Meet the Dental Team
Felicia Dorrough, Office Manager
I began as a receptionist for Gentle Dental Associates in the summer of 2005. As a classroom teacher, I was looking for work to carry me through the summer months. I found the dental office to be another exciting world of learning open to me. Shortly after starting, I was offered the position as the office manager following the eminent retirement of the manager. It was not what I had foreseen in my future, but offered me the challenge of uncharted territory. I feel so fortunate to work for Dr. Seel and with the outstanding team of professionals we have assembled. We share a vision of quality care, the importance of affordability, and the vital link that prevention plays in reducing cost for our patients. The team loves their work, and has such an empathy and compassion for each other and our patients. We are committed to meeting the needs of our patients and helping them to commit to their health.
I live in Ypsilanti, Michigan near my only son who is attending Washtenaw Community College. I like to garden, fish, walk, bicycle, and read in my free time. Always committed to the importance of education, I continue to take the required courses to keep my teaching certificate current.
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Heather Lechner, Administrative Assistant
My duties include entry of insurance checks, insurance aging, insurance rejections and bank deposits. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 1991. My favorite thing about dentistry is seeing a patient walk away with a beautiful smile. The thing I like best about working at Gentle Dental is the many wonderful coworkers. It is such a pleasure working with all of the staff and doctors. I'm a native of Novi, Michigan and have been married to Dr. Lechner for 10 years. In my free time, I am an avid cycler and have been participating in the Make a Wish bike ride since 2006.
Karen, Team Leader for Front Office
I am responsible to make sure that my team runs smoothly. This means that patients are seen as soon as possible and that their benefits are realized to the fullest. I also want to make certain that patients are aware of the cost for their visit. I've been with Gentle Dental for almost nine years. I drive everyday from Jackson, so needless to say I must enjoy my job and the people I work with. We have a large diversified, caring staff that actually does feel like a family. My husband and I have been married for 44 years and have three grown children. We have also been blessed with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. When I am away from my desk I love to work in my beautiful flower garden and putz around the house.
Leila, Benefits Coordinator
My duties include helping patients with their insurance benefits. Specifically I gather requested information for rejected claims. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 2003. The thing I like best about working at Gentle Dental is that we are a large family. I'm a native of Algeria in North Africa. I am married to my husband Wahab and we have three beautiful and energetic daughters. In my free time, I like to take my kids to the park and work in my yard. I speak French, Arabic, and English.
Stefanie, Benefits Coordinator/ Accounts Receivable
My core responsibilities include answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, coordinating patient insurance benefits for appointments, account balance verification and monitoring, and accounts receivable. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since early 2006. My favorite thing about dentistry is the ability to transform practically anyone's smile into exactly what they have always pictured for themselves. I am very proud to work for such an amazing office that constantly making strides to make every patient comfortable and thoroughly satisfied with all treatment they receive. I'm a native of Jackson, Michigan and moved to the Ann Arbor area to attend a local university. I have a great home where I live with three other roommates which always makes life interesting. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends whether that's at home our out and about in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. You might not know that I am a huge fan of exotic pets and I currently own an adorable chinchilla and a bearded dragon, along with my 22 pound black cat!
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Michelle, Benefits and Scheduling Coordinator
My main responsibilities are to answer phone calls, check patients into and out of their appointments, and working with insurance companies to estimate treatment costs.
I've been with Gentle Dental since February 2007. To me dentistry is amazing because of the confidence it can give people. A healthy mouth and a nice smile can make a huge difference in peoples' lives. My favorite thing about being a part of Gentle Dental is the "family" atmosphere – I've seen many of my coworkers go out of their way to make our patients feel like they're at home; it's a very inspiring attitude and it is, I believe, what makes Gentle Dental stand out among other practices. I'm a native of Jackson, Michigan; I moved to the Ann Arbor area to attend college. My goal is to earn a Master's in TESOL so that I can teach English in foreign countries – I love to travel! In my free time I enjoy studying languages, watching movies and hanging out with my friends.
