Excelsior Springs, MO – The dental office at 2011 W Jesse James Rd, long led by Dr. Ed Hunter, has officially changed hands. After more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Excelsior Springs community, Dr. Hunter has retired, selling the practice to Dr. Dallin Josephson in June 2023.
Dr. Josephson, who grew up in Platte City, MO, brings his own experiences and educational background to the office, having completed his high school education at Platte County High School in 2009, followed by a bachelor’s degree from BYU-Idaho and a dental degree from UMKC. His decision to take over the practice was influenced by the community’s welcoming nature and proximity to Kansas City, offering a balance of rural charm and city conveniences.
In discussing his move to Excelsior Springs, Dr. Josephson highlighted the community’s down-to-earth nature and his desire to be part of it. “I looked at a lot of different places to buy or start my own dental practice and was drawn to Excelsior Springs because of the type of people here,” he said. He said the practice is open to new patients, offering various dental services and accepting most insurance plans.
Dr. Hunter, reflecting on his decision to retire, mentioned health issues as a primary factor. After undergoing surgery to fuse vertebrae in his neck, Dr. Hunter was told he should no longer continue practicing dentistry. “It’s a very physically demanding profession, more than people realize,” said Dr. Hunter. Despite retiring, he expressed satisfaction in seeing Dr. Josephson take over, confident in his ability to maintain the practice’s focus on patient-centered care.
The transition is from Dr. Hunter to Dr. Josephson is a continuation of the practice’s commitment to the Excelsior Springs community. Dr. Hunter, who occasionally visits the practice, emphasized the importance of relationships built over years. “It’s not about teeth. It’s about the people,” he said. “I became very close to my patients. I’d seen some of them for 40 years or 50 years, and by the time I stepped away I was treating their kids and even grandkids.” He and his wife, Kathy, who also contributed nearly four decades of her career to the practice, now enjoy retirement, focusing on family and travel.
As Dr. Josephson settles into his role, he hopes to ensure that the residents of Excelsior Springs will continue to receive quality dental care with a personal touch. The practice remains a place where patients are treated with care and respect, upholding the legacy Dr. Hunter established.
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We like him very much! Satisfied patients here.