It is my privilege to provide my patients with a smile. To help a patient stop the progression of periodontal disease. To fix a cavity in their front tooth. To help someone learn and be educated. I provide more than just a cleaning or a filling; I am here to provide the knowledge for long-term care and prevention.
My profession gives me a unique opportunity to improve both a patients quality of life and self-esteem. Every day brings a new set of challenges, and I enjoy approaching them head on to give our patients the best smile possible. I make sure they are comfortable and happy with their treatment. It is so rewarding to catch up on the news in their lives and the fun they bring to our office.
Dentistry has come so far since I started, and it is still growing by leaps and bounds. Continuing education helps keep me knowledgeable. I dedicate my time to learn everything I can to help our patients and make sure they receive the best care possible.
My team and I take education seriously, and we are constantly attending lectures and conferences. We have garnered renown for our research in occlusion, joint stability, and myofascial pain control. I am active with the Dawson Academy, the Spear Institute, Piper Education and Research Center for TMJ, and many other areas of training and continuing education to offer the latest and most efficient treatment option at a fair price.
I am a lifelong resident of Melvin, which is only ten minutes from my practice. I currently live two blocks from my childhood home. I have a wonderful wife who Ive been married to for 25 years and have an outstanding son and daughter. My son is training to be an airline pilot and is currently an instructor at Parkland College, and my daughter is a freshman at DePaul University and is currently on track to go into dentistry as well. We have a highly energetic chocolate lab that loves to go camping with us and rides with us all over.
As most patients can see when they walk in, I am obsessed with motorcycles. I love racing and riding year round. When I am not racing, I spend a lot of time outdoors, camping, shooting, and working on cars. In addition, I am a lifelong member of St. Peter's Free Lutheran Church of Melvin and a member of the church council.
The community I live in is as much a part of me as I am of it. I am deeply attached to my neighbors and friends, and it is only right to give back to the community. I am a Past President of the Gibson City Rotary Club and the Ford-Iroquois Counties Board of Health. I am also a volunteer fireman for the Melvin Fire Department. Ive been blessed with so much that I try to give back wherever and whenever I can.
I try to make a connection with our patients, learning about their hobbies and interests. I really like working with younger patients, making them feel comfortable and encouraging them every step of the way. Its wonderful when I hear them ask when they get to come back with a big smile on their faces. A lot of my work here involves assisting Dr. Brucker with procedures. I also order our dental materials, perform lab work, take X-rays, and review treatment plans with our patients.
In my personal life, I have been blessed with ten siblings who have, in turn, given me 40 wonderful nieces and nephews whom I love to spoil! I enjoy reading, gardening, hunting, shooting, traveling, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
I joined the team at Brucker Dental Care in 2018, assisting Dr. Brucker with procedures, taking X-rays, and completing lab work. I love meeting and making connections with patients. One of my biggest goals is to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed when they come in here.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending lots of time with my friends and family, going on vacations and small trips, visiting new places, and making many memories. I love the outdoors, spending time in the sun, or being by the water!
I work alongside Dr. Brucker, providing patient care and making sure that the doctor has everything he needs to improve our patients oral health. I love that I get to do different things every day and interact with different patients. It keeps everything fresh and exciting, and I look forward to coming to the office to see what will happen next.
Some of my many responsibilities include cleaning and polishing teeth, giving patient education, and delivering the anesthetic, but my most important role is making sure our patients leave the office with a happy, healthy smile. I enjoy getting to know my patients on a personal level and seeing their oral health improve because of the information I have given them. It is very rewarding to make such a big difference in their lives. Our office staff is my second family, and we work really hard to treat each other, and our patients, like family.
I am married to my high school sweetheart Matt, who co-owns Kilgus Dairy. I have three outgoing children, Kamber, Collin, and Kelsey, who help us on the farm. We are very active in our church and its services. I teach pre-school Sunday school, and we participate in an adult Bible study. I am also active with the Livingston County Farm Bureau Young Farmers group.
My job involves so much more than just cleaning teeth; Im here to educate patients on their oral health and encourage them to build a strong foundation of health for years to come. I work hard to create relationships with my patients; I really enjoy getting to know their families and learning about all their interests. The best part of my job is working with a team that shares a common goal of giving our patients the best possible care.
When not at work, Im usually at home with my husband Aaron and our dog Maggie. We like to watch our favorite shows and cuddle the dog. If Im not lounging around, Im reading, going on walks, baking, or spending time with friends and family.
I joined Dr. Bruckers team in 2018 after attending Parkland College for my RDH. My favorite part of my job is educating patients. It is so fulfilling to see a patient's oral health improve. Not only does it make me happy, but the joy in their voice when you tell them how much they improved makes my day! A huge reason I decided to become a dental hygienist is to help give someone back their smile, and its something I get to do every day!
The difference between us and other dental practices is our never ending commitment to our patients. At Brucker Dental Care, Dr. Brucker and our team work hard to make patients feel at home. Your dental experience can have a huge impact on your life, and we want you and your family to enjoy each moment of your experience with us.