As a dentist, I am passionate about helping my patients achieve the smile of their dreams through my artistic skills and technical abilities. Giving patients their confidence back and watching their faces light up with their healthy smiles makes me look forward to each day in the office. Working together with my patients, I learn about them and build a relationship with them that will hopefully continue into a trusting relationship for years to come.
Every patient has a different motivation to seek care from my office. I enjoy getting to know their needs and building a relationship with each person. I appreciate when they refer their friends and family members to our practice, too. This community, in and around Milford, has welcomed me and continues to support our ability to provide the best dental care.
Knowing that an informed patient is best able to make good decisions about their oral healthcare, I focus on patient education to help my patients learn about the connection between a healthy mouth and overall wellness. I also emphasize preventive care, knowing that stopping problems before they start and correcting small issues before they become large ones allows patients to keep their teeth and have beautiful smiles for a lifetime.
The artistry of dentistry and creating beauty in healthcare has interested me since I was an undergraduate at Texas Christian University. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in chemistry there, I attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Soon after, I joined the U.S. Naval Dental Corps and received my Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
Now, even after more than 20 years of practicing dentistry, I continue my education to provide the latest options for patients and improve their treatment outcomes. My goal is to offer comfortable, long lasting function and aesthetics for my patients oral health.
As a Fellow and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, I have completed additional training in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and whole-mouth reconstruction. I have undergone orthodontic training through Progressive Orthodontic Seminars, Invisalign training for general dentists, and aesthetic restorations with digital dentistry seminars at Spear Seminars in Scottsdale, AZ.
When not at work, I am with my family, at home or at their various activities. I enjoy audiobooks while I am driving, keeping up with friends and family on social media, and traveling when we get the chance. Most importantly, I am the biggest fan of my daughters sports and dance teams.
It is my goal as a dentist to provide help for those in need. It is my privilege to work with our patients, and one that I do not take lightly. Our team is dedicated to be comprehensive with your oral healthcare and take the time to treat you as a person, not just a condition. We want to build a relationship with you. You are not just a number to us; you are family!
My interest in the healthcare field began in high school, where I was an EMT and enjoyed helping people in an immediate, tangible way. As an undergrad at Nebraska Wesleyan University, I studied biology and pre-med. I continued to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry to earn my Doctorate of Dental Surgery and fulfil my desire to make a difference in the lives of those in my community.
I purchased the dental practice of Dr. Clayton Peters at our current location in 1998, and began practice as Milford Dental Clinic that September. My wife Dr. Janna Spahr and I work together as a dental team to provide for our patients dental needs with a combined 32 years of dental practice experience.
Throughout my career, I have held a strong interested in advancing my training in oral surgery, endodontics, and dental implantology. This type of training allows patient to have all their oral health needs met within our office, without the need to refer care to specialists. We take pride in offering this continuity of care, which is no less than what our patients deserve.
I have been married to Dr. Janna Spahr since 2001. We have two lovely daughters, Savannah and Sarah, in addition to two hunting dogs, a house cat, and chickens that keep us stocked with farm-fresh eggs.
Janna and I enjoy watching our daughters in their various activities, including volleyball, basketball, and dance. During the winter months, I take our dogs to hunt pheasants, while my summers are spent on home improvement projects and driving my riding lawn mower.
As a dentist, I have the opportunity to help each person in my chair. Oral health is closely tied to body wellness, and the appearance of a smile can affect a persons self-esteem. I want the best for each patient I have the honor to treat: health, happiness, and a smile they love to share!
I especially enjoy working with people who have dental-related anxiety. In listening to their worries, I learn what they need to overcome the fears. As we work together, I help individuals learn that todays dentistry is comfortable and they have nothing to worry about. Earning a persons trust helps them feel safe and empowers them to take better care of their health.
I attended Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona, where I was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD). Dental school provided me with a solid foundational understanding of oral health, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and methodologies.
Through meetings, seminars, lectures, and online courses, I learn from leading practitioners in oral healthcare. I also keep abreast of trends and research through dental journals and other publications. By studying and evaluating new techniques, materials, and technologies, I am able to incorporate proven options into my patients care.
When Im not seeing patients or reading about the latest developments in dental care, I value time with family and friends. I enjoy fishing with my father, working in the garden, and watching Husker football Go Big Red!
Dr. Katie Starostka loves that dentistry lets her improve patients lives while building lasting, personal relationships. She is excited to use her knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat patients to help achieve and maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
Dr. Starostka received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She furthered her education at Midwestern University Dental College in Arizona, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2015.
Dr. Katie grew up in Grand Island. Dental school took her to Phoenix, AZ. She loved the weather and outdoor activities, but her family drew her back home. Following dental school, she practiced in Council Bluffs, IA before settling back in Nebraska.