Idaho Falls Dental Group has about 30 employees including eight top notch hygienists. Most have worked for Idaho Falls Dental Group for a long time and have invaluable experience. Though it is a group, patients are free to choose their preferred doctor and hygienist. The strength of the Idaho Falls Dental Group lies in its collective experience and expertise in all dental disciplines. On average, the dentists at the group have about 30 years of dental experience, a real advantage for patients. All of the partners at the group attend many hours of continuing education every year, and utilize the most advanced techniques, materials and equipment for their practices.
Dr. Blake Barney received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in Columbus, Ohio in 2011. His passion for dentures and full mouth restoration lead him to pursue additional training in replacement of missing teeth - Prosthodontics. Following dental school, Dr. Barney did a graduate residency in Prosthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle. During his residency, he received extensive training in dentures, implants, and implant-supported dentures.
Following his residency he spent 3-1/2 years doing extraction and implant surgery required for dentures and implants at his practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. He specialized in Complete Dentures, Removable Partial Dentures, Snap On Implant Dentures, and All-On-Four fixed dentures. His passion is for replacing teeth in a way that fits patient needs. He diligently works to present treatment options and counseling with patients, finding the best treatment plan for each individual patient.
As Dr. Barney and his wife traversed the country for school and training they joyfully welcomed five children into their family. The oldest son was born in Idaho Falls and two more little boys were born in Columbus, Ohio. They then welcomed two little girls into their family with their first daughter coming in Seattle, Washington and their little baby girl being born in Fort Collins, Colorado.
I grew up all over Idaho from Hayden Lake in the panhandle to Hailey in the Sun Valley area. Idaho is my home, and when we had an opportunity to return we decided to sell our practice in Colorado and come home. His wife is from Ririe, ID and she has been wanting to move home since they left in 2007. We are so excited to be here and look forward to raising our family in the Idaho Falls area.
Dr. Barney is a part of The American College of Prosthodontists, The American Prosthodontic Society, The Academy of Osseointegration, The American Academy of Implant Dentistry, The American Dental Association and The Idaho State Dental Association.
Dr. Thompson was raised in Idaho Falls and attended Hillcrest High School. He received his bachelors degree in Biology from BYU-Idaho. After College, Dr. Thompson was accepted as part of the Idaho Dental Education Program and attended dental school at Creighton University where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery and graduated with Honors. He received the outstanding student award from the Academy of Osseointegration for his work placing and restoring dental implants while in school. Dr. Thompson grew up coming to the Idaho Falls Dental Group and was very happy to have the chance to join the group after school.
My name is Dr. Joseph Yates and my family and I are so very happy to be returning to Southeastern Idaho. Originally I was born in Blackfoot, where my Dad was a math teacher at the Junior High (now Mountain View Middle School). When I was around eleven we moved to Pocatello. We had a family lawn business that I worked in from the age of ten and every summer was filled with memories of working with my Dad and brother mowing lawns. I graduated from Highland High School where I discovered my love for singing and music - something that I continue to enjoy today.
After serving a two year mission in Houston, Texas (Spanish speaking) I began my undergraduate schooling at ISU. I met my wife, Jessica, while at ISU and after graduation we moved to Louisville, Kentucky with two little girls in tow to attend dental school. Over the nearly five years that we were in Louisville we fell in love with the Bluegrass State and also welcomed our third daughter into our family. We returned out west in 2008 when we moved to Billings, Montana so that I could take over a private practice for a retiring doctor there. For ten years we made Montana home and during that time we were blessed to add a son and another daughter to our family. My time in Montana also introduced me to the joy of doing international dentistry. My wife and I made several mission trips to Honduras and Guatemala where we did dentistry for kids there. Those mission trips were very impactful on both my family and me and I feel blessed to have taken part in them. We made so many friends in Montana, especially the patients that I had the privilege to serve and treat there. I will forever cherish the relationships that I developed with them over that time.
In the early part of 2018 I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bracken Webb and his wife, Yvonne, who introduced me to the doctors here at Idaho Falls Dental Group. My wife and I felt like our time to return home to Idaho had come. In July of 2018, Dr. Webb retired and he graciously offered me the opportunity to come and oversee the treatment of his patients. I was happy at the chance to return home, but more importantly I was delighted to be coming into such a wonderful group with great doctors that I respect and admire. One of the reasons I went into dentistry is because I find it is the perfect blend of art and science, but my favorite part of dentistry is the people. I tend to have a good time when Im at work and youll often find me telling jokes, laughing, or humming along to the music. Dentistry is a fantastic profession that I find amazing and stimulating. I love doing the work that I do but it would all be for nothing if it werent for the people that I do it for. Getting to know each of you and your families, and the details of your lives, is what keeps me doing what I do.
