Hunsaker Dental plans a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, Jan. 12, to mark the opening of its new Salem building, a move the practice says was driven by growth and the need for more space to expand services and update equipment.
The event is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. at the practice’s Salem location, 835 Commercial St. SE. The ceremony is expected to include brief remarks, a ribbon cutting and tours of the new facility. Community members, local leaders and business partners are invited, according to the practice’s announcement.
Dr. Travis Hunsaker said the practice outgrew its prior space as patient demand increased and as the team looked to improve how care is delivered. “The main reason for moving into a new building was growth — both in the number of patients we serve and in how we care for them,” Hunsaker said in written responses to questions.
Patients will notice a different feel as soon as they enter, he said, describing a design intended to reduce stress and improve accessibility. “When patients walk in for the first time, they’ll immediately notice how open, bright, and welcoming the new space feels,” he said. “It was designed intentionally to feel calm and modern, with comfort and accessibility at the forefront.”
Hunsaker said the new building is designed to increase capacity and reduce congestion during appointments. The practice now has more treatment rooms, and the layout was planned to make the visit more efficient from check-in through checkout, he said. “We now have more treatment rooms, which means fewer bottlenecks and a smoother experience,” he said, adding that patients should see shorter waits and a more streamlined visit.
The practice also describes the move as a technology upgrade. Hunsaker said the changes are meant to be practical for patients — clearer imaging, more precise planning and equipment that can reduce appointment time. “Updated technology means better accuracy, greater comfort, and more predictable outcomes for patients,” he said. “Technology should make dentistry easier for patients, not more complicated.”
Hunsaker Dental’s website lists weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salem office and says the location is accepting new patients. The practice also operates a Monmouth office, according to its locations listing.
Hunsaker, a Salem native, earned his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2009, according to his biography on the practice website. The biography also says he received the Academy of General Dentistry’s Mastership credential in 2022, a designation the organization describes as its highest award for continuing education.
The new facility may also provide room to expand staffing as demand grows, Hunsaker said, though he did not provide hiring targets or timelines. “This new space gives us flexibility to grow,” he said. “With increased capacity and improved workflows, we’re able to schedule patients more efficiently and reduce wait times for appointments.”
Beyond the January ribbon cutting, Hunsaker said the practice views the move as a longer-term investment. “Beyond the ribbon cutting, this move represents a long-term investment in the Salem community,” he said, adding that the practice plans a public grand opening and open house Monday, Feb. 23.
Ribbon cuttings are a common way for businesses to mark openings, relocations or major remodels; the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce describes ribbon cuttings as a member service and says it provides the ribbon and ceremonial scissors.
For more information about Monday’s ceremony, Hunsaker Dental listed marketing coordinator Anna Walls as the contact.