Dr. Heffelfinger is the owner of Smiles for Life in Auburn, Ind. Over the last fifteen years, he has worked hard to brighten smiles around the community in more ways than one. He and his lovely wife Kelly are Auburn residents, along with their two children Alexis and Jarin. They are also the proud owners of two rambunctious Viszlas.
While being a devoted husband and father come first for Dr. Heffelfinger, he has also invested heavily in continuing education, accumulating more than 750+ hours since his graduation from IUSD in 2005.
A graduate of the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle, Wash., through his study Dr. Heffelfinger has refined his knowledge of occlusion and his philosophy on managing the most complex treatment plans to restore his patients natural bite patterns, which leads to higher patient satisfaction and comfort, as well as overall well-being.
Dr. Heffelfinger received his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in the summer of 2017 and occasionally speaks about the skills he has developed through his advanced training. He served three years on the IKDDS board of directors and was a founding member of the Young Dentist Committee in IKDDS. He recently completed eight years on the leadership board at County Line Church of God, is a member of the Fort Study Club and is a member of the clubs advisory board.
Dr. Heffelfinger has a wealth of clinical knowledge and hands-on experience in many areas of digital dentistry. Given his unwavering dedication, Dr. Heffelfinger is considered an expert in the leading edge of dental technology and techniques. Some of which include intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM equipment, 3D printing, and digital planning for implant surgery.
Dr. Heffelfinger is recognized as the technology adviser for the Fort Study Club, known as a component of the Seattle Study Club. Hes also a key opinion leader for several professional associations, including Carestream Dental, Benco Dental, and NT Trading.
These days, Dr. Heffelfinger is a highly respected lecturer among his colleagues and frequently lectures on using digital dentistry to help patients. He also takes the time to individually consult with dentists on how to integrate this cutting edge technology into their practice.
What Vicki loves most about dentistry is the opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every patient who comes into the office. She loves helping others understand the importance of oral hygiene and the connection to overall health. In fact, she mostly just loves helping others. In her time off, Vicki volunteers at St. Martins in Garrett, Ind.
Vicki is a current member of the Dental Hygiene Study Club, a continuing education group that keeps her updated on new and exciting changes in the field. She also enjoys crafting and spending time with her daughter, as well as being on the move. Vicki is an avid motorcyclist and runner, with the goal of someday completing a mini marathon.
Cindy has worked in dentistry for over 30 years, the past three of which have been as an expanded functions dental assistant at Smiles for Life. Since completing the dental assistant program at IPFW in 1990, she has also worked in orthodontics and completed numerous trainings, including custom stain and glaze, Invisalign and CAD/CAM, as well as become certified as a CDA through the Dental Assisting National Board.
Throughout her career, Cindy has focused on the joy she feels when she is able to restore unhealthy teeth not only to top health but also to beauty and to full function. Other activities that bring her joy are camping, reading and trying new restaurants. In her time off, if you cant find Cindy on the biggest roller coaster at the closest amusement park, shes probably off dancing instead.
What Cindy appreciates most about the Smiles for Life team is the determination to provide the best care for patients not only because each team member has pride in his or her work, but also because each and every teammate truly cares for every patient.
Hayley was fortunate to find her passion for dentistry early in life. Beginning her career in High School, and then continuing on to graduate in 2001 from IPFWs Dental Assisting Program. Her main focus has been in general dentistry, with lots of continuing education from a wide range of sources, including a full body approach in how our dental health can affect our systemic health. She has also obtained her Expanded Functions certification in 2007, Fluoride Placement & Coronal Polishing in 2014, and is in the process of her Nitrous Oxide certification.
Hayley is an Angola native, has been married to her husband Shane since 2002, and they happily adopted their daughter Korey who is now 14. They are in the process of fostering another child to add to the family. Hayley also has three Yorkie-mix dogs; Zeus, Cleo, and Artemis.
Upon college graduation in 2021, Lexi began her full time position as Front Office Coordinator at Smiles for Life. Lexi graduated from the University of Saint Francis with her Bachelors in Business Management in addition to a Minor in Psychology.
Prior to working at Smiles for Life, Lexis dental experience consists of clinical shadowing and chair-side internships in oral surgery as well as endodontics. While Lexi was fond of the dental space in healthcare she found her perfect fit was not chairside but in management. Lexi now oversees scheduling, billing, insurance, and more at Smiles for Life.
Lexi married her husband Braden in August of 2021 and the two reside at their home in Auburn with their Pit-Terrier named Sapphire. In her free time Lexi enjoys spending time with family and shopping!
Kelly is the Office Manager at Smiles for Life. She has been an employee of Smiles for Life since 2007. After a hiatus from full time work, taking time to raise her two, now fully grown, children she reentered the workforce to begin her second career. Kelly now oversees all that goes on in the office from a management perspective. Her focus is to handle HR, Accounting, and Marketing. The office often jokes that she is like the glue which holds everything together because of the diverse role she plays truly making her the whole staffs go to employee!
When Kelly isnt working she enjoys spending her summer weekends on the lake and vacationing to somewhere warm when the Indiana winters hit! She loves the warm weather but is still a sucker for a good Hallmark Christmas movie.
Dr. Nate and Kelly have been blessed to share a beautiful marriage for over 20 years. Kelly appreciates working alongside not only family but coworkers who have become like family, making up the small business that is Smiles for Life.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 101 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestFelicia Martindale
a year ago
I'm 37 years old and this is our family's dentist. I have never experienced such a great experience. Dr was gentle and kind! Talked through the procedures which helps anxiety, my extraction Was painless! First time ever! My kids enjoy going too! Highly recommended to anyone in search of a caring, friendly, office! The staff was amazing too! 10/10 all the way!
