Team Directory
Many of our team members have advanced training in dental hygiene and placement of dental restorations. The highly trained "dental moms" on our team bring a world of experience that helps the children feel more comfortable during their dental visits. Our team includes Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH), Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDA) and Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). Our team also includes specially trained individuals to schedule appointments, submit your insurance claims and discuss your child’s treatment plan and fees involved. Each member of our team has multiple roles within the office, which results in streamlined, efficient care for each child that we see. All are required to attend continuing education courses necessary for dentistry, plus additional courses tailored to their role within our office. We all enjoy working with children and maintaining an atmosphere that is friendly and inviting.
Patches, RDH
Patches graduated from Owens Community College in May of 2001. Shortly after, in August 2001, she began working at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. Patches says: "I enjoy working with children and I am proud to be part of this great team."
Sue-Dental Assistant
Sue has been a dental assistant with our office since 2000. However, she has been a dental assistant since 1984. "Working with the kids and helping them is what I enjoy most." Away from the office Sue enjoys spending time with her family, sewing and scrapbooking.
Kami, RDH
Kami has been with the practice since 1999. She received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Owens Community College in 1992. Kami says: "I have always enjoyed the rewards of educating young children turning into young adults and continuing good dental habits. The biggest reward as a hygienist is to see a very nervous patient leave the office so happy and proud of their accomplishments after their appointment. I also enjoy going to the local schools and childcare facilities and educating on early dental care." Away from the office she enjoys scrapbooking, attending her son’s sporting activities with her husband and vacationing on Burt Lake in Michigan.
Lynn-Receptionist
Lynn has worked at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care as a receptionist since June of 1995. She enjoys working with such a great team. Lynn says: "It's such a great feeling to see the children go from coming in to our office very scared to leaving with a smile on their face, asking when they get to come back. I love animals and talking to the children about their pets."
Lori, CDA, EFDA
Lori has been with the practice since 1995. She graduated from Owens Community College with an associate degree in business and marketing in 1993. She completed dental assisting training at Stautzenberger College in 1995. In 1998 Lori completed E.F.D.A training at The Ohio State University. Lori has been a certified dental assistant for 11 years. She says: "I enjoy the fun atmosphere at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care."
Debbie, RDH, EFDA
Debbie received an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene with certification in expanded functions in 1991. She began working with the team at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care in 1993. Debbie participates in a variety of roles, including working directly with patients and many behind-the-scenes projects. She says: "Most of my enjoyment comes from helping children work through their anxiety and helping them leave the office with a great big smile. I also look forward to seeing our patients grow up and then one day return with their little ones!"
Wanda, BBA - Office Manager
Wanda began her career at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care in 1975 as an assistant. She then moved to the front office.
Wanda obtained a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Toledo in 1982. Wanda says: "I have enjoyed watching our patients grow up and bring their own children to us...seeing our practice evolve."
Away from the office, she is active in church, 4-H and school programs. Her hobbies include camping, boating with her family and gardening.
Leann-Dental Assistant
In the fall of 2007 Leann attended Toledo Dental Academy where she learned the skills and knowledge of being a dental assistant. She completed the course in January of 2008 and has been an employee of Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since. While in school Leann earned her radiology license. This allows her to take X-rays. Leann says: "I love working here at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care, where I get the privilege or working with your children!"
Alysia, RDH
Alysia graduated with a degree in dental hygiene from Owens Community College in May of 2001. She started working at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care in December of that year. Alysia says: "What I love most about working here is the connection we make with our patients. Working in pediatrics, we see children that are a little nervous about their dental visit. It’s when they end their appointment with a smile or a hug that we know we’ve made a difference in their life. That is the best reward!!!!"
Linda-Dental Assistant/Lab Technician
Linda graduated from Toledo Dental Academy in 2005. She then joined the team at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. Linda says: "I was excited to join the team since my children have had excellent dental care here for over 13 years. I enjoy my job and serving you and your children!" Away from the office, she likes playing pool and spending time with her granddaughter.
Anissa, CDA
Anissa has worked as a dental assistant at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 2003. She has 16 years experience in the dental field. Anissa says: "I enjoy working with children in this profession."
LaShonda, RDH
LaShonda obtained her associate degree in dental hygiene in May 2002 at Owens Community College. She says: "I've had the pleasure of working at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 2002. I love working with kids and cleaning their teeth. I enjoy making a difference in my patient's oral hygiene."
Shelly-Receptionist
Shelly has been working at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since December of 2006. She majored in elementary education and psychology from BGSU. Away from the office Shelly enjoys reading, biking, walking in the park, listening to music, skydiving, French culture, the original Twilight Zone episodes, and her two cats.
Amy- Receptionist
Amy recently joined the team at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. She is currently attending Owens Community College of Nursing. Away from the office Amy enjoys walking, roller blading, skiing, kayaking and traveling with her husband.
