Welcome To Our Office!
About Clark Fork Dental
Clark Fork Dental is a full-service general dentistry practice. We strive for excellence in all aspects of your dental care. It is our philosophy to treat our patients how we would like to be treated, as well as, building a trust oriented and long-lasting relationship.
Dr Blackhurst and his staff will take your needs into consideration to create a personal plan which provides the best treatment available, meets your long term concerns and goals, and is feasible for your budget. We will deliver exceptional dental healthcare by utilizing the latest materials, infection control, and advanced techniques.
It is our priority to make you feel comfortable, look great, and provide treatment that will last you a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you to our dental practice. We are patient-focused and here to help you!
Meet Our Team
Russ Blackhurst, DMD
His commitment to dental excellence is evident in many ways including consistently pursuing continuing education to stay current on the latest treatment options to improve patient care. There is nothing more important to Dr. Blackhurst than providing the best possible care to his patients. His consistent pursuit of knowledge stands as evidence to that objective. Dr. Blackhurst is an active member of The Montana Study Club, The American Dental Association, The Montana Dental Association, and The Spear Study Club.
Dr. Blackhurst pursues multiple hobbies. During some of his free time he enjoys making pottery from preparation, forming, creating, firing, and glazing his own creations. This is likewise something that he likes sharing with his patients. He has been known to frequently gift his handmade crafts to his newly made friends at the office.
Dr. Blackhurst is also an avid recreationalist and enjoys kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, and skiing. Most recently, Russ and Julie have been loving all the joys of parenthood with their two children in tow.
Riley Blackhurst, DDS
Dr. Riley likes to spend any of his free time outdoors hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, hunting and camping. A fun fact about Dr. Riley is that he is the youngest in a family of ten and really enjoys spending time with all his nieces and nephews.
The thing Dr. Riley loves most about dentistry is that he gets to work with his hands and most importantly help people. A healthy smile is so important to your physical health, as well as your mental health and there is a lot of satisfaction in helping people achieve this balance.
Macy R. Hyvonen, DMD
Comprehensive and caring dentistry is Dr Hyvonen’s goal and the crew at Clark Fork shares that same compassion and commitment.
Dr. Hyvonen is a proud University of Montana graduate receiving her Human Biology degree in 2003. In 2008 she received her D.M.D. degree from Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. She worked in community health for several years – in Butte, Montana; Ellsworth, Maine; and Libby, Montana prior to returning to Missoula in 2012. Dr. Hyvonen enjoys life in Missoula and has been blessed with very kind and wonderful patients. She looks forward to continuing to care for those patients and continuing her growth goals at Clark Fork Dental!
When not in the office, Dr. Hyvonen spends a lot of time on the golf course and in the garden in the summertime. Wintertime activities include downhill and cross-country skiing. Of course, it does not matter what time of year it is traveling anywhere is always an absolute joy. Whenever possible she has her dogs, Lucy and Vinny, along for the ride.
Cheri Bradstreet - Office Manager
Cheri is a native of the Bitterroot Valley with over 25-years of office experience in the dental industry. It is a privilege to be a part of the amazing team at Clark Fork Dental, as well as, an honor assisting and getting to know all of our great patients. Cheri and her husband share six children, three bonus in-law children, and five amazing grand-children all of which they are extremely proud of. Being 'Meema' is the BEST!!! Free time will find her at the family property in Noxon fishing, exploring on four-wheelers, water recreations, searching out huckleberries, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery of Western Montana.
Renee Minjares - Dental Assistant
Renee grew up in Missoula and has been a dental assistant since 1989. The thing she most enjoys about working at Clark Fork Dental is getting to know her patients and giving them the best possible care. When away from the office Renee enjoys spending time with her husband, three boys, grandchildren, friends, and her dogs Sarge and Ruby. She also enjoys kickboxing, hockey, horses, and everything about living in Missoula.
Charlea DeRoche - RDH
I am an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe located in Browning MT. I am a registered dental hygienist, graduated from Great Falls College in 2021. My goal is to give back to the community by providing preventive dental services. I am passionate about building clinician-patient relationships and providing quality care. When I am away from work I enjoy hiking and spending time with my family.
Kara Snyder - Dental Assistant
Kara is a Montana native. She joined the team at Clark Fork Dental in 2022. She really enjoys meeting and assisting the patients with their needs. When not at work she enjoys camping, fishing, and hunting with her family. A great joy is spending time with her husband, children, and dogs.
Kim Hiday - RDH
Kim is a native Montanan that has been in dentistry since 1997; first as an assistant, then as an R.D.H. following graduation from MSU-COT Great Falls in 2007. She takes great joy from getting to know our patients, as well as, aiding in their dental care by providing the most complete oral health care and education possible. Favorite activities are hiking with her husband and 2 pooches, supporting her 2 kiddos in all their endeavors, family road trips, exploring Yellowstone National Park, and baking.
Tracie Vance -Administrative Assistant
Tracie grew up in Missoula. She has spent several years working in the medical and dental field. The day-to-day interactions with our patients' is enjoyable and uplifting.
Tracie finds time well-spent cheering on the Grizzlies, and spending time with her husband, mama, and friends.
Julie Kubik - RDH
Julie Kubik grew up in Boise, Idaho where she attended Boise State University. She ultimately received her Registered Dental Hygiene degree at the University of Louisville Kentucky. Julie enjoys running, skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and being a mom!
Jennifer Verlanic - Dental Assistant
Jennifer began her dental assisting career in 1992. She has enjoyed her years working with Dr. Spierling and is looking forward to many years with Clark Fork Dental . Jennifer and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. They enjoy being at the cabin, hiking, camping, floating, and being with their dogs.
Rachel Hansen - RDH
Rachel grew up in Missoula. She graduated from the University of Montana with an Associates of Arts degree in General Studies. Her dental career began in 2015 as a dental assistant. She then went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota Dental School as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2017. Rachel enjoys getting to know her patients and providing them with gentle and comprehensive care. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, camping, time at the lake with her family, and especially her ‘mom-time’ with her son, Jordan.
Leanna Layman - RDH
Leanna was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. She has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 37 years; working with Dr. Spierling since 1992, and continuing with Dr. Blackhurst when the two-practices merged.
She enjoys her interactions with all the wonderful patients through the years. Favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, paper crafting, and every minute she gets with her children.