Since 1976, Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry has been a full-service practice caring for children of all ages. We believe that each of us can have a lifetime of healthy oral hygieneif we start with proper dental habits as children.
We take the time to educate each of our patients on the benefits of proper brushing and flossing techniques. Investing in a solid foundation can help your children avoid costly interventions in the future.
Above all, we are friendly and compassionate professionals. We are specially trained and devoted to helping young children feel good about seeing the dentist and taking care of their teeth. We strive to provide the highest level of dental care through a combination of love, gentleness, efficiency, prevention and mutual respect among child, parent and professional.
After growing up in South Portland, Dr. John graduated from Gordon College in Massachusetts, received a Masters in Education from the University of Akron, and began his career in teaching and coaching basketball and soccer. This was the foundation of his exceptional ability to relate to children when he followed in the footsteps of his father, also called Dr. John Willis, who founded Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry in 1976.
After four years in dental school at SUNY Buffalo, Dr. John (the son) completed a two-year residency in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry at St. Christophers Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. In 2017, he returned to Maine, and joined his current practice. Dr. John is excited to now be the majority owner of the practice, and is focused on helping children by providing the highest quality dental care.
Now living in Portland, Dr. John coaches a boys varsity high school basketball team; plays golf and loves lake and ocean boating; roots for Boston sport teams and the Tottenham Hotspurs soccer team in the English Premier League; and enjoys spending time with his large family, including seven nieces and nephews.
Reviews
Rating 3.3 out of 5 based on 49 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJeremy Grady
a year ago
The hygienists and dental assistants are always fantastic. The young lady who always takes care of my daughter is wonderful. She absolutely deserves a pay raise. Thank you. ~ Jeremy
Andrew Wood
2 years ago
Our oldest has been going here here for the last 7 years. When I called to schedule a first appointment for our son I was informed we are no longer eligible to receive service here and are "turned away." When I asked why, I was told because of an unpaid bill and lack of response to their many letters. When I asked how much the bill was for so I could pay it they said it was already written off. So I asked why did they never call and they said they do not like calling because people yell at them when they call. So I repeated my first question how much was the balance for. They answered $8.77.
Ashley Sennick
2 years ago
I have been going to this dentists office for years with my autistic son who has required multiple procedures that required sedation. The dentist and hygienists have always been so kind and wonderful. In April 2020 my son needed a tooth capped and then in June 2020 he had a regular cleaning. In July I received a bill for around 400 dollars and talked it over with billing because I had 2 insurances at the time and it was only processed with one. She stated that the total was brought to around 10 dollars which I had offered to pay over the phone. The lady suggested I wait and see because it may end up getting covered by insurance. At this point I was a single mom of an 8yo, 2yo and 4 month old. Over the next few months I sold a house, moved, had my divorce go to trial, and many other stressful things. During this time this dentist office apparently sent me a few bills in the mail which quite frankly are most likely sitting in a pile still because I've done the best I could to survive. I called today to check on my sons appt in January since I forgot the time it was at and was informed that the 10 dollar bill I didn't pay got sent to collections. Apparently once bills go to collections they cancel all your appts and kick you out of the practice. Even explaining that these last few months have been severely traumatic and that I offered to pay said bill in July got me a response from Justin that this is the policy. My only option is to send an email to the dentist directly and see if I will be allowed back. I'm a nurse that has worked in many hospitals and doctors offices and I cannot fathom this sort of customer service. Kicking out a special needs Child from a dentist he's familiar with over the cost of a dunkin coffee and bagel? Not being understanding in any fashion that a single mom of 3 little children had the most most challenging few months imaginable and did not intentionally not pay this bill? I travelled 80 minutes from where we live for continuity for my son but it seems now is the time to find a closer dentist for all the kids. This was very disheartening since I really did enjoy the clinical staff here.
