Our Team

The artists behind your masterpiece smile.

Meet Members of Our Team

Most of our team members have 20 years of experience (or more!) serving our patients alongside Dr. Oppenhuizen. We take pride in offering proven, time-tested treatment options with state of the art technology, and in bringing expertise and a real sense of artistry to even the most challenging orthodontic complications.

Meet our entire team along with Kathy Schut, Chairside Assistant and Sandy Stehle, Treatment Coordinator

Meet Dr. Oppenhuizen

Read More about Dr. Oppenhuizen

Dr. Gregory Oppenhuizen leads West Michigan’s most established orthodontic practice. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Oppenhuizen is a graduate of Calvin College, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and Indiana University where he received his Specialty Certification in Orthodontics and Master’s Degree in Dentistry.

Recognized for his numerous contributions in the dental and orthodontic associations in which he serves and for his community work, Dr. Oppenhuizen is a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics, and has been nominated by his peers as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has also served as President of the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists and has been actively involved in multiple levels of governance of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Dr Oppenhuizen is also a member of the Angle Society (Midwest), a rare accomplishment achieved by only a handful of orthodontists worldwide. To become a member, you must be board certified, peer nominated, submit further board qualified completed cases (just like the board examination), submit and complete numerous active treatment cases for rigorous peer review, and original peer-reviewed research. 

Dr. Oppenhuizen brings a unique background and interest in the arts to his practice of orthodontics, including a love of music and horticulture. And when Dr. Oppenhuizen isn’t serving patients at the office or caring for plants in his garden, you’re likely to find him swimming or scuba diving. Be sure to ask him about his love of underwater photography and how his photos showed up in a Russian diving magazine! Take a look at some of his underwater photography at the link above.

The Oppenhuizen Orthodontics Team

Missie Bredeweg
– Managing Director

Missie is in charge of all operations at Oppenhuizen Orthodontics and manages all activities that make the office run smoothly. She is the contact person responsible for handling any questions regarding financial issues, insurance, or office logistics.

Sandy Stehle
– Patient Care Manager

Sandy radiates spirit and loves being with people. She is the textbook example of an extrovert. A passionate sports fan, Sandy works at the front desk as well as chair side with Dr O. Sandy has been working with Dr Oppenhuizen since she arrived in Holland in the early 1990’s.

Esmay Huerta
– Chairside Assistant

Esmay started as a chairside assistant for Dr O. in 2019. Bilingual, Esmay is our Spanish language chairside assistant and also helps with new patient translation needs.

 

Katie DeJong
– Patient Flow Choreographer

With a zealous attention to detail, Katie has been working side-by-side with Dr Oppenhuizen for over 20 years. While skilled in all aspects of chair side orthodontic assisting, she is the person who directs Dr O through the daily schedule.

Dawn Noorman
– Chairside Assistant

Directed and diligent, Dawn has been working chair side with Dr O since the early 1990’s and also functions in directing patient flow in the treatment area.

Kim Fry
– Chairside Assistant / Inventory Control Manager

Kim joined our team in the mid 1980’s. Coming from the U.P. she still has way too much fondness for winter storms. Thoughtful, methodical, Kim works with Dr. Oppenhuizen at the chair in the placement and adjustment of your braces. She is also responsible for purchasing and inventory.

Tracey Maguffee
– receptionist

Tracey works at the front desk welcoming patients and scheduling their visits. She has years of experience in the orthodontic field and a background in the nonprofit world. She has passion for helping people, and she’ll be one of the first people you’ll meet when you walk in the door.

 

Robin Bouwman
– Chairside Assistant

Robin exemplifies the caring, compassionate mother. She works for Dr O as a chair side clinical assistant. She started with our office in the 1980’s and has years of experience working with Dr. Oppenhuizen in the placement and adjustment of your braces.

Mary Gillissie
– Laboratory and Records Technician

Mary is responsible for new patient records, but she also is an experienced lab technician. With her caring personality she is responsible for new patient orientation at the start of treatment.

Kathy Schut
– Chairside Assistant

Kathy works for Dr O as a chair side clinical assistant. She started with our office in the 1980’s working with Dr. Oppenhuizen’s partner: Dr. Fuder. She was his lead clinical assistant before she took several years off to raise her children. Kathy returned to work with Dr. Oppenhuizen in the placement and adjustment of your braces.

Leasa Baer
– Chairside Assistant

Leasa joined our team in 2022 working as a chairside assistant.

Leigha Hudd
– Chairside Assistant

Leigha began working with our our office in 2022 working as a chairside assistant.

News and Insights

from Dr. Oppenhuizen

Orthodontic Treatment for TMJ Disorders

Learn about the role of braces and other orthodontic approaches in easing TMJ symptoms like difficulty chewing, headaches, jaw pain, and more.

4 Patients Share their Experience with Oppenhuizen Orthodontics

Hear four Oppenhuizen Orthodontics patient testimonials as they describe treatment with multiple children and the convenience of multiple locations.

To Eat, or Not to Eat. Your Guide to the Best Foods for Braces

You can still enjoy good food while undergoing treatment with braces, but there are some snacks and meals to avoid. We cover a comprehensive list of what (and what not) to eat to stay healthy and safe during your treatment.

Caring for Your Smile After Braces

After braces come off, patients want to preserve their brand-new masterpiece smile. This article covers exactly how to keep a straight, bright smile for life.

How to Prepare for Braces

Get ready for braces and embrace a confident smile! Learn about treatment options, timing considerations, pre-treatment cleanings, costs, and more.

4 Common Oral Health Challenges

Learn about 4 of the most common oral health challenges, from mouth sores to periodontitis. We’ll review what causes these issues and the common symptoms to look for.

7 Hidden Benefits of a Great Smile

What are the benefits of a great smile beyond looking good? We cover them all in this post, from better mental health to lower stress and improved oral health.

Celebrating New Masterpiece Smiles in 2023

We believe it’s important to celebrate when patients finish their treatment. Now, we’re showing off some of the recent masterpiece smiles unveiled when braces come off!

What’s the Difference Between Dentistry & Orthodontics?

What are the differences between dentistry and orthodontics? We explain why they both matter for a functional, attractive smile that works well for life.

4 Resolutions You Can Make Now for a Better Smile Next Year

Improving your smile doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we provide 4 easy resolutions you can make today for a healthier, more attractive smile that lasts!