Dr. Dornoff grew up in Southwest MI. An avid athlete playing both soccer and basketball, Dr. Dornoff went to Hope college and received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While there, she played three years of basketball.
“I always wanted to go into healthcare to help people,” Dr. Dornoff said. “But I wanted a profession that also had a good work/life balance. When people ask I joke saying that I chose this route because of Hermey the Elf in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” After she graduated from Hope, she went to the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
Dr. Dornoff particularly loves the transformation and change she sees in individuals after restoring their smile. The confidence those individuals show as they walk out of the office is awe-inspiring. She loves walking with a patient through the journey of prevention, control, rehabilitation, and maintenance.
Some Life Changing Encounters
I have been able to participate in some unique dental service opportunities such as serving the local homeless population in Louisville through a Pop-up Clinic and an Oral Health Fair in Manchester Kentucky. Both these events targeted individuals that do not have easy access to dental care. One of my favorite opportunityโs was to be a student doctor during a RAM clinic in Eastern Kentucky. The patient encounters were some of the most rewarding I have had the privilege to experience in my young career. Many of these individuals waited hours and traveled many miles to get an appointment to be treated.
Prior to dental school, I spent the majority of my time shadowing at Veterans Affairs Hospitals. I continued that during my time in dental school as well. Those experiences are what inspired me to complete a residency at a V.A. in order to give back to those who served our country. That meant a lot to me.
Dr. Dornoff’s Treatment Philosophy
One of her big goals is to spread awareness that the oral cavity is connected to the whole body system. Most patients are unaware of the connection between oral health and general health. It is also important to her to help individuals achieve oral health while maintaining their natural dentition as long as possible. In the event those natural teeth are lost, she will provide replacement options that aid in form and function.
A patient’s understanding of their options is important to her. She said, “I feel its important to educate the patient and show that we are on the same team when it comes to their treatment. I am motivated by the trust my patient’s put in me to provide patient centered care.”
Education, Memberships, and Professional Achievements
Education
- University of Louisville School of Dentistry
- Hope College, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Memberships
- American Dental Association 2023 – PRESENT
- American Dental Education Association Member 2019 – 2023
- American Student Dental Association, Louisville Chapter 2019 – 2023
Professional & Academic Achievements
- S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship: Awarded for academic achievement while pursuing a health profession
- Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Awarded for academic merit and achievement
- Valedictorian Scholarship: Awarded for academic merit and achievement
- Dr. Titus and Eleanor Van Haitsma Scholarship: Awarded for academic merit and achievement
- Table Clinic at Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta Georgia March 2024: Application of Milling and 3D Printing in a Dental Office
- Senior Lecture series at VA discussing Application of 3D Printing in Dentistry