I obtained my Pre-Dentistry education at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls from 1977-1980. I then attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry from 1980-1985 and received my Bachelor of Science degree with honors and my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

I firmly believe that it is important that dentists stay up to date on the changes that occur in dentistry. The materials and techniques I was taught to use over 30 years ago in dental school, in many cases, have changed dramatically or are gone altogether. l owe it to my patients to treat them with the latest materials and techniques so they receive the highest quality dental care I can provide. I attend many continuing education seminars each yearand I consider myself to be somewhat of a C.E. junky. I love to learn new things about my profession! I enjoy seminars on the following areas: Dental sleep medicine to help patients with snoring or sleep apnea so patients can breathe better when they sleep and get back to a better quality of life. Laser dentistry that makes working on the teeth and gums less painful, so we often can do treatment on my patients without the need for shots. Gum disease (periodontal disease) because new drugs, materials and techniques are coming out almost daily to help stop gum disease and possibly reverse the damage my patients have experienced. Dental materials (new filling and crown materials) that last longer and are stronger so my patients don't need to see me as often for dental work. New technology that makes my patient care faster and better so visits can be shorter. New technology also allows me to better explain and educate my patients so they can make more informed decisions on their dental care options. Facial esthetics that allow me to enhance a patient's natural smile, both dentally and with Botox and dermal fillers. Practice management so my team and I can provide consistent, friendly, patient-centered service that makes all of our patients feel like they are a part of our family at River Place Dental.

I am most passionate about creating an atmosphere that makes my patients say 'That was much better than I was expecting!' or 'That was the best dental visit I 've ever had!' I try very hard to put myself in my patient 's situation because I have had a lot of dental work including root canals, crowns, extractions, braces and fillings. Much of it when I was young was painful and terrifying. It left scars for years. I really want my patients to never have to experience what I had to go through for my dental care. I treat every patient as if they were a member of my family. What most excites you about your work? I get the most enjoyment and excitement about dentistry when I hear patients say they can smile again or chew again without pain. I love being able to change their lives.

I love talking with my patients! My team would say I love it too much. I enjoy talking about just about anything with my patients from their families, trips, outdoor activities, pets and hobbies to bad jokes and puns that make them groan a little. As one of my dental assistants said to me: 'I have a sense of humor. I just don 't like yours!' Ouch! Anyone reading this has been warned.

I have been practicing dentistry for over 30 years. I have seen dramatic changes in dentistry over that time and can only wonder what changes will occur over the next thirty years. Why did you choose to join the oral healthcare field? I knew growing up that I wanted to be a helper: a physician, dentist or veterinarian. In my early teens, I had a life changing event that persuaded me to become a dentist. A college friend of my parents was a dentist who had known me since 'Before I was born,' he would say. He took over my dental care and made me realize that dental care didn 't have to be like what I had previously suffered through. I saw how he interacted with his patients and how there was laughter in his office and people weren 't walking out in pain. I used him as a mentor and role model and decided to be a dentist so I could help other people overcome their fear of going to the dentist.

My team is exceptional because we all feel like every patient is a family member. We only want the best for our patients and try hard to create an atmosphere that is relaxed, fun, educational and non-threatening. I try to create a bond with everyone I see during the day and that means taking time to get to know everyone and what's special to them and about them. Everyone is unique and that allows me to learn many new things from my patients every day. I never want a patient to leave River Place Dental and feel like they didn't get the attention they deserved from me or anyone on my team. Almost any dental office can do the technical dental work but my team and I want to be known as the place, that really cares about our patients and will spend the time to listen to you and what's important to you.

We like to have fun at River Place Dental! There should be someone laughing somewhere in the office at all times. Dentistry and going to the dentist doesn 't have to be serious, boring and dull. For families with small children, we have 32' monitors in each room so kids can watch Netflix programs or cartoons to help pass the time.

I was born in Stillwater, MN and lived in the Bayport/Stillwater area almost all of my life. I am a lifelong St. Croix River Valley resident even though I now live in Amery, WI. Where do you live now and how long have you been there? I moved from Stillwater to Amery back around 2000. I have lived in my current location since 2005.

River Place Dental contributes dental supplies and financial support to many groups and programs in the Amery area. We sponsor the fireworks display during the annual Light Up the Park celebration in Amery. I believe it is important to give back to the community in as many ways as possible to help those who make my dental practice possible in the first place.