Dr. Chris Rhees began his journey with the Idaho Falls Dental group while he was a student at BYU-Idaho. In 2012, he spent time as Dr. Rex Thompsons intern and accompanied Dr. Thompson to the Dominican Republic for a dental humanitarian trip. It was on this trip that he was able to really fall in love with the profession.
Dr. Rhees is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors. While working in public health clinics in Ohio, Dr. Rhees realized his love for surgery, which led him to pursue further training. He was accepted to an advanced education in general dentistry residency through the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. During this residency, he received extensive training in wisdom tooth extractions, implants, IV sedation, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Rhees was then stationed for three years as an active duty dentist at Minot AFB in Minot, North Dakota. Dr. Rhees is proud to have served his country.
Dr. Rhees has been married to his wife, Katie, for 12 years. They and their three sons enjoy camping, biking, gardening and anything involving the outdoors. They are thrilled to be coming back to Idaho and to serve within the community.
Idaho Falls Dental Group wants you to have your best smile. Our office is ready to assist you in finding a financial solution that will fit your situation. Call us with any questions or see our Financing & Insurance information.
Dr. Hunter received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in 1975. Following dental school, Dr. Hunter did a general practice residency in the US Air Force. During his residency, he had extensive training in oral surgery and IV conscious sedation. Following his residency he spent 2-1/2 years doing all the surgery and sedations on his next base. He served for four years in the Air Force. He was stationed with his family at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio where he did his residency, and then Plattsburg AFB in upstate New York.
While serving in the Air Force the Hunter family grew by a baby girl named Amy and a baby boy named Ryan. Having been raised in Ririe, Dr. Hunter moved back to the area and went into practice with his brother Robert.
'Idaho has been a great place to live and raise a family,' says Dr. Hunter. They enjoy all kinds of outdoor sports, of which there is an abundant supply in this area. The Hunter family enjoys doing things together. Some of their favorites include skiing, golf, tennis and bike riding. Even though Dr. Hunter has his commercial pilot 's license, and loves to fly, he keeps his feet on the ground these days.
Dr. Hunter has enjoyed treating patients in this area since moving here after his time in the Air Force. They arrived here in 1979 and have many great friends and memories from their years in Idaho. Dr. Hunter continues to spend a lot of time going to continuing education courses each year. He has particularly enjoyed his work and training in surgery and implants. He started his training as an implantologist in the early 80's and has been in many education courses since then. Implants have opened a service and benefit to patients that before were simply not available.
Other Memberships: Dental Assisting Program Advisor for Eastern Idaho Technical College; United Way Youth Organizations; Little League; Boy Scouts and Varsity Scout Program; Cedar Badge; Church Youth Programs; PTA President
Thereafter, he joined seven other dentists and specialists to form the Idaho Falls Dental Group. This has been a most enjoyable and rewarding association and partnership. It has enabled him to share and develop a myriad of dental concepts, procedures and approaches. Continuing education and advanced methods has always been an overriding priority with the group.
He carefully chose dentistry as a profession and it has been most rewarding. He loves treating his patients, and has also developed a long and cordial relationship with many. He considers his colleagues and staff among his closest friends.
Let me tell you about myself. I am a native of Southeastern Idaho. I grew up in Preston, Idaho during the 50's and 60's, the youngest of four boys. I played a lot of sports with my brothers and friends. I also play the piano. I graduated from Brigham Young University and attended Dental School in San Francisco. In 1979, I graduated from University of the Pacific Dental School. I returned home to Southeastern Idaho to practice dentistry. My wife Yvonne and I have two great children and four grandchildren. We are a golfing family. I have enjoyed teaching golf to my son and daughter. In the springtime, I helped coach the golf team at a local high school for several years. I enjoy fly-tying during the winter, fly-fishing in the summer and steelhead fishing in the fall. My wife and I enjoy traveling when we get the chance.
The profession of dentistry is constantly changing. I regularly attend continuing education courses to learn about the latest advances in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, endodontics, and new dental materials. I enjoy the challenge and rewards of my job. I appreciate the support and association of many great patients over the years. My goal is to provide excellent dental care for you and your family now and in the future. I want to make it easy for you to smile.
My dental practice has grown through the years by referrals from my existing patients, for which I am very grateful. When you become comfortable in my practice I would hope you would also be comfortable referring your friends and family. Thanks for your interest in my dental practice, keep smiling!
Kirk Tingey received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree, cum laude, from Loyola University, Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1978. Having been raised in Idaho Falls, he returned to his roots and has been practicing dentistry ever since. He is board certified to practice all aspects of modern dentistry, including adult and children dentistry, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthetics, and many other disciplines. Dr. Tingey is a member of the American Dental Association and the Idaho State Dental Association. He is a member of the G3 Foundation, a humanitarian dental team that travels to third world countries each year to provide charity dentistry to the poor and underprivileged. He attends many hours of continuing education every year and feels it important to use the latest advances in materials and equipment, and the most current techniques to treat his patients.
