I attended the undergraduate program at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1979 from the University of Illinois Medical Center School of Dentistry. I have maintained a practice in Marion, IL, since 1980. I am a Southern Illinois native and was raised in Metropolis by my parents Warren and Ella Mae Main. I attended K-12 Metropolis schools with my sisters Ann and Jane.
I have now resided in Marion, IL, for over thirty years and consider it my home. I am an actively involved member of Marion Lions Club, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Marion Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Southern IL Dental Society, IL State Dental Society, and American Dental Association. I have been an active grain farmer in Massac County my entire life.
I grew up in the small coastal town of Aberdeen WA and became interested in dentistry at a very early age. I attended college in Tennessee at Southern Adventist University, then pursued my doctorate of dental surgery at Loma Linda University in Southern California. I met my wife Klara Palhegyi while we were students in dental school, and we were married shortly after graduation in 2011.
I began my career in Washington State where I maintained a private practice for the past five years. I was exposed to a variety of patients and cases which helped me sharpen my clinical skills as well as develop creative ways to educate my patients on oral hygiene and other preventative topics. The most fulfilling and enjoyable part of dentistry is helping patients overcome their apprehension and fear, and seeing their dream smile become a reality.
After immigrating with my parents from Romania to Southern Illinois as a child, I spent my most formative years in this beautiful and peaceful area of the country. I graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with my Bachelor of Science degree, and then attended dental school at Loma Linda University in California. I chose this school because of its high academic standards as well as its strong mission emphasis. During my years in dental school, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of local and international mission trips which opened my eyes to the tremendous need for quality dental care in underserved populations both in the United States and abroad.
It was also in dental school that I met my husband Nathan Leiske. Following graduation, we were married and moved to beautiful Washington State to begin our careers. The time spent working in private practice, volunteering at free clinics or on overseas missions have provided a variety of enriching learning experiences. I am passionate about continued learning and personal growth in order to provide the very best clinical care to my patients.
I am thrilled to be back in Southern Illinois, close to family and friends, and especially to be able to continue my dental career a long side my family dentist and mentor Dr. Main. In my free time I enjoy playing the piano and 'cello, swimming, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 234 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestSean Diaz
a year ago
Absolutely the worst place to go if you do not have insurance which is pretty much anywhere...but the fact they pulled an infected wisdom tooth,gave me one piece of gauze that did nothing,and sent me home with no antibiotics or anything after charging me 205 dollars,4 days later after doing exactly what they told me to do with aftercare instructions I am still spitting up blood,have massive migraines,and a fever not to mention getting sick and missing 3 days of work...sad they are nice people but without insurance they just don't care
Alicia Hinkle
2 years ago
The rock stars of Dentistry. Called due to losing an old filling. Do not have good memories of visits when young, Got in same day, Dr. L and Courtney saved the tooth, when getting ready to check out they had a cancelation. Dr L was able to fix 2 other teeth that day and they worked me in for a cleaning. NO PAIN at all. Kind. Caring. Professional. Only place to go. And it was very reasonable in price. 5 stars
Kenny Baugher
2 years ago
I was seen yesterday 7/6/22 and had 2 teeth pulled. I saw Dr Cripps and she was amazing as well as her assistant. I highly recommend Marion Family Dentistry and especially Dr Cripps and her assistant, I wish I could remember her name. Very professional. Very comfortable surroundings. Great staff. The lady that waited on us was extremely nice and very helpful.
Mariah Cornell
2 years ago
Can't find a dentist around here that accepts medical card in a low income area? Doesn't make sense.
Sheila
2 years ago
Thursday, May 19 was my first visit to this dentist and I was nervous, not a fan of going to the dentist. As soon as I walked in they were very reassuring and courteous. The dentist I saw was Dr. Cripps and she was fabulous! The first person I saw that did the xrays was Audry and she was wonderful also. Thank you all so much for your compassion and for getting me in as fast as you did! I really appreciate it! First class service and compassionate employees!
James H
2 years ago
So happy with my daughters visit here today. We switched from Dental Care for Kids to here and we are so happy we did. The staff here are amazing and they are so good with children. I can't thank you enough for taken such good care treating our daughter' with a tooth and being so kind to my wife. Also, your prices are fair. 100% recommend this place #1 anywhere.
Eric Pickel
2 years ago
Dr Nathan is the best ! Would recommend anyone who needs a dentist to contact them. Great pain free experience!
Ella's world Bubbles
2 years ago
I recently had a tooth pulled by Dr Leiske. He took his time to make sure I couldn't feel any pain. He personally called to check on me and his office staff did as well. Marion Family Dentistry provides great patient care during and after procedures. I highly recommend them!!
Becky Capps
2 years ago
Absolutely thrilled with the TLC from the minute I walked in to the minute I left. They took time to squeeze me in because of my pain and suggested options to care for my dental issue. I'm very impressed and will recommend them to everyone. Special thanks for not shaming me since I'd put off dental care while attending seminary.
Eric Pickel
3 years ago
Dr Nathan is the best ! Would recommend anyone who needs a dentist to contact them. Great pain free experience!
Becky Capps
3 years ago
Absolutely thrilled with the TLC from the minute I walked in to the minute I left. They took time to squeeze me in because of my pain and suggested options to care for my dental issue. I'm very impressed and will recommend them to everyone. Special thanks for not shaming me since I'd put off dental care while attending seminary.
Ella's world Bubbles
3 years ago
I recently had a tooth pulled by Dr Leiske. He took his time to make sure I couldn't feel any pain. He personally called to check on me and his office staff did as well. Marion Family Dentistry provides great patient care during and after procedures. I highly recommend them!!
Beverly Milner
3 years ago
Every one at the facility is very nice, pleasant and friendly. They are ready to help you if neeed. I have always been very satisfied with the procedures I have had done. Keep up the good work.
A Shaw3
3 years ago
Dr. Leiske is a great dentist! My first time seeing him today and he did some bonding for me. Excellent job! He really cares about his patients! I Plan on switching my whole family to this location to make him our new general dentist!
Ryan Deaton
3 years ago
Had a abscess tooth no one in area would see me.. they seen me that day and were very nice and professional. I would recommend them for anyone....
Cassie Walden
3 years ago
We started here years ago with a same day dental emergency visit. We loved them so much, we moved our whole family to receive treatment here.
Myles Anderson
3 years ago
Great place, friendly staff!!
Jodi Donaldson
3 years ago
Excellent care from the time we walked in the door. Highly recommend!!
a crawfotd
3 years ago
Dr Leiske, along with his staff was very friendly and professional!
Ruth Calliss
3 years ago
Awesome experience! Everyone was very professional, friendly, and extremely accommodating. I highly recommend Marion Family Dentistry!
Load more