Meet Your Durham, NC Dentist

Our dental team shares in our doctor's great tradition of exceptional family dentistry.

Dr. Stead Willis DMD, a Durham NC dentist, smiling in a blue shirt and black jacket

Stead Willis, DMD

A third generation Durham, NC dentist.

Dr. Stead Willis is a Durham, NC native and lives in the area with his wife and son. He has always held the city and its surrounding communities close to his heart. Dr. Stead Willis went to Durham Academy and is a graduate of NC State (Raleigh, NC) and the University of Louisville, KY School of Dentistry.

Dr. Stead Willis has been around dentistry all his life and has followed in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Charles Willis, and his grandfather, Dr. Guy Willis – both of whom have been practicing dentists in Durham, NC. The Willis family has been providing dentistry to our communities for more than 78 years!

As a Durham, NC dentist, Dr. Stead Willis enjoys working with his hands and helping care for people of all ages. He loves to see people pleased with the service our team provides and excited about the outcome of their dental care, whether it be family, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry. He especially enjoys it when people look in the mirror and say “wow” after they receive a new restoration.

Dr. Stead Willis offers high-quality dentistry in a relaxed atmosphere. Durham has taken note of this by listing him as one of the Top Dentists from 2010-2019 (Durham Magazine).

Dr. Stead Willis enjoys spending time with his wife as they watch their son grow and explore the world around him while teaching him new things every day. Outside of the office, Dr. Stead Willis is an avid outdoorsman and likes to spend his time fishing on the coast, boating, hunting, or riding ATVs.

Meet Our Dental Family

Together we strive to make your visit simple, efficient, and, most of all, worthwhile.
Click on each image to see our bios.
Headshot of Dr. Mark Donoway
Dr. Mark Donoway

DENTIST

Brandie our Dental Assistant wearing a black uniform, with short brown hair, and smiling
Brandie

Dental Assistant

I was born in North Carolina and currently live in Pittsboro, NC. I have lived in the Triangle area for most of my life. I am the mom to three children and one incredibly spoiled dog.

I started working in an orthodontic office at the age of 17. I was doing instrument sterilization and fell in love with the art of dentistry. I eventually completed a dental assisting program, and the rest is history!

Most people are not excited about the prospect of having dental treatment, so I enjoy helping them to have a great experience while at our office. I always appreciate it when people are pleasantly surprised and relieved after the work has been completed.

Away from the office, I love spending time with my family and friends. I love traveling and going to sporting events, especially, football (GO NC STATE!). I like to keep fit by going to the gym and running.

Interesting Fact:

My mom is my hero because she has been through so much in her life and she always has a smile on her face in spite of it all. She is always readily available to help anyone who needs it, and I greatly admire her perseverance and strength.

Lupe our Dental Assistant standing in a dental lab with dark hair tied back and smiling
Lupe

Dental Assistant

I live here in Durham, NC with my husband and three children. My two oldest kids are now in college and attend East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

I find dentistry interesting and enjoy learning new procedures and skills. I also enjoy caring for others and dentistry allows me to do so in a fun and engaging way.

I am bilingual and help translate for all our Spanish-speaking patients. I am proud to offer this service because this helps accomplish our mission to provide a calm, informative, and comfortable environment for everyone.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking dinner with friends, and going to the movies. I am also an avid gardener and enjoy tending to all of my plants and vegetables.

Interesting Fact:

My mother is my hero because of the way she lived her life and the fact that she raised 13 children.

Melanie one of our dental assistants standing in a dental lab
Melanie

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Michelle our Dental Hygienist with shoulder length blond hair, smiling at the camera
Michelle

Dental Hygienist

I was born and raised in West Virginia and migrated south to North Carolina in 2001. I am a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and currently live in Raleigh, NC with my husband and two bonus (step) sons.

My motivation for getting into dentistry comes from a dental hygienist I met as a teenager. She was so full of life and laughter and so encouraging that I never forgot the feeling of wanting to be like her as I got older. I have always had an interest in healthcare, and I felt like dentistry was an excellent way for me to do my part in caring for people.

I love being surrounded by fun, supportive, smart, and genuinely compassionate people who help inspire me to be my best. I also love the dynamic group of people who allow us to care for them.

Away from the office, I am a WV MOUNTAINEER fanatic first, and a Duke Blue Devil fan second. I can be found cheering them on at any sporting event. I spend most of my time going to sporting events, watching them on tv, or slipping off to Wrightsville Beach any chance I get. I also like to go to concerts, cook for family and friends, and make photo albums of all our fun adventures.

Interesting Fact:

I hope to end up on a beach somewhere with my husband, watching the sun rise and set, and collecting all the seashells and sea glass my heart desires.

Caroline our Dental Hygienist in a black top with dental glasses around her neck and smiling
Caroline

Dental Hygienist

I am a Tarheel, born and bred. I grew up in Oxford, NC. I recently graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and am enjoying my new career.

A career in dentistry became an option when I experienced the confidence boost of having dental treatment. It changed and enhanced my smile and ever since I’ve wanted to help provide others with this same care.

I truly enjoy learning and love the people I work with. I also feel privileged to meet so many talented, smart, fun, and engaging people who trust me to help take care of them.

Outside of dentistry, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my cat. I love to travel, exercise, watch UNC basketball, try new foods, and hang out at Kerr Lake.

Interesting Fact:

I have never had a cavity!

Beth, one of the dental hygienists at Stead Willis DMD
Beth

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Heather wearing a black t-shirt with glasses and smiling
Heather

Office Personnel

I am a Durham, NC native and reside here with my husband and two daughters. I’ve always enjoyed going to the dentist, and I love the environment of Dr. Willis’ dental office.

The best part of my job is interacting with our patients and helping schedule their treatment needs. In my role, it is essential to be detail-oriented and organized; skills our entire team possess.

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

Interesting Fact:

My favorite quote is: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

Headshot of Terri in black scrubs
Terri

OFFICE PERSONNEL

Headshot of Crystal in black scrubs
Crystal

OFFICE PERSONNEL

‘‘Stead is the best dentist I have had. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Also, the hygiene staff is excellent.’’

Stephen B. (Stead Willis DMD Patient)

Sharing the Same Unique Values

When you visit our office, you'll immediately see how our kindness, camaraderie, and teamwork truly set us apart.
Treating You Like Family
Our tight-knit team invites all patients to feel like part of our dental family. We’ll treat you the same as we would expect to be treated and we welcome all referrals of your family, friends, and co-workers.
Open Communication
We build active partnerships with all our patients through open and honest conversations. Our team takes time to explain your procedures and all our recommendations are backed up with solid reasoning.
Preventative Approach
Dr. Stead Willis focuses on helping you avoid dental problems rather than just fixing them. He uses modern technology to identify potential issues and guides you to an effective daily hygiene routine.
Informative Discussions
Patient education plays a key role at our dental practice in Durham, NC. We want you to feel informed and confident about your treatment so we set aside time to answer all of your questions and address your concerns.
Are You Ready to Get Started?

Discover what your Durham NC dentist can do for your smile.