When Steve Hammack passed away August 31st, the news was devastating for family and friends of the Russellville dentist.
The impact of Hammack's passing was also felt by his patients, many of whom had trusted and relied on Hammack and his staff for years.
So when it was announced this week that Hammack's widow Marcie had sold the practice to Dr. Michael McLeary, those patients will now be treated by a dentist who never wants the legacy of his colleague and friend to be lost.
“I knew Dr. Hammack and we talked many times. We were friends. My plans are to keep the staff and continue to offer and honor all (Smile With Us Protection Plans), just as if Dr. Hammack was still there,” McLeary said.
The office was renamed Russellville Family Dentistry, but will remain in the same location, 510 Engle Drive. Office hours will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8-5 and Wednesday from 8-2. Russellville Family Dentistry will be closed on Fridays.
McLeary said Sarah Dale Wood, DMD, is currently the on-site dentist in the Russellville office. His plans are to be there two days each week, with Wood coming to Russellville two days each week as well.
McLeary expects to start that two-day rotation by the first of 2023.
McLeary owns dental practices in Florence, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield. He saw the Russellville opportunity as a way to continue professional and individual treatment to patients just as Dr. Hammack did for so many years.
“I know some of his patients and it was a good fit for us and his patients as well,” McLeary said. “I didn't want to see his legacy shut down.”
As far as the office staff, McLeary felt it important to maintain continuity for patients.
“They are all excellent workers. Patients form relationships with their hygienists and assistants and in a lot of cases, they are closer to them than the dentist,” McLeary said.
Russellville Family Dentistry's 'Smile With Us' Protection Plan offers patients a flat annual fee for the following treatments and/or procedures: two dental hygiene visits per year, including oral exam and x-ray, fluoride for children 13 and under, oral cancer screening, periodontal disease care reduced 20%, all dental lab procedures (crowns, bridges, dentures, partials) reduced 40%, all fillings reduced 20%, extractions reduced 50% and additional x-rays taken at doctor visits and additional exam fees reduced 20%.
There are 'Smile With Us' plans for individuals, couples, families of three, families of four and families of more than four available.
Call Russellville Family Dentistry at 256-332-6073 for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
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