Meet Your Durham, NC Dentist
Our dental team shares in our doctor's great tradition of exceptional family dentistry.
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
DENTIST
Dental Assistant
I was born in Hillsborough, NC, and I currently live there. I am a proud graduate of the Dental Assisting Program at Alamance Community CollegeThis link opens a new tab to the Alamance Community College website, where I received an award for “The Most Outstanding Dental Assisting Day Graduate” in 2024. Dentistry has always been of interest to me because of the impact and improvement it can have on a person’s overall health and well-being.
I strive to help provide excellent care and make dental visits as enjoyable as possible. It is very rewarding to see a patient pleased with the care they have received.
Outside of dentistry, I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, and exercising.
Dental Hygienist
I grew up in a small town, Celina, Ohio, and always wanted to live in the South. I also had an interest in the healthcare field, so when I spent a few appointments in the dental chair while in high school, I decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I graduated with a certificate in Dental Hygiene and a B.S. degree in Health Education from the Ohio State University Dental School. GO BUCKS!
I’ve been practicing dental hygiene for 42 years and love it. I am a “people person” with a caring servant’s heart. When I am not working, I like to sew, shop, judge or attend pageants, and spend time with family.
I have been married to my husband Chuck for 39 years and have one daughter, Laura, who recently got married and lives in Greenville, SC. I also have two dogs and one cat. We currently reside in Chapel Hill.
Interesting Fact:
My daughter was Miss North Carolina in 2018.
Dental Assistant
I am a proud Durham native and enjoy living here! An opportunity in the dental field was presented to me by a close family member, and I have loved dental assisting ever since.
My motivation for dentistry came from my desire to help and care for people. I enjoy seeing patients leave their dental appointments pleased with their care and with a confident smile. I strive to make each patient feel cared for and valued.
Building relationships with each patient and our office staff brings me great joy. When not in the office, I love spending time with my family, going on vacations, and staying active.
Dental Assistant
Hello there! I was born and raised in the small town of Burlington NC. I graduated from Alamance Community CollegeThis link opens a new tab to the Alamance Community College website in 2021 and have since made it my mission to make every person that sits in a dental chair comfortable, knowledgeable, and most importantly happy with their smile.
Outside of work I’m a photographer, mother, and a wife who loves making memories and traveling! I can’t wait to meet you.
Dental Hygienist
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.
Dental Hygienist
I was born and raised in Granville County, where my husband Daniel and I currently live. I have been a dental hygienist for almost 7 years and have been with Dr. Willis the whole time. The best part about my job is the patient interactions. After seeing the same patients for nearly 7 years, I think of them as friends and family and look forward to taking care of them!
In my spare time, I love to exercise, play pickleball, try new restaurants, watch sports (specifically UNC basketball and the Atlanta Braves), and travel. Daniel and I have made it our goal to see the Atlanta Braves play in every MLB stadium. We are slowly but surely making our way through! I am also very active at my church, Pleasant Grove Baptist in Creedmoor. If you get to know me, you will soon learn that I am a crazy cat lady and love my little black cat, Paddy, like he is my child!
Interesting Fact:
I have never had a cavity!
Office Personnel
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.”
Office Personnel
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and moved to North Carolina in 2002. I currently reside in Stem, with my husband of over 20 years and our absolutely spoiled dog, Porkchop.
I graduated from Durham Tech in 2007 with a degree in Business Administration and Communications. I started in dentistry in 2010 and have enjoyed being the first point of contact for the patients in front office. I joined the team at Stead Willis office in August of 2021. I love building relationships with patients and seeing their families over the years.
Outside of the office I enjoy running and spending time with my family.
Interesting Fact:
My guilty pleasure is watching my favorite soap opera, General Hospital
DENTAL HYGIENIST
‘‘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
Treating You Like Family
Open Communication
Preventative Approach
