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Dr. Ben Spiger
Dr. Ben Spiger, Dentist
I grew up mainly in Colorado, although I moved three times in high school. It was while in high school that my interest in dentistry began. It was this interest in dentistry that brought me to Helena, Montana. With my desire for a strong pre-medical education and a smaller academic institution, I found Carroll College.
It was while at Carroll College that I defined my desire to serve and help others, met my wife, and completed a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology (with Chemistry and English minors). I was then accepted into the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
After graduation from dental school in 2004, my wife, Kendra, enrolled in Lutheran Seminary. This took us to many places and afforded me a chance to practice in many different environments. I felt a strong desire to practice serving those most in need. For that reason, I took a position in a clinic in Austin, Texas, whose primary mission was to serve the uninsured immigrant population. The organization's name is Manos de Cristo. I served here for one year before my wife transferred to Seminary in Dubuque, IA. In Iowa, I spent one year practicing in a government-funded public health clinic and two years practicing as an associate in private practice. These four years prepared me for the next step and as my wife graduated from Seminary, I was ready to buy a practice.
The calling process for Kendra was going to be the determining factor in where we ended up settling. It could have been anywhere in this great country and to our amazement and joy, it was Helena. We both loved Helena from our time at Carroll, but neither ever imagined that we would be blessed enough to return. Then fortune smiled on us again. Once we knew Helena might be where we were headed, I contacted every dentist in town. Little did I know that in 2008 there were five other dentists that were going to move to Helena. I surely was the last to start planning the move. But as my wife met with the Church I was contacted by Dr Keppler. The rest as they say is history; it all worked out beautifully. Dr. Keppler retired in September of 2008 and I stepped into a wonderful practice. A practice whose patients had been wonderfully cared for by Dr. Keppler and his predecessor Dr. Lynn.
It was while at Carroll College that I defined my desire to serve and help others, met my wife, and completed a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology (with Chemistry and English minors). I was then accepted into the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
After graduation from dental school in 2004, my wife, Kendra, enrolled in Lutheran Seminary. This took us to many places and afforded me a chance to practice in many different environments. I felt a strong desire to practice serving those most in need. For that reason, I took a position in a clinic in Austin, Texas, whose primary mission was to serve the uninsured immigrant population. The organization's name is Manos de Cristo. I served here for one year before my wife transferred to Seminary in Dubuque, IA. In Iowa, I spent one year practicing in a government-funded public health clinic and two years practicing as an associate in private practice. These four years prepared me for the next step and as my wife graduated from Seminary, I was ready to buy a practice.
The calling process for Kendra was going to be the determining factor in where we ended up settling. It could have been anywhere in this great country and to our amazement and joy, it was Helena. We both loved Helena from our time at Carroll, but neither ever imagined that we would be blessed enough to return. Then fortune smiled on us again. Once we knew Helena might be where we were headed, I contacted every dentist in town. Little did I know that in 2008 there were five other dentists that were going to move to Helena. I surely was the last to start planning the move. But as my wife met with the Church I was contacted by Dr Keppler. The rest as they say is history; it all worked out beautifully. Dr. Keppler retired in September of 2008 and I stepped into a wonderful practice. A practice whose patients had been wonderfully cared for by Dr. Keppler and his predecessor Dr. Lynn.
As we have made Helena our home we have enjoyed hiking and biking, and have added two children to our family. It is wonderful to truly be a part of this community.
As I have practiced I remain an active member of the American Dental Association, Montana State Dental Association, and Fifth District Dental Society. I also participate in the Spear Study Club and continue to pursue advanced training and education focused on full-mouth rehabilitation and esthetic excellence.
To this day I find nothing more rewarding than helping someone back to ideal health. There is no shame in a mouth that needs extensive treatment. We can't go back to change the past, but we can just make the choice to go forward and choose health. I want to meet where you are and return you to dental health and your ideal smile. The highest compliment I have been given is a patient who returns to say I find I smile a lot more.
As I have practiced I remain an active member of the American Dental Association, Montana State Dental Association, and Fifth District Dental Society. I also participate in the Spear Study Club and continue to pursue advanced training and education focused on full-mouth rehabilitation and esthetic excellence.
To this day I find nothing more rewarding than helping someone back to ideal health. There is no shame in a mouth that needs extensive treatment. We can't go back to change the past, but we can just make the choice to go forward and choose health. I want to meet where you are and return you to dental health and your ideal smile. The highest compliment I have been given is a patient who returns to say I find I smile a lot more.