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Robin, Benefits and Scheduling Coordinator
I am a liaison between the patients and the doctors in terms of procedures, insurance and billing. I have been affiliated with Gentle Dental since 2006, but have been around dentistry my entire life. I am Dr Seel's daughter and take pride in all of the offices accomplishments. This is a family first practice that ensures the patients are the doctors first priority. I feel that we take our name seriously and strive to be as gentle as possible. There is such satisfaction when a patient in pain comes into our office and walks out with a smile on their face. We have helped them in more ways than we can ever imagine. I grew up in the metro Detroit area. I have a husband and three children. My twins headed off to college in the fall of 2009. I spend a tremendous amount of time with my extended family outside of work. I also breed and show dogs in my free time. I love to read and spend time outdoors.
Naomi, Recall Receptionist
My duties include patient recall for their 6 month appointments, answering the telephone, checking patients in for their appointments, calling to remind patients of their appointments, and translating for Spanish speaking patients. I've been with Gentle Dental for one year. My favorite thing about dentistry is seeing patients leave the office with a smile when their work is completed. The thing I like best about working at Gentle Dental is meeting a wide variety of people from different parts of the country and the world – we have a very diverse patient and employee base! I'm a native of New York. In my free time, I like to translate for the community of Washtenaw County. I also spend a lot of time on the computer at home! For the past ten years, I have volunteered for organizations in the health field, working with the elderly.
Heidi, Team Leader of Dental Assistants
Registered Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant
I have been part of the Gentle Dental family since 1999. I am responsible to make sure that my department runs efficiently. My duties include working side by side with Dr. Sud to give caring dental treatment to our patients.
I feel very passionate about working along with a doctor who treats all patients as if they are a close family member. I'm originally from Minnesota but went to college in Florida. After completing school at Palm Beach CC and meeting my husband, we moved here to get married and start a family. I'm the busy mother of two children 9 and 6. When I'm not working I enjoy activities outdoors such as running and sports. I finished my first marathon in 93 degrees this past June.
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Doreen, Dental Assistant
My job description is four-handed dentistry working with Dr. Wang. I enjoy working with her. I have seen her transform peoples demeanors due to their beautiful new smiles. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 2000. My favorite thing about dentistry is giving people their smiles back. I was born in Belleville, MI. I have the greatest husband, 2 divas for daughters and 1 adorable grand daughter. When I am not at Dr. Wang's side, I like hanging out with my family and church family. You might not know that even though I can't sing I love to write music and dance.
Jean, Dental Assistant
I assist the doctor to do everything to help our patients. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 2003. I like to assist with root canals and partial dentures because they are more challenging. Dr. Dagostin is very good to her patients and smart. I never feel bad for her patients because she is so good to them. I was born in Tian Jin China. I immigrated to America in 1995 with my son to join my husband who came ahead of us. My son is attending Pittsburgh University Medical School. When I am not assisting Dr. Dagostin I like to work on the computer doing graphic design, travel, and nap.
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Nicole, Dental Assistant
I assist the kind, caring, gentle hands of Dr. Lacin. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 2007, although I've been in the dental field since 2002. I love working in this office because of the fun atmosphere and my co-workers make me feel like family. The thing I like best about working with Dr. Lacin is that she makes the day enjoyable and she is a great dentist. I'm a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have a one year old son who is the joy of my life. In my free time, I like to play with my son, play volleyball, go to parks and movies.
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Korey, Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, I see myself as a modified customer service representative in the field of dentistry. Assisting the doctor in a variety of procedures, and the customer service parts begins with the patients. Insuring the patients have the necessary information for their procedure (s) and to answer any question within my capabilities.