I believe the profession of dentistry to be one of the most important professions existing today. The first thing most people notice about someone else is their smile and teeth. Our smile often determines the mindset we have about our lives. If we have a smile we enjoy, we are confident, upbeat, outgoing. However, if we don't like our teeth and our smile, we are often subdued, shy, afraid to let others see our teeth. As a dental professional, I can literally change a person's life by changing how they feel about their teeth and their smile. Not many professions have the power to change a person's life to that degree and that's a responsibility I take very seriously. Also, people are living longer and need to have teeth to chew and maintain daily nutrition. It is heartbreaking to see people that have neglected their teeth and are suffering throughout their entire body because of poor nutrition caused by the inability to eat properly. The dental profession is also becoming an important component in oxygenation and sleep apnea. That is another area that is truly life changing for people. The mouth is an important portal into the body and dental professionals are gatekeepers to help keep bad things away.

Dr. Heather Marks graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 2011 with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Prior to that, she attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Dr. Marks always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare field. Promoting good health is important to her. Dr. Marks has experienced both great and horrible experiences with healthcare professionals, and she wanted to be able to provide positive experiences for others. Dr. Marks states she has been fortunate enough to have had great dental care since she was young, and wanted to be able to help others have a great, healthy smile they can be proud of.

Dr. Marks is most passionate about improving the overall health of her patients. Most people don 't realize how much oral health (or dishealth) can impact the health of their overall body. She enjoys seeing the improvements in patients over the course of their dental treatment. One of her favorites is seeing the 'befores' and 'afters.' We can make such positive changes in peoples ' smile and oral function. It 's nice to appreciate where someone started, and how far they 've come with their oral health.

Knowing she can help people. Helping to get people out of pain. Helping patients to realize how beautiful their smiles can look. Helping to prevent future pain and disease. Know that she can stop decay in its tracks and prevent patients from needing extensive dental work in the future.

Dr. Marks is married and has a four year old daughter, Stella, and a two year old son, Jack. Over the past few years, she and her husband Derek have enjoyed competing in triathlons together. In their spare time, they enjoy being outside as much as possible and spending quality time with family and friends. When she has time, she enjoys reading a great historical fiction or mystery book.

Dr. Marks feels at times dentistry has received a bad reputation. In reality, dentistry is a great means of helping people to improve their lives. Removing infection, taking away pain, and ensuring someone can keep their teeth for a lifetime is what's important in dentistry. The profession can be perceived as just fixing people's teeth, but it's a means to improve someone's confidence and their ability to eat and chew normally, regardless of their age.

Dr. Marks likes meeting so many unique people. All patients have their own life experiences, and it's great to learn about others and appreciate all the great people and experiences there are out in the world.

Dr. Marks enjoys giving people the renewed confidence that comes along with have a beautiful smile. It's amazing the difference you can see in someone, when they feel ashamed in their smile, versus after they've had their teeth restored. The world perceives them differently, and it can truly affect their entire lives.

Deb and her husband Mike have been married for 40years. They have three grown children : Son, Michael & (Melanie), two daughters: Suzanne & (Michael), and Kristina. They havesix beautiful grandchildren.

Where do you live now and how long have you been there? Deb & Mike have been proud to call Amery their hometown for over 26 years. They recently moved to Spring Valley, WI, to be closer to their grandchildren.

Are you involved in any community programs, volunteer activities, or non profits? Over the years Deb kept involved in many community events: Coached Odyessy of the Mind, Amery Hockey Board Member, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader and Cookie Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher and designed the front entry doors to her Church.

How does workingwith so many unique people every day affect your life? Every day is a new day and can be very challenging but have worked on customer service my whole life and have built some really great relationships!

How do you feel you truly make a difference in your patients' lives? I feel that our patients develop a comfort level after coming to our office that is so rewarding. Being a genuine person with integrity and compassion is very important to me.

What most excites you about your work? Our patients feel like family. I lovethat I get to meet so many new faces everyday. Our Team are an amazing group ofprofessionals making a difference in our patients life and mine as well.

What do you love about working with your patients? I love working with our patients because they make me smile, make me laugh and sometimes even cry by their stories and life experiences. I love making new friends and creating new relationships each and everyday.

