When I was in 7th grade, I carved a set of teeth out of a bar of Ivory soap. I was teased about it then, and am still teased about it today. Yet that was a pivotal moment in my life and set me on the path to dentistry.

I truly love everything about my profession: the artistry, the science, the diversity of my days, and most of all the people I get to know and help. I genuinely enjoy building connections with my patients, and consider them to be an extension of my family.

Each patient is unique. It is my responsibility to find ways of addressing their dental needs, and learn how to communicate in a manner that works for the person. I do my best to educate: Rather than telling a person they need a procedure, I show them what is wrong and explain the different treatment options.

I was raised in Danforth and attended the University of Illinois for my undergraduate studies. Then I enrolled at the Northwestern University Dental School, where I was awarded a Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

In the more than 25 years since I finished dental school, the field has undergone remarkable advances. Today, we are able to do so many more things for our patients, using incredible technologies and techniqueswhich improve diagnostics, the treatment experience, and results.

I stay current on the latest options through continuing professional education. By studying the newest information, I am able to select proven techniques that are effective, comfortable, and efficient. I only recommend care that Id feel comfortable providing a family member.

Ive lived in Champaign and the surrounding area for more than25 years. My partner in life (and crime), Lisa, and I have been married for almost 20 years. We have two amazing teen boys, Matthew and Michael, who both help at the office. We also have two dogs: Scooby (the little one) and Bella (the GREAT Big One).

Lisa and I have always been involved with our community:working to strengthen it for the betterment of all. A long-time activity is funding a teachers project, one per month, to help alleviate a teachers expenses. We also provide mouthguards to athletic teams, support many school activities, and are active in our church and Young Life.

We have very little staff turnover and have worked sidebyside for so long that we are a family: that closeness allows us to maintain a warm and stable environment, where we are able to focus on each patient, personally, and ensure they feel safe, heard, and valued.

I started as a dental assistant, then completed a dental hygiene program and worked as a hygienist, and now I am an office manager. I appreciate my current role, as it allows me to interact with patients on the administrative and clinical sides of the practice.

As an assistant, I prepare rooms, seat patients, and get them ready for their procedure. Working chairside, I assist Dr. Frerichs while supporting our patient, and when finished I clean and sterilize the treatment area and equipment.

I love our office environment. Getting to see our patients on a regular basis lets us catch up on their lives and see their growing families. Not many people can work with their spouses, but I respect and appreciate Jeffs talent and his ability to make people smile.

Jeff and I are so lucky to have found each other. We try to live our life to fullest with our two sons, Matthew and Michael. Our family spends a lot of time in the Bahamas and at Disney: our two favorite vacation destinations. When Im not in the office, I stay involved in our kids activities, substitute teach, read, bake chocolate chip cookies, keep our family organized, and find time for a puzzle now and then. We are blessed!

I started in the dental field in 2003 and hold an AAS from Parkland College in the dental hygiene program. In 2004, I found my professional home here. I enjoy building relationships with everyone who comes to our office and knowing I have a positive impact on their oral health.

I screen patients to check their overall oral health and provide helpful information so peoplelearn how to improve and maintain their dental wellness. I also remove plaque and calculus from teeth, perform fluoride treatments, and take radiographs and impressions.

My husband, two teen boys, our dogGuinness (aka G-Dawg), and I live in Saint Joseph. When were not cheering on our kids soccer teams, we can usually be found working on some DIY project at home. I also like getting away to visit extended family in the US and Canada.

I have an associates degree from Parkland College, have continued my education at EIU, and started in the field in 1996. When I was welcomed to this practice, in 2004, I knew Id found the right place: everyone is friendly, professional, and caring. I love getting to know my patients and their families, while helping them develop healthy smiles.

I provide routine dental hygiene care, including cleanings. A lot of my focus is on dental education, so patients understand why its important to care for their oral health and how to do it, so they have a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Ive been married for over 20 years and have two teen daughters. I love church, supporting our daughters in their many extracurricular activities, and being with friends. We are blessed with a great immediate and extended family.

The mouth is the gateway to the body: in caring for your teeth and gums, youre also helping your overall wellness! With a stable and functional bite, youre able to chew your food properly, which aidsin digestion. And with clean and healthy teeth, you feel better about your appearance, which improves self-esteem and confidence.

He focuses on lasting improvements for your oral health, rather than quick fixes, and clearly presents all the treatment options. Along with his team, Dr. Frerichs believes you deserve accessible, useful education and information. This ensures you are able to make knowledgeable decisions about treatment and are in control of your smiles health!

He and our team understand that dental care, even an exam and cleaning, can be stressful for some people. Thats why weve designed our practice to be a welcoming, safe space, where you will always be treated gently, with the respect and compassion we would want for ourselves.