Nothing could be better than living and practicing where I grew up. I moved to Delta Junction, AK when I was in 3rd grade. After I graduated high school, I went to back to Colorado for undergraduate and dental school. I graduated dental school in 2004 from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Because I knew there was a chance Id be back in rural Alaska, I did a one-year general practice residency. In that residency I gained a huge amount of respect in hospital dentistry and learned how to work with special needs, complicated surgery and IV sedation. From there, I worked for a non-profit dental organization, Dental Aid, in Louisville and Longmont, CO. After having our first child in 2006 and then a surprise kiddo in 2007, my husband and I set our sights back to Alaska. I took the Dental Director position at Interior Community Health Center here in Fairbanks in January 2008 and helped get their newer dental program up and running. I left ICHC in 2010 to buy Dr. Jim Cerneys practice, which is now Spruce Roots Family Dentistry. Since then we have grown the practice from a 1+ doctor practice to a multi-doctor practice starting April 1, 2019 when I merged and partnered with a great friend and colleague, Dr. Jon Woller and also bought my neighbors practice, Dr. Patricia Bergdahl.
While the practice keeps me and my husband busy (hes the Business Manager), we are also part-time kid expeditors for our two active kids, Hannah and Quinn. When were not at a soccer, hockey or volleyball event, I try to squeeze in my activities, both personal and volunteer. I picked up cross-country skiing when I moved back to Alaska to keep me going during the long winter days and I jam in running, hiking and gardening in the summer when Im not out on the pitch watching my kids.
I believe strongly in my profession and am heavily involved in the American Dental Association (ADA). Having served in my local dental society as President and have made my way through nearly all of the officer positions in the Alaska Dental Society (ADS), serving proudly as the ADS President 2013-2014 and currently I represent Alaska as a delegate to the ADA.
After moving back to Fairbanks in 2007, I joined my fathers practice. I became owner of my dads practice and have worked alongside him since. In 2019, I became a partner in Spruce Roots Family Dentistry.
As a dentist, I love being able to help people make decisions about their health care and customize treatment that works with their wants and needs. Out of the office I enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, snow-machining, skiing basically anything that takes me to the great outdoors.
I am a member of the American Dental Association, the International College of Dentists, the Pierre-Fuachard Academy and various local and national study clubs. I have volunteered for the Alaska Mission of Mercy and the Dental Lifeline Network. My passions are restorative, reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry. Helping someone achieve and maintain their desired level of health, comfort, function and esthetics gives me the greatest satisfaction.
I migrated north in the pipeline days from Wisconsin and met Kathy at a Robert Service poetry reading at the Malamute Saloon in Ester. We soon married and eventually had 4 children, who were raised in Fairbanks and went outside for their secondary education. Two of them made their way back north, Jonathan, whom I practice with and Jessica, who is a local orthodontist. A third son is a dentist in Denver and the oldest is a patent attorney in Portland. They have collectively provided Kathy and me with 5 lovely grandchildren, who are the joy of our lives.
Jon and I have been practicing together for 12 years and share the practice philosophy of providing the best care possible to benefit our patients. I am excited to continue my professional growth and patient care as a member of Spruce Roots. I enjoy working with people and help them solve their dental problems and am a hands-on type of guy who finds fulfillment in doing a task to the highest level of perfection that I am capable. Dentistry by its very nature of being a meticulous endeavor, provides endless opportunities to exercise my abilities. This in turn benefits our patients, delivering the highest level of care.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 176 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestPhyllis
a year ago
Went to get a crown put on. Dr. John Waller is pleasant and we always have some great conversations! Oh ya. And he does excellent work!!!
Yuri Shur
a year ago
Great as usual.
David Bridges
a year ago
Always a great experience!
Jessica Jugan
a year ago
I always enjoy having my teeth cleaned at Spruce Roots, such a welcoming atmosphere. Thanks Katie and team!
S Vines
a year ago
Friendly, gentle and very welcoming.
Sarah Brazo
a year ago
My hygienist has gentle hands and a great manner.
Jeanne Fischer
a year ago
Dr Heather Willis is amazingly caring and thorough. Her compassion for dental health extends beyond even the extra mile, to support special needs patients whose dental health is otherwise compromised. Thank you, Dr. Willis and hygienist Brittany.
Marilyn Herkstroeter
a year ago
Dr Willis and staff are superb!!! Explanations and information tops!!!
Harry Reynolds
a year ago
Very. Knowledgeable Competent caring and professional. The best I've had experience with in Fairbanks--50 yrs. worth.
Rachel Johnson
a year ago
Visits are always quick, informative, and kind of fun! Haven't met a person on staff I didn't like. Best dentist office in the state. Or possibly country.
Michele Chapman
a year ago
I had a crown today done by Dr Jon Wohler and his assistant Michelle. They did a fantastic job and I experienced no pain at all! What a wonderful experience!
randy webb
2 years ago
I started going to spruce roots a couple of months ago and they are providing me a service out of the kindness of their hearts because of my financial situation and they treat me with the same respect as they would treat anybody else and they are giving me my smile back because I haven't had my teeth for a few years now it will feel good to bite into something again... Thank you very much to the staff at spruce roots family dentistry To add to my previous review... I only have 5 teeth left and they salvage them because they were strong enough and took the time to save what teeth could be saved to make it better for my partial plates to clamp on. I had a thorough teeth cleaning today and the technician was very thorough and very gentle. I would highly recommend spruce Roots dentistry to anybody these people care about their patients.
Linda Winkels
2 years ago
As aways great service. The best dental place i have ever had. Thank you!
shaun slater
2 years ago
Excellent service as always. Quick, efficient and communicative.
T K
2 years ago
Love Spruce Roots Dentistry The people are the greatest!!!
Phyllis
2 years ago
Went to get a crown put on. Dr. John Waller is pleasant and we always have some great conversations! Oh ya. And he does excellent work!!!
Margaret Swart
2 years ago
Professional and friendly. Always a good experience.
Harry Reynolds
2 years ago
Very. Knowledgeable Competent caring and professional. The best I've had experience with in Fairbanks--50 yrs. worth.
Bailey Carter
2 years ago
Was given good advice, was kind and my cleaning was efficient. A great experience that keeps getting better each time I get a cleaning.
Haggstrom Karen
2 years ago
Dr. Jon has exceptional skills in his dentistry and is extremely knowledgeable about factors responsible for our teeth, breathing, and even our sleep! Spruce Roots and Dr. Jon are the best as well as Julia, Tricia and others on the staff! I feel very safe and well cared for with Spruce Roots Dentistry!
Load more