Derek R. Blackwelder, DMD

Thanks for visiting our website, let me tell you a bit about myself.  I grew up in Concord, North Carolina, just a stone’s throw from the Charlotte Motor Speedway.  After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!), I took a year off my studies to serve a year with Habitat for Humanity Americorps in Columbia, South Carolina.  From there it was the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where I met my wife Dr Kris (the first day!). 

After graduation, Kristine and I felt a strong calling to serve, as well as expand our clinical experience.  The Navajo Indian Reservation was the perfect fit.  There we developed a real passion for public health, as well as gained experience in all aspects of dentistry.  When it came time to settle down and start a family, New Hampshire seemed the perfect place.  We love the outdoor pursuits and small town feel this area offers.

So why entrust your dental needs with me?  I truly have your best interests in mind.  I strive to treat each of my patients as if they were a member of my family, and I do not take the trust you have put in me lightly.  I also look to implement the latest technology, while also relying on sound principles that have served our profession well for many years. 

I am a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the New Hampshire Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.  I have served as a trustee on the board of the New Hampshire Dental Society Foundation, the charitable arm of the NHDS.  Outside of the dental world, I am an active member of the Gilford Community Church and I also enjoy coaching youth soccer (my favorite sport) for Lakes Region United soccer club. 

​Thanks for your interest in our practice.  I look forward to seeing you soon!  

Kristine E.P. Blackwelder, DMD     

Thanks so much for your interest in our practice!  I'm pretty proud of our little "mom and pop" shop we've got here in beautiful New Hampshire.  Let me tell you a little bit about my story.  

I knew as a kid I wanted to be a dentist.  Weird but true.  I was a dental assistant at 16.  After dental school, Derek and I went into public health, serving the beautiful people of the Navajo Nation through the Indian Health Service.  We are public health minded through and through.  Our methods are evidence based and we strive for the most current and effective treatments.  Though concentrating on the mouth, we work with our patients to understand the interconnections of the entire body.  
​
So why would you want to bring your kiddos to see me?  Well, I'm a mom.  That means, first and foremost, I am blessed with two little lives whom I hope to nourish into good people.  So I understand the trust it takes to allow me into your lives. 

I truly adore every little person who hops in my chair.  I really do.  Working with kids is so fun!  I learn lessons from them daily. Parents are welcome into the operatory to see and hear everything that's going on.  No closed doors!  

I think the best way you can get to know us is to come visit and see how we work.  Schedule a consultation as a "meet and greet" and I know you'll want to join the family!

Are you still reading?  Wow!  Well, here's some more about what makes me tick... I love dentistry.  I love practicing dentistry and I love being a member of organized dentistry.  I'm a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry and of course the awesome New Hampshire Dental Society.  I attend CE regularly, not just to get a break from my kids, but also to keep my knowledge and techniques current.

I also love our community.  What a great place to live!  Where else can you enjoy skiing and boating in the same town?  

But mainly, what makes me tick, are my kiddos.  They're funny and sweet and clever and wonderfully sarcastic like their mother.    They're truly amazing.  All kids are, aren't they?  And that's why I think it's a real privilege to work with them every day!

< Back to About