Dr. Tingey enjoys practicing within a group setting. 'There is a wealth of experience and expertise dispersed among its practitioners,' he says. 'We consult with each other often on difficult cases. That 's a big advantage for both the doctors and their patients.'
Dr. Hunter attended school in St. Louis Missouri where he received his D.D.S from Washington University Dental School in 1973. His professional memberships include: American Dental Association Idaho State Dental Association Dr. Hunter and his wife Roberta have 5 children - 4 daughters and 1 son. They have 9 grandchildren with 2 more on the way.
Dr. Sheppard was raised in Idaho Falls where he graduated from IF High School. He received his degree in biology from Idaho State University and his DDS degree from University of Washington Dental School. After serving in the US Navy and receiving his pilot's license in San Diego, he returned to Idaho Falls. Dr. Sheppard has served as President of the IF Dental Society as well as on the Board of Dentistry and Western Regional Examining Board, which examines dentists for licensure. He also teaches expanded functions part-time in the Dental Hygiene Department at ISU.
Dr. Sheppard has been married to Laurette for almost 3/4 of his life and they have two boys that he couldn' be more proud of. After earning an instrument and commercial rating for his pilot's license, Dr. Sheppard built and flew his own taildragger airplane. He loves to golf but is really glad that he doesn't have to do it for a job. Dr. Sheppard recently got ATVs and loves to toodle around the back country of Idaho.
Dr. Rex D. Thompson completed his dental training at the University of Washington in Seattle graduating with a D.D.S. He participated in the first year of the Regional Dental Education Program in Idaho and completed his first year at Idaho State University. His undergraduate work was at Ricks College and Brigham Young University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Minor in Spanish.
For Dr. Thompson, dentistry is the right mix of Art and Science. He spent six years in a high powered dental cosmetic practice in Salt Lake before joining the Idaho Falls Dental Group in 1991. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, he also enjoys pediatric dentistry, root canals, crowns and general dentistry.
Dr. Thompson is a member of the American Dental Association, Idaho State Dental Association and the LDS Academy of Dentists. He also serves on the Blue Cross of Idaho Dental Advisory Board. He has participated in a number of humanitarian dental projects in the Dominican Republic, Samoa and Nicaragua and enjoys teaching dental students and providing dentistry in those settings.
Dr. Thompson is currently a council member of the Ammon City Council and has served on the planning and zoning committee. He has participated in Scouting for over 25 years and has camped over 250 nights with the boys in their year around camping program. He has been awarded the Silver Beaver Scouting Award.
His hobbies include gardening, watercolor, metal detecting, back pack trips with his boys, fishing, hunting and camping. He designed and built the house he currently lives in using skills he learned while putting himself through school as a carpenter.
At The Idaho Falls Dental Group we are proud of our in-house lab. We are able to fabricate most of our crowns, bridges, implant restorations, repair dentures, reline dentures and much more in house. By having our own lab we are able to keep costs low and have a faster turnaround.
An intraoral scanner that creates colored, live 3D digital impressions quickly and accuratly. This technology is used for crowns and bridges, veneers, inlays and onlays, dentures, and orthodontic work.
We place a small sensor in your mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an x-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to image other sections of your teeth.
The digital dental x-ray system is more sensitive than dental x-ray film systems, so your exposure to x-rays is cut by as much as 90 percent. The large and color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it's easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth. Your dental checkups take less time, and it's fun to watch this system work! Most patients are amazed.
Sonicare's unique, patented combination of high speed bristle motion with extra wide sweeping motion creates effective, yet gentle, dynamic fluid cleaning motion. You get excellent plaque removal, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as between and below the gum line. You can count on naturally whiter teeth and healthier gums.
Sonicare is excellent in battling gum disease, dry mouth, bad breath and tooth sensitivity. Its sweeping motion is very good in cleaning around dental restorations such as implants, crowns and veneers as well as cleaning braces.
Acavitron is a dental tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth. These high frequency sound waves vibratetartarand dirt off your teeth. Water then flushes away the bacteria andplaquethat build up on your teeth.
CBCT stands for 'cone beam computed tomography'. This is a particular x-ray machine that is used in situations where standard x-rays are not sufficient. The CBCT uses advanced technology which allows us to view 3D images of a patient 's dental structure, soft tissues, bone and nerve pathways within the face and mouth. These special x-rays allow for precise treatments to be put in to effect due to its high quality images and the details within. When the CBCT x-rays are called for, we ask that patients wear comfy and loose fitting clothing and will have to remove any type of metal that can interfere with the scan itself. This includes but is not limited to; jewelry, hairpins, underwire bras and glasses.