“I started my career in dentistry in 1989, where I attended Jackson Area Career Center and later went on to receive my Certified Dental Assistant and Registered Dental Assistant licenses through Washtenaw Community College. Most of my career has been working as a clinical assistant. In 2014, I took a new position as Clinical Treatment Coordinator. I love that I can still utilize my acquired knowledge and experience to best serve my patients. It is great getting to work with such a dedicated team and helping our patients achieve their BEST smiles.”
“I have been in dentistry since 2004 when I started my dental education at the Jackson Area Career Center. I have worked as a doctor’s chairside assistant and as a Hygiene assistant since 2005. I enjoy what I do in treating patients and helping them achieve their dental health. I have one son who keeps me busy when I’m not at the office. I look forward to meeting each of you when you visit our office.”
“I have been a hygienist since 1980, and with Dr. Slete since 1988. All aspects of my job are rewarding, but the thing I enjoy most is establishing and developing relationships with my patients. I like to know about their families, interests and what makes them tick. In knowing this, I can relate to them better and help them to develop a plan for improving or maintaining their health and well being.”
“I have been working as a Dental hygienist here in our office for 26 years now! I am very happily married and have two wonderful daughters. The thing I enjoy most about our office– all of our wonderful patients. I have the joy of developing friendships with my patients and look forward to maintaining those relationships for many years to come.”
Dr. A.J. Balaze is a native of Davison, Michigan. His dental experience started at an early age working as an assistant in his father’s practice in Lapeer, Michigan. He then gained an even greater knowledge of the dental profession while working as a laboratory technician at Ward Dental Lab in Brighton, Michigan.
Dr. Balaze received his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University and graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio in 2013. While at Case Western he received the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to research and education in the field of Oral Implantology. During his dental education, Dr. Balaze was a contributor to a research study analyzing the accuracy and consistency of Cone Beam Computed Tomography used in dental procedures. He also contributed to the Bolton-Brush Growth Study Collection, which comprises the world’s most extensive source of longitudinal human growth data.
Dr. Balaze continues to maintain the highest level of learning and the most up-to-date techniques and methods of treatment, attending numerous advanced learning courses. He has dedicated hours of continuing education on dental sleep medicine and is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep medicine. This distinguishes him as a dental practitioner who has the knowledge and clinical expertise to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Dr. Balaze is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, and the Jackson District Dental Society. He currently resides in Dexter, Michigan with his wife Julia and children, Luke, Evelyn and Zachary and Mark. Dr. Balaze enjoys hockey, golf, guitar and photography
