Dental

Lula Hellickson, RDH is a passionate advocate for oral health and a committed dental professional. Lula brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of dental hygiene. She attended dental hygiene school in Boise, ID and graduated in 2011. With more than 13 years of experience, Lula is skilled at administering local anesthesia, performing sealant and fluoride treatments, scaling and root planing, and is CPR/AED certified. Lula loves spending time with her husband and two sons. They enjoy everything outdoors from camping and boating at the lake to snowmobiling and snowboarding in the winter. They spend most of their free time watching the boys play sports and cheering them on.

Dr. Jess Hopkin, DDS has worked in dentistry for more than 25 years and was instrumental in opening and growing the dental clinic at Health West Rock Springs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Weber State University and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University Dental School in 1997. After graduation, he moved home to Morgan, Utah and opened his own dental practice, which he operated for 20 years. After selling his practice, he decided to go into public health dentistry and moved to Washington before eventually moving to Rock Springs, WY to be closer to family. Dr. Hopkin has been married to his wife for 35 years and has completed more than 100 marathons and two Ironman triathlons.

Melanie Rood, RDH, BSDH loves being able to help patients achieve a healthy mouth through dental hygiene. She believes that as a dental hygienist, she plays a critical role in helping patients achieve their homecare goals. She enjoys working one-on-one with patients to educate them about their oral health and strategies to prevent disease. Melanie has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science from Utah State University, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Utah College, and is licensed to administer local anesthetic. Originally from Preston, ID, Melanie enjoys spending time with family, baking, crafting and learning new skills to complete home improvement projects.

Andrea was our very first Health West Dental employee and started in 2014. She is a dental hygienist and enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys traveling and attending her kids’ sporting events. Rumor has it she is the biggest Bon Jovi fan!

Brooke Simons, BSDH, RDH was born and raised in Pocatello. After 11 years as a dental assistant, she furthered her education and graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. She believes in a gentle and compassionate approach to dental care and is committed to educating patients on the importance of achieving optimal oral health.

Outside of work, Brooke loves spending her time exploring the beautiful outdoors of Idaho with her family and dog– hiking, camping, backpacking, golfing, live music and enjoys working out. She is the proud mom of one young son whom she adores.

Dr. Brock Stringam, DMD, has always loved working with his hands and helping people, so dentistry felt like a natural fit. He believes in collaborative, team-centered dental care that centers on effective patient-dentist communication.

Originally from West Jordan, UT, Dr. Stringam served a church mission in Mexico City, Mexico. He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in health education and promotion, and from Roseman University with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Stringam loves spending time with his wife and three girls, exploring the outdoors, golfing, camping, and doing handyman projects. He is an advanced Spanish translator and a member of the American Dental Association. He is excited to join the community and call Pocatello home.

Julie Torske, RDH is a registered dental hygienist at Health West’s Pocatello dental clinic. She loves patient education and focuses on helping each patient identify their unique conditions and concerns. She graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene and is excited to join Health West after working several years as a hygienist in Idaho Falls. Julie was born and raised in Idaho and enjoys camping, RZR riding, spending time with family and friends, and getting outdoors.

Dr. Mark Weston provides quality and experienced dentistry in a fun, relaxed, and family-friendly environment. He was in private practice for over 25 years in a small Wyoming town where he had a loyal patient base of all ages.

Dr. Weston has taken many hours of continuing education in the field of endodontics, pedodontics, oral pathology, implant dentistry, and restorative dentistry. He was a Star Valley Medical Center staff member for 20 years and has completed the EMT first responders’ course.

Dr. Weston is patient-oriented and often has parents comment that their children look forward to coming to the dentist. His older patients look forward to coming as well, either to chat about hunting, sports or hear the latest joke. Dr. Weston is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He and his wife, Holly, are the parents of two children. Dr. Weston will see patients in the North Logan and Garden City clinics.