MI FAMILY DENTAL - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Dentist
• General Dentist, Owner

Dr. Cheng is an experienced dentist with a strong background in science. In addition to all the routine dental services you would expect-dental exams, cleanings, fillings, etc.-she also has the skill and training needed to perform advanced procedures like dