Broadway Dental Center in Montesano now has new owners.

Business partners Doug Messick DDS and Lance Gunter DDS purchased Broadway Dental Center last month.

Gunter had been working at the dental center as an associate since he graduated from dental school in 2016. His wife is originally from Shelton. Gunter had met former owner Dr. Russ Larsen in the past. When Gunter graduated, Larsen found a position for him.

Gunter got word that the business would go up for sale and he called his colleague, Messick.

Gunter and Messick had both been students at the University of Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine in Buffalo, N.Y.

Prior to the call, Messick had been practicing in Montana and Idaho.

For Gunter, owning the dental center was a simple decision that kept him close to family.

Messick said he was encouraged by what Montesano has to offer and the small-town life it fosters.

“I like the rural setting,” Messick said on Feb. 5. “I grew up in a rural town, so I like the small town feel.”

The practice originally was started in 1975 by Dr. Leonard Nixon. Larsen joined in 1995, and Dr. Greg Blanchard joined in 1998. Now it’s Messick and Gunter.

When the business was sold last month, the 10 staff members stayed on. Broadway Dental Center employs four dental assistants, four dental hygienists and two front office staff.

“We have staff that have been here for years and years, so the friendly faces of staff helps us keep the trust of the public as we get settled and move along,” Messick said.

The new owners don’t plan to make drastic changes any time soon, but there is one change they’re eying as soon as possible.

Currently, Broadway Dental Center still has paper records. Messick and Gunter agree it’s time to upgrade.

“Going digital is an investment, but it’s something that makes life a little easier,” Gunter said. “Patients won’t notice a whole lot of difference.”

The office sees about 50 people per day on average.