Today you know it as the home of Oconomowoc Dental Care, but did you know that our medical building at 819 Summit Avenue in Oconomowoc was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright? Its true! Originally from Kenosha, Robert Kueny was a UW-Madison grad who had served a fellowship at Wrights Taliesin studio in 1955. He then went on to open an architecture firm and was commissioned by Dr. Dean Epperson in 1962 to design an office building in Oconomowoc.
Kuenys design was built for Dr. Epperson in 1963. He practiced medicine there from 1963 to 1983 and during that period, the structure was referred to as the Epperson building. That moniker has long since been forgotten, although to this day, our building stands as an architectural landmark in the City of Oconomowoc.
Dr. Rodney Barnes has practiced dentistry in this building since 1965, not even slowing down in 1986, the year a young Dr. Jim Michaels took over the practice. Drs. Barnes and Michaels have long enjoyed working together and sharing their mutual love of aviation, which continues to this day. Dr. Barnes is still a licensed pilot and very much enjoys flyingat the ripe young age of 97!
Some of you may remember the late Dr. Edd Kreutzman, who was also a close friend of Dr. Michaels, and was quite well-known in the Oconomowoc area. He practiced dentistry with Dr. Michaels from1986 to1997.
With its flat roof, brickwork, and window placement, there is no questioning Wrights influence on Kuenys design. But wait until you step inside! Our office has a naturally warm, friendly feel to it. A cozy fireplace graces the reception area. The brick layout, clean lines, and natural lightingall afforded by the architects designare what give our interior environment its unique look and feel. That atmosphere is further enhanced by the ever-friendly staff at Oconomowoc Dental Care, to say nothing of the fresh baked cookies, which we serve daily!
For most people, choosing a dentist is a pretty big decision. They understand that dental care is an ongoing process, so they want a practitioner that they can be comfortable with and can count on to do whats best for them and their teeth in the long run.
I take that trust very seriously because I consider my patients to be members of our dental family here. Thats why putting patients at ease about their dental needs has been a top priority for me since I began practicing in 1985.
In order to make your dental care experience as positive as possible, I believe in a gentle, caring approach to all procedures. I also believe in outlining all the options available to you, so we can decide together whats best for your particular situation.
Above all, I want you to know that you can turn to me for all your dental needs. From tooth whitening to oral surgery, Im skilled in the latest procedures. After all, my education as a dentist didnt end the minute I got my diploma. As a health care professional, I feel its my responsibility to continue to learn about all the latest treatments in dentistry. There are new advances and better forms of treatment being discovered all the time, and I owe it to my patients to be fully knowledgeable about all of them.
Thats one reason why Im active in so many professional organizations. Its through my membership in these professional organizations that Im able to learn a great deal of information on new advances in dentistry to help me better serve my patients.
Im grateful to the dental community for all that its given me. And I believe in giving back to the community thats been so good to me. In addition to being personally rewarding, passing on knowledge to colleagues and future dentists helps make me a more well-rounded practitioner.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 405 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMark Goltermann
a year ago
Can't say enough about Dr Michaels and the staff at ODC. I have found that I can trust their advice, and they care very much for patients' comfort.
Ken Grothmann
a year ago
I'm happy with the service and care I got with all personal involved with my visit. It was short and sweet Thank you!
Michele Walsh
a year ago
Jan is an awesome hygienist and very gentle. she explains ever step along the way.
Karen Nettesheim
a year ago
Absolutely love this place. Wish I would have discovered years ago. Top notch service and A1 dental work. Highly recommend. Staff is fantastic!
Angela Broom
a year ago
I am a really nervous patient and I had been having really horrible experiences trying to get dental work done. Before calling Dr. Michaels - I had been suffering from unbearable pain from an abscessed tooth with an infected nerve causing half of my face to feel like it was asleep (pins and needles) for 3 months! The oral surgeon I was referred to, Dr. McAboy, refused to extract the tooth and told me to call my insurance company to find out which hospital would cover doing it but wouldn't give me a reason as to why he wouldn't do it - no hospital would cover it!! A friend recommended Dr. Michaels to me and they got me in for a consult the next day! They pulled my tooth the following Monday. Dr. Michaels is knowledgeable, laid back, and he cares. The girls there are so incredibly sweet - I was completely put at ease. I also had been planning on getting mini-implant dentures at Delafield Dental but was turned away last year after wasting a lot of money by some "specialist" that was brought in the day of my first scheduled surgery who was extremely cruel. Dr. Michaels said that he can restore my teeth - that they will last a long time, it will be a lot cheaper and they will be much more functional. I'm so happy that I don't have to get dentures and that I found a dentist who really cares about me - that makes all the difference in the world!
David B.
a year ago
I had a tooth pulled and the extraction process was quicker then the time it took for the numbing agent to do it's job! Krystal was very informative and extremely assuring during my appointment. I will be going back for any future work I may need!
Thomas Schwerm
a year ago
Even with dealing with things like having a root canal, Oconomowoc Dental Care does a good job with minimal pain and finishing with a new crown in one day.