Kelsey- Dental Assistant
Kelsey graduated from Wauseon High School in 2007. She then completed her training from Toledo Dental Academy and graduated in December of 2008. Kelsey says "I love my job and the people I work with! It's such a privilege to work with your children!"
Lori, CDA, EFDA
In addition to Lori’s chairside responsibilities, her certification in expanded functions allows her to place dental restorations. She received her EFDA training at Case Western Reserve and has been employed at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 1998. Lori says: "I love helping the kids- I enjoy my job." When not working, Lori cherishes spending time with her husband and kids.
Debbie-Receptionist
Debbie has been a receptionist at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 1981. She says: "I love greeting all the parents and children. I love the look on the children's faces when I tell them all games are free in the game room."
Vondean, RDH, EFDA
Vondean is married with three children and four grandchildren. She worked as a dental assistant in general dentistry for 20 years before returning to college. Vondean obtained her associate degree in dental hygiene in 2001 from Owens Community College. She is also certified as an EFDA, but her main focus is hygiene. Vondean says: "I have been working here at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care for since 2001, and I can truly say that it is a joy to go to work every day. And the most rewarding thing is being able to clean the children's teeth and educate them on keeping their teeth and gums healthy. I love my job!"
Vicki, CDA, EFDA
Vicki received her certificate of assisting in 1986. Before joining the team at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care, she worked as a dental assistant; working in general dentistry for seven years. Vicki later decided to attend OSU, where she obtained her EFDA license, which enables her to place restorations.
Vicki has worked with the team since April 1993. She says: "I enjoy working with kids of all ages; they all have a special way of bringing a smile to your heart."
Donna- Billing/Insurance Coordinator
Donna has served as billing/insurance coordinator since 1997. She says: "I'm here to help parents understand their insurance coverage, and arrange payments so their child can receive the care they need."
Shellie-Billing Rep.-Payment Posting, Account Reconciliations, Account Inquiries
Shellie has been with our team since 2003. She says: " I enjoy working with the people here and the environment." Shellie enjoys drag racing, NASCAR, lounging poolside, reading, drawing, painting and spending time with her family and friends.
Nikki-Dental Assistant
Nikki has 12 years of experience in the dental field. She has worked as a dental assistant at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 2005. Nikki says: "I like helping children with their dental needs."
Kellie-Dental Assistant
Kellie has worked as a dental assistant at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 2001. Kellie says: "One of the reasons I chose this profession is because I enjoy working with kids."
Rebecca, RDH
Rebecca graduated from Owens Community College in May 2006 with an associate degree in Applied Science Dental Hygiene. After graduating from Owens and passing her state and national boards, she decided to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She graduated from Sienna Heights University in August 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree. Rebecca started her career at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care in October of 2006. She says: "I really enjoy working with my co-workers. We make such a great team. Working with kids has always been a dream of mine. I love being able to interact with our future leaders. Kids are creative and they look at the world differently. It makes my job a lot more fun because they make me SMILE!"
Karen, CDA, EFDA
Karen has worked at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 1982. In 1987 she received her EFDA certification at The Ohio State University (Go Bucks), which allow her to place dental restorations. She orders supplies, and schedules repairs and cleanings for the office. Karen says: "I really enjoy and have fun helping the children through their dental appointment."
Away from the office, she enjoys knitting, gardening and spending time at her cottage in Indiana.
Stephanie, RDH, EFDA
Stephanie has been with the practice since 1995. She graduated from Owens Community College in May 1991 with licenses in dental hygiene and expanded functions. Her certification in expanded functions enables her to place restorations (fillings). Stephanie says: "I love working with our patients and watching them grow up. As they grow, their needs can change and so it is nice to help them meet their needs. I like being able to take on many roles at the office including placing fillings and seeing patients for their cleaning appointments."
Terri, RDH, EFDA
Terri received her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene with certification in expanded functions in 1988. She has been working with Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since 1983. Terri says: "I absolutely love and cherish the relationships we have built with our patients. It has been wonderful watching our patients grow and then bring their families here for their dental care." When away from the office, she enjoys skiing, wind-surfing and hanging with her family.
Brenda-Dental Assistant
Brenda earned an associate degree from Ferris State University. She worked as an assistant in general dentistry and orthodontics before joining Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. Brenda says: "The real perk to my job is working with your kids who I find sometimes challenging but also very rewarding."
Away from the office Brenda enjoys scrapbooking, UofM sports (GO BLUE!!) and spending time with her granddaughter.
Emily-Dental Assistant
Emily Zimmerman completed the Toledo Dental Assistant program in the fall of 2008 and has been working at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care since February of 2009. Emily says “ I love working with the children and staff at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. The offices environment is just so friendly and heart-warming.”