I am originally from Cairo, Illinois and through my many travels with the Air Force I landed in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved from Atlanta on July 7, 2005 to Ann Arbor, Michigan and began working at Gentle Dental on July 10, 2005. Since my time at Gentle Dental I have had the opportunity to work with a number of doctors. It is this way because I am a full time student at Eastern Michigan University and Gentle Dental allows me that flexibility. I am pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am also a member (Public Relations Officer) of the Student Veterans of American at Eastern Michigan University, a national organization dedicated to helping service members transition from military life to furthering their education, among other goals. I started in the field of dentistry with the Air Force and just knew this is where I belong. I have way too many favorites in dentistry to name only one.
I can simply say that dentistry is my passion, the one thing I would gladly do for free. I have seven siblings and an adopted brother so being a part of a large family is very similar to working in a large practice. If I am fortunate enough to have free time I spend it with my family and watching television. For vacations time my goal is to visit a new country for every vacation. I have a fondness for classical music during times of relaxation.
Kelly, Dental Assistant
I've been with Gentle Dental since 2007. I am a native of Detroit, Michigan and have been living in the Ann Arbor area for 25 years. I am the proud mother of four. In my spare time I like to read, watch movies, visit museums, travel and study the history of all areas. I volunteer in my spare time for various organizations. I assist Dr. Lechner with surgical procedures some are routine and some are a little more complicated. I love working in the dental field because I like to work with people and be able to provide them with a caring atmosphere. To be able to show the patient that dentistry does not have to be a bad experience. The thing I like best about working with Dr. Lechner is watching his extraction technique.
Katie, Dental Assistant
My duties include helping out the doctors, and other assistants with anything they need. Also making sure that everyone is as comfortable as they can be when visiting with us . I've been with Gentle Dental since May of 2009. My favorite thing about dentistry is helping people that have a need for dental care, especially younger children, and seeing how happy they are with the end result. The thing I like best about working with all the doctors here is that they all come from different backgrounds, are wonderful teachers and very understanding about everything. I'm a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have a wonderful family, including a husband, and three young boys. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling whenever possible, and reading a good book. You might not know that I also have a twin sister, and lived in Minnesota for four years.
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Angie, Dental Assistant
I have been a chair side dental assistant at Gentle Dental Associates since 2005. Although I have taken some time off to take care of my family and to have a baby, I am happy to be back with my second family at Gentle Dental. I graduated from Washtenaw Community College in 2003 with two Associate Degree’s one in Dental Assisting and the other in General Studies. I assist Dr. Hwang, Dr. Lechner and other dentists when needed. I enjoy helping patients improve their smile and to comfort them during their procedures. All of the dentists here are very patient, kind and gentle.
I am originally from Muncie, Indiana and moved to Ann Arbor 12 years ago. In my spare time I like to walk my two dogs, spend time with my daughter and husband, fish, travel, scrapbook, cook and visit my family in Indiana.
Patricia Robinson, Team Leader Dental Hygiene
As a Dental Hygienist for over 20 years, I've enjoyed performing a wide variety of services for patients from periodontal therapy to help fight disease to bleaching treatments for cosmetic results. In 1989, I graduated from Ferris State University from the dental hygiene program. Later, in 1996 I attended the University of Michigan and graduated from the degree completion program with a Bachelor degree in dental hygiene. I've been with Gentle Dental since 1989. Our staff and patients are delightfully diverse. I also have been inspired over the years to increase my level of patient care by taking nursing courses at a local community college. Doing so enhanced my knowledge of the entire body and its relationship to the mouth. Over the years I have enjoyed working on people and giving them the best possible dental care I can provide. My daily goal is to continue to educate and to provide valuable information so that my patients can improve their overall well being. I have a cat named Emily and a wonderful family for support. In my free time, it is not uncommon to find me on a park bench reading a book by Joel Olsteen, Become a Better You or Your Best Life Now. I plant wild flowers in my back yard every year to help brighten my days. I frequently travel to Chicago when I need a get away. I love to get involved when asked to participate in health related community fairs.
