Dr. Marissa Ryan is thrilled to be joined by Dr. John Illuminati and Dr. Lydia Stegemann to form Ryan Dental Partners. We cant wait to welcome you and your family to our new office at 280 Gannett Drive in South Portland.
Earning your trust is key, which means we will always listen carefully first, providing clear and respectful answers to your questions before we begin and every step along the way. We are deeply committed to providing treatment of the highest quality, nothing less.
This means not only providing the highest quality preventative care, but making sure we detect potential problems early, so we can reduce the risk of needing more extensive and often expensive treatment in the future. Catching things early keeps the cost (in time and money) to a minimum.We are experts in:
September marks Dr. Illuminati's full transition into retirement. Everyone on our team is going to miss his warm presence and leadership as he embarks on his next adventure. But while we are going to miss him, we are also really happy and excited for Marcy and him!
Meanwhile, we are focused on continuing to provide the best possible care to our patients. Dr. Ryan and Dr. Stegemann have been fortunate to meet and care for many of Dr. Illuminati's longtime patients over the course of 2021, and look forward to building those relationships in the months and years to come.
Dr. Ryan has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After completing her B.S. in Biology magna cum laude at State University of New York, Oswego, and her Masters in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Davis, Marissa went into research. However, a deep desire to pursue a profession that focused on caring for others drew her to dentistry and the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated summa cum laude and was the recipient of several awards, including the Tufts University Merit Scholarship and the Tufts University Award for Exceptional Chairside Manner. She was also elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society, and is a member of Sigma XI, the National Research Honor Society.
Dr. Ryans professional memberships include the American Dental Association, Maine Dental Association, Pankey Institute, and Casco Bay Study Club, an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club. She has been involved in dental mission trips to Guatemala and has worked for several years as a volunteer dentist at the Root Cellar Dental Clinic in Portland.
Dr. Lydia Stegemann grew up in Southern Maine. She went on to receive her bachelors degree in Biology from the University of New Hampshire and her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where she graduated Cum Laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honors society. She then continued on at Tufts to complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency.
Dr. Stegemann is passionate about building strong patient relationships and creating individualized treatments that help foster a trusting and comfortable patient experience. She is dedicated to continued learning about new dental techniques and technologies in order to provide the highest quality care. She holds memberships with the American Dental Association and the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Stegemann is beyond excited to return to her home state to practice.
Christie has been practicing dental hygiene with Dr. Ryan for 13 years! It 's no secret that Christie loves being part of the Ryan Dental team, and when we asked her the best part of the job, she answered with an enthusiastic 'my PATIENTS!'
Before becoming a Mainer, Brie practiced for nine years in New Hampshire where she grew up. Brie says her goal is to provide the highest level of care and professionalism mixed with a healthy mixture of fun and laughter, and we can tell she has mastered that, as she always makes patients feel at ease.
Brie and her husband, Zach, their two kids, Wren and Ozzie, and their chocolate lab, Mavis, are all ocean lovers. When not at the beach, they can be found hiking, enjoying music, playing sports and spending time with friends and family.
Lindsey is our resident 'jack of all trades. Shes here to sterilize, stock, support the front desk crew - and she can even step in as a dental assistant in a pinch. That 's right - she does it all! Lindsey is our go-to for movie recommendations. She tries to see every movie nominated for best pictures at the Oscars every year - so make sure to ask her next time you are looking for something new to watch.
If you know Dr. Ryan, you probably know Jeanne, as she has been with Dr. Ryan since she first moved to Maine, and has been a dental hygienist for 30+ years! She is an expert at building lasting relationships and, like the rest of our team, she truly cares.
Sarah has been working with Dr. Ryan for the past five years, and has been in the the dental field since 2006. While she is passionate about creating a positive experience for every patient, her secret talent is helping folks handle complicated issues with ease - from scheduling to insurance - and everything in between!
Lindsay works both at the front desk and out back assisting the dentists. She truly knows all of our wonderful patients, and has the knowledge to assist with any question you may have. Lindsay lives in Portland with her cat, Ron, and travels to Midcoast Maine to be with her family any chance she gets. Lindsay is your girl if you ever want kayaking, camping, fishing, or hiking tips.
She grew up in a small town in Vermont, in an area known as The Northeast Kingdom, and now enjoys exploring Portland's trails and finding treasures at the beach with her kids, husband, dog, and cat by her side. Allison is an avid reader, so make sure to ask her for your next book recommendation!
