Diane, Registered Dental Hygienist
“I am a registered dental hygienist and have been a part of Dr. Dennis’s dental team in Portage, Michigan, since 1987. I am a graduate of Lansing Community College and have been practicing dental hygiene since 1981. When my husband and I moved to Kalamazoo in 1987, I was lucky to find a dental home with Dr. Susan Dennis. I was and still am impressed with her thoroughness and commitment to her patients. Working with Dr. Dennis has challenged me over the years, since we continually strive to keep up with current research and technology. We are big Western Michigan University Bronco fans in our home. My husband works in the athletic department at WMU and my daughter is currently a student there. My hobbies include reading and running, and I love to travel.”
Dr. Dennis says: “Diane is a very smart and wise woman and is well-read. She has a thorough, careful touch and is kind and sensitive. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Diane is excellent at listening to patients’ concerns and helping each patient to reach the highest level of oral health they can achieve.”
Katie, Registered Dental Hygienist
Katie grew up in Kalamazoo, MI. She graduated from Kalamzoo Valley Community College and has been in the dental field since 2010.
Her love of dentistry was a marriage of her passion for science with a desire to work with people. The most satisfying part of her job is when she gets an anxious person in the chair and can ease their fears. She completely relates to them because she herself is quite a baby in the chair.
In her private life, Katie is married and has a young daughter named Zoe, along with two fur babies, Boris and Ziggy. In her free time, she loves the outdoors. One of her favorite things about the Kalamazoo area is all the surrounding nature while still being in the city. She loves everything about football and even plays fantasy football. She also enjoys camping, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Megan, Registered Dental Hygienist
Megan grew up in the dental and educational world. Her father is a dentist in Metro Detroit. She spent many pleasant hours running around his office after school. Before becoming a registered dental hygienist, Megan followed in her mother’s footsteps and got her bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. That is when she realized she wanted more one-to-one interaction than teaching provided, so back to school she went. Megan grew up in the dental and educational world. Her father is a dentist in Metro Detroit. She spent many pleasant hours running around his office after school. Before becoming a registered dental hygienist, Megan followed in her mother’s footsteps and got her bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. That is when she realized she wanted more one-to-one interaction than teaching provided, so back to school she went.
Megan sees her career in dentistry as a privilege and is happy to be a part of Dr. Dennis’ great team. Our whole team values learning and evolving as new techniques and technologies arise in the dental field. When she’s not working, Megan enjoys running, cooking, learning, and exploring the many nature trails available in the area. Megan sees her career in dentistry as a privilege and is happy to be a part of Dr. Dennis’ great team. Our whole team values learning and evolving as new techniques and technologies arise in the dental field. When she’s not working, Megan enjoys running, cooking, learning, and exploring the many nature trails available in the area.
Kay, Registered Dental Hygienist
Kay is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She spent twelve years as a dental assistant, then went back to school and graduated with honors from KVCC Dental Hygiene School. She’s worked as a hygienist since 2016. Kay enjoys helping patients improve their oral health.
She’s been married to her husband, Martin, since 2013. They have a son and daughter along with two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Kay loves to crochet, do puzzles, and cross-stitch.
She wants to thank her parents for the hygiene schooling and Dr. Dennis for the wonderful opportunity to work with this team.
Amanda, Registered Dental Assistant
“I moved from Virginia to join Dr. Dennis’s team. I have been in the dental field since 2002. I became a dental assistant in 2005, and I continued my education to become a registered dental assistant in 2013.”
“The best part of working for Dr. Dennis is that her team is very hard working and caring. I love that Dr. Dennis is always seeking new ways to help her patients achieve the best possible dental health. I got married in June 2010, I have a daughter named Ariyah, a dog named Cody, and I love gardening. I am very excited about living in Michigan.”
Danielle, Certified Dental Assistant
“I’m originally from Martin Township in Allegan County, Michigan, and I chose dentistry because the first thing I usually notice about a person is their smile. I want to make sure that everyone can show their best. One of the best things about my job is getting to work with a different person nearly every hour of the day and the development of great relationships with so many people. My husband and I have been together since 2001 and we married in 2008. We have two beautiful daughters. Our second child was born in 2017. We also have a young boxer. I like the Kalamazoo area because there are a lot of things to do and a lot of great people to work with. When I’m not busy with other things, I love running marathons, reading, camping, and being at the beach.”