Candace Fleury
2 years ago
Negligent, rude and infective. The scheduling team failed to keep or make the correct appointment in their book 4 times over the past year to simply clean my children's teeth. I am filing a formal complaint and have lost 18 PTO hours for nought. No wonder peoples teeth look British around here!
amber johnston
2 years ago
We have been going here for a few years, up until COVID we have never had a problem... Until recently. They have rescheduled our appointment twice. And when we finally was able to go, my daughters nerves got the best of her & they refused to see her. Even after taking her temp & me explaining her anxiety. They acted as if we were a disease. We drive over an hour one way. We will not be returning & will be finding somewhere new. If your child has anxiety about dentists I don't recommend going especially now with COVID mixed in.
Alexander Green
2 years ago
The clinical team here is great but the back office is awful. The fella who handles billing, Justin I think, is a bully and unaware of changes impacted by healthcare reform to medical insurance that expand coverage to include some dental services. If billing in a dental office is his responsibility, then why is he not aware of the impact of one of the biggest reforms of healthcare insurance in our lifetime.....? My son received a 2nd annual fluoride treatment and I received a bill. I confirmed with my medical insurance that the service was covered and asked Justin to bill my medical. He later told me that he attempted to bill my medical but the claim was denied. When I called my medical back, they confirmed coverage for the service and told me that no claim had been submitted. My wife and I went through this cycle one more time and received the same result but with a lot more intimidation from Justin - he threatened to send the claim to collections unless I paid the bill immediately over the phone. The dentists and hygienists should show that guy the door or send him back to school.
Cara Lombardo
2 years ago
Friendly and knowledgeable staff!
David Smith
2 years ago
My kids love the doc - have always cried with other dentists. We finally found the place we will keep coming back to.
bacalaokaren
2 years ago
All 3 of my kids are seen here. They have always gotten great care. Office staff is very pleasant.
Candi Conners
2 years ago
It's rare I share my experiences on line because I am such a particular individual and it's not easy to meet my standards , not due to anyone's wrong doing . Its just me! however, I absolutely love this dental office! It's meticulously clean and orderly. The staff is pleasant , patient, and have clearly chosen the best career for themselves to pursue. Thank you! I took my grandson (5) to have a few baby teeth filled yesterday. The experience was great! He was completely comfortable and did fantastic. The work that was performed on this child's teeth is absolutely amazing. His teeth were filled beautifully and obviously the work was that of a very particular and talented dentist. The work is flawless! I am beyond impressed and would like to say thank you for sharing your gift with your little clients and families. YOU are amazing! I am extremely grateful for all this office does . I told my grandson his teeth looked beautiful and I loved the silver. His response, well, don't brush good and you can get them to! Lol Thank you! - Candice Conners. ( Jamison O'Donnells Nana)
Softie -Chan
2 years ago
My daughter is Autistic and has a lot of anxiety. This is the first dentist where she has actually felt comfortable going to. They are always very patient with her.
Kevin Alling
2 years ago
Brought my 3 year old son there. After making him wait in the waiting room for 40 mins (any parent knows that's torture) they brought him to a room and made him wait an additional 20mins only to refuse care because of a skin condition around his eyes that has no cure. I could MAYBE understand if he had it near his mouth. But as someone trained and certified in blood and pathogens. I'm astonished that a "medical professional" would refuse care to a child for such a reason. Then I explained that his condition had no cure and he could have that for several years. I was still told to wait to schedule another appt. Until his condition has cleared up. I find this behavior unprofessional and unacceptable. I don't recommend this place to anyone and I will not return.
Cara Lombardo
3 years ago
Friendly and knowledgeable staff!
David Smith
3 years ago
My kids love the doc - have always cried with other dentists. We finally found the place we will keep coming back to.
bacalaokaren
3 years ago
All 3 of my kids are seen here. They have always gotten great care. Office staff is very pleasant.
