyone was friendly and calm. I had several cavities filled and hardly felt any pain. My teeth are healthy thanks to McNeil. :) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Jess
5 years ago
Dr. McNeil has been wonderful! We recently switched to him because we were very disappointed with our previous dentist. Dr. McNeil is extremely time efficient, works with your insurance company to ensure best coverage possible, and has wonderful manners. My husband and I would highly highly recommend him and his wonderful staff to anyone looking for a dentist!!
Rich Hevner
5 years ago
Chris and the gang are tops. The whole office is laid back and relaxed. Never have to wait. They have a nice system to keep me on track not to miss my appointments or be late. Love those reminders. Thanks you guys. See you in August I think. Aloha. Rich
allison prediger
5 years ago
First, let me start off by saying I have a bit of a dentist phobia. I'm just a nervous, uneasy patient when it comes to going to the dentist. I can't imagine a team going more above and beyond than Dr McNeal's staff! Starting with the front desk and going right down the line of hygentists, Dr McNeals assistant and of course Dr McNeal himself! They are The finest and kindest! The office is clean and welcoming and I highly recommend this team!
Gene Rivera
5 years ago
I would first like to say that Dr. McNeil and his staff are very friendly and professional. I am a new patient there so this was my first time meeting everyone. I'm pretty picky with who I get my teeth cleaned with, but Kellyn who is the hygienist there was very nice and I would recommend her to any of my family and friends. If you are looking for a dentist on Maui Dr. McNeil is your man!!
Ar1iee Ari B
5 years ago
Dr McNeil was very caring and gentle ! .. his assistant was also helpful and kind !! .. HOWEVER his Front office lady was HORRIBLE!!! . Omg She doesn't care about people or if you have ANY questions regarding the billing. She won't look you in the eye, and when you ask questions she'll talk to you like you're stupid. It ruined the whole experience for me and made me never want to come back. If it wasn't for the doctor I would've given one star !!!!!
Justin Stanton
5 years ago
I am a Dental Hygienist on Maui and trust and respect Dr. McNeil tremendously. That is why I chose him to be my dentist. His work is thorough and of the highest caliber. I also respect that he does not push unnecessary treatment. The hygienist Kellyn that works there has cleaned by teeth twice and as someone that knows a thing or two about hygiene, I am can confidently to say she is hard to beat and will be cleaning my teeth forever! All around a great, reliable and exemplary office.
Alex Chiarella
5 years ago
I've gone to Dr. Mcneil's office since i was a kid.. they have a friendly staff and the hygienist Kellyn is a sweetheart which is just a bonus. Would highly recommend to families and anyone who wants healthy teeth!
Gwenivere Gill
5 years ago
Good vibes! I felt right at home and everyone was friendly and calm. I had several cavities filled and hardly felt any pain. My teeth are healthy thanks to McNeil. :) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Alex Chiarella
6 years ago
I've gone to Dr. Mcneil's office since i was a kid.. they have a friendly staff and the hygienist Kellyn is a sweetheart which is just a bonus. Would highly recommend to families and anyone who wants healthy teeth!
Ar1iee Ari B
6 years ago
Dr McNeil was very caring and gentle ! .. his assistant was also helpful and kind !! .. HOWEVER his Front office lady was HORRIBLE!!! . Omg She doesn't care about people or if you have ANY questions regarding the billing. She won't look you in the eye, and when you ask questions she'll talk to you like you're stupid. It ruined the whole experience for me and made me never want to come back. If it wasn't for the doctor I would've given one star !!!!!
Gene Rivera
6 years ago
I would first like to say that Dr. McNeil and his staff are very friendly and professional. I am a new patient there so this was my first time meeting everyone. I'm pretty picky with who I get my teeth cleaned with, but Kellyn who is the hygienist there was very nice and I would recommend her to any of my family and friends. If you are looking for a dentist on Maui Dr. McNeil is your man!!
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