I thoroughly enjoy getting to know each patient as a person and learning who they are beyond their dental concerns. These conversations create mutual respect and understanding, and give me insight into what is important to the person. When my patient and I understand each others goals, strengths, and limitations, we are able to work as a team and achieve excellent results.

Much of dentistry is treating disease, primarily decay and gum (periodontal) disease. I like to educate my patients so they understand their own mouths. When a person gains a deeper understanding of their oral condition, they are better equipped to improve their oral health.

Our team is highly skilled, compassionate and, as we often hear, the friendliest staff at any healthcare office! Our team is made up of individuals with vast experience, as well as a long and close history with our patient family. Our front desk staff has, combined, more than 60 years of experience; our dental assistants have more than 50 years; and our hygienists over 90 years ... all with this office!

Quality dental care is about consistency. Regular visits allow our entire team to have a thorough understanding of your oral health, and enable us to make proper recommendations on homecare and necessary treatment. We excel at patient education and will empower you to improve your home dental hygiene practices, so you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles!

I attended Defiance College, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, then Purdue University in Fort Wayne for a Master of Science. Dental school was at The Ohio State University, where I was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

My wife, Dr. Jenna Putman, and I graduated dental school in 2012. We practiced as associate dentists in Ohio for a little over two years. That was a wonderful experience, but we wanted to be part of a small-town dental practice where we could work as a team. In September 2014, we acquired Pine River Dental Care and moved from Ohio to Michigan.

These organizations offer numerous opportunities for me to learn from leading practitioners and my peers. In addition to participating in meetings, seminars, and lectures, I also study the latest journals and other professional publications.

I grew up in Payne, Ohio, where Jenna and I were high-school sweethearts. We have lived in Mount Pleasant since 2014. Our daughter, Brianna, attends the University of Michigan where shes studying engineering. Our family includes two wonderful pets: Ollie, a Cocker Spaniel, and Milo, our cat.

If Im not seeing patients, youll most often find me outdoors. Hunting and fishing are two of my favorite pastimes. In Ohio, I enjoyed bow hunting whitetail deer. Since moving to Michigan, fishing has become my greatest interest: There are so many fishing opportunities in the state! I also enjoy kayaking, working out, and Ive recently started learning to scuba dive, too.

The dental office is not, generally, a place people look forward to visiting. When I have a chance to not only fix a tooth, but show someone that todays dental care is painless, it is a chance to change the individuals perception of dentistry. That shift can have a major and positive impact on a persons health and well-being, and allows me to make a real difference in their life.

One of the best things about dentistry, as we practice it, is building relationships. Personally getting to know patients, and making connections with them, creates a positive and warm environment; thats much more pleasant than a rigid professional environment!

That environment helps our patients feel more at ease, and open to listening to and trusting our guidance. As a dentist, it is my responsibility to educate others about their oral health. Each person has a unique situation, which may require dental treatment to address and correct. However, dental treatment alone is not a solution; it is essential the person understands what has caused their issue and what they can do to ensure it does not reoccur or progress.

Our dental team is more like a dental family! They are genuinely compassionate individuals. Not only are they dedicated to our office and patients, but they are active in our surrounding communities. They are smart, caring, skilled, and enjoy providing a positive, smile-filled environment for those in our care.

It is important for you to know that our office will never try to sell you anything. We make recommendations based on your specific situation and offer education on why we believe the recommendation is right for you. Ultimately, you are in control of your oral health and dental treatment. It is our goal to provide the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.

Following dental school, we worked as associate dentists in Ohio for several years, to gain invaluable experience. At the same time, we knew and had always known that we wanted to have our own practice, where we would work side by side, in a small and close-knit community. When the opportunity to purchase Pine River Dental Care was presented, we jumped on it and have loved every day here. Serving so many wonderful people, and forging lasting relationships, is incredibly rewarding.

I loved college and dental school: constant learning, and applying that knowledge to improve patient care and outcome, is a strong motivator. I regularly participate in continuing education opportunities, to study the latest advancements in techniques, materials, and technology.

Through these professional organizations, I stay current on the newest options and emerging research. This ensures I am providing patients with evidence-based, proven dental care for the best experience and results.

I grew up in Payne, Ohio, where Brian and I were high-school sweethearts. We moved to Mt. Pleasant with our daughter, Brianna, in 2014. She attended school in Ithaca and is now at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Our family includes Milo, our cat, and Olive, our dog.

Being outside is one of my greatest joys. I love hiking, kayaking, nature-watching, fishing, and recently became certified to scuba dive. I appreciate all that mid-Michigan offers! I am also very family-oriented, prioritizing time with loved ones and friends, and I enjoy knitting projects, along with escaping into a good book.

As of October 1,2014, my role in dentistry has changed. Dr. Bamfield and I sold our dental practice to a very talented and caring husband-and-wife dental team, Drs. Brian and Jenna Putman. We feel very fortunate to have found such wonderful people. After youmeetthem, I am sure you will agree. I am so thankful for the support that Ithaca and the Gratiot County community hand beyond has provided me since I started practicing in July 1979.

Thirty years ago, I began a journey of learning more about the orthodontic process and treatedmy first patient in July 1985. From that time until now, I have evaluated more than 2,000 patients. I deliver both traditional braces and, when appropriate, offer Invisalign services for both teens and adults. It is a service that I truly enjoy and creates less wear and tear on my hands and joints. I love seeing the conversion of non-functional bites become more useful and beautiful. It is very rewarding work.

Born in Tampa, I have happily lived in Ithaca for more than three decades. I have been married to my wife Marion, whom I first met at Alma College, for nearly fourdecades. Our oldest son Kyle has a lovely wife, Andrea. Our other children are son Hazen and daughter Hannah.

