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The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.

All our professionals at Greater Lansing Center for Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay current with the latest trends in dentistry. We are all committed to helping you maintain your optimal oral health.

Richard Jankowski, D.D.S.

Dr. Richard Jankowski was born in South Bend, Indiana and moved as a young boy to Stevensville, Mi. He attended the undergraduate School of Engineering and then Dental School at the University of Michigan. Dr "J" continued to be involved by serving the U of M School of Dentistry as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is an avid Michigan football and basketball fan and attends home games and many away games. Many think he bleeds "Blue".

After Dental School, Dr "J" moved to Lansing and has been practicing here for over 25 years. Since early in his career, he has volunteered his time and expertise to his profession. Dr Jankowski has served as Editor, Secretary, Treasurer, and President of the Central District Dental Society. He was then elected by his peers to serve as a Trustee to the Michigan Dental Association from 1989 to 1999. During that time, he served as Treasurer and then President of the Michigan Dental Association. This honor has only been bestowed on a few Michigan Dentists over the history of Dentistry in Michigan. Additionally, he has been a Board Member of the Michigan Dental Association Insurance and Financial Group since 1990 and served as Chairman of the Board from 2002 to 2008. He was appointed to the American Dental Association Council on Dental Practice in 2002 and served for four years.

Dr. Jankowski has also been a Delegate or Alternate Delegate to the American Dental Association House of Delegates since 1988. In 1994-1996 he served as an Advisor to the 50th Anniversary Fluoride Commemorative Committee. Dr "J" feels that it is so important to give back to his profession and to help move the profession towards excellence.

Based on his professional dedication and leadership, Dr "J" has been awarded many prestigious honors and awards. He was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has been a published co-author in the Journal of the American Dental Association. In 1998, Governor Engler bestowed the Special Tribute Award to Dr. Jankowski for his years of service to his profession.

Dr. Jankowski enjoys developing life long friendships and relationships with his patients and being able to provide them with optimal dental health care. He believes that everyone has the right to know and choose the type of dental treatment available for them. It is his goal to provide the most "State of the Art" dental care. With his background as an engineering student, Dr "J" loves to practice with some of the most technological advanced equipment like the "digitally generated crown" computer (CEREC). During his career he has participated in over a thousand hours of continuing dental education and feels that it is the only way to keep current with all the changes in dentistry.

In addition to all his professional accomplishments, Dr "J" has also served his community by being a past member of Rotary and taught at Lansing Community College. He coached community youth baseball and basketball for many years in Okemos with his children's teams.

Dr. Jankowski lives in Okemos and is married to Jan, They have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. In his leisure time, he enjoys being a dad and supporting activities and sports in which his children participate. Additionally, he enjoys golfing, traveling, watching sports, and relaxing with friends.




Dr. Kristina Kelly Palmer

Dr. Kristina Palmer grew up in Williamston, MI the youngest in a family of nine children. She attended Michigan State University and after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences, she moved to Milwaukee, WI to attend dental school at Marquette University.

Dr. Palmer graduated and received her DDS in May 2005; she is excited to be practicing dentistry back home in Mid-Michigan, near her large, close-knit family. In addition to improving her patient's oral health and creating for them beautiful smiles, she finds that one of the most fun and rewarding aspects of her job is developing lasting relationships
with her patients.

While in Milwaukee, Dr. Palmer met her husband, John, whom she married in Williamston, in June 2006. When she is not busy improving her patients' smiles, Dr. Palmer enjoys gardening, and cooking for friends and family. An avid MSU sports fan, with green blood coursing through her veins, she attends many Spartan football and basketball games. Dr. Palmer is also an avid runner and runs many local races helping to raise money for charities. She ran a marathon in Dublin, Ireland, raising money for leukemia and lymphoma research, through the Team-In-Training program.

Being active in the community is also important for Dr. Palmer. She volunteers for Smile Day and other activities for National Children's Dental Health month. She also recently supported CareFree Medical and Dental Clinic by being a donor and "Celebrity Dancer" for their first annual "Dancing with the Local Stars" fundraising gala. They were able to raise over $60,000 to help provide care to the underinsured in our area. Dr. Palmer was honored to be asked to take part in such a wonderful event.

Dr. Palmer has also spent time in Kingston, Jamaica on a dental mission trip. She volunteered for two weeks in the inner city of Kingston delivering dental care to those in need. She looks forward to participating in other dental mission trips, both here in our country and abroad, throughout her career.

Dr. Palmer is dedicated to staying current with the latest in dental technology by pursuing continuing education throughout the country. She has recently completed the 2-Year Executive Program: Building the Ideal Practice, at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, where she trained with some of the most sought-after dental educators in the country. Dr Palmer has also begun studying with Dr. Peter Dawson, at the Dawson Center for the Advancement of Dentistry in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Dr. Palmer is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, Central District Dental Society, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

 

Front Desk Staff

Jan - Administrative Coordinator
Jan has been Administrative Coordinator (Office Manager) for over 17 years. She lives in Okemos with her husband and the youngest of their 4 children. The older 3 children are all college graduates, working or back in college. Jan is also a Nurse Practitioner and has worked in the Woman's Health area for years. Currently, she volunteers as a NP at CareFree Medical & Dental and sits as a member of CareFree's Board of Directors. She is ChairPerson of the Fundraising SubCommittee and was Co-Chair of the Annual "Dancing with the Local Stars" Event that raised over $60,000 for the clinic. Jan is also involved with the Okemos Schools, volunteered in the schools and has been a past member and Chairperson of the Health and Sex Education Committee for the Okemos School system. She is also a member of Vasari Country Club Board of Directors, in Florida. In her down time she likes to travel, spend time with family and friends, learn about computers, make jewlery and exercise.