Jill, Certified Dental Assistant
“Though Jill is new to Michigan, she has worked as a dental assistant since 1997. Originally from California, she’s also lived in Arizona and Washington. She and her husband recently moved here because of her husband’s job transfer. She’s loving the cold weather. Her favorite part of her job is watching a patient go from being fearful and ashamed of their smile to comfortable in the dental chair and having a smile they’re proud to share with the world. Together, she and her husband have five wonderful, successful children and two rescue dogs. In her spare time, Jill loves to hike, kayak, and jog. She currently runs 5ks, 10ks, and 1/2 marathons.”
Loretta, Hygiene Assistant
Loretta has been in this field since 2015. She received her education at both Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Ross Medical Education Center. Born and raised in Vicksburg, Loretta is new to the Portage area, but loves how you can get anywhere within ten minutes.
Her family is what motivates her to come to work every day. She has an energetic daughter, as well as two dogs and three cats. When Loretta isn’t working she loves watching movies as well as playing volleyball and slow-pitch softball. Loretta is also a firefighter (I and II certified) and enjoys being able to serve in her community.
Deonna, Financial Manager, Dental Assistant
A graduate of Indiana University, Deonna said she chose the dental field because she wanted to help people, and she loves getting to see the incredible changes in people’s lives when they get the dental care they need. “Since 1999,” she said, “I’ve spent my dental career as an assistant and part of the front office team in the cosmetic field. My husband and I moved up here from Florida with our two amazing children to live closer to family. After I found Dr. Dennis, I felt right at home in her office and was amazed with her work. I am honored to work beside her with patients and witness all of the life-changing moments she creates!”
Originally from Vicksburg, Michigan, Deonna lived in Florida for 15 years before settling in Michigan. She says she and her family also have a dog and a crazy cat. In their leisure time, they enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially when it’s warm.
Debbie, Insurance Coordinator
Debbie grew up in Battle Creek and has worked in this field for 14 years. She and her wonderful husband, Tim, have children which have four feet and fur.
Druann, Certified Dental Technician
“I moved back to Michigan in 2012 when I became a grandma and wanted to be a part of my grandson’s life and watch him grow. I worked for Dr. Dennis about 20 years ago, before I moved to Florida, and was very excited to be offered a job when I returned. When I was in Florida, I worked in a dental lab as a certified laboratory technician for more than 12 years, and I have been doing so ever since. Now, I have this great opportunity to work in a dental office with my favorite dentist along with a group of awesome women. Now that I am with my grandson, my family, in my new home, with a great job, and Dr. Dennis as my dentist, life is good!”
Dr. Dennis says, “Druann is such a sweet and kind person. She was our nanny when we were raising our sons 20 years ago. When I found out she was back in our area and had become a certified laboratory technician, I was excited! She heads up our dental laboratory and does so with delicate hands and great finesse.”
Damien, Practice Manager
While Damien has been a practice manager for 13 years, he joined Dr. Dennis’ team in 2019. We’re proud to have him. Damien attended Michigan State University and has a heart for helping businesses grown and employees develop professionally.
Working in the dental field has its emotional perks. “Once patients get their treatment finished and see the end result, the happiness and gratitude they show is like no other profession,” Damien shared.
When he’s not working, Damien loves to both watch and play basketball, football, and water sports. He’s also a husband, father of two, and grandfather.
Valerie, Community Outreach
Valerie has a B.F.A in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University. She brings a vivacious spirit to our office. She loves working in this area and especially enjoys the ecclectic art community and beautiful countryside. The proximity to Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Lake Michigan are also a big plus.
Valerie has two beautiful daughters and two rescue pups— Bruno, a Boston mix which resembles a wild Dingo and Deuce a Boston Terrier. When she is not working, she loves to play volleyball, hike, read, paint, and decorate.
Jim, Human Resources and Accounting
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and his master’s in education, and after spending the last 27 years as a teacher and administrator for the Portage Public Schools, he joins his wife, Dr. Dennis, in her practice. Together, they they have six grandchildren and a pet dog named Henrik. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family and taking in all that Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College have to offer. He also loves a good game of golf. When asked what drew him to dentistry as a second career, he said, “I had no choice!” And when asked what about it he finds particularly satisfying, he said he loves the fact that it is a service business engaged in helping people. And he concluded by saying he really likes helping people be successful and making the workplace more enjoyable for everyone.