Melisa Potocki, DMD
I chose the oral healthcare field because I grew up around it. My mom, Kristine, was a dental assistant for most of my life—and I also spent a lot of time in the dental chair as a kid. When I was 12 years old, I broke two of my front teeth at school. The care and compassion my dentists showed me, and seeing the difference their work made in my life, were major factors in why I chose my field.
As a pediatric dentist, I love getting to know my patients and their individual personalities—they say the funniest, cutest, and smartest things. There is nothing more exciting for me professionally than to instill confidence in my patients by giving them healthy, beautiful smiles, while also giving them the tools they need to maintain long-lasting dental health. I want to help my patients to enjoy—and even get excited about—going to the dentist!
I encourage parents to be present and active in their child’s dental care at home and at every appointment. My team shares my values of safety, compassion, and teamwork. We believe that dental care is not a “one size fits all” approach, so we work with families and really listen to create treatment and preventative care plans which work best for them. We work hard to create a fun and energetic environment to achieve these goals for our patients.
Education
- University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science
- University of Kentucky, Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Case Western Reserve University/Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Professional Organizations
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomates
- Jackson District Dental Society
- Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentists
Continuing Education
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomates Webinars
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Annual Sessions and Monthly Journals
- Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Seminars (including PALS course every two years for safety)
- Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meetings
- Michigan Dental Association Annual Sessions
- SprigU Zirconia Crown Hands-on Course
Outside the Office
I’m originally from Canada, but I grew up in Rochester, Michigan. My daughters Ewa, Emilia, and Eleanora all attend school in Grass Lake. We share our home with our puppy Milo, our 12-year-old rescue dog.
I look forward to spending time outdoors with my family, where we enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, and skiing. I also love to read every day, practice yoga, and am passionate about supporting maternal mental health.
I enjoy teaching and giving presentations to schools, the community, and other professionals, and I’ve been featured on the news in the UP (Marquette) and as a guest on an “Ask the Expert” panel on WNMU-TV.
Personal Statement
We find that many adults are afraid of going to the dentist because of an experience they had as a child. My goal is to stop that cycle and to help create patients who not only have healthy mouths, but who enjoy going to the dentist. Safety is always my top priority, and providing a positive experience is a very close second.
