Being an orthodontist allows me to take care of the people in my community, and help them attain beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. When used properly, orthodontics can improve smiles as well as facial profiles. Every patient is different, and has different clinical needs to accommodate. I enjoy taking the time to figure out exactly which treatment fits a patient’s needs and lifestyle best.

Education and Continuing Education

Before becoming an orthodontist, I attained the following education:

  • Bachelor of Arts – Hope College, 1992
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery – University of Detroit Mercy, 1996
  • General practice residency – Medical College of South Carolina, 1998
  • Master of Science in orthodontics – University of Detroit Mercy, 2003
  • Orthodontic residency – University of Detroit Mercy, 2003

During my studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, I was awarded the Alfred E. Seyler Award for excellence in pediatric dentistry as well as the AADS/Warner-Lambert Preventive Dentistry Scholarship by the American Association of Dental Schools. I was also nominated for the Golden Apple Teaching Award in each of the three years I taught at UIC Dental School.

I consider my profession a lifelong learning experience, and am always finding better ways to treat our patients. I strive to be the best in our field because that is exactly what our patients deserve. As part of my continuing education, I am actively involved with the American Association of Orthodontists, Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, and Michigan Association of Orthodontists. I also served as the vice president of the Holland-Zeeland Dental Society, in which I remain an active member, and I am currently serving on the Michigan Board of Orthodontics.

In the Practice

Every day at work, I get to watch people’s self-confidence build as their smiles get more beautiful. I love what I do, and enjoy using my skills to improve the lives of families in my hometown. I treat each child as if he or she were my own, and give only treatments I would give my own children.

Before I was an orthodontist, I practiced general dentistry for five years. This experience gave me a great appreciation for the dental health of patients and how orthodontics can benefit many facets of oral and overall health. I have been practicing orthodontics since 2003, and love using my unique knowledge and experience to provide only the highest quality of treatment for each patient.

Family and Community

I grew up here in Holland, and am lucky to serve the wonderful families of our community. My husband Bob and I have three children. Our oldest is Gavin and our twins are Anika and Keaton. We also have two dogs, Emmie and Maggie, and two cats named Commander Cody (we are “Star Wars” fans) and Mr. Fluffypants.

Outside the office, I love swimming, playing sports with my kids, and can often be found chauffering the kids from one sporting event to thee next. I am also active in our community as a volunteer for Miles of Smiles. I volunteer to help at my children’s school and classrooms.