by Jyll Phillips
The passing of Dr. Willie Knapp left a void in the community, that will be filled, at least professionally, when Dr. Steven Geist opens his dental practice in September at 130 E. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln.
Geist has been in dentistry for 34 years, 30 years in his own practice in Phoenix, Ariz., and for the last four years working with Lifetime Dental Care in Hays.
He and his wife, Allison, and three children have lived in Lucas for the last four years.
“It’s a long drive,” Geist said of his current commute to work.
Growing up in rural Nebraska made the adjustment of moving from Phoenix, with a population of 1.489 million in 2012, to Lucas, with a population of 394 residents in 2012, a little less of a culture shock.
“I enjoy it,” he said, adding he does not miss the traffic, the smog, or the crime rate of the city.
Geist has not only adjusted well, but has become an integral part of the community. He and his wife have a 13-year old and an 11 year old in USD #299, and a son who is a freshman in college. Geist is a volunteer firefighter for the Lucas Fire Department, and an EMT for Russell County.
His practice in Lincoln is expected to open the second week in September and will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, the same scheduling kept by Dr. Knapp.
Pat Gardner, Dr. Knapp’s long-time assistant, will be assisting Dr. Geist, as well as making appointments.
The office will practice general dentistry, which would include fillings, extractions, and similar procedures.
“I don’t do orthodontics or implants,” Geist said.
Geist is looking forward to the return to his own practice, a shorter drive to work, and getting to know Lincoln’s residents.
To make an appointment with Dr. Geist, contact Gardner at the dental office.
