Boise, ID Dentist

Get to Know
Dr. Helen Harless

Boise Idaho dentist Doctor Helen Harless

Dr. Harless says that nothing is more rewarding than getting to know someone over time and improving their life through her work. She loves it when her patients show her pictures of their smiles that they’re now able to show off. She’s been a part of the dental world for over 20 years, so she often finds herself taking care of multiple generations of the same family. Bringing a unique level of enthusiasm and expertise to every exam and procedure she performs, she’s eager to show you what’s truly possible with modern dentistry in Boise. But before that, you can start getting to know her below.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?

After an early career in the wine industry, Dr. Harless went back to college to study science, as she especially liked chemistry and physics. Her friends urged her toward the medical field, and this caused a lightbulb to appear over her head. Her dad was actually a dental lab technician. After thinking about it, she realized that dentistry combined her interest in helping people, curiosity about how everything works, and appreciation for art into a single field. She is also passionate about good food and believes that eating and smiling are essential for a fulfilling life, so dentistry enables her to have a profound and lasting impact on her patients.

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

Dr. Harless earned a BA with a double major in French and Communication and a minor in Asian Studies at Western Michigan University.  She then earned an Associates in Science at Yavapai College.  She then went on to graduate from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. She was selected for a scholarship to the Air Force, and her first job as a dentist was on active duty, which taught her to work quickly and manage her time effectively. She then spent a couple of years in a public health clinic where she learned to help relieve painful situations while gaining a lot of surgical experience. After that, Dr. Harless moved on to a cosmetic dentistry practice where she began doing same-day crowns, smile design, and full-mouth reconstruction utilizing beautiful esthetic techniques.

Today, she holds Fellowship Status in the Academy of General Dentistry, which required her to complete 500 hours of post-doctoral continuing education and pass a challenging multi-part exam. In 2011, she came to Boise and joined Southwest Dental Arts, where she now applies all her previous knowledge and still strives to learn more all the time.

United States Air Force seal

In her efforts to consistently grow and improve her skill, Dr. Harless maintains and has participated in these organizations:

Academy of General Dentistry Fellow logo
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health logo
American Dental Association logo
Idaho State Dental Association Member logo
Spear logo
Person swimming while wearing goggles and swim cap

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Originally from Prescott, AZ, Dr. Harless is a proud stepmom with two adult children. She has been a swimmer all her life and spent plenty of time as a springboard diver, synchronized swimmer, triathlete, lifeguard, and swim coach. Now, you’ll mostly find her swimming laps at a pool or paddleboarding on the pond. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and family. She loves to laugh and is able to find humor in most situations—she’s an especially big fan of puns!