Hello, I am Dr. Chris Koechner, I grew up in Marion, Illinois and attended college at Murray State University in Murray, KY. After college I went to dental school at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. After dental school I obtained further training at University of Louisville in a one year general practice residency. In 2019 my wife, Katie, and I returned to Saint Louis and upon returning I met Dr. Oberkfell. We realized that we had very similar practice philosophies as well as laid-back personalities and this has allowed a great transition for me at Festus Smile Center! My wife and I love to hang out and play with our beagle, Elmer. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf with friends and also eating good food with friends and family.
Since starting in this profession I have had a thirst for learning about the latest techniques and technology to best serve my patients. I love utilizing technology to better assist in planning and delivering the best care possible. My goal is to exceed expectations from patients every day from visits as simple as a cleaning to full mouth restorations. I look forward to helping the people of our community and the surrounding areas improve and maintain their oral health!
Hi, Im Dr. Michelle Ogonowski. I grew up in Creve Coeur, Missouri and completed my undergraduate degree at Mizzou. After college, I attended the University of Missouri- Kansas City for dental school, where I graduated from in 2014. Immediately after graduation I began working with Dr. Oberkfell and have been here ever since. My husband and I are so happy to live and work near the city we both grew up in and raise our two young daughters here. We are a bit obsessed with St. Louis sports teams and love taking our kids to see the Cardinals and Blues play!
What I absolutely love the most about dentistry is the impact it helps make on others lives, whether it be getting a patient out of pain or giving someone back the confidence to smile again. I love that I get to work with young children as well as the elderly and everyone in between. It is always my mission to make each person I treat feel comfortable, and make an experience that most people dread as enjoyable and painless as possible.
My name is Jason Oberkfell and I grew up in Festus. I attended DeSoto High School and Jefferson College before going to dental school at University of Kansas City School of Dentistry. I graduated dental school in May 1999 and began work on opening an office in my hometown of Festus. As the first new dentist in the Festus area in over 18 years, I started my practice on September 7th, 1999. Since then I have moved, expanded and added amazing staff that share the same standards as me. In July 2014 I was able to bring in Dr. Michelle Ogonowski. She is an amazing, caring dentist and has been such a wonderful asset to our practice and our patients. Dr. Christopher Koechner joined our practice in July 2019. His level of care, compassion and skill has complimented the vision of the office and how we want patients to feel when they enter the door. I unfortunately have always had a dental fear and understand what it is like to not want to be in the chair, therefore we have always strived to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.
After dental school I moved back to Festus which is where I still live with my wife, son, and two dogs. When I am not doing dentistry my true passion, as many know, is riding my dirt bike. I have been riding since the age of 8 years old and still have the same excitement (if not more) every time I get to throw a leg over my bike.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestKR Scroggins
a year ago
The entire staff is THE best, whether it's a yearly checkup or an emergency.
Christina Limpert
2 years ago
I took my 3 year old for her first dental appointment and the staff is truly amazing! I knew they were great with adults but seeing them with kids was even better. Wendy showed my daughter every tool and had fun names for them etc. Dr. Chris kept it fun, counted teeth with her, and made her a glove balloon! Thank you to everyone at Smile for an amazing 1st trip to the dentist!
Stephanie Gillespie
2 years ago
Dr. Chris and the staff are so amazing! They were so patient and explained every step to her in the process while filling my daughter's cavity. Highly recommend!
Jordan Willson
2 years ago
Great people and a comfortable environment, Festus Smile Center is definitely the dentist office I would recommend to anyone.
Monica Hewitt
2 years ago
Festus Smile Center is like a breath of fresh air. The staff is not only very friendly but also very efficient. Dr Chris Koechner was very knowledgeable and explained the procedure in detail. No one likes going to the dentist but having a staff and dentist like Festus Smile Center makes for a pleasing experience.
Therese Ruble
2 years ago
My whole family have been patients there for almost 20 years. All the doctors are great and the staff is so friendly. Thanks for the wonderful care over all these years! I highly recommend Festus Smile Center for your dental care.
Jordan Willson
3 years ago
Great people and a comfortable environment, Festus Smile Center is definitely the dentist office I would recommend to anyone.
Monica Hewitt
3 years ago
Festus Smile Center is like a breath of fresh air. The staff is not only very friendly but also very efficient. Dr Chris Koechner was very knowledgeable and explained the procedure in detail. No one likes going to the dentist but having a staff and dentist like Festus Smile Center makes for a pleasing experience.
Therese Ruble
3 years ago
My whole family have been patients there for almost 20 years. All the doctors are great and the staff is so friendly. Thanks for the wonderful care over all these years! I highly recommend Festus Smile Center for your dental care.
Carol Meyrose
3 years ago
Been going here for over 20 years, only place I ever plan on using. Great Dr.'s , very Friendly Employees. Love it!!
Carol Meyrose
4 years ago
Been going here for over 20 years, only place I ever plan on using. Great Dr.'s , very Friendly Employees. Love it!!
Sarah Terry
4 years ago
I have always gone here MY WHOLE LIFE. And I just have to say that as I've aged my quality of treatment has gone down tremendously. My main problem currently is the fact that they were closed for Christmas until the 27th and today is the 28th. I called to make an appointment but they aren't open till the 2nd for New Years. Just seems excessive to me.
Sarah Terry
5 years ago
I have always gone here MY WHOLE LIFE. And I just have to say that as I've aged my quality of treatment has gone down tremendously. My main problem currently is the fact that they were closed for Christmas until the 27th and today is the 28th. I called to make an appointment but they aren't open till the 2nd for New Years. Just seems excessive to me.
Rita Mueller
5 years ago
He is the best dentist that i have been to in years. I would definitely recommend him to other people.
Rita Mueller
6 years ago
He is the best dentist that i have been to in years. I would definitely recommend him to other people.
Load more