Deanne Bates
a year ago
I called the office on 10.6.2022 with an aching tooth. I've been a patient since 2005. I drive 50 minutes from my employer in Glendale for my visits and 30 minutes from home Deanne answered the call with the warmth and caring attitude I truly appreciate, "I can get you in at 8:00am tomorrow with Dr. Metcalf. He's a really great dentist. You're going to love him." "Why not. He's a dentist." I replied. I was so glad I could get in before the weekend. Dr. Metcalf gave my tooth a thorough examination. He gave some thought to my options and explained what he would do before he began. I appreciated that fact that he was wearing these specially made glasses. I deduced they magnify things for him. I believed he took his work seriously, otherwise he wouldn't have made the investment. While doing what I hoped would be something simple, so did he I think, he discovered a crack. He though we could save the tooth if he filled it. I braced myself for the dreaded needle. For the very first time in my life I barely felt the injection. (I've had blood draws that were more painful.) I told him this and he replied, "Well, we younger dentists have to make up for the trauma (my word) of past experiences." I also asked about a mouth guard for my clenching habit as I sleep. He took time to tell me about how it would fit and why it would help. He gave me a guesstimate as well. Office staff quickly produced the actual cost to me and we began. He was kind to his assistant, Natalie. They worked exceptionally well together to put my "Humpty Dumpty" tooth back together again. We engaged in a conversation while he wrote up his notes after the visit and Natalie helped me tidy up. In those brief words he became a person, not just my dentist. His candor delighted me. I came in for my guard the following Thursday. He took a great deal of care making sure it fit properly, grinding down the high spots. After we finished up Natalie, Dr. Metcalf and I took another minute for what I call, "Storytime." Can you tell I like to tell them? He shared this quirky little story about an "experiment" he did while he was in college. I shared my odd little one from the day too. Yet another opportunity for me to see him as a human being. He called it, "Getting to know your dentist." I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Metcalf. Please, take the time to give him a shot. About the office staff. Thank you Susie for knowing my name and always saying, "Hi" when I arrive even though you don't work in reception anymore. Deanne, well you are just awesome because we have the same name. Anne, you've been my hygienist for years now. I've always been happy with your polite manner and remembering that I need sensitivity protection before you clean my teeth. It's funny trying to chat while you have an instrument of sorts in my mouth. Natalie, thank you for closing your window for me. You obviously love your job. You took my impression and I had little discomfort. I could say more, but I think "Storytime" should come to an end. In all honesty, I feel like part of a family when I arrive. Deanne Bates P.S. Dr. Michaels, you made a great decision hiring Dr. Metcalf. You aren't bad either. (Giggling)
Robert Schwerer
a year ago
In was very pleased with the services provided and with very friendly people.
Raymond Ramlow
a year ago
TLDR version: The quality of care I received today was amazing. Full review: From youth on, the majority of my dental "care" experiences had been discouraging (or outright terrible), so it takes a lot to get me into the dentist's chair. I also find putting anything (beyond sustenance) in my mouth nearly intolerable. In recent years, taking care of others has left me little time for self care. All this kept dental care on the back burner for a long while, despite escalating concern. But yesterday, it became an urgent situation and my wife helped me find ODC online. The office booked me quickly, and I am glad. My time this morning with Danielle and Dr. Michaels has greatly relieved my apprehension about dentistry. I felt handled with skill, gentleness and compassion the entire time. Thanks also to Deanne, Michelle and Cheryl for the kind manner in helping me get processed in and out. Definitely planning to return for more.
Gary Rietz
a year ago
Very welcoming and knowledgeable staff. The workers seems to truly care about your situation and who you are, they also seem to enjoy their jobs. 10/10 will be making the two hour drive to see them again.
Sharon Anderson
a year ago
My hygienist is friendly and courteous and makes me feel as comfortable as possible. I would definitely recommend Oconomowoc Dental Care!
David Boatz
a year ago
I have always been pleased with the care and attention that I receive.
Lee J.
a year ago
I was able to make a last minute Friday appt. due to mouth pain (got in 2 hours after my phone call). They took x-rays and found I had an infected tooth and would need a root canal. Due to my past experience with this dentist (root canal, fillings, multiple crowns), I was not worried about this procedure. Root canal and a capped tooth all took place within a 3.5 hour window. No pain, and Dr Michaels and his staff take the time to make sure you (the patient) are doing ok, and-they explain exactly what they are doing. First class people, first class knowledge. This has been my dentist for almost 5 years-no regrets here!
janet roman
a year ago
Nice atmosphere, excellent staff, supreme customer care.
Linda Beckman
a year ago
Dr michalis is the best painless dentstry.Always well taken care of at his office They r a 10 thank u
Regina Hohmann
a year ago
I had a bad toothache! Dr Michaels was able to see me same day. He assessed the problem and I was feeling better by the next day! They have been taking care of my mouth for 21 years!
Brooke Etzel
a year ago
Dr. Michel's and team are amazing! I highly recommend trying them if you are in need of new dental services.
Kim Fischer
a year ago
Great dental experience once again. All of the staff is very friendly. The Dentist is not only very good but also very fast. I had to have a root canal and a bridge. It was probably the best experience I've had with a dentist. I can see why he gets so many awards.
Bonnie Bukosky
a year ago
My daughter Audrey had her teeth cleaned by Jane yesterday and she did an awesome job! Audrey has had all of the Hygienists there, for her cleanings and has had an amazing experience every time!!
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