Dental Careers

What made NorthLakes appealing?

Northlakes stood out to me because of how well they stand behind their mission and values. They show they truly care about you from day one of the interview and beyond.

Were you supported going from student to dentist?

My transition has been absolutely incredible. I have access to resources that I can reach out to at any time, and they listen to and value my needs wholeheartedly.

What has surprised you most about working at NorthLakes?

Northlakes is exactly how I had pictured it. Since day one, they have been true, genuine people who care about their communities, and I recognized that from the beginning.

Has community health center work shaped you?

I am able to experience the diverse needs of different populations, which you normally may not see in private practice. The patients are incredibly thankful for the services, which is a great addition!

What would you tell a dental student considering NorthLakes?

Northlakes has been the best organization and clinic I could have asked for. I fully recommend joining the team if you align with the mission and goals of the organization!

What made NorthLakes appealing?

NorthLakes stood out because it prioritized patient care over production quotas. The mission-driven environment, collaborative healthcare model with other providers, diverse underserved patient base, and opportunity to practice full-scope general dentistry made it most appealing.

Were you supported going from student to dentist?

Absolutely. They offered shadowing, gradual scheduling, EHR training, and CE reimbursements. When I voiced needs for mentorship or confidence-building, they accommodated and prioritized my development.

What has surprised you most about working at NorthLakes?

I expected constant challenges with complex cases and limited resources but was surprised by how collaborative the entire team is. Hygienists, assistants, and non-dental providers work seamlessly together—I never tackle challenges alone. Having multiple providers on-site helps patients who can’t travel or feel anxious, making our work incredibly rewarding.

Has community health center work shaped you?

Working at NorthLakes broadened my perspective on dentistry’s role in overall health. Treating underserved patients taught me intentional education and communication skills. Collaborating with medical providers and meeting patients where they are has made me a more effective dentist.

What would you tell a dental student considering NorthLakes?

NorthLakes is incredible for new graduates seeking mentorship, case variety, and opportunities to serve the underserved. You’ll gain exposure to diverse procedures with a supportive team that wants you to succeed. You can focus on becoming your best clinician without sacrificing values or work-life balance. I genuinely enjoy serving alongside my teammates—work doesn’t feel like work here.

What made NorthLakes appealing?

NorthLakes appealed to me as a new graduate for several reasons, including clinical autonomy, comprehensive benefits (such as malpractice, short-term, and long-term disability, among others), eligibility for student loan repayment options, and a generous work-life balance.

Compared to other locations, NorthLakes has allowed me to focus solely on the dentistry aspect of my job and leave the other non-dental-related items to those better qualified.

Were you supported going from student to dentist?

NorthLakes allows new graduates to ramp up their schedule to the amount that fits the level they are at. They challenge you to grow while providing you space to adjust to the world outside of school.

NorthLakes has connected me with an abundance of doctors who possess a wide range of skills and work proficiently to support my growth. All my colleagues have been willing to tag-team cases that may be a little challenging for a new graduate and show me new techniques when I am stuck.

What has surprised you most about working at NorthLakes?

The most surprising thing about NorthLakes is that there have been no surprises. Everything they tell you is genuine and true. There have been no surprises, no rugs pulled out from under me. They have backed me 100% throughout my time here and show no signs of changing. They consistently listen to our feedback and adjust accordingly. NorthLakes not only cares about creating a healthier community but also supports its providers every day.

Has community health center work shaped you?

Working in a community health center has allowed me to see the daily struggles people face and how we, as providers, can support them beyond our professional roles. If a patient expresses difficulty getting transportation, we have someone available to help. If they mentioned oral hygiene is challenging due to mental health weighing them down, we have a service line in the same building, which we can hand them off to.

As a community health dentist, you can address your patients’ concerns and direct them to a physical person, in the building, who can help—rather than just offering pamphlets and toll-free support numbers to call.

What would you tell a dental student considering NorthLakes?

I would tell Marquette dentistry students to come and shadow. If you have never considered a career in community health, please take a day to shadow. Talk to people who have boots on the ground, see what their day looks like. Many of our providers participate in loan repayment programs while still having time to spend stress-free evenings with their families. Even if you never think you would work here in a million years, at least come and shadow. Maybe the environment and the personalities you meet will help shift your mindset.

What made NorthLakes appealing?

NorthLakes was appealing for a few reasons. First, they offered a salaried position that paid far more than any other Federally Qualified Health Center I’ve ever seen. This is huge for a new graduate to have a guaranteed source of income with no pressure to take on more than you can handle in order to get paid.

Second, they offer significant benefits, such as 403(b) with match, generous PTO, $4,000 CE allowance, to name a few. This is also ideal since I have seen many private practices that do not offer this at all.

Third, they advertised a “ramp-up” period where you start out seeing fewer patients and build up to speed over time. I am towards the end of my ramp-up phase, and it is exactly as advertised. I have had the opportunity to take on more cases when I feel like I am ready.

Were you supported going from student to dentist?

I am fortunate to be at a location where there are three other full-time dentists and numerous dental assistants. I have felt supported since the first day I started seeing patients, with plenty of help getting up to speed on how patient care works at NorthLakes. The assistants have been great and very patient with me, as I have learned how I like to structure appointment workflows. The other dentists on site have provided valuable mentorship for a new graduate. They have always taken the time to discuss cases and procedures with me.

What has surprised you most about working at NorthLakes?

I have been surprised by how willing NorthLakes has been in allowing me time to build up my patient-seeing speed. Even though I was told there would be a ramp-up phase, I was still wary, as I had heard that many Federally Qualified Health Centers would at least double or triple-book every appointment slot due to no-show rates, and I was nervous about whether that would actually be the case here. I am pleased to say that is not the case!

Has community health center work shaped you?

I have learned a great deal about my treatment philosophy as a dentist since I began. The mentorship from other dentists here, and the help I’ve received from the assistants, is invaluable in shaping me as a new provider. The biggest thing I’ve taken away from my time here thus far is that patients are overwhelmingly grateful that I am here to help them through whatever they are going through.

Many of the patients here don’t have any other options for dental care. They greatly appreciate that I can see them. I have been seeing patients of all ages; my youngest patient so far has been one year old, and the oldest patient has been almost 100 years old.

In the first month of seeing patients, I was already starting removable cases, doing extractions, starting endodontic treatment, and seeing all kinds of restorative work.

What would you tell a dental student considering NorthLakes?

I feel extraordinarily lucky to have been selected for the dentist position in Oconto, Wisconsin, when I applied as a fourth-year student. I would highly consider taking a position at NorthLakes if you enjoy all areas of dentistry, as you will see a wide variety of cases at any of the clinics.