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Barb, Dental Hygienist
I help people to keep good oral health by providing preventive care. This means I help to prevent and treat gum disease. I also increase awareness of importance of a healthy mouth and its influence on a healthy body. I've been with Gentle Dental Associates since 2005, but I have been in dentistry since 1976 including practicing Pediatric Dentistry in my home country of Poland for seven years and two years in Nigeria, West Africa before settling in America. Before making my home in Michigan I practiced Dental Hygiene in Tennessee for twenty years. I love dentistry because I love to work with people to help them solve problems with the health of their mouth. I live with my husband and my favorite baby, Maja, our eleven year old Cocker Spaniel. My daughter lives in Memphis where she is pursuing a law degree. I have an enormous garden that I enjoy working in. We like to sail on our boat "Pretty Agnes" and snow ski in our free time.
Kathy, Dental Hygienist
My goal as a Hygienist is to educate, inform, and guide my patients to better oral health. This includes the removal of calculus (tarter), plaque, taking x-rays, checking for Periodontal (gum) Disease by probing and measuring the pockets of the gum tissue. I have been a Dental Hygienist since the early 70s. I have practiced in Periodontal and General Dental offices. I enjoy seeing my patients oral hygiene and their attitude toward a healthy mouth improve. My husband, Del and I live in Plymouth, Michigan. Our youngest son, Jon, also lives with us while attending CCS in Detroit. We also have two other sons, Tod, married and living in Nashville, Tennessee, and Brad, in Ypsilanti working on his masters degree. I have many interests and hobbies. I enjoy pottery, painting, sculpture, and gardening to name a few.
Pamela, Dental Hygienist
I have been practicing dental hygiene for 34 years graduating from C.S. Mott in Flint, Michigan with an Associates Degree in Science (1975). Over the years, I have continued to keep expanding my duties and knowledge to better treat each patient's needs. I started working at Gentle Dental with Dr. Seel in 2002. I continued to learn and make better diagnostic decisions by looking at the total body chemistry with relationship to the mouth. We now know diet, heart disease, diabetes and many other physical conditions contribute to oral health. I continue to live in Belleville, Michigan while enjoying my family, walking, gardening and many seasonal outdoor activities. I continue to further my education and am dedicated to bringing the best care to my patients.
Jaime, Dental Hygienist
I graduated from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek with an Associates degree in Dental Hygiene. My interest in hygiene started when I was younger. I had decay on some of my baby teeth, so much, that I had to have my teeth extracted. It was then I started to form a positive relationship with my dentist. My dentist did everything he could to educate me on decay and how to take better care of my teeth. It also helped that my dentist’s assistant was a family member. I got encouragement from both of them and other hygienists in the office to pursue my education in hygiene. I really enjoy helping educate patients on oral health to prevent disease and promote health.
I am a new addition to Gentle Dental. This office is one of the most technology advanced offices I have ever worked at. This office tailors to a patients individual needs and forms treatment to accommodate the needs. Everyone works as a team and everyone respects each other.
I live on a farm. I love animals. I am an outdoor person so I love warmer weather where I can enjoy being outside. I have a wonderful family and a extraordinary fiancé Vance. I love to hang out with Vance and friends. I like to go bike riding. I am very grateful to have family, a fiancé, friends, and co-workers.
Renee, Dental Hygienist
I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2009. I chose dental hygiene for a career because I love to work with people, and I love to educate my patients about the importance of oral health. My favorite thing about being a hygienist is forming a relationship with my patients that allows me to get to know them as a person, educate them about aspects of dental health that relate to them, and personalizing treatment to suit their needs. I love working at Gentle Dental because I love the team we have, we are all very different but we get along so well, and work together as a team.
Outside of work, I have a lot of hobbies. I love spending time with my husband, and my German Shepherd named Miranda. We go for bike rides, walks, runs, hikes, and swimming. We have a lot of fun together. I also like to scrapbook with my mother and sister. I enjoy other crafts as well, such as cross-stitching, crocheting, quilting, and painting. If I’m not feeling creative, or just want to relax, I enjoy reading and watching movies. I love life, and try to fill my time doing the things I love with the people that I love.
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