I became a dentist due to the influence and dedicated example of my dad, who was a dentist in the Calumet region for 50 years. I have been practicing dentistry for 27 years, and the ability to change someones life through quality dental care is very exciting to me, whether I am providing routine care, cosmetic correction, or working with an apprehensive patient. I am passionate about providing the best possible care in a timely, affordable, and compassionate manner.
I have always discussed treatments with my patients and tried to present them with the best options available, based only on the patients unique needs. I have never, and will never, dictate a treatment to a patient; rather, I give my patients the information they need to make decisions based on whats right for them and then support them along that treatment path.
My patients are always my focus. I see people from all walks of life and it is truly enriching for me to learn from and care for each and every one of them. My profession allows me a unique opportunity to spend time with a variety of fascinating people, each with a story to tell and lessons to share, which are an unexpected blessing of my career choice.
In addition to the education I received for my formal degrees, I continually expand my knowledge of developing technologies, and new treatment processes and therapies, through participation in the Dental Study Club of Northwest Indiana and the Seattle Study Club. I also attend lectures, seminars, hands-on teaching demonstrations, and conferences throughout the year. By keeping abreast of changes in dentistry, I am able to improve the care I provide to my patients.
I am a life-long resident of Munster, IN, except for my college and graduate school years. My family is comprised of my wife Jennifer, daughters Hailey and Genevieve, our dog Holly, and our pony Ivy. Personally, I am most passionate about my family and our shared time together. All three have recently joined me at our office and I love having the opportunity to spend my days with them. However, I also enjoy a few rounds of golf, working in our yard, and following the various activities of the Indiana University sports teams, too.
I believe in contributing to our community, including our public school system, the South Shore Arts Association, and Ridge United Methodist Church. I also coached AAU basketball for 10 years. Additionally, my practice supports various organizations and teams that our patients are involved with. Being and feeling a part of this community is one of the greatest blessings of my decision to live, practice, and raise a family here.
Listening to the patients family stories of life and love that they share with me is a great part of my job. Being with this practice for over 40 years, affords me the opportunity to care for the children of the patients that were just little kids when I started working. As an assistant, using my compassion and empathy to help make the patients visit with us an enjoyable experience, assisting the doctor by anticipating his needs during procedures, and the needs of the patient, and doing whatever is necessary for the team to keep the office running smoothly and efficiently, are everyday events. In addition, it is easy to give the patient reassurance when I believe and know that Dr. Johns is an excellent dentist gentle, informative, and a perfectionist in his work.
In my personal time, I enjoy improving my Body/Mind/Spirit connection through workshops, retreats, classes, and practicing meditation and Reiki. I love to travel, read, watch movies, and love the time spent with my family especially my grandsons.
I have had the pleasure of being a Dental Hygienist with Rick Johns Dental for more than 16 years. I am very lucky to work with a great group of people who share the same goal of providing our patients with the best quality care. I enjoy seeing my patients year after year and getting to know all about them.
I am responsible for assessing oral health conditions, performing oral cancer screenings, taking X-rays, performing routine and periodontal cleanings, and applying sealants and fluorides. I also educate our patients about home oral hygiene practices and how to stay healthy between visits.
Over the past 10 years that Ive been working for Rick Johns Dental, I have gotten to know a lot of our patients. It has been very sweet seeing a lot of the young kids when I first started are now in high school and driving. Some of the older children are now away at college. It has also been very nice letting them get to know me. A lot has changed for me working here in the last 10 years. I am married, we have 3 beautiful children, and I have added new tasks to my position to make my schedule a little more flexible. I try to be home with my children as much as possible.
When Im not here I am at home with my family. We like taking walks around our neighborhood and Wicker Park. My children love ending our walks at the playground. We spend our weekends with family and just enjoy being together.
With almost three decades of excellence and dedication to dentistry, Dental Hygiene has been the right career choice for me! As a clinical Dental Hygienist, I am committed to improving oral health to patients of all ages. It is this personal interaction with my patients that has inspired my passion over the years. I have treated so many amazing patients, and built lasting relationships both inside and outside the dental setting.
Outside the office, I enjoy building community relationships through Public Health. I lecture to elementary and middle school children during Dental Health Month each year. I educate a variety of age appropriate topics to ensure the best dental health of the children in our local community.
As a dental professional, I am a member of the local NWI Dental Hygiene Study Club. Through this group of professionals, I continue my education with a skill level of excellence and knowledge of current innovative technology that is forever changing in Dentistry.
Lastly, when Im not at work, I am spending time with my amazing family. I have two fun-filled, energetic boys that keep me forever busy. I spend many leisure hours cheering them on at their sporting events.
I love sitting in my office and listening to our patients as they come and go. Because of my limited office involvement until recent years, I have had nothing to do with building the relationships that exist with our patients over the years. As a relative outsider, I am overwhelmed by the genuine and thoughtful exchanges between our patients and our team members. Here, I manage many aspects of our practice, including bookkeeping, human resources and marketing.
I count myself a lucky woman, as I not only have a job I love, but I get to work with my husband, Dr. Rick! I have genuinely enjoyed raising our two amazing, horse-crazed daughters with him, and they have recently started working here with us. With his support, I am able to be active at the girls schools, in our community, and in the development of the girls riding careers, too. Like most families, we are wickedly busy, frenzied, and on the run, but I wouldnt trade any of it with anyone!
I just started working here this year with my sister, Hailey. Dr. Rick is my father and hes the best at everything! I really like working with my mom, but my parents ask me to help with all kinds of things. I love my dog Holly and my pony Ivy! I wish that I could be at the barn with Holly every day! Oh, and I totally love my family!
Like my sister Genevieve, I just started working here. I do whatever my parents ask me to do. Sometimes I research online, sometimes I help my mom with whatever shes working on; I have even helped her pay the bills! I really like it that my parents ask for my input. While my schoolwork has to be my priority, my sport is my passion! I ride the hunter-jumpers, specifically the hunters. If I could live at the barn, I would! With my family and Holly, of course!
Rick Johns Dental has been honored to serve the Highland, Munster and surrounding communitiesfor over 27 years, and is dedicated to continuing the tradition of excellence in dentistry started by Dr. Johns father, Richard S. Johns, DDS, in 1947. Ours is a friendly, family-oriented practice that believes strongly in the importance of old-fashioned customer service combined with modern dental technology.
One of our greatest assets is our staff! We are fortunate to have long-term employees which, in turn, allow the development of long-term relationships with our patients. Our patients can count on seeing the same friendly, familiar faces each time they visit. That very simple familiarity is critical for our patients, as we understand that the unknown can often be stressful.
Our office believes in staying current with dental technology, which often evolves as new products, treatments, and equipment are developed. We utilize the iTero digital impression system, digital X-rays, laser cavity detection, and air abrasion, all as a means of keeping up with the latest technology in order to provide the highest quality of care while keeping our patients comfort a priority.
We also believe that our patients deserve our complete and undivided attention at all times. Ours is not an assembly line approach, rather one of thorough, thoughtful care, rooted in listening to our patients and taking the time that each individual requires.