Our Team

team-photo

South Bend Dentists

Robert S. Austgen, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; Bachelor of Science, 1969 Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN; Doctor of Dental Science, 1973

Richard L. Cohen, DDS

Board-certified Pediatric Dental Specialist

New York University, New York, NY; Bachelor of Arts, 1976, and Doctor of Dental Science, 1979 U.S. Army, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Specialty Training Pediatric Dentistry, 1991

University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN; Bachelor of Science Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN; Doctor of Dental Surgery University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Residency Certificate

Lisa R. Dekker-Reed, DDS

General Dentist

Dr. Dekker-Reed earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA in 1986. She continued her education at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2001.

Lauren (Mummert) Alavanja, DDS, MSD

Board-certified Pediatric Dental Specialist

For Dr. Lauren (Mummert) Alavanja, Pediatric Dentistry is her passion in life. She strives to deliver the highest quality pediatric dental care to families. She likes to learn about patients and form professional relationships with the family. Her goal is to provide the best dental care to each individual patient. Dr. Alavanja is fluent in English and Spanish.

Patricia Gyasi, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Gyasi specializes in Pediatric Dentistry, making dental experiences pleasurable for children and their parents by creating a fun and safe environment. She establishes goals and treatment plans for her small patients which makes building a rapport with parents a success.

Amanda Braun, DDS

Pedodontist

The Pediatric Dentistry Department at The South Bend Dental Center provides Comfort Bears to their patients in need of that something extra during treatment.

Comfort Bears

These Comfort Bears are donated by the Delta Theta Tau sorority of New Carlisle, IN.

Jen Leonard, RDH, a long time employee and pediatric dental hygienist, partnered with her mom Steph Lloyd to provide these donated Bears.

Patients can take these Bears home with them after their appointment free of charge! This is the thanksgiving version! the christmas version will be coming soon!

So, if your child requires a “comfort bear” during their dental visit, or they just forget to bring their very own favorite comfort item to their appointment please ask a staff member for one of these Comfort Bears.

Thanks, again to the Delta Theta Tau sorority of New Carlisle, IN for donating their energies to assist children manage what can be stressful situation.

Bringing “miles and miles of Michiana smiles” every day to our community!
– The Dental Center, South Bend, IN

Not only was The South Bend Dental Clinic open on Saturday November 11th to serve Veterans and their family members. They used the occasion to honor one of their own. Dr. (Colonel, US ARMY Retired) Richard L. Cohen.

Major Cohen circa 1988 (Ft. Hood, TX) competing to earn the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge!

The Dental Center staff members honor his service with a special gift!

The Dental Center made a yummy cake with 24 Blueberries representing the number of years Dr. Cohen was on Active Duty.

The South Bend Dental Center: Serving our community and Our Country.

The Dental Center South Bend Pedo staff shared in an exciting adventure during their team building day at the Edge Adventures Park at Rum Village Park in South Bend this past weekend.

Read What Our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

Staff were very knowledgeable and came to aid in a reasonable amount of time.

Noah S.

We always have a pleasant experience & everyone is very nice to my son. I also feel like things are explained well, & I’m asked before procedures are done.

Donovin B.

Nice service. And great job

Juliette C.

Felt like the dentist listened to me and concerns. Didn’t feel rushed

Khale L.

My daughter had a not very good experience at her first dental check at another practice. She was so much happier and said the she really liked Dr. Reed. Dr. Reed was so great with her and it made me […]

Annaleigh B.

I love the employees always nice and pleasant.

Tessa L.

Professionalism, waiting period wasn’t that long to be called back.

Jariyah W.

So polite & friendly !

Lilly H.

My kids love going to this dentist! I appreciate how patient they are with my children and everyone is very nice. I am very happy with Smile Safari!

Lee W.

Very Nice People!! Fast and effective!!

Sean L.

Every one was very respectful & polite & didn’t mind answering questions

Jaden K.

The hygienist and denist are always very nice and understanding. Great experience for my special needs daughter and me.

Lydwine W.

People are always nice and answer all questions.

Mark M.

Friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant staff!

Alexis M.

Always a friendly staff

Hailey A.

All of the ladies are so kind and gentle with the children and they are super friendly and knowledgeable!

Noah W.

love everything!

Emerald A.

Great service

Mark D.

love everything

Landon A.

Service is great.

Broc D.

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patients are saying