Meet the Staff
Stephanie, Registered Dental Hygienist
Stephanie is our fulltime Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) with over fifteen years of experience.
She is also licensed in Local Anesthesia and Laser Dentistry. Her extensive background in cosmetic dentistry has allowed her to team up with Dr. Lodding. She helps her patients establish optimum oral health before aesthetic dentistry and helps them maintain a beautiful smile for years to come. Stephanie holds the Hygiene Membership Chair for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and has been a member herself for five years. Her passion for aesthetic dentistry has lead her to lecture for several dental organizations including the AACD. Stephanie was honored to be on the cover of RDH, a nationally published magazine, and now writes a quarterly series on cosmetic dentistry for RDH. Stephanie believes that a team approach between a patient and a hygienist is the best way for patients to attain overall maximum health. There is new research daily that discusses the benefits of maximizing oral health and how it contributes to overall health for the rest of the body, reducing risks for heart disease, diabetes, strokes and low birth-weight babies. Stephanie’s goal is to help her patients achieve a healthy and happy Smile for Life.
“I have been extremely honored to work alongside Dr. Lodding for the past nine years. Our vision of treating patients with compassion and providing an exceptional dental experience makes my job very rewarding. I have learned so much working for Dr. Lodding over the years! His exceptional skills and amazing cosmetic abilities makes working at Smile for Life Dental a very fulfilling career.”
Joanna, Insurance Coordinator
Joanna is our insurance coordinator and Dr. Lodding’s administrative assistant. She can maximize your insurance benefits and keep your out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible. Joanna brings ten years of dental experience to our office and a ten year administrative background. Joanna has been helping Dr. Lodding and his patients for three years now.
“I am constantly amazed at the generations of patients that we see at Smile for Life Dental as well as the amount of referrals we get from satisfied patients. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of building these long-standing relationships.”
Ree, Patient Concierge
Ree is our patient concierge. She will call to confirm your appointment, follow-up with you after your visit, and even call you to wish you happy birthday! Ree is the office CFO– Chief Fun Officer at Smile for Life Dental. She brings to our office over twenty-one years of experience and has been helping patients in our office for seven years.
“Working at Smile for Life Dental is quite a unique and rewarding experience. Dr. Lodding brings so much to the 'complete table' - skill, passion for his work, caring nature and a zest for life. This positive energy is contagious within our staff and patients.”
Jan, Patient Coordinator
Jan is our patient coordinator and can help you with scheduling appointments, treatment plans and financial arrangements. She has been a staff member with Dr. Lodding for over five years and brings twenty-four years of executive business experience to Smile for Life Dental.
“I truly am grateful for Dr. Lodding and his sincerity for his patients and their care. It is comforting to know that our patients are receiving exceptional dental health care from Dr. Lodding and our hygiene department. It is an honor to be associated with a great staff of professionals and surrounded by wonderful patients.”
Jen, Dental Assistant
Jen is our dental assistant. Jenny is an expanded duties assistant and has been in the dental field for eleven years. She has had extensive continuing education, including American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry training. Jenny feels blessed to work with the best and brightest in the dental field.
“I am very blessed that I found a warm and carrying group of people to work with. Dr. Lodding is a fantastic dentist and one of the kindest people I’ve met. Dr. Lodding treats his staff with kindness and respect as well as our patients. Dr. Lodding also provides each of us with the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art equipment, which allows us to do the best job possible for our patients. I pride myself on helping each patient obtain a beautiful smile that they will have for life!”
Dana, Hygiene Assistant
Dana is our hygiene assistant. Dana is certified in coronal polishing, sealants and fluoride treatments. Although she has only worked at Smile for Life Dental for about two years now, she has been a patient of Dr. Lodding’s since the age of seven. Dana is currently attending school to become a dental hygienist.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to work at Smile for Life Dental. The office has state-of-the-art equipment and an awesome staff. I am grateful for the experience and training I have received in such a progressive office.”
Jeff, Master Ceramist
Jeff is our in-house certified dental technician and current member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has over twenty years of experience as a ceramist in the dental field. Jeff joined Dr. Lodding and his team at the inception of Smile for Life Dental. Jeff uses his experience to create beautiful smiles for our patients.
“I thoroughly enjoy being apart of Dr. Lodding’s team in making dreams come true for our patients. I’m here to help in any way I can!”
Diane, Dental Hygienist
Diane is a dental hygienist for Smile for Life Dental. Along with being a dental hygienist for over twenty years, she has completed advanced training in Nitrous Oxide Administration, Soft Tissue Laser Certification and Local Anesthetic Administration. She prides herself by educating herself in the latest dental advances. Diane feels fortunate not only to work side by side with her brother, Dean, but also to work with such a dynamic group of individuals who make up our team.
“I am honored to be practicing in one of the most progressive offices around, where I can use my knowledge and skills along with the latest advances in dental technology to assist my patients in obtaining their optimum dental health. One of my favorite parts of dental hygiene is the opportunity to form relationships with so many wonderful patients. I truly care about each and every person that I see and want nothing more than to see them succeed. For those I already know, I look forward to seeing you again and to those I’ve yet to meet, I look forward to getting to know you, too.”
Terri, Clinical Assistant
Terri is Dr. Lodding’s clinical assistant. Terri has twenty years of experience in the dental field. She recently joined The Smile for Life Dental team after moving into the Elgin area. She is a welcomed addition to Dr. Lodding’s team.
“It is nice to finally work with a doctor who cares for his patients and staff as if they were his own family members.”
Keri, Patient Coordinator
Keri is our newest addition here at Smile for Life Dental. She’ll greet you with her warm, caring smile, schedule and confirm your appointments, as well as answer any questions you may have about your insurance. Keri has several years of administrative, as well as dental, experience. We are very happy to have her as part of our team.
“I‘m so grateful to work in such a caring environment. Smile for Life Dental is like one large family, everyone helping each other be the best they can be.”
Jackie, Massage Therapist
Jackie provides message therapy to some of Dr. Lodding’s cosmetic dentistry patients during their visit here at Smile for Life Dental in order to help keep them more comfortable and relaxed.
Jackie is a graduate of the Chicago School of Message Therapy, and is state licensed and Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Message and Body work. She also has active membership in the American Message Therapy Association.
“I feel very privileged to be a part of the Smile for Life Dental team. Besides having a 'high-tech, state-of-the-art' office. Dr. Lodding and his staff have a distinct camaraderie among them that is both welcoming and comforting to the patients.”
Dr. Dean Lodding - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Elgin, Illinois (IL).
