DOUSMAN FAMILY DENTISTRY - Key Persons


Dr. James Schaeffer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Waukesha County Dental Society
Dr. James Schaeffer was born and raised in Oconomowoc where he currently lives with his wife, Laura, and their two boys, Nolan and Oliver. He graduated high school at Waukesha Christian Academy. He then attended University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for two years, finished his Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Marquette University, and graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2013. After leaving dental school, Dr. Schaeffer spent 5 years working as a general dentist in Watertown, WI. In August of 2018, he was able to realize his dream of taking over for his father, Dr. Dennis Schaeffer, and become a partner along with Drs. Goral and Whalen at Dousman Family Dentistry. Dr. Schaeffer is enthusiastic about all aspects of general dentistry, keeping up to date on the newest techniques and materials. He appreciates the ability that this family practice has to make everyone feel welcome and cared for and is committed to treating every patient as if they were part of his own family. This entails not only addressing immediate concerns, but focusing on the whole patient, ensuring high-quality care both and for the future. To stay up to date on the advances in dentistry, Dr. Schaeffer is a member of the Waukesha County Dental Society, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society. In his free time, Dr. Schaeffer loves to spend time with his family. Aside from that he enjoys cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks and watching and playing as much golf as time allows. To see the quality of service that Dr. Schaeffer provides, read our patients' reviews.

Dr. Michael T. Goral

Dr. Michael Goral, a lifelong Wisconsinite, grew up in Lake Country and graduated from Oconomowoc High School, just a few minutes from Dousman Family Dentistry. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for three years before being accepted to Marquette University's School of Dentistry. Fate intervened when Dr. Goral's uncle, who was grading a new dental office in Dousman, learned that another dentist was needed in the practice. In 1990, Dr. Goral joined Dr. Schaeffer, and Dousman Family Dentistry was born. Dr. Goral likes that his profession allows him to develop long-term relationships with a large cross-section of the community. Dr. Goral is an active member of the Waukesha County Dental Society, the Wisconsin Dental Association & the Chicago Dental Association. Dr. Goral also volunteers his services to patients of the Lake Area Free Clinic. Dr. Goral lives with his grandson, Ben, on a small hobby farm situated along the Bark River. He raises sheep, chickens, bees, hogs and at times, goats. He also makes maple syrup every spring. He enjoys gardening and strives to primarily eat food produced on their land or from a local community-supported agriculture (CSA). If he's not digging in the dirt at home, he's probably running or skate-skiing the trails at Lapham Peak, playing basketball, or backpacking in a national park or forest. To see the quality of Dr. Goral's dental care, read our patients' reviews.

Dr. Richard V. Whalen

Dr. Richard Whalen is a Phoenix, Arizona native who graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. Five years later, he moved to Wisconsin to pursue his career in dentistry. Dr. Whalen attended Marquette University School of Dentistry and graduated in 2000. Upon graduation, he joined Dousman Family Dentistry as an associate and became a full partner in 2002. Dr. Whalen has a passion for the art that is dentistry and enjoys all aspects of dentistry, especially cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, root canal therapy, and orthodontics. He treats patients of all ages and provides dentistry from a patient-centered approach. Only after listening to his patient's desires does he share information with them on all of their options. The last step is creating a treatment plan that addresses immediate needs and overall oral health goals. Dentistry is a dynamic profession and Dr. Whalen is dedicated to providing the best, most current treatment options, so he regularly attends continuing education courses to keep up to date with all the advances in dentistry. He is also an active member in the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the Waukesha County Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and is a member of the Faculty Club at Spear Education. When not at the office or a continuing education course, Dr. Whalen enjoys spending as much time as possible with his three children Ivey, Tatum, and Jake. To read what patients say about Dr. Whalen's dental and orthodontic care, take a look at our reviews.

Mary Kate

Job Titles:
  • Dental Hygienist since October 2021