It is our goal to help a child develop the habits that are necessary to maintain good oral health throughout their life. Prevention of dental disease is to be preferred over treatment. Good preventative habits, developed early, usually translate into better individual oral health, which means less dental treatment is required over the individuals life. Consequently, prevention is a major component of what we do.
When treatment is required, it is our goal to accomplish the necessary treatment in a compassionate manner, making things as comfortable as possible for the child. We recognize that dental treatment is not always pleasant and that different children respond differently to the same procedures. We do our best to individualize the treatment approach based upon the type of treatment required and the childs ability to cope with what is necessary.
We always strive to do what is in the best interest of the child. We feel that it is best to have a child in the care of those that are the highest trained to handle any given situation and so we will refer to other specialists when it is appropriate to do so. An example of this is that, although we follow and document the growth and development of a childs teeth and jaws very closely, when it is time for active intervention, we will refer to an orthodontist for braces.
Dr. Port has lived in West Michigan since she was 8yrs old and cant imagine a better place to have grown up and live. She graduated from Hope College and then went on to the University of Michigan for her dental degree. Following dental school, she continued her education at the University of Tennessee. After 4 years of studying and working near the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee she returned to complete a Masters Degree in pediatric dentistry at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Port married her husband Patrick in 2014 and has a step daughter, Aubrie. She loves taking hikes with the family and their dog Kona. Traveling is a passion and she enjoys exploring the United States as well as cities around the world and experiencing new cultures.