A true Mainer, Sherri loves being outside with all that Maine has to offer. Everyone knows she loves developing lasting relationships with our incredible patients, but did you know shes also an ordained Interfaith Chaplain and Reiki Master Practitioner? Cool!
Caleigh loves exploring our state's little coastal towns with her husband and their two children. Be sure to ask Caleigh for a dinner recommendation next time you're headed out for an evening in the Old Port. She loves the Portland food scene. Her first pick: N to Tail (Korean BBQ), so good!
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestnancy cuthbertson
3 years ago
I have been very fortunate to have Dr. Illuminati and his team care for my dental needs for approximately ten years. Unfortunately, and preceding that time, I needed a great deal of dental work with complications following. Dr. Illuminati has skillfully and methodically provided both corrective care as well as preventive maintenance. His staff are equally skilled while providing a very supportive and comfortable environment. Ultimately, I can't imagine receiving my dental care anywhere else so a very heartfelt thanks to Dr. Illuminati and a very special team of caring professionals!
Donna Scott
3 years ago
I drive from Massachusetts to Maine to receive care from Dr. John Illuminati and his staff. After years of seeing the same provider in Massachusetts, I was suddenly facing MANY pricey obstacles in terms of treatment that was "suggested". I was referred to John and my life has been forever changed. I've been very happy with the amazing work that John has performed, as he's a true artist and perfectionist! He is honest, caring and treats you as if you are a member of his family. His dental assistant is amazing as well! She is always friendly and takes the utmost care to make sure you are comfortable and never in any pain. And outside the chair, Lisa (queen of billing magic!) has worked double duty with my insurance companies. I have double coverage and doing so has turned out to be double the work! Though Lisa worked through it all and made multiple reach outs to both dental companies to get everything squared away. I highly recommend Dr. John Illuminati, you will not be disappointed!
Richard Hubbell
3 years ago
Always thorough careful and caring service. John and just staff have met my dental needs for over three decades. Can't think of a better dental practice!!!
Barbara Dunham
3 years ago
Dr. John Illuminati works as a talented sculptor in rebuilding broken teeth, in designing teeth surrounding implants. He developed and artfully implemented a plan that we have collaborated on for the past 20 plus years. Jeannie, has provided the highest quality of care with regular cleanings and gum maintenance. All other dentists and dental surgeons with whom I have worked remark that Dr. John Illuminati, South Portland Maine, is by far one of the best in New England. His work proves this.
Thomas Knedler
3 years ago
Dr. Illuminati is the best dentist bar none! I have seen many dentists in my lifetime. I feel very fortunate that we have found Dr. Illuminati as our family dentist. He can always be counted on to go above and beyond. I have never felt any pain with him and actually enjoy coming to my appointments. Strongly recommend him!
Julian Sweet
3 years ago
Dr. Illuminati is, very simply, the gold standard for restorative dentistry in Maine. I have been a patient for more than ten years. In addition to being a gifted clinician, Dr. Illuminati is warm and caring. I recommend this practice wholeheartedly.
nancy cuthbertson
4 years ago
I have been very fortunate to have Dr. Illuminati and his team care for my dental needs for approximately ten years. Unfortunately, and preceding that time, I needed a great deal of dental work with complications following. Dr. Illuminati has skillfully and methodically provided both corrective care as well as preventive maintenance. His staff are equally skilled while providing a very supportive and comfortable environment. Ultimately, I can't imagine receiving my dental care anywhere else so a very heartfelt thanks to Dr. Illuminati and a very special team of caring professionals!
Thomas Knedler
4 years ago
Dr. Illuminati is the best dentist bar none! I have seen many dentists in my lifetime. I feel very fortunate that we have found Dr. Illuminati as our family dentist. He can always be counted on to go above and beyond. I have never felt any pain with him and actually enjoy coming to my appointments. Strongly recommend him!
Barbara Dunham
4 years ago
Dr. John Illuminati works as a talented sculptor in rebuilding broken teeth, in designing teeth surrounding implants. He developed and artfully implemented a plan that we have collaborated on for the past 20 plus years. Jeannie, has provided the highest quality of care with regular cleanings and gum maintenance. All other dentists and dental surgeons with whom I have worked remark that Dr. John Illuminati, South Portland Maine, is by far one of the best in New England. His work proves this.
Richard Hubbell
4 years ago
Always thorough careful and caring service. John and just staff have met my dental needs for over three decades. Can't think of a better dental practice!!!
Julian Sweet
4 years ago
Dr. Illuminati is, very simply, the gold standard for restorative dentistry in Maine. I have been a patient for more than ten years. In addition to being a gifted clinician, Dr. Illuminati is warm and caring. I recommend this practice wholeheartedly.