Ned Donaldson
2 years ago
Great place, friendly staff and first class dental work, highly recommended
Nancy Sturges
2 years ago
I went in for a consultation. Very friendly staff . Love how they go into detail on what they did and what needs to be done.
Travis Hill
2 years ago
I recently had an onlay. The procedure was efficient and virtually painless. The attention to detail that Dr. Heffelfinger exhibits is unwavering at every visit. The entire staff is phenomenal.
Tom Moore
2 years ago
Always enjoy going to Smiles for Life in Auburn. Dr Nate and his staff are very knowledgeable, super friendly and professional. They make our dental care their priority and take care in telling us what they are doing or need to do in a language we understand. Appreciate their hard work.
Karen Morton
2 years ago
Very knowledgeable and always friendly staff.
Sherry Shaffer
2 years ago
Very friendly and welcoming staff and dr.
Dawn Howard-Mullins
2 years ago
My husband has been going through extensive dental work with Dr. Nate for cosmetic and health related reasons. This has been quite an undertaking to say the least. I am amazed at the skill and intellectual level at which Dr. Nate has preformed corrective dentistry!!! Simply Amazing! Thank you to Dr. Nate and his staff for the results, you have gone beyond our expectations!!!
Dennis Fry
2 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Nate since he came to Auburn in 2007 . My experiences in his office has made me realize he is committed to excellence in The quality of care he gives . He and his staff Care about my well-being as a patient . As a patient I get to experience cutting edge technology which makes my dental treatment easier for me than it has ever been. I recommend Dr. Nate to my friends and family who are looking for The best dentistry around .
Amanda Caldwell
2 years ago
No words can explain how much I appreciate Dr. Heffelfinger and his staff! Best around!
Sherry Wertman
2 years ago
great staff- treat you so well. Dr. NATE is a perfectionist when it comes to your dental work.I would refer anyone to them
Kyleigh Reinig
2 years ago
Wonderful experience! Very family friendly! We have been well taken care of!
Danielle Lumba
2 years ago
Earlier this September, my son knocked out his 2 permanent front teeth on the school playground. We called Dr Heffelfingers emergent line and he got back with me within less than 15 minutes. Dr Heffelfinger and his wife came in on a day the office was closed just to help my child. They were so kind and compassionate while being gentle and thorough, calming both my child and myself during a scary time. He answered every question we had and made sure to keep a close eye on my sons teeth as they healed. Every single person at their office has been great. They always greet us with a warm hello and smile. We absolutely love Smiles For Life and are so grateful for them!
Gary Brown
2 years ago
Fantastic dental team. If you want quality care & dental work this is the place for you. They will help you keep your great Smile forever. I just finished an implant and the work was perfect!!
Chris Bass
2 years ago
Dr. Nate and his team are outstanding. They put you at ease and take the time to explain what is going to happen during a procedure. I have had several issues through the years and been to different dentists. Dr. Nate doesn't is great at explaining the issue and provide the options for treatment to help you make the best decision for your health. I'm grateful to have a dentist that has helped me not only keep my teeth healthy, but also who has helped us navigate the timing of braces for our kids as well. His entire team are friendly, welcoming and thorough. Thanks to you and your team, Dr. Nate!
Matthew Brandon
2 years ago
If you're looking for a dentist, Dr. Nate is the one you want. Of all the dentists I've been to in my life, he's easily the best. I went in for an emergency appointment and I felt like he genuinely cared about the issue and made my emergency his emergency. At the onset we discussed a plan on how to get my oral health to the best it can be and we did it in a way that I feel he was being truthful and not just trying to sell me services that I don't need. (Like some other dentists in the area.) The last thing I'll say is this, between Dr. Nate and his amazing, friendly, awesome staff, I may have gone in as a 1 time emergency but I left the office a lifelong ,loyal patient.
Kim Brown
2 years ago
Very friendly and knowledgeable
Dennis Mullins
2 years ago
Over the course of my lifetime I have been to many dentists dating back to my childhood and I have never had a dentist that I thought had my best interests in mind. Most of the time these dentists concentrated on a quick fix and never talked about my future dental health. The majority of the time these procedures were very painful and the dentist never seemed to be concerned about the amount of pain I was going through. All that has changed since I started going to Smiles For Life and Dr Nate Heffelfinger in Auburn Indiana. I have had several procedures on my way to a perfect smile and I couldn't be happier with the dental work I have received. Dr Nate is an outstanding dentist & is very concerned about my future dental health. I would like to thank Dr Nate as well as his staff Lexy, Cindy, Hailey & Vicki. I will never go anywhere else and if you aren't a current patient you really should be.
Jerry Lencke
2 years ago
Dr Nate and his staff have improved our dental life and experiences beyond what we expected. We were with our previous Dentist for 30+ yrs and just felt we were being taken for granted and concerned that some details were being overlooked. One thorough visit later we learned that some real improvements needed to be made to make us proud of our smiles again....for life. Dr Nates attention to detail, his passion, and his respect for his amazing staff are unmatched... We would be happy to share with you further if you'd like...
Michelle Kessler
2 years ago
This was the worst experience I have ever had with a dentist. If he doesn't want you as a patient he should say so up front. Not wait until he gets extra money from you for unnecessary add on's.
Load more