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Meet The Team

  

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Team Leader

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S., a native of Grand Rapids and graduate of East Kentwood High School, received his Associate Degree of Arts and Science from the Grand Rapids Community College, Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Brian is a Life Member of the Michigan Dental Association, a member of the Chicago Dental Society, West Michigan Dental Society, and Life Member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Brian is also certified as a clear aligner provider by Invisalign, Clear Correct & Sure Smile. Dr. Brian also a certified Sleep Group Solution provider. 

"Continuing education is a cornerstone of our office philosophy. Our team members are driven by our shared goal of providing all our patients with the highest level of care, compassion and gentle treatment. In our office we do not work on teeth; we work with people who have teeth. There is difference in our focus and it shows in our level of patient care." 

"In our office we offer the respect you deserve along with the commitment to deliver quality care performed with the best of our abilities. Our aim is to be thorough, yet provide comfortable care in a positive atmosphere that emphasizes the value of good dental health and its connection to good overall health. The focus of our team is on you. Do not ever hesitate to ask a question or make a request, as you are the reason we are here. We offer a comfortable environment and quality services with a personal touch. Most of our patients consider our staff to be friends because they are treated as such."

"In my spare time I enjoy the great outdoors. Landscaping, boating and waterskiing are my summer passions. I also enjoy a good football game. The Michigan Wolverines and Green Bay Packers are my two favorite teams.  We have six rescue cats that are our babies and they love to curl up with me and enjoy a good movie, or reading a good book. " ~  Brian 

 

 

Since Dr. Brian loves books we have added a little lending library to our office landscape. Stop by and borrow, or loan a fellow reader a book. Our little library is right under the flag pole in front of our office.

 



Kris

Certified Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Assistant, Office Administrator

Kris received her Associates Degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She received her Registered Dental Assistant certification from the State of Michigan and is a Certified Dental Assistant through the National Board.

"I enjoy meeting all of our patients and assisting them in meeting their goal of obtaining and maintaining optimal dental health. If you ever have any questions regarding your dental health, appointments, obligations or recommended treatment I am more than happy to be of assistance."

"We have added sleep dentistry to our wide array of treatment. It is fascinating how sleeping better can improve overall health. If you have a better night's sleep it not only helps you to awake refreshed, but can lead to a healthier, longer life as cells rebuild and the body 'reboots' during the REM sleep phases."

"When not in the office I enjoy spending time in our garden, reading a book, hanging out with our cats, beading or creating some form of jewelry, or playing with my new Cricut making shirts, mugs or other fun crafts. I have also found I love photography and have some of my photos displayed in my office."

"We spend a lot of time in the summer boating, or waterskiing in Spring Lake and enjoying the natural beauty that Michigan has to offer." ~  Kris  


Richelle

Administrative Assistant

Richelle received her degree in Social Science and Communications from Lake Superior State University. We are excited to have her rejoin our administrative team full-time.

“I’m so excited to be back at Nylaan Dental! I took a small break and went into Real-estate full time after getting my license in June 2018. While away I realized how much I missed the patients and team at Nylaan Dental. As well as how much I missed educating patients about dental health and over all health."

"This December I will be celebrating 10 years working with Dr Nylaan and his team. It’s been a pleasure working with all our patients, helping them understand and take charge of their over all health."
 
"This fall I’m dropping down to part time to take a few classes at GRCC and work towards an Allied Health Sciences degree."
 
"On the weekends I try to spend as much time as I can with my husband Brady, daughter Skyler & son Clayton. Currently our favorite thing to do as a family is watching their cousin play hockey. Skyler is our fearless-wild child, she loves to sing & dance. Clay is very laid back, loves to sing and his current favorite thing to do is hiss at our cats Java and America and wonder why they ran away." ~  Richelle  


Aly

Administrative Assistant

Aly graduated from Belding High in 2019.

"I have been with Dr. Nylaan's dental practice since I was a little girl. I've always loved coming for my continuing care visits over the years and now I get to be apart of this amazing team”

"I have learned all the aspects of the dental office from sterilizing treatment rooms and instruments to setting appointments and working with patients at the front."

“Some of my interests contain watching my favorite hockey teams The Detroit Red Wings and The Seattle Krakken, listening to music by some of my favorite artists including the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift and Bazzi. I enjoy being wrapped up in a blanket with my pups watching our favorite show Gilmore Girls."

"In my down time I like to surround myself with my significant other, Gavin and being a fur-mom to our dogs Dexter and Puddles." ~ Aly



Aria

Registered Dental Hygienist

Aria, originally from Bay City, Michigan, graduated in 2021 with an Associate’s degree in Arts & Science from Saginaw's Delta College. She is licensed in Nitrous Oxide Sedation, certified in Local Anesthesia, and registered as a Dental Hygienist by the State of Michigan.

Passionate about patient care, Aria takes pride in creating a comfortable and welcoming experience for every patient. She is dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain optimal oral health, ensuring their smiles remain beautiful and healthy.
 
“I chose to work at Nylaan Dental because of the welcoming and positive atmosphere. I wanted to be part of a team that enjoys working together and having fun with their patients. We pride ourselves on providing the best dental experience for our patients.”
 
"In my spare time I enjoy spending time with her family, friends, significant other, and my two cats. I like watching TV and movies, cooking, knitting, and doing puzzles. I also love outdoor activities such as running, playing tennis, and rollerblading." ~ Aria


Trisha

Registered Dental Hygienist

Trisha received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from Ferris State University. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

"I love thrifting, visiting antique stores, Volkswagen Beetles, and all things PINK and girly!"
 
