Dr. Chris Nelis is beyond excited to be rooted in West Michigan. He and his wife, Lauren, were both raised in Zeeland and graduates of Zeeland East High School and Hope College. During his time at Hope College, Dr. Nelis was a member of the Hope Mens Basketball team and earned a bachelors degree in Psychology. Athletics have always comprised a large part of Dr. Nelis life. From childhood through his college years, the participation and competition derived from athletics has imparted many attributes such as leadership, discipline, and cohesiveness. While at Hope College, Dr. Nelis was voted captain of the basketball team during his senior season. He knows that commitment and dedication required in a team sport has molded him into the individual he is today.
Following graduation from Hope College, Dr. Nelis earned his degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. His time at Detroit Mercy provided him with valuable hands-on experience in an unmatched clinical setting. Upon completion, Dr. Nelis was accepted into a general practice residency through Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, IL. During his time in residency, Dr. Nelis completed additional training in areas such as oral surgery, dental implant placement, emergency medicine, special needs dentistry, Invisalign orthodontic certification, and community outreach.
Although Dr. Nelis and his wife, Lauren, loved their time spent in Royal Oak and Chicago, they knew the environment of West Michigan was where they would want to raise their family. The two now have two children, Bennett and Rylee. Dr. Nelis and his wife are ecstatic to be rooted in the community surrounded by family and friends. They truly feel blessed to be back and serving the people of West Michigan.
Dr. Nick Racine was born and raised on the east side of Michigan near Flint. The youngest of five children, his parents often joke that he was raised by his siblings. Growing up he always had a strong admiration for the work his father did as a dentist in Clio, Michigan. Inspired to pursue his own career as a dentist, Dr. Racine attended Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Human Biology, graduating with high honors.
Following graduation from Michigan State, Dr. Racine made the move to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. During his time there, he and his wife Alexa lived on a 140-acre farm where they developed their love for gardening, wildlife and fly fishing. Dr. Racine is immensely grateful for his time at the University of Michigan where he established a sound clinical foundation and experienced tremendous growth as a healthcare professional.
Now, he and his wife are thrilled to put roots down in West Michigan. Dr. Racine is enthusiastic about giving back to the community he now calls home by offering his talents as a dental provider. Dr. Racine takes a tremendous amount of pride in the work he does and wants to provide you with the best dental care and experience possible.
Emma is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined our practice in 2020. She graduated from Ferris State University. Emma enjoys staying current with the latest research in her field and uses that knowledge to educate and motivate her patients. Emma enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and growing in her faith.
Kate is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined our practice in 2020. She graduated from Ferris State University. Kate has been an RDH for almost 20 years. She was born and raised in Rockford but has called Holland her home since 2012. Kate has 4 wonderful children who keep her very busy with West Ottawa sports. When she is not working she enjoys traveling, being outdoors and cheering on her kids at their sports events.
Camden is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined our practice in 2021. She graduated from GRCC. Camden loves getting to know her patients and helps promote great oral hygiene. When not at work she spends her time working outdoors or camping with her husband and daughter.
Kristin is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined our practice in 2022. She graduated from GRCC. She loves meeting new people and educating her patients to meet their specific dental needs. She finds it very rewarding to build relationships, help patients achieve a smile they can be proud of, and continue learning new things in dentistry. She is married with two small children and enjoys being with friends and family, growing in her faith, and enjoying time outdoors.
Faith is a Dental Assistant. She joined or office in 2021. Faith grew up in Holland and truly enjoys meeting new people! She also loves learning all things new in the dental world and ideas on taking care of patients. Outside of the office, she enjoys backpacking, painting, skiing and reading.
Jen is a Dental Assistant with 22 years of experience. Jen joined our office in 2019. She enjoys having fun at work while making a difference in patients lives. Outside of the office, Jen likes camping, kayaking, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Jessie is our Office Manager and bilingual in Spanish. She attended Northwood University, where she majored in Business Administration. She joined our practice in 2020 and absolutely loves her job! Jessie grew up in Holland and resides here with her husband and daughter. When she isnt working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking to the beach, golfing, camping, hiking and exploring new places.
Stephanie is our Receptionist and Schedule Coordinator with 31 years of experience. Stephanie joined our practice in 2003. She loves greeting and meeting new people, always trying her best to make sure our patients feel comfortable and welcome. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and spending time outdoors.
Maddy is our Scheduling Coordinator and is also a Dental Assistant. Maddy joined our practice in 2020. She loves getting to know our patients and meeting their scheduling needs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. She also enjoys spending time outdoors- especially at the beach, hiking, and walking her dogs.
Kelli is our Treatment Coordinator and was previously a Dental Assistant. Kelli joined our practice in 2021. She loves to meet new people and is passionate about helping others. In her free time Kelli enjoys spending time with her kids and friends. She also loves to bake, decorate cakes and spending time outdoors. Kelli is strong in her faith and enjoys singing on her church worship team.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 101 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestFred Schreur
2 years ago
I had Camden for my cleaning. She was an exceptionaly friendly person who did a wonderful job of cleaning my teeth. I hope I get her for my next appointment. All the office women were wonderful to deal with. Dr Nelis runs a first class practice.
