More than a year after tornado, dental office comes back with new touches

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Dr. Jonathan Echols’ practice, seen Wednesday, will be opening its doors in the same location where it once stood. Ashley Graves
Dr. Jonathan Echols’ office is seen on April 28, 2011 after a tornado destroyed it. Amanda Shavers-Davis

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August 6, 2012

More than a year after tornado, dental office comes back with new touches

By Ashley Graves The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Mon Aug 06, 2012, 09:10 AM CDT

It’s been a long and adventurous journey for Dr. Jonathan Echols and his staff the last 14 months.

But it’s been worthwhile, according to the local dentist.

On Aug. 7, almost a year-and-a-half since a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through downtown Cullman, destroying his office in its path, Echols’ practice will be opening its doors in the same location where it once stood — on the corner of 4th Street SE and 6th Avenue SE in Cullman’s historic district. Since the tornado, his dental practice has been housed at POB 1 Cullman Regional Medical Center.

“It’s been an adventure, but glad we’re back home,” Echols said while looking over items to be placed in his personal office. “It will be more convenient for not only us that work here, but for our patients as well.”

Echols knew when the day began on April 27,2011, there was a high risk for severe weather. As the day wore on, he said patients began calling to cancel appointments, and at lunch, he made the decision to close the office for the rest of the day. And he’s glad he did.

“That was the right decision,” Echols said.

Echols was watching storm coverage that afternoon when the cable went out. Around 3:45, he said he decided to hop in his vehicle and head downtown to see what had happened and to check on his office.

“The closer I got in, the more trees, and blocked roads I saw,” he said. “I had to park five blocks away and walk to get here. The closer I got on foot, the more the terrain looked different. I couldn’t get a barring for where I was. Once I got closer, it was obvious the building had been hit.”

Two oak trees had crashed through the building, like a knife slicing through butter.

“It was one of those drop-to-your-knees moments,” Echols said. “But in the back of my mind I knew everything would work out.”

It has, and now, he’s got the state-of-the-art dental facility he’s always wanted.

“This is what I dreamed about when I had the old office.” Echols said.

From U.S. Highway 278 West into town, the new building has a design easily mistaken for a modern-day home. It has a front porch equipped with rocking chairs and ceiling fans, and on the inside there is a fireplace and a place for a coffee machine. There will be flat screen televisions in each of the rooms, as well as in the lobby.

“We wanted to make it homey,” Echols said. “We didn’t want it to feel like a dentist office.”

In addition, Echols said his office will also be going paperless, as well as have digital X-ray machines, and digital tooth impressions for crowns. The basement to the building will have a storm room with concrete walls and ceilings.

Dr. Ron Carter and staff will also be joining his practice.

“We had talked several times about merging or him selling his practice to me when he decided to retire,” Echols said. “So this devastation has allowed us to combine our practices and work as one. He’s excited about it, and I am, too.”

Though at times it’s been quite hectic, Echols feels the changes will only make his practice stronger.

“My staff has been so supportive throughout it all,” he said. “Everything has worked out great. There’s a happy ending to everything.”

* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com

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More than a year after tornado, dental office comes back with new touches

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