"When I’m not saving smiles and educating my patients on healthy oral hygiene, I spend most of my time with my loved ones and our fur babies!"
 
"Family and friends are a huge part of my life. I had to learn the hard way after losing my younger brother in a car accident in 2021, that life isn’t forever. That changed my whole perspective on life and pushed me to want to leave a positive impact on as many people as I can. I have found that this career as a Dental Hygienist in Dr Nylaan’s office is an amazing way of doing that. I don’t feel pressured to treat my patients like another number. To us, our patients are like family."
 
"I can’t promise you won’t leave my chair without feeling like you’ve had a shower, or finding random pieces of polishing paste in your hair, but I can promise that you and your overall health and well-being is my top priority as your hygienist!" ~ Trisha 



Shauna

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shauna received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan.

"I love to educate my patients and build relationships, so you can understand the need for your continuing care and be more comfortable during each visit."

"Outside of dental hygiene, music is a huge passion of mine. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting at a piano playing and singing a song. My husband, Kyle is also into music. It is something we both love to do together. I also love to snuggle up with my dog and cat and read a great book. Kyle and I are proud parents of  Hayden. Our darling little girl. " 

I will be transitioning out of dental hygiene for the time being and moving into the music ministry at my church. This decision has not been easy to make, but I definitely feel the call to move in this new direction. I will remain close with Dr. Brian and my team mates as everyone is like one big family !  ~ Shauna

Shauna sees patients in our office every few months. We love continuing to have her as a part of our extended team. 


Kaitie

Registered Dental Assistant

Kaitie received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She is certified as a Registered Dental Assistant with the State of Michigan and received her Radiation certification through the State of Michigan. 

“I’ve worked with Dr. Nylaan for almost 15 years and I love it! I enjoy being able to help you keep your smile healthy. I love having the opportunity to get to know my patients on a personal level! My priority is making sure that you are relaxed and as comfortable as possible throughout your dental visit.”
 
“When I’m not working you'll find me spending all my time with my daughter Raelynn and sons Paxton & Noah! We love being outside, playing in the backyard, swimming, playing with our dog Cooper, going for bike rides and having bonfires in the summer. I also enjoy crafting and refinishing old furniture. ~ Kaitie


Christine

Dental Assistant

Christine received her dental assisting certificate from Grand Rapids Educational Center and received her Radiation certification through the State of Michigan. 

"I enjoy working in our office because everyone works as a team and our patients are great. i also love meeting new people, so this is a great career choice for me." 

"One of the first things I notice about someone is their smile and their teeth. Helping our patients makes me believe I am making a positive impact in their health and the community. I love building relationships with patients during their dental visits."

"When not in the office I love camping with my family, spending time with my mom, sons and our dog." ~ Christine


Hannah

Dental Assistant

Hannah received her dental assisting certification through Ross. She is currently completing her externship in our office and working on her radiation certification through the State of Michigan. Hannah will be joining our team when her externship is complete. 

"At Nylaan Dental I've learned so much and how school and the real world are a lot different. Dr. Nylaan is great. The entire team is very understanding and helpful, I couldn't ask for better co-workers." ~ Hannah

 


Ashley

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Ashley received her Associates degree in Arts & Science and Bachelors degree in Allied Health from Ferris State. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan.  

Ashley works with our office on occasion during the Summer months. She splits her time between Michigan and Florida and was planning to join us again for the 2024 Summer season however, she will be spending her time with a newborn this Summer. 

"I love educating my patients. Dentistry is changing lives for the better. Dental health is linked to so many other health issues. A healthier mouth leads to a healthier body and I love helping people understand the connection." 

"When not doing dentistry I spend my time with my husband, son, new baby and friends in the area." ~ Ashley


Elyssa

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Elyssa received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

"The thing I love most about dentistry is changing lives for the better! Dental health is linked to so many other things in your body and I love educating people on the importance on overall health."

"Outside of working, I love being in Michigan - this state has so much to offer. " ~ Elyssa


Jessie

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Jessie received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Kellogg Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

She is one of our favorite traveling dental hygienist. Everyone loves her positivity and attention to detail.

"I love educating my patients on the importance of good dental care and discussing their goals."

"I enjoy working with this office. The dental team is welcoming and fun. Dr. Nylaan is great too."

"When not in a dental office I spend time with my husband and our five children." ~ Jessie 


Ashley

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Ashley received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

She is another of our favorite traveling dental hygienist. Ashley helps us with our Monday scheduling. 

"I enjoy working with Dr. Nylaan's team. He is great and the team are SO helpful and positive." ~ Ashley


Alice

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Alice received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the Grand Rapids Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

She is another of our favorite traveling dental hygienist. Alice helps us with our Thursday scheduling. 

"I love working with Nylaan Dental. I worked here in 2020 and I am happy to be back helping see everyone and giving them the best dental care possible." ~ Alice


Jolene

Traveling Registered Dental Hygienist

Jolene received her Associates degree in Arts & Science from the KV Community College. She has received her Nitrous Oxide Sedation license, Anesthesia certification, and is certified as a Registered Dental Hygienist through the State of Michigan. 

She is another of our favorite traveling dental hygienist. Jolene will be helping us for the month of June while she is visiting from the State of Texas. 

"I travel to visit family on the Lakeshore, but just cannot not practice dentistry while I am here in Michigan." ~ Jolene



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