Anchorage Dental Staff

I was born and raised in Alaska. I lived in Anchorage until the sixth grade, at which time I moved with my family to Seldovia. This is a small fishing village across the bay from Homer and offered many unique qualities. Our family has spent the summers in Seldovia since 1979.

After my freshman year in Seldovia, I was able to finish high school at a boarding school on Vancouver Island, B.C. I was still spending time in Seldovia at the time and helped run our family Bed and Breakfast during the summer and was able to pursue my goal of becoming a pilot at 18. After high school, I returned to Anchorage to continue my aviation studies, but this time to become an aircraft mechanic. I was always interested in mechanical things and considered engineering in high school. I found my love of airplanes and mechanics could be used to give me employment as I continued my studies. After a couple of semesters, I met my beautiful wife Savanna. I always knew that being an A&P mechanic would be more of a hobby and I discovered that Dentistry could be my true profession.

After achieving my degree in Biology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, I was accepted into the Dentistry program at Loma Linda University. This was a very good school and offered many opportunities to gain confidence and competence in all aspects of Dentistry. I graduated with honors in 2004 and quickly came back to Alaska to work in my mentor's, Jerry Stranik's practice. Within a year, I bought Dr. Stranik's practice and continued building on his incredible patient centered philosophy. Dr. Stranik was 'Old School', and believed that if you treated the patient right, you don't have to worry about the rest. I firmly believe that to be true and believe that if it's not broke, why fix it. Over time, I have been able to bring this amazing practice up the most current standards of Dentistry with Digital x-rays and computer charting. There have been growing pains, but I believe you have to keep learning and changing to keep up.

Speaking of change, my wife and I recently welcomed a daughter (Scarlett) and a son (Max). We have been extremely blessed and feel that everyday is a gift. Life is good! One of the things that I am most proud of at the office is the longevity of my staff. My assistant has been in this same office for 27 years. We have similar stories of patients that have been coming since 1972 when Dr. Stranik began practice. Please feel free to give us a call. We care about you and your family and hope to be able to serve you for many years. Thank you!

Dr. Backs grew up in Indiana where he attended Wabash College and received a degree in Biology. During this time, he had his first experience coming to Alaska working as an intern for a salmon conservation company over the summer months. 

Dr. Backs was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel and explore many areas of this state through this internship.  He returned home to attend Indiana University School of Dentistry and earn his Degree in Dental Surgery in 2013. 

After working in Indiana for several years, he had the chance to return to Alaska and practice dentistry in the state he loves. Dr. Backs’ focus is to provide high quality, long lasting dental care in a comfortable setting. 

He strives to meet his patient’s needs, and work with them to achieve the dental health and results they desire. When not in the office, Dr. Backs enjoys taking advantage of all the great outdoor rec opportunities Alaska has to offer.