Donna Scott
4 years ago
I drive from Massachusetts to Maine to receive care from Dr. John Illuminati and his staff. After years of seeing the same provider in Massachusetts, I was suddenly facing MANY pricey obstacles in terms of treatment that was "suggested". I was referred to John and my life has been forever changed. I've been very happy with the amazing work that John has performed, as he's a true artist and perfectionist! He is honest, caring and treats you as if you are a member of his family. His dental assistant is amazing as well! She is always friendly and takes the utmost care to make sure you are comfortable and never in any pain. And outside the chair, Lisa (queen of billing magic!) has worked double duty with my insurance companies. I have double coverage and doing so has turned out to be double the work! Though Lisa worked through it all and made multiple reach outs to both dental companies to get everything squared away. I highly recommend Dr. John Illuminati, you will not be disappointed!
Kirk Wilson
4 years ago
Dr Illuminati was recommended to me when I moved to Cape Elizabeth and was disappointed with several local dentists. From the very first I was struck by the professional, detailed evaluation, care, and concern that I experienced from Dr. Illuminati and his exceptionally capable staff. He has simply THE best dental practice that I have ever been under the care of (and I am over 75 yrs old). He is literally an artist when it comes to dental care. Although I now live over 100 miles from Portland in another state, I still come to Portland (at least 4 times a year) to continue under Dr Illuminati's exceptional care.
Kirk Wilson
5 years ago
Dr Illuminati was recommended to me when I moved to Cape Elizabeth and was disappointed with several local dentists. From the very first I was struck by the professional, detailed evaluation, care, and concern that I experienced from Dr. Illuminati and his exceptionally capable staff. He has simply THE best dental practice that I have ever been under the care of (and I am over 75 yrs old). He is literally an artist when it comes to dental care. Although I now live over 100 miles from Portland in another state, I still come to Portland (at least 4 times a year) to continue under Dr Illuminati's exceptional care.
Maineman Micah
5 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. John Illuminati for over 30 years now. I was recommended by friends who were his clients years before I arrived in Maine, and also continue to see him. Since that time, 30 years ago I have recommended several others to his practice, all still see them, as do their children. Dr. John Illuminati is very skilled with a calming demeanor and gentle nature. His entire staff is equally adroit. I could not offer a higher recommendation for top notch dental care.
Maineman Micah
6 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. John Illuminati for over 30 years now. I was recommended by friends who were his clients years before I arrived in Maine, and also continue to see him. Since that time, 30 years ago I have recommended several others to his practice, all still see them, as do their children. Dr. John Illuminati is very skilled with a calming demeanor and gentle nature. His entire staff is equally adroit. I could not offer a higher recommendation for top notch dental care.
TD1150
6 years ago
A dentist who actually makes the time to converse with and educate his patients. I could not be more pleased with his staff's professionalism and presentation with the patient in mind. I was told by my prior dentist that a broken tooth (lower front) could not be fixed (due to the type of damage) and it bothered me for several years. After an in-depth consult with Dr. Illuminati, I was assured that the repair was more than possible. Inside of one hour, he completely fixed my problem as if it never happened in the first place. During my visit I could overhear that another patient had just broken a tooth and needed an emergency fix to get her through until a time where it could be repaired completely (a very traumatic event- I could only imagine) . Dr. Illuminati did not send her away in her time of despair, instead he got her right in and polished the jagged tooth so that she could hold off for a later time when he could fix it correctly. As a new patient, this impressed me greatly and gave me the confidence that this practice truly cares about the people who place their trust in them. My whole family are patients of Dr. Illuminati and his fantastic team!
TD1150
7 years ago
A dentist who actually makes the time to converse with and educate his patients. I could not be more pleased with his staff's professionalism and presentation with the patient in mind. I was told by my prior dentist that a broken tooth (lower front) could not be fixed (due to the type of damage) and it bothered me for several years. After an in-depth consult with Dr. Illuminati, I was assured that the repair was more than possible. Inside of one hour, he completely fixed my problem as if it never happened in the first place. During my visit I could overhear that another patient had just broken a tooth and needed an emergency fix to get her through until a time where it could be repaired completely (a very traumatic event- I could only imagine) . Dr. Illuminati did not send her away in her time of despair, instead he got her right in and polished the jagged tooth so that she could hold off for a later time when he could fix it correctly. As a new patient, this impressed me greatly and gave me the confidence that this practice truly cares about the people who place their trust in them. My whole family are patients of Dr. Illuminati and his fantastic team!
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