I, along with my family, am entering a new chapter in my life. I say my family because they will be seeing a bit more of me thanfor the last 35 years. For the foreseeable future, I will continue to deliver general practice orthodontic services to our family of patients and families of Gratiot County one day per week at the same location as before:610 N. Pine River St., Ithaca, Michigan.

By far, golf is my greatest passion when I am away from work. I love to play it, watch it live and on television, and read about it. My favorite professional sport is hockey and I have followed the Detroit Red Wings closely since I was seven.

With the additional time available to me each week, I plan to continue my community charitable works and perhaps intensify my relationships with those groups. My church family will get more attention as well. My work in Honduras will continue, but perhaps less frequently, becausethe area has become more dangerous and unstable.

Thank you for your support, and please continue to refer your friends and family to us for all your dental care needs, including those who are considering braces. The commitment to excellence, comfort, and caring continues to lead the way at Pine River Dental Care. Peace be with you all.

The favorite part of my job is working with our patients. I will help you with your insurance needs to make sure you minimize out-of-pocket payments and get your treatment of choice. If anyone in our office has questions about dental insurance, I hear my name being called. I am our go-to person for computer questions, so I handle our technology issues, too. My husbandKellyand I have a daughter, Tara, and son, Mitch. We also have two dogs and one cat. The best times away from work involve spending time with my family and friends but I also try to squeeze in some gardening or watching NASCAR when I can.

I get to know our patients on a personal level and always treat them as I would want myself or my loved ones to be treated. That means fully listening to their concerns with compassion and empathy. All of us here want you to feel welcome and cared for when you visit. There are always smiles, usually laughter, and you may even hear a little singing! I will handle all of your scheduling to make sure we get you the care you need in a way that is convenient to your schedule and lifestyle. At home, I share my life with my husband, Jeff. We have ason, Lane, and adaughter, Kolbi. When I am able to fit it in, I enjoy camping with my family and friends.

I have built lifelong relationships with our patients. It means so much being able to help a patients dental needs fit within their budget and then on top of it getting to see their rewarding, stunning smile when they are finished with their treatment. My doctors have a vision of health and education for our patients that I share. Our team is a family. We visit classrooms, are very involved in the community, and take part in both local and international mission work. I share life away from the office with my husbandChad, sonCaleb, and two daughters, Allison and Avery. I enjoy watching our children play sports and following my husbands varsity girls basketball teams. I am also involved in Childrens Ministry at my church and am a member of the Ithaca Promotional Committee.

I like to make sure that our patients are always comfortable. If they are chilly, I provide them with a toasty blanket. If they would like music to help them relax, I provide them with one of our iPods. I know that most people can get a bit anxious about coming to the dentist, but I dont want them to feel that way. The best part of my job, though, is seeing and meeting different people every day. My job is to help the doctor I am assisting deliver excellent care to our patients. I take impressions, make temporary crowns, bleach trays, prepare crowns to be seated, ready treatment rooms, and many other duties. My family consists of my husband, Rick, our children, Crystal and Cole, and our Shih Tzu, Harley. I really love tent camping, boating, hiking, and fishing.

After 25 years of working with our doctors and seeing the level of excellence they consistently achieve, I cannot imagine working anywhere else. The best part of my job is getting to know our patient, visiting with them, and putting them at ease during their treatments so they stay relaxed and worry-free. I also assist our doctors by making impressions, placing silver fillings, taking X-rays, and helping to keep everything run smoothly so they can focus on our patients. As the office wildlife photographer, I get teased for the attention I lavish on the beautiful birds, squirrels, cats, and other wildlife that are readily seen outside our treatment office windows. In my personal life, I am married and have two children. I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, working out, or participating in fitness events such as marathons.

I truly value each patient for who they are, love working one-on-one with each of them, and also educating them about keeping their teeth and mouths healthy. It always makes me happy to see how much our patients of all ages enjoy watching the birds come to feed at the many feeders we have placed outside our big windows. We work hard in our office, but we also know how to have fun together. At home, my husband and I have two children. I am an active member of our church and am a catechism instructor. The outdoors is one of my passions. I am a 4H leader and member of 4H Leaders Council.

I love to see the progression from when a patient first comes to our office to years later, when they have properly managed their oral health and hygiene. I teach how to prevent periodontal disease and decay, and about the link between their oral health and systemic disease. I also assist our doctors in detecting decay, taking X-rays, doing fluoride treatments, placing sealants, and providing professional cleanings. It is really interesting getting to interact with so many different people;you could not help but learn, laugh, and make great friends. I have been married for more than 20 years and have a teenage daughter and pre-teen son. In my spare time, I love watching my children in their sporting events, going jeeping, and am a huge NASCAR fan.

My greatest satisfaction comes from giving my patients the highest standard of care and enhancing their lives by helping them to maintain healthy teeth. A large part of my job involves educating those I treat about good daily practices and diet. We never forget here that great oral health is the gateway to superior overall bodily health. Though we take what we do here very seriously, we still have a good time every day and always squeeze in plenty of smiles. My home life is enriched by my husbandJohn, and our three teenage children. For leisure, I love camping, outdoor activities, reading, and any activity that includes being surrounded by friends and family.

I always look forward to the one-on-one interaction with my patients and love getting to know about them and their families. The first time you step into our office, you will know right away from the smiles and personal attention that you have come to the right place! We will make you feel at home and give you fantastic care. I deliver professional cleanings with a gentle touch and want my patients to feel relaxed and comfortable during each visit. It is amazing what a smile can do and I love to keep things positive! Out of the office, I am happiest when I am spending time with my family. That is, my husbandKirk, our daughterMadelyn, andour sonParker. I always have my music playing when I am at home, usually cleaning and organizing things! I also enjoy scrapbooking and camping.