Tell us about your family(spouse, children, pets.) David and and I have been married fo 37 years. We have raised 2 grown son's Steven & (Becca) and Kyle. I have 1 amazing Grandson (Dylan) hoping for more. We also have2 dogs, Tate and Diesel.

What does your profession mean to you? Honesty, compassion and integrity are important values to me, our patients are important to me. I genuinely care and want to make a difference in your dental experience.

Tell us about your family? I have a boyfriend and we have been together for 5 years. He is a welder at a shop in Scandia, MN. We have a puppy together named Winston, he is our favorite boy. My family is from the Amery area, and we love it here, especially being able to see our families so often!

Where can we find you when you are not working? We enjoy boating, fishing and spending time with our families. Alex spends a lot of time doing demolition derby, so that is where you can find us in the summertime.

Where did you go to obtain your education?Jessica obtained her education through Century College of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.She graduated from the Dental Assisting program there in 2007 and returned back to school to graduate in 2011 with a Dental Hygiene degree.

What are you most passionate about professionally?Compassion. With compassion atthe center of dental care, patients are certain to leave knowing that they have been provided the best dental experience. A display of Compassion for patients allows great trust and comfort in the dental setting.

What most excites you about your work?Working with afantastic team of professionals to allow for optimal patient care. This allows a way to give back to our patients that so greatly enrich our lives each and every day.

Where can we find you when you're not working?When not providing dental services, Jessica can be found working towards the tasks to serve God and the church as well as being a supportive wife and parent.

How does working with so many unique people every day affect your life? Working with so many unique individuals on a daily basis affects her life on a personal and professional level. When she is able to get to know her patients personally, it allows for the building of relationships which furthers her compassion.

How do you feel you truly make a difference in your patients' lives?With compassion grows an eagerness to exceed through further development of self to be and provide all that she can to God, family, patients and the community. Jessica would like to thank herpatients in advance for being the reason to pursue such a passion. It is through this passion thatshe is able to make such a difference in the lives ofher patients.

Where do you live now and how long have you been there? My family and I currently live in Chetek, WI and we moved there from West Salem, WI (The La Crosse area) in August 2019. We fulfilled our dream of buying a lake home.

Tell us about your family! I am married to my childhood sweetheart, Michael. We have three Children; Brandon, Hannahiand Bennett. Brandon is living in La Crosse, and working for Kwik Trip company, Hannah is at Mankato State University and will be applying to Dental school this coming Summer, Bennett is a Junior in High School and is looking into a Military future. We also have two dogs; Murphy (Golden Doodle) and Wilby (Havanese)

Where can we find you when you are not working? During the summer you can find me enjoying the lake outside our back door. I also enjoy working on the yard and landscaping. There is alwaysa project to do! I enjoy a good 'Nicholas Sparks' book to relax and spending time with our kids and 'Fur babies'. During the winter I always find some home project inside to do. I have been doing a lot of work on our lake home to make it our own. I love HGTV so I am always finding some new idea want to try.

What's your favorite way to spend your time away from work? My favorite thing is to just spend family time together with our kids if we can, and parents or siblings and their families. We enjoy making good food and playing games together. In the summer there is nothing better than a great day on the lake relaxing and tubing and fishing etc...

What are you passionate about personally? I really am passionate about animals, specially dogs, and doing what I can to help them. I have had the opportunity to foster dogs before and horoughly enjoyed it. There is nothing like the love of an animal to brighten your day. Their love is unc nditional.

Are you involved in any community programs, volunteer activities, or nonprofits? Since our move I have been able to help 'Little Red Barn Rescue' in Rice Lake fostering and donating items. I hope to have time to also volunteer at the Barron County Humane society once volunteers are accepted again. In the Lacrosse area I also helped at our church and helped with free dental care to patients in need through the office I w rked at. I have also volunteered at the homeless shelters in the areas I have lived in over the years.

Why is being active in your community important to you? It is important to get out and get invol is also a great way to get to know peo community. ed, not only to help others and feel better about yourself, but it le and businesses and feel like a valuable asset to your

How does working with so many unique people every day affect your life? I get to learn a lot from their interest. From kids to grandkid,, gardening tips, what they do for work, hobbies, trips around the world, food recipes.