Tell us about yourself! What is your background and how did you get into dentistry?
I am a lifelong Milwaukee resident and Marquette fan! I grew up in Shorewood, WI, just a few blocks from the practice I now own. I went to high school at Divine Savior Holy Angels in Milwaukee, then attended University of Louisville for my undergraduate degree, and returned home to attend Marquette for dental school.
Ever since a young age, I was intrigued by my science classes. I always wanted to do something related to medicine and entertained becoming a vet, a doctor or a dentist. Though, since first grade when I pulled out my best friend’s baby tooth, my mom always knew I would be a dentist.
Who or what has inspired you in your career?
Though I always thought about being a dentist, by the time I was in high school I knew it would be a great career for me. My younger sister had a bad experience at a dentist and I wanted to become a dentist that would help alleviate stress and anxiety. Her experience made me realize that I wanted to pursue dentistry to help others feel confident and comfortable, not anxious.
Your dental practice is the official dentist for the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team. Tell us all about this unique partnership!
I am incredibly lucky to work with the Milwaukee Admirals as the Team Dentist! It has been very interesting learning to adapt dentistry to fit the needs of athletes, particularly in a high impact and high collision sport like hockey. I attend Admirals home games along with the Team Oral Surgeon, Dr. Alan Kimmel (Mequon). We work together to provide any immediate care to Milwaukee Admirals or visiting players to stabilize them and hopefully get them back on the ice. I also provide more definitive care after games, as well as routine care for the players and other Admirals staff. I love the challenge of developing treatment plans and providing care that is tailored to the hockey players in a fast-paced environment.
Have you always wanted to be a dentist who provides care for professional athletes? Or did this opportunity come as a surprise?
This unique opportunity found me through my mentorship with Dr. Keith Ziolkowski (Shorewood). After meeting Dr. Ziolkowski almost 10 years ago, I shadowed him, worked at his office and learned all about both general dentistry and sports dentistry. I attended Admirals games as his assistant and learned the unique challenges that come with sports dentistry. After Dr. Ziolkowski’s 34 years as the Admirals Dentist, I took over his role as the Team Dentist.
Providing care for athletes was a natural path for my career, after spending many years cheering on my siblings at their high school and collegiate sporting events.
What has been the biggest lesson or takeaway that you’ve learned as a result of providing care for the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team?
The biggest takeaway is that the hockey players are just like any other patient and have all levels of dental experience and anxiety. Some players have no concern when visiting the dentist, while others have significant anxiety. Some players have had access to quality, routine care, while others avoided the dentist or did not have access to dentistry in the United States. I enjoy working with players to relieve their anxiety and encourage them to receive routine care so that they can focus on their game and not worry about their teeth.
Do you have any future goals for your career in dentistry?
My future plans include continuing to expand and develop my private practice in Shorewood. One project I am working on is a monthly appearance on WTMJ4’s Morning Blend. I look forward to discussing all topics in dentistry, including sports dentistry, on The Morning Blend. I have loved rebranding my practice and increasing the patient base, while continuing to provide individualized care. My whole team is excited to expand our all-female staff in the future.
How do you spend your free time?
When I’m not at the hockey arena for Admirals games, I spend a lot of time with family and friends cheering on Marquette, the Bucks, the Packers and the Brewers. My summers are also spent on Lake Tichigan at my grandpa’s cottage (where his Marquette flag always flies!)
What advice would you give to new graduate dentists?
It can be overwhelming to graduate only to realize that there is still a lot of knowledge to learn and skills to improve. I recommend finding mentors and colleagues to ease the transition and share their clinical tips. Though there is still a lot to learn, it is fun to tailor your CE to your interests, such as sports dentistry.