Alexander Green
3 years ago
The clinical team here is great but the back office is awful. The fella who handles billing, Justin I think, is a bully and unaware of changes impacted by healthcare reform to medical insurance that expand coverage to include some dental services. If billing in a dental office is his responsibility, then why is he not aware of the impact of one of the biggest reforms of healthcare insurance in our lifetime.....? My son received a 2nd annual fluoride treatment and I received a bill. I confirmed with my medical insurance that the service was covered and asked Justin to bill my medical. He later told me that he attempted to bill my medical but the claim was denied. When I called my medical back, they confirmed coverage for the service and told me that no claim had been submitted. My wife and I went through this cycle one more time and received the same result but with a lot more intimidation from Justin - he threatened to send the claim to collections unless I paid the bill immediately over the phone. The dentists and hygienists should show that guy the door or send him back to school.
Candace Fleury
3 years ago
Negligent, rude and infective. The scheduling team failed to keep or make the correct appointment in their book 4 times over the past year to simply clean my children's teeth. I am filing a formal complaint and have lost 18 PTO hours for nought. No wonder peoples teeth look British around here!
Ashley Sennick
3 years ago
I have been going to this dentists office for years with my autistic son who has required multiple procedures that required sedation. The dentist and hygienists have always been so kind and wonderful. In April 2020 my son needed a tooth capped and then in June 2020 he had a regular cleaning. In July I received a bill for around 400 dollars and talked it over with billing because I had 2 insurances at the time and it was only processed with one. She stated that the total was brought to around 10 dollars which I had offered to pay over the phone. The lady suggested I wait and see because it may end up getting covered by insurance. At this point I was a single mom of an 8yo, 2yo and 4 month old. Over the next few months I sold a house, moved, had my divorce go to trial, and many other stressful things. During this time this dentist office apparently sent me a few bills in the mail which quite frankly are most likely sitting in a pile still because I've done the best I could to survive. I called today to check on my sons appt in January since I forgot the time it was at and was informed that the 10 dollar bill I didn't pay got sent to collections. Apparently once bills go to collections they cancel all your appts and kick you out of the practice. Even explaining that these last few months have been severely traumatic and that I offered to pay said bill in July got me a response from Justin that this is the policy. My only option is to send an email to the dentist directly and see if I will be allowed back. I'm a nurse that has worked in many hospitals and doctors offices and I cannot fathom this sort of customer service. Kicking out a special needs Child from a dentist he's familiar with over the cost of a dunkin coffee and bagel? Not being understanding in any fashion that a single mom of 3 little children had the most most challenging few months imaginable and did not intentionally not pay this bill? I travelled 80 minutes from where we live for continuity for my son but it seems now is the time to find a closer dentist for all the kids. This was very disheartening since I really did enjoy the clinical staff here.
amber johnston
3 years ago
We have been going here for a few years, up until COVID we have never had a problem... Until recently. They have rescheduled our appointment twice. And when we finally was able to go, my daughters nerves got the best of her & they refused to see her. Even after taking her temp & me explaining her anxiety. They acted as if we were a disease. We drive over an hour one way. We will not be returning & will be finding somewhere new. If your child has anxiety about dentists I don't recommend going especially now with COVID mixed in.
Candi Conners
3 years ago
It's rare I share my experiences on line because I am such a particular individual and it's not easy to meet my standards , not due to anyone's wrong doing . Its just me! however, I absolutely love this dental office! It's meticulously clean and orderly. The staff is pleasant , patient, and have clearly chosen the best career for themselves to pursue. Thank you! I took my grandson (5) to have a few baby teeth filled yesterday. The experience was great! He was completely comfortable and did fantastic. The work that was performed on this child's teeth is absolutely amazing. His teeth were filled beautifully and obviously the work was that of a very particular and talented dentist. The work is flawless! I am beyond impressed and would like to say thank you for sharing your gift with your little clients and families. YOU are amazing! I am extremely grateful for all this office does . I told my grandson his teeth looked beautiful and I loved the silver. His response, well, don't brush good and you can get them to! Lol Thank you! - Candice Conners. ( Jamison O'Donnells Nana)
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