Ever since writing a paper in eighth grade about how a dentist is a physician who specializes in the mouth, head, and neck before going to school, I have felt a calling to be a dentist. After graduating as valedictorian from Lapeer West High School in 1992, I went to Albion College (a small Christian liberal arts college). In 1996, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology- Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Sigma Xi with Albion College Honors including Thesis. After school in high school and on breaks through college, I also worked as a dental assistant and lab tech in several offices in my hometown, confirming my interest in the field.

I then attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. During my time there, I earned the Delta Dental Scholarship, the Hubert Phillips Scholarship, the Lucille Conger Alumnae Group Scholarship for business women, and the James Rachor, DDS Scholarship. I was employed by the school to do dental lab work, and I worked for a professor, performing assisting and front end duties at her private practice. Upon graduating fifth in my class, I was voted by the faculty as the best general dentist of my class (Academy of General Dentists Award), and earned the Orthodontics Award, the Periodontics Award, and a position in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Fraternity.

After dental school, I worked as an associate at Lapeer Dental Centre for 5 years before venturing out on my own. I bought the practice in St. Johns from Dr. Henry Burkhardt and practiced on State Street for 2 years. We have now been in St. Johns for 12 years and at our current location for 10 years.

Currently, I am an active member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Central District Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Academy of General Dentistry, National Association of Professional Women, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. I frequently speak to local classes and groups such as 4H about dentistry and dental care. We participate in Donated Dental Services and the MDAs Mission of Mercy, and we donate dental supplies to many local charities. We love supporting our patients in the mission field.

My husband Kevin is the Business Manager for the office, and he does our facility management. We have a teenaged son, Jimmy, who is the joy of our lives. I am an avid scrapbooker, crafter, and reader, and I teach sword for Master Collins Sr Kendo.Kevin and I are active with Pilgrim United Methodist Church, the Lansing Area Emmaus Community, Keryx (prison ministry), karate (Professional Karate Schools of America), and PAPAs (missions serving Jamaica). We have now earned our Second Degree Black Belts in Tang Soo Do as a family, along with our6th degree Samurai with their Kendo group.

Patty has been a hygienist for 17 years! Patty says her favorite part of working at Gentner Family Dentistry is making her patients happy and wanting to come back! Patty loves this career for many reasons but loves the fact that she has a favorable schedule and can be home with her family at night and on the weekends. When Patty is not at work she enjoys camping, fishing, bowling, gardening, and spending time with her family. She is a huge sports fan! Patty is married with three children and a pup! Three words that best describe Patty are bubbly, social, and vocal!

I am a mom of 3 amazing kids and 1 dog, 1cat, and 1 chicken. I also have fur grandbabies! My family is my whole world and I am beyond blessed by them. I am new to the field of hygiene but found a true love and passion for what I do.

I have been working in the dental field since 2008. I worked as a traveling hygienist in Florida providing dental hygiene therapy to residents of long-term care facilities, while enjoying the sun and sand.

For the past few years, I was living in Bethel, Alaska working for the Indian Health Services providing dental hygiene therapy to the Yupik Native American population of the Yukon Delta. Now I am back home in Michigan!

Destiny is our Lead Dental Assistant here at Gentner Family Dentistry. She has been with our team for over a year now. Destiny says the most challenging part of her job is that she is constantly learning new things, she is always continuing her education and growing/adapting to the constant change in dentistry. Her favorite part of this job is being able to connect with the patients. Destiny loves being able to make bite guards, occlusal splints, and ensuring patient care/seeing the improvement in patient conditions.

When Destiny is not working, she enjoys hiking and exploring new places and camping with her kids. Destiny has two children, a Mini Dapple Dachshund and a cat. Three words that best describe Destiny are passionate, enduring, and empathetic.

I reside in Blanchard where I raise my three kids on our hobby farm. We have cows, horses, pigs, chickens and sheep. In our spare time my kids and I rodeo, youll see me at all Michigan Roping Association events as well as all Little Britches Rodeos. My kids are a part of 4H & future Farmers of America (FFA)

I am pursuing my career in Dental Hygiene. I love the dental field and providing care to patients. I am a fur mom to 2 cats and soon to be a puppy. I love spending time with my family and friends. They are my world!

Throughout life Ive had a passion for helping others. I enjoy seeing other people thrive, succeed and be truly happy with themselves. Being at Gentner Family Dentistry has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of our patients. I enjoy seeing the stages of progress that each one of our patients get to experiences throughout their treatment. I am grateful for being part of a team that has one unison goal in mind; to give care and confidence to our community! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family. Being outdoors is truly a passion of mine. Skiing, kayaking, and camping are a must for my family. We are always excited for our next adventure! My Fianc has been my best friend for over 20 years and I am lucky enough to get to enjoy the rest of our life together sharing our passion for the outdoors with our son.

I have been working in the dental field for about five years all together! My job entails working with insurance companies, billing, checking patients in, taking payments, answering the phone, and some scheduling duties. My favorite part of my job are the people I work with.

When Im not at work I enjoy hanging out with my family, bowling, fishing and kayaking. Im currently the president of the Owosso Area Bowling Association. Im married and have one son, a dog, and kittens. Three words to best describe me are loyal, empathetic, and funny.

Maggie is our office manager! She has been in the dental field for over six years now and has been with our team for over a year now. She says GFD has helped her become more organized, set suture goals, and to be a better leader. Maggie says her job entails just about everything. She says the best part of her job is the team she works with daily. When Maggie is not working, she enjoys crafting, antiquing, and camping. She is a huge college football fan. GO GREEN! Maggie is married and has a Chocolate Lab and one cat. Three words to best describe Maggie are sassy, prepared, and energetic.

A: There is actually no difference. They are both full coverage restorations to repair fractures, or broken or decayed teeth. They are made from gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. We refer to these restorations as crowns; however, many patients know them as caps.

A: No. Although it is true that most teeth that have received root canals do need a crown to strengthen them and return them to normal functionality, not every tooth that needs a crown requires a root canal as well.

A: Both dental bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or sometimes implants. Partial dentures are removable and attach to other teeth with clasps.

A: You should floss your teeth at least once a day to keep cavities from forming between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing also keeps your gums healthy and helps prevent gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease. You can use little brushes for larger spaces between teeth or around braces.