Carla - Insurance Coordinator
Carla lives in Eaton Rapids with her husband, 2 children (17 years and 14 years) and her mother. Carla and her husband have been married for over 22 years. She has worked with "Dr. J" for more than 23 years as a front desk staff member and most recently as an Insurance Coordinator. A lot of changes have occurred during her tenure in the office. When she started here, "Dr. J" and Dr. Orens were partners (Carla claims she was 4 when she was hired!). Carla enjoys watching NASCAR, camping in the U.P., and watching her children's soccer games, track meets, football games, and everything else that they participate in. Her children have brought such joy to her life and keep her very busy.

Diann - Financial Coordinator
Diann has worked at our office for over 10 years as a Financial Coordinator. She lives in the country near Sleepy Hollow with her husband. When they are not sitting on the John Deer mowing, they like to get away from it all (including all cell phone coverage), and sit on the boat in the middle of Chippewa Lake. Diann volunteers on a committee for a local credit union and attends Heritage Baptist Church in Dewitt. She enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her husband.

Angie - Scheduling Coordinator
Angie has been working at this office since 2002 as scheduling coordinator. She is excited to now be transitioning into the position of Treatment Coordinator, working chair side with both doctors. Angie has a 21 year old son and a 13 year old daughter. In her spare time she enjoys watching her daughter play soccer, watching movies, going for walks and being at the lake.

Lori - Scheduling Coordinator
Lori and her husband live in Grand Ledge. She is the newest member of our office- staff, but has worked for Dr. Jankowski in the past as his very first dental assistant. Lori is very excited to be back and part of the team. She works at the front desk welcoming clients as they enter the office and helping to check clients out after their visit is complete.

 

 

Hygienists

Danielle
Danielle is a dental hygienist and has worked with Dr. Jankowski for over 20 years. She can say that she still loves her job and feels fortunate to have made many friends here over the years. In addition to her role as a hygienist, Danielle is in charge of our OSHA Compliance in the office and makes sure that we follow the most “State of the Art” sterilization procedures. Danielle attends Grace Bible Church and enjoys singing in the choir and teaching preschool Sunday school class. For many years she has volunteered her time at local schools for dental hygiene awareness month where she teaches children how important it is to have good oral hygiene. Our doctors donate toothbrushes and floss and Danielle teaches the students how to brush properly. She has 2 dogs, Bunny and Precious (she insists she did not name Precious), and 2 black cats, Jinx (bad kitty) and Victoria. In her spare time she loves to read, make jewelry and cross stitch.

Marcie
Marcie has worked with Dr. Jankowski since 2001 as a dental hygienist. She graduated from Ferris State University in 1999. Marcie has been married to her husband since 2006 and they are expecting their first child in September 2008. Cheyenne, their 9 year old German Shepard mix, rounds out their family. Marcie's hobbies include reading, learning to quilt, and spending time with friends and family. But, after September they will be changing diapers, learning new lullabies and spending time with baby "Einstein."

Megan
Megan has worked at the office as a dental hygienist for four years. Before she went to hygiene school, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. J for a little over a year. Megan has been married for 3 years. Together they have an 8 month old baby girl. Her big brother is a 3 year old Lab - Retriever mix named Seven. In her spare time, Megan likes to spend the summers up north as much as possible. Her family enjoys being outdoors gardening, taking walks, boating and bicycling. She also has a craft business, and in her spare time Megan is busy making new creations or doing craft shows. She is frequently found at an auction or antique show looking for unique finds.

Shawna
Shawna is a registered dental hygienist and has worked with us for almost one year. She has worked in the dental industry for about 14 years, first as a dental assistant and then in hygiene for the last 10. Shawna has been married to her husband for almost 9 years. Together they have 2 wonderful little boys (7 years old and 5 years old). In her spare time she enjoys relaxing in front of the TV, playing with her kids, reading, running, and the occasional "Guitar Hero" jam-session.

 

 


Treatment Coordinators

Marilyn
Marilyn has been working as a dental assistant for 41 years and the last 14 with Dr. Jankowski, as a Treatment Coordinator. She has been married 36 years to a great guy. They have two married children and four adorable grandchildren. Marilyn spends her spare time crocheting, fishing and reading. One of her favorite sports is hockey and she enjoys routing for the Redwings.

DeeAnne
DeeAnne has worked in the dental field for 20 years, 9 of those years have been with Dr. Jankowski, as a Teatment Coordinator. She loves working with people and enjoys all the new dental technology. She has 3 adult children whom she truly adores. In her spare time, DeeAnne enjoys snow skiing, water skiing, bike riding, gardening, and reading. She is also a member of Riverview church and is a Stephen minister.

Karen
Karen has worked with Dr. Jankowski for 6.5 years as a Treatment Coordinator. She lives in the country with her husband, and 18 year old son. Karen enjoys working out at the "Y", playing racquetball, mountain biking, making greeting cards, and scrapbooking. She enjoys watching her son play the trumpet in the high school band. He is looking forward to attending college in the fall at MSU.

Emily
Emily is a Treatment Coordinator who primarily assists Dr. Palmer. She has worked in the dental field for over 3 years. Emily recently relocated from northern Michigan and is loving her transition. She enjoys the rest of the team and feels she fits right in. Being the youngest employee, she now has more mothers than any one person needs. Emily spends most of her free time driving home to Petoskey to see family. She enjoys boating and being outdoors. Sports are another passion for Emily - not only participating, but also for entertainment purposes as well. She has to settle being a middle of the road fan, cheering for both the Wolverines and the Spartans.


















Dentist - Lansing, Richard Jankowski, D.D.S., 3333 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing MI, null 48910 5173934900