Mark Twain
2 years ago
Dr Nelis is an artist. My chipped front tooth was reconstructed and it has never looked this good. Thank you!
Tyler Tanis
2 years ago
BEST dental experience in West Michigan! Dr. Nelis continues to go above and beyond ensuring my specific dental needs are strategically taken care of. Professional and welcoming staff with a comfortable environment!
Joe Trevino
2 years ago
I just want to say I'm so grateful and blessed for having such a wonderful dentist. Christopher Nelis and his staff. I had some implant dentures Bridges put in and my front teeth worked on. So grateful to my dentist and his staff, for giving me my smile back. I would recommend him to anybody that needs work done to their teeth. May God continue to bless them in their profession. With a smile on your face will make anybody feel better about themselves. Happy Happy Happy!!! Thank you and God bless you all.
Jane Klomparens
3 years ago
Would NOT recommend this office. My husband went in for a cleaning. They took x rays first. Then checked his blood pressure. Said it was high and would not clean his teeth. So I called a better dentist who got him in same day. Today we received a letter of discharge from them. We had already changed dentists. Said wewere not listening to him. We left that office. They are out for the money. Loved that office when Dr. Christianson had it.
Tony Hicks
3 years ago
They seem to have an issue with scheduling. I received a call from the office saying they needed to schedule an appointment with me. I asked what about my appointment that I have in two hours? They said they didn't have that appointments and that they called me 2 months prior about it. If they had, why wouldn't a new appointment been made at that time? They simply didn't ever call prior to the date of my appointment. If that wasn't bad enough, the first available appointment they had was three months out. Scheduling issues happened frequently. I have since switched dentists and I am much happier.
Ben Fiet
3 years ago
Chris and his staff represent the best in dentistry, professional, capable, and they have a welcoming atmosphere at the practice. I've worked with Chris for a couple of years now, and look forward to many more.
Michelle Holt
3 years ago
Excellent experience! Dr. Nelis was very professional and kind! More importantly he gave me the confidence of smiling back! Thank you!
Ryan Kraai
3 years ago
Dr. Nelis and his staff do an amazing job!
Kimberly Hicks
3 years ago
Used to be a great office. The switch from Dr. Christiansen did not go well for my family. Lots of scheduling issues. Incorrect billing and uncomfortable cleanings. Time for a new office.
Jill Streur
3 years ago
Wow- Dr. Nelis and his entire staff, are a breath of fresh air! On time, professional, and empathetic- this team goes above and beyond to take great care of myself and my family! I no longer fear these visits! Oh and I absolutely love the updated technology you are using- I feel like you are investing in me! Thank you for overall great service! I'll see you in six months!
Ethan Ayers
4 years ago
Everyone was very pleasant & friendly.
Amy Geerlings
4 years ago
I am a new patient to Dr. Nelis and his staff. I was very pleased with my first experience this week. Upon walking in, I found the front office staff to be very warm and welcoming. My insurance was verified within minutes of my arrival and the appointment was on time. What brought me in to the office for the first time was a crown prep. Doctor's offices often make me a little anxious no matter where I go, but I was treated with professionalism and care the entire length of my visit. Dr. Nelis and his assistant Laurie made me feel like I was in safe hands and the visit was quite literally painless! Dr. Nelis explained the steps of the procedure very clearly, so I knew exactly what to expect. I was able to set up another appointment quickly before I left. I feel like customer service like this is something we rarely see these days. Thank you all very much!!
Andrea Crandall
4 years ago
I was a little concerned at first. As with any major change, it can cause some apprehension, however I have none anymore. First of all DR Nelis appears to be everything Dr Christianson said he would be and I had every confidence in his opinions and choices. The Dr is a very important aspect of any office for sure however I believe it begins when you walk in that door and see a kind smile and receive a Welcome that puts you at ease right away. then nothing more important than how you feel when you are in that chair for 45 minutes with your hygienist. AJ is my go to and I owe her my Dental life. I started going to this office a few years ago with tears and so much anxiety. I had to have gas just to relax me. Now I smile and laugh and don't give a thought to what's to come and never take the gas. AJ, alias Apple Jack, has not only educated me and made me feel comfortable and not at all anxious but she is improving my gum health. I highly recommend this office! So if you are in need of a Dentist or maybe just not satisfied where you are at, take a leap of faith and make an appt. you won't regret it. Andrea
Kelly DeWys
4 years ago
It was awesome!!! a good experience
Debra Simms
4 years ago
Got me in for a broken tooth very quickly. Appreciated that options of treatment were discussed. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Dr.Nelis put me at ease. Will definitely return.
Evelyn Rodriguez
4 years ago
Friendly staff and great service.
Rachel Crowder
4 years ago
Very professional staff. Friendly & do a great job. Thank you for caring for my smile!
Lois Yonker
4 years ago
Came in to have crown put on but crown did not fit correctly. Second appointment needed to try a new one.
George Moorman
4 years ago
Always a pleasure having work done here.
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