George Velis was born in Nebraska in 1947. He grew up in Spokane and attended Wilson and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, Sacajawea Junior High and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1965.
He received his undergraduate degree and pre-dental training from Washington State University. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska in 1972.
Dr. Velis has participated in several study clubs through the years including Dr. David Baird’s cosmetic dentistry study club as well as additional cosmetic training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in 1999. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the Inland Empire Dental Association.
He has practiced in the Spokane Valley since 1972. He has a daughter Alexi and a son Nicholas, who will be joining the dental practice in 2009. He is an avid sports fan and has sponsored many youth sports teams.
Carrie is one of Dr. Velis’ dental hygienists. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and a Masters Degree in Adult Education. She taught dental hygiene for 18 years and has been a practicing hygienist since 1984. Carrie has two daughters. She enjoys being active with snow skiing, water skiing, hiking and backpacking. She also mountain bikes and does regular gym workouts. She is passionate about helping others achieve optimal oral and total body health.
As a dental hygienist, Shelly enjoys providing all aspects of dental prevention and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University. She has been working for Dr. Velis since 2001. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband and two children.
Vickie started her dental career as an assistant in high school, then went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at EWU, graduating in 1977. (She requests that you not do the subtraction to see how old she is!) She has worked at our office since 2004 on an “as needed” basis, which is usually at least one day per week. She enjoys the personal interaction with her patients and working with them to better their dental health. Vickie’s free time is spent in active pursuits like playing racquetball, bicycling, hiking, skiing, motorcycling, and spending time with her husband and golden retriever.
Anita is a dental assistant and has worked with Dr. Velis since 2002. She has been in the dental field for 18 years. She enjoys the job because of the daily challenges. Anita lives in Spokane and is the mother of two great kids.
Crissi works as a chairside assistant performing expanded duties, taking x-rays, sterilization, patient care and time management. In the dental field for 17 years, she has been with Dr. Velis since 2005. She enjoys meeting new people and building their confidence in creating the best smile they can have. She graduated from Spokane Community College with a degree in Dental Assisting. She enjoys the flexibility her job gives allowing her to spend more time with her two children.
Susie has worked for Dr. Velis as a dental hygienist since 2000. She started working in the dental profession in 1981 and received her Dental Hygiene degree from Eastern Washington University in 1994. She enjoys the dental team atmosphere and aiding patients with their health care needs. Susie enjoys many outdoor activities and traveling with her husband of 20 years and their children and grandchildren.
Shawna has worked for Dr. Velis as a dental assistant and a hygiene assistant since 2001. She graduated from Spokane Community College with an associate’s degree, and received her became a Certified Dental Assistant in June of 1998. Shawna loves working with patients and helping them to feel comfortable during dental procedures. In her spare time Shawna enjoys scrapbooking and spending time with her husband and two children.
Debbie has worked for Dr. Velis since 1995. She assists in the hygiene department processing the digital x-rays and charting with the hygienists. She is the primary person responsible for sterilization. Working for Dr. Velis allows her to continue to be a learning oriented person. Her hobbies include painting and decorating.
Sherry is our scheduling coordinator. Her goal is to help make patients feel welcome from the moment they phone to schedule an appointment through all levels of their dental visits. She has been a part of the dental team since 1997.
Treatment and insurance coordinator, Kathy works with patients so that they understand their treatment and insurance coverage. She helps make financial arrangements and schedule appointments. Here since 1994, Kathy enjoys working with patients, getting to know their families, and having the satisfaction of helping people feel better about their smile. Kathy is married, the mother of three, and lives in the Spokane area.
Donna is the office manager functioning as Dr. Velis’ representative with both patients and staff. She has enjoyed following patients and their families through the years. It is a privilege to work with a great staff. She has worked with Dr. Velis since 1973 starting as a dental assistant, insurance assistant, receptionist, and office manager. She enjoys her grandchildren, golfing and scrapbooking. She is married, has 4 children and lives in Post Falls.