MATTAWA - A doctor who recently completed a year in the Columbia Basin Health Association's dental residency program has taken a full-time permanent position with the DBHA.

"When I first arrived at CBHA, I wasn't expecting to stay," Dr. Bass said. "I came for the training and experience. However, I became really impressed with the people of this town...with their genuineness and kindness."

When offered the opportunity to stay permanently, Dr. Bass accepted. He and his family have settled into the community, made friends and really like the area.

Dr. Bass grew up in Tualatin, Ore. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2010 and received his D. M. D. degree from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. While he was doing his undergraduate work he found he was really drawn to music, the arts and science.

"I've always liked working with my hands," he said. "For me, dentistry combines everything I really like to do into a single profession."

Dr. Bass is quick to say that his grandest times of leisure are spent playing with my children. He and his wife have two sons, ages four and one.

"We have a little girl on the way," he said.

The Basses enjoy camping as a family. Dr. Bass likes basketball and is a huge fan of the Blazers. He also plays golf and tennis.