At Oak Bark Dental we strive to be different by focusing on overall health benefits, beyond dental and oral health. Our dentists at Oak Bark Dental complete extra courses and training to integrate dental health into your overall health. The base of proper oral care is so important, but it doesnt stop there! From routine preventive cleanings, exams, x-rays, airway focused dentistry and restorative dental repairs, there is a lot of education that goes into making sure all these dental services are executed properly.
Lansing is home to Oak Bark Dental, and we mean just that, HOME. The team supports, lives and is proud to be a part of the Lansing community outside of the dental office. Our team is passionate about your overall well being, and we know youll feel the difference. We treat each other like family, and wed love to meet you and yours, so that we can treat you like family too.
Oak Bark Dental offers a full range of dental services. Alongside some of the best dentists in Lansing, MI, our goals are to uphold professionalism, provide care, and promote the education of our patients about oral health, all while helping our patients love their smiles!
Our dental services include preventative care,family dentistry, cosmetic dental work, extractions, sleep apnea dental appliances,teeth whitening, veneers,digital x-rays, Invisalign and more all done with your care and comfort in mind.
Susie has been working as a Dental Hygienist for Dr. Palmer since 2008. After graduating from Ferris State University in 1993, she was employed in the Metro Detroit area where she met her husband, Fred. They moved to East Lansing in 1998. Fred and Susie have two children thatkeepthem very busy. Gracie is a freshman at MSU where she plays volleyball. Johnny is a junior at East Lansing High School. He is the Drum Major for the Marching band and plays cello in the Orchestra. Fred and Susie also enjoy walking, riding bicycles and working out together.
Bianca joined our team in 2021. She has always had a passion of dentistry since she was a young girl. Bianca loves educating her patients on proper oral hygiene, oral health, and providing compassionate patient care. Bianca goes above and beyond to ensure every patient has a comfortable and thorough experience during their dental visit.
Outside of the practice, Bianca is a busy wife, and mother of two younger children and two fur babies! Bianca also enjoys spending time with family, friends, gardening, cooking, being outdoors, and reading.
Chelsea graduated from Lansing Community Colleges Dental Hygiene program in 2019 and joined the Oak Bark Dental team shortly after. Her passion for being a hygienist stems from wanting to help educate and build relationships with her patients.
Dani joined the team in 2019. She is a 2014 graduate of Grand Valley State University and a 2019 graduate of Lansing Community College. She attained a bachelors degree in Exercise Science and an associate degree in Dental Hygiene.
Shawna started her career in the dental field in the 1990s. She graduated from Mott Community College in 1994 from the dental assisting program, and in 1998, she earned an associates degree of applied science for dental hygiene. She practiced dental hygiene for 21 years before realizing that her heart lies in dental assisting, and Dr. Palmer gave her a chance to go back to what she truly loves.
Katie has been with the Oak Bark Dental team for over eight years. After graduating with her bachelors degree from Central Michigan University, she attended Washtenaw Community College and became both a Certified Dental Assistant and a Registered Dental Assistant. Katie lives in East Lansing with her husband. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and riding her Peloton.
Makennah started working at Oak Bark Dental in 2021. She has a special place in her heart for her job and animals. Makennah is very friendly and loves meeting and seeing patients at the practice. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her dogs, reading, and dancing in her kitchen (for no reason!).
Erika joined the team in 2008 as a dental hygienist. She has since changed positions and is now the office manager at Oak Bark Dental. Erika lives in Owosso with her husband, Justin, daughter, Leigha, and two English Bulldogs. Erika is the lone Michigan fan in the office, but loves all her co-workers, patients, and the dental atmosphere all the same.
Diann has worked at the practice for over 25 years, helping with scheduling, financing, billing, and collections. In her spare time, she chairs a committee at a local credit union. She enjoys snowmobiling, boating, and watching the sunset with her husband.
Carla has worked at the practice for over 36 years! Shes married to her husband, Jim, and has two children, Evan and Erin, as well as three beautiful granddaughters, Ella, Aubree, and Amelia, who they adore. She enjoys watching Spartan basketball and football, snowmobiling, reading, and spending time at their cabin in the UP.
Kelly has been with the practice for three years and absolutely loves her job. She is looking forward to getting married next year and starting a family. You can find her spending free time with family and friends and on the lake.
Marissa enjoys being a part of the front desk staff and learning with some of the greatest co-workers ever! She lives in Holt with Kevin, her boyfriend of eight years. She loves playing video games, watching TV, and learning new things.
Our dental services include preventative care,family dentistry, cosmetic dental work, extractions, sleep apnea dental appliances,teeth whitening, veneers,digital x-rays, Invisalign and more all done with your care and comfort in mind
Dr. Kristina Palmer grew up in Williamston, MI. She is the youngest in a family of nine children. She attended Michigan State University and after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, she moved to Milwaukee, WI to attend dental school at Marquette University. After graduation, Dr. Palmer was excited to return back home to practice near her large, close-knit family
Dr. Palmer has consistently pursued continuing education across the country with the most sought-after educators in the field. She has completed the entire curriculum at the prestigious Dawson Academy in Florida. Dr. Palmer has a special interest in airway conscious dentistry for adults and children, treatment of ankyloglossia (tongue and lip-ties) from infancy through adulthood, as well as orthodontics
Dr. Palmer lives in Williamston with her husband, John, their son, Henry, and their two standard poodles. They also have two beautiful foster children who have forever changed their lives. Dr. Palmer is an avid runner and has completed numerous full and half marathons. As a family, the Palmers enjoy camping, traveling, and cheering on their Spartans
Dr. Beyea graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Physiology and Health Care Ethics. During his time as an undergrad, he represented MSU in the Big Ten as a Track & Field and Cross-Country athlete, focusing on distance-running events. Dr. Beyea then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. During his third year, Dr. Beyea was selected to travel and provide dental care and education in several remote mountain villages in Jamaica. He continues to pursue advanced education in his areas of interest such as implant surgery and oral-systemic health and has completed the Implant Pathway surgical program
In his free time, Dr. Beyea enjoys spending time with his wife, Ellen, and their energetic labrador retriever. Together, they like spending time with their large extended families, as well as camping, hiking, and enjoying all Michigan has to offer. Dr. Beyea is grateful to be working alongside his mentor and aunt, Dr. Kristina Palmer
Dr. Nguyen completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. As a native to the Lansing area, she is excited to be back in her hometown to practice what she loves. Most of all, she enjoys building relationships with her patients while providing quality care to those of all ages. Dr. Nguyen is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest technology and techniques through continuing her education in courses around the country as well as being an active member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Central District Dental Association
Outside of the office, you can most likely find Dr. Nguyen at the local gym with her husband, Dane, or eating a feast with her family. When she isn’t doing something active or eating, Dr. Nguyen is probably planning her next trip to hike and eat around the world. She welcomes all recommendations for new dining and traveling experiences!
Dr. Brian Grisdela has worked with Dr. Kristina Palmer and her wonderful staff since Fall 2018. He completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. Like Dr. Palmer, Dr. Grisdela went on to attend Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from dental school, he completed a general practice residency at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. As a dental resident in a hospital setting, Dr. Grisdela was able to practice a wide variety of dental procedures and provide treatment to patients with barriers to comprehensive dental care. Dr. Grisdela is a Michigan State sports fan and enjoys golfing with family and friends in the summer months
