Prosthodontics requires 34 additional years of specialized training at an accredited dental school or medical school after graduation from dental school. Michael Drone, DDS has two post-graduate dental specialty degrees, prosthodontics and maxillofacial prosthetics, from Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medicine. As a prosthodontist, Michael Drone, DDS practices a full scope of prosthodontic procedures with expertise ranging from dental implants, cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry and dentures, to restorative dentistry. Since 2007, Michael Drone, DDS has been actively involved in providing his knowledge and expertise to The Northwest Indiana Dental Study Clubs, dentists, dental specialists and physicians.
Our staff is CPR certified, x-ray certified and our dental assistants are also expanded duties certified. Dentistry is ever-changing and our staff attends continuing education courses to learn about the safest and newest dental techniques and technologies used to provide the best dental care for our patients
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with three years of specialized training in esthetic/cosmetic dentistry, restorative/reconstructive dentistry, removable prosthodontics, and implant dentistry at a credited medical school or dental school
Dr. Drone is a native of Wheatfield, IN and has been practicing dentistry since 2003 and opened his private practice in Valparaiso, IN in 2007. Dr. Drone earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry and earned his advanced specialty degrees in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medicine.
Dr. Drone is actively involved in continuing education curriculums and dental study clubs where he provides his expertise to general dentists, dental specialists, and dental lab technician from around the world in esthetics/cosmetics, implant dentistry, and reconstruction dentistry (function and stability of teeth), and treatment planning.
Dr. Drone finds great satisfaction in helping people find dental solutions to their oral health needs. Whether your needs are basic or complex, he and his team can help. If you are afraid to smile, have trouble chewing your food or might be fearful of the dentist, Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics has assembled a highly trained team of professionals and together has developed resources to help you become comfortable as you begin your search for a dental solution.
Recognized speaker/lecturer for 3Shape Digital Impression, a state-of-the-art digital impression manufacturer. Dr. Drone lectures to dentists, dental technicians, and dental laboratories about digital technology for digital impressions and their application for fabrication of crowns, veneers, bridges, dental implants, and treatment planning for esthetic and implant dentistry.
Carmin is our energetic insurance and billing coordinator who strives for every patient to feel very comfortable and to make your experience thoroughly enjoyable. Carmin has been a part of Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics since February 2013 and has been in dentistry for over 10 years.
She left her full-time positon at the office to have a child. Her passion for dentistry brought her back 2 days a week and has never missed a beat. Carmin loves being in this prosthodontic practice and is proud of the outstanding care Dr. Drone provides patients.
She is licensed in radiology (x-rays) and you may also see Carmin assisting Dr. Drone chairside. Carmin started her career in dentistry as a dental assistant but later found her passion in the business office. She is proficient in all areas of dental insurance and will work with all insurance companies to help maximize your dental benefits.
Cilestia is one of our amazing hygienists at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. She has been part of the team for 4 years and has wanted to be a hygienist since she was 8 years old. She completed her associates degree in dental hygiene from Indiana University where she was awarded the Rebeka Fisk Award from the American Dental Hygiene Association for being the most proficient hygienist. She is licensed to administer local anesthetic and has a gentle touch.
Cilestia loves working with patients to help them improve their smile and their overall dental health. She takes great pride in her work and is very thorough in her abilities to help patients achieve optimal oral health through education and technology.
Cilestia has many hobbies all of which keep her active in her church and community. She is a mom for three children, all of which love to stay active in sports. Cilestia enjoys working at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics and considers our team her family as well.
From the time you come in to the time you leave, Ginny, the office treatment coordinator is also a highly skilled dental assistant that believes every patient should feel valued and important. For Ginny, one of the most gratifying experiences of working at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics is observing first-hand the transformation in attitude and self-confidence patients experience after completing their dental treatment.
Ginny is certified in radiology (x-rays) and is a certified expanded functions dental assistant. She has extensive training in the following prosthodontic areas: dental photographs, treatment planning, implant dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. She has been in dentistry for 38 years, 30 of which have been in Prosthodontics.
Her cheerful personality and warm caring nature will insure that every patient has a positive experience. As treatment coordinator, Ginny is available to make sure you are well informed about your treatment options and financial responsibility.
Jamie is a business assistants and is one of the first friendly team members who will greet you upon entering Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. She has worked in the dental field for over 20 years and has held many positions from being an experienced dental assistant to a business assistant.
Jamie is certified in radiology (x-ray) and is very knowledgeable with dental insurance and billing and scheduling and treatment planning. Jamie is a very compassionate person and will always make sure each patient has a great experience at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. She loves working with patients and feels privileged to be part of this wonderful team.
Jody is the scheduling coordinator at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics who joined the team in 2017 and has worked in the dental field for 30 years. One of her strongest attributes is building relationships with patients and providing top notch customer service. She will always greet you with a cheerful smile.
She is certified in radiology (x-rays) and is very knowledgeable with dental insurance and billing, scheduling and treatment planning. In all her years of dentistry she has never experienced such amazing results as she has at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics and is extremely honored to work with such an amazing dental team.
You will be in very good hands with Natalie, who has 13 years of caring experience. She has worked at Michael Drone Dentistry for over 3 years and absolutely loves her job and patients. Working side by side with Dr. Drone she has the first chance to see the artistic skill and the attention to detail it takes to create the amazing smiles provided by Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics.
She is licensed in radiology (x-rays) and is a certified expanded functions dental assistant. She truly enjoys being part of a team and loves that this team is staffed with dental professionals whose main goal is to improve the quality of life for their patients. She feels joining a prosthodontic practice has allowed her to see first-hand dramatic, life changing results for her patients. Natalie says this keeps her job exciting and rewarding.
Tiffany is one of the fabulous hygienists at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. She graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2004 with an associates degree in dental hygiene and joined the team in March 2017. She is licensed to provide local anesthetic and does so with ease.
She is extremely passionate about dentistry and has wanted to be a dental hygienist since attending a career fair in her freshman year of high school. Tiffany really enjoys the interaction with her patients and strives to help them make informed decisions about their best oral health and overall health. Tiffany embraces the technology in the office and the effectiveness it provides for the best patient care. She has fun posting social media content for the office as well.
