The staff of Preference Dental realizes the importance local communities play in the success of their business. Throughout the year the staff gives back to the communities through local school presentations, business exposition participation, community fund raising activities, support of the arts and athletic teams, dental mission trips, donations to numerous organizations and participation in activities.
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Our Team also takes many continuing education courses throughout the year. This allows our team to increase our knowledge and update treatment techniques.
Dr. Killian
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I was born and raised in Lansing Michigan and attended Michigan State University from 1992-1995 majoring in Fisheries & Wildlife. I then attended University of Michigan School of Dentistry from 1995 until graduating in 1999 with a DDS degree. (And if there is any question, I absolutely favor MSU, GO GREEN!) Upon graduation, I Joined Preference Dental in the Fall of 1999. Since then continuing education has expanded my skills and services to patients. I completed curriculums at the Dawson Center for Advanced Esthetic Dentistry, the Scottsdale Center for Advanced Dentistry focusing on CEREC Cad Cam and at the Midwest Implant Institute in Columbus OH for Implant Dentistry. This additional education has changed the way I do everyday dentistry. A comprehensive care philosophy is essential to long lasting, successful dentistry.
Technology in dentistry is an important focus of mine to implement. It brings the best dentistry has to offer right here in rural Mecosta improving predictability, comfort, and excitement for our patients.
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I have been previously involved with the West Michigan District Dental Society as the Mecosta County representative on the board, proceeding through the board chairs, serving as President in 2008. I have served on various committees with WMMDS, as well as the Delegation to the Michigan Dental Association annual session. I served on the Michigan Dental Association Special Committee on Annual Session from 2004 to 2009 , and was committee chair for the 2008 annual session in Grand Rapids. I am member of the Francis B. Veddar Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics, the Michigan Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.
I am blessed with my incredible wife Jennifer, and three children, Isaac, Quinn and Gweneth who are so quickly growing up! We enjoy watching them compete in multiple sports and school activities.
Tammy, Business Assistant
I have spent most of my working life managing Restaurants, Retail and lastly a Gas Station. Knowing that I wanted to make a career change I returned to Muskegon Community College where I earned a degree in Office Management. We moved to Big Rapids in September of 2018, and I was fortunate to join the Preference Dental Team in the summer of 2019. The dental field has proved to have its challenges but has also proven to be rewarding.
In our spare time my husband and I enjoy watching our 7-year-old son play soccer, golf, and ice hockey. As well as serving on the council at my church, and on the committee for my son’s Cub Scout Pack.
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Linda Scheduling Coordinator
Being the newest member of a great team here at Preference Dental I have my work cut out for me! From our doctors, assistants, hygienists and front office staff all are dedicated to providing our patients with the best of care.
I am a wife and mother of 4 grown children. My husband and I have been married for 38 years. We have two boys and two girls that we thought made our lives fulfilled but as most grandparents know having grandchildren exceeds that joy. We moved to Canadian Lakes to be closer to two of our grandsons. What a wonderful area!
Megan, RDH
I was born and raised in the Big Rapids area, I graduated from Big Rapids High School knowing that I wanted to become a dental hygienist. I graduated from Ferris State University in 2016 with an associate degree in dental hygiene, and in 2018 I finished my bachelor's degree in allied health science. I pursued dental hygiene because I want to help people feel good about their mouth and increase their overall health.
In my free time I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. My parents own a cottage, and we enjoy spending weekends boating, swimming, fishing and relaxing. I have a Boxer dog named Kimmy and she is my baby!
Kelsy, RDH
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I was raised in Howard City where I graduated high school from Tri County High school in 2015. I then moved to Muskegon to play college basketball for 2 years where I met my husband, Gregory. Once I graduated with my associates of Science and Arts, I took a year off from school to work as a dental assistant. I then decided to move forward and go to college at Ferris State University for Dental Hygiene. I graduated in May of 2022 with an Associated Degree in Dental Hygiene. I will be going back to Ferris to finish my bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences.
We moved to a tiny town called Hersey, got ourselves a young silver Labrador retriever that keeps us moving outdoors and Greg and I recently got married! I was blessed to find this job at Preference Dental with Dr. Killian and his amazing staff who took me in as family. Being in the dental field allows me to educate patients about their oral and overall health.
Lisa, Dental Assistant
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Hey Y’all Lisa here! I have been in dentistry for 22 years. I am from Oklahoma where we raised 2 amazing young men. We relocated to Michigan 4 years ago and have not looked back. We were blessed to have our boys and their families come to Michigan 3 years ago.
We have 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter that we absolutely adore. We spend as much time with them as their parents will let us. When we are not spending time with the grands, we enjoy riding our Harley, and spending time exploring this great state.
Alaina, Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in a small town called Paris just north of Big Rapids. I attended Ferris State University pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene; graduating in 2020. I worked as an assistant here at Preference Dental while I attended college. I knew the dental field was the perfect career for me!
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with Alexander, our son and two dogs. We live on a farm where we spend most of our time outdoors. We enjoy farming, boating, side by side riding and cookouts with our families.
Stevey, Dental Assistant
I started as a dental assistant when I was 17 years old and finishing high school. I had braces for 4 years and had surgery; after that fun experience, I decided dentistry was cool. I graduated from Lakeview High School in 2020. After that I did not think college was for me and went straight to work here at Preference Dental.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, family, and dogs. My favorite hobby is photography, which is currently displayed throughout the office.
Christine, Dental Assistant
I have been a dental assistant at Preference Dental since September of 2001. I have had a long history in dentistry that started as a Red Cross Volunteer at a military dental clinic in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. We came back to Michigan in 1992 and I have worked in the dental field ever since.
I was born in Germany and came to the U.S. in 1986 after marrying an Army soldier from Michigan who was stationed in Germany. We spent a few more years with the Army, had two children, and eventually settled in Lakeview, Michigan. My oldest son, Daniel, graduated from Kettering University as a mechanical engineer, found work at Bourns Automobile in Auburn Hills, got married in August 2010 and lives in Lake Orion with his wife Amy. My youngest son, Pascal, is in the Army Reserves and attends Grand Valley University pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Information.
My husband and I love Michigan and all the outdoor activities it has to offer. We are avid runners, wake and snow skiers, hikers, bikers, and enjoy traveling.
I have always enjoyed working in the dental field. It is fun and exciting and allows me to be around people. There is nothing more satisfying than giving someone a beautiful smile!