Dr. Michael Ruffatto began his dental career in July 2007 following graduation from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL. Prior to that, Dr. Ruffatto earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomechanical Engineering from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Ruffatto is a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is currently the Vice President of the Illini District Dental Society and a board member for the Central Illinois Academy of General Dentistry. He also serves as the Vice President for the Champaign County Board of Health.
Raised in Wheeling, Illinois, Dr. Ruffatto spent the early part of his life in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. During dental school, he met his wife, Kara, who is a dentist at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. They have four children, Benjamin, Caleb, Tessa, and Marcus. In his free time Dr. Ruffatto likes to cheer on the Illini, Cubs, and Bears and enjoys outdoor activities with his family.
Trisha is a hygienist and has been with our office since 2001. She and her husband Larry have three children and they all live in her hometown, Fisher. She loves that they are close so she can spend lots of time with her four grandchildren! Trisha and Larry are active members of their church, excellent ballroom dancers, and wonderful cooks. Trish loves to entertain her friends and family with elegant dinners.
Kassie joined our staff in the spring of 2015 after completing her dental hygiene degree at Parkland. She grew up in St. Joseph with her mom and two sisters and enjoys spending time with them all. She is also a devoted dog mom to Jasmine, her pit bull. As if that didnt keep her busy enough, in 2021 she became a realtor with Keller Williams. In her limited free time she loves fitness, going to concerts, and traveling- especially on cruises.
Tangela is Dr. Ruffattos assistant. She joined our team at the end of 2016, but shes been in the dental industry for several years. She lives in her hometown, Tuscola, with her teenage son Alex. He plays football and you can find her cheering him on at every game! When the weather is nice she enjoys camping, which she often does with her boyfriend Rob. When the weather is not nice you are more likely to find her inside with a cup of hot chocolate and cuddling with her dog, Precious.
Donna is the newest member of our team, joining us in the summer of 2021. Although she is new to our office, she has been in the dental field since 2009. Donna and her husband Gene are originally from Washington State and have lived in Illinois for many years now. They have two children, a daughter who lives in Ohio, and their son and his new wife who live in the area. During their free time you might see Gene and Donna riding around town on their Goldwing - one of their favorite activities to do together.
Sarah has been our Treatment Coordinator since 2015. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 and spent some time working with people with disabilities and in banking before bringing her friendly smile and financial skills to our office. She and her husband Jacob welcomed their first child in 2021, a boy named Ezekiel. Spending time with them and their dog, Leo, is her favorite.