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Back To The Beginning

In 1927, a young Dr. Ezra G. Wheeler, having just graduated from Portland Dental School, saw that his community was in need of dedicated dental care. This led him to establish the town’s first formal dental clinic, which was located in the historic First National Bank building on the corner of Main and Augusta.

But Dr. Wheeler was more than just a dentist; he was a pillar of the community, even serving as President of the Washington Dental Association! His series of decisions laid a foundation of trust and community for the practice we know today.

image of the office sign from 1927

Passing The Torch

In 1965, Dr. Wheeler passed the torch to Dr. Robert C. Peterson. As a Minnesota native and a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he brought a steady hand and a commitment to his care, which he continued for 34 years!

Into the 21st century

As Stanwood prepared to enter a new millennium, the practice also entered its next chapter. Dr. Russel J. Smith took the helm in 1989 and, with an eye toward the future, built our current facility in 1997.

Dr. Smith became a stalwart of the community, blending time-honored patient care with new, innovative techniques. For over three decades, he upheld this legacy, continuing service to the smiles of local families until his retirement in early 2025.

image of the office sign from today's modern dental office

Coming Full Circle

Today, our practice is led by Dr. Joseph Eidness, the fourth owner in our nearly 100-year history. In a turn of events that speaks to our deep community roots, Dr. Smith has known Dr. Joe since he was a boy in grade school! Dr. Eidness grew up in this community and, after earning his DDS from the prestigious Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, he returned to the town and the practice that shaped him.

Dr. Eidsness

More About Dr. Eidsness

Dr. Joseph Eidsness—known to most as Dr. Joe—is proud to serve the very community where he grew up… and even prouder to now lead the practice where he was once a patient himself! After earning his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Dr. Joe returned home to carry on a tradition of compassionate, high-quality care at Port Susan Dental Care.

With advanced training and a commitment to staying at the forefront of dentistry, Dr. Joe is especially excited to offer in-house dental implants, providing patients with long-lasting, comfortable solutions—without the need to go elsewhere.

Friendly, down-to-earth, and always focused on what’s best for his patients, Dr. Joe is here to help you feel confident in your smile and cared for at every visit.

When he's not in the office, Dr. Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, getting outdoors to hike, ski, and run. He’s also an avid dog lover and loves adventuring with his two dogs by his side.

Meet The Rest of Our Team

Meet Mandy – Office Manager & Patient Care Professional

With over 14 years in the dental field, Mandy brings a wealth of experience, heart, and know-how to Port Susan Dental Care. She began her journey as a dental assistant and, over the years, found her calling in the front office—where she now leads our team as office manager.

Mandy’s passion for dentistry goes beyond the clinical—she truly enjoys helping patients feel confident in their treatment plans, understand their insurance, and find solutions that fit their needs. Her goal? To make every visit smooth, stress-free, and as comfortable as possible.

Outside the office, Mandy is all about the great outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying nature with her husband and family, she loves soaking up fresh air and creating unforgettable memories.

Meet Christy – Dental Assistant & Front Office Coordinator

With over 15 years of experience in the dental field, Christy brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to our team. She received her Dental Assisting license from Bellingham Technical College and spent many years working chair-side before expanding her expertise to the front office.

Working with Dr. Eidsness, Christy enjoys the unique opportunity to support both clinical and administrative areas of the practice—a balance she finds truly rewarding.

When not in the office, Christy enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. She and her husband are always working on new yard projects, keeping busy with their shared love for hands-on work and home improvement.

Meet Joann – Dental Hygienist & Wellness Advocate

Joann has been a valued part of the Port Susan Dental Care team since 2017, bringing warmth, experience, and a true passion for patient care. She believes great dental health starts with understanding each person’s unique needs—and she’s dedicated to helping patients care for their teeth and gums in a way that’s supportive, not stressful.

Her approach is gentle, thoughtful, and judgment-free, always aiming to make every visit feel comfortable and personalized.

You can find Joann outside of the office spending time with her husband (they met at just 18!), their three grown children, and two wonderful grandchildren. When she’s not with family, you’ll likely find her at home in her happy place—gardening, relaxing by her koi pond, and enjoying the simple things that make life beautiful.

Meet Yadi – Lead Dental Assistant & Smile Sidekick

With 5 years of experience and a true passion for patient care, Yadi brings skill, warmth, and a steady hand to every appointment. As our lead dental assistant, she loves working one-on-one with patients—helping them feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their visit. Whether she's assisting chairside with Dr. Eidsness or making sure every detail is just right behind the scenes, Yadi is all about creating smooth, positive experiences.

Outside the office, Yadi keeps life just as lively! She loves dancing, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with her family, her boyfriend, and her two beloved dogs. Her energy, care, and connection with patients make her an essential part of our team—and a favorite among those she serves!

Meet Alicia – Dental Hygienist & Smile Enthusiast

Alicia has been keeping smiles healthy and bright for over 7 years and brings both expertise and a friendly touch to every appointment. She graduated from Lake Washington Institute of Technology in 2018 and has been passionate about patient care and education ever since.

When she’s not in the dental chair helping patients feel at ease, Alicia loves spending time with her family—whether that’s planning fun getaways or hitting the trails in search of new adventures with her kids. She believes a healthy life starts with a healthy smile and a good dose of fresh air!

Port Susan Dental Care front desk staff

Become a Part of Our Story

As neighbors catch up in our waiting room, we remain a familiar touchstone in the heart of our ever-changing community. That sense of connection is the foundation of everything we do. Whether you're new to town or your family has been here for generations, we're ready to be your dental home. Schedule your visit with us today.

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