New dentist drawn by Libby community

A new dentist in town promises to bring years of experience, expanded hours and a friendly face for patients.

Dr. Robert Sterling Rehl, D.D.S. has recently set up his dental practice in Libby and is excited to help the people of Libby who inspired him to move here.

“Everyone has been helped by someone along the way to get to where you are in life, and if you can help life and provide opportunity and help to other people, that’s what it’s about,” Rehl said. “I think that Libby embodies that sort of community spirit.”

Rehl said he knew he wanted to be a dentist because it would allow him to live and work in a rural community while also helping others.

“I grew up in rural areas and so, it’s comfortable,” Rehl said. “I relate well with the people in those areas, and I feel that they are real, they are down-to-earth and they’ll help you.”

In the same office, Dr. Richard Wood, who has practiced in Libby for many years, will gradually work his way into retirement, but will still be involved in the practice. Dr. Eric Simpson also plans to keep his normal scheduled hours.

On top of general dentistry, Rehl said he’s also proficient in all phases of restorative dentistry, including implant placement and some orthodontics.

Rehl and his wife were inspired to move to Libby in 2011, when a family member and Northwest Montana resident showed them around to see the sights. Rehl was impressed with Libby’s Ignite the Nites car show, the Riverfront Blues Festival and the landscape surrounding the town. On top of the area’s beauty, Rehl said, the people impressed him the most.

“The people (of Libby) need to know is that it’s them that attract people here,” Rehl said.

Under Rehl, the practice will expand to include Fridays, and he is also looking to add evening hours this fall when he hires more staff.

To help out area parents, Rehl said that while they’re not a pediatric practice, there’s a lot they can do so families don’t have to run to Kalispell every time their child needs to see a dentist.

Coming from a blue collar family, Rehl, 43, was raised outside of Houston, Texas, and moved to Ohio in 1984, where a lot of his family still live. Along for the journey, Rehl brought along his wife, Serena Lynn, his six sons Skyler, 18, Brennen, 16, Hunter, 14, Talon, 11, Colton, nine, Ashton, six and a daughter, Kinsley, who is three.

Rehl graduated from high school in Dresden, Ohio, and received his undergraduate degree in 1999 from Ohio State University. After receiving his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Ohio State University, he served as a dentist in the military in 2010 in Fort Knox, Ky while simultaneously working in a private group dental practice. While in active duty, he flew into Kandahar, Afghanistan, where worked at a free-operatory dental clinic. He then went to Camp Dwyer and ran a dental clinic there that provided help to 4500-5000 patients from Afghans, Jordanians, Bulgarians, Romanians, British to American. After returning, he worked in Marietta, Ohio for Family Tree Dental.

After years of moving around, Rhen said he’s ready to settle down, and expects to practice in Libby for the next 30 years.

“We’re going to be in Libby for a while, and we’re glad to be a part of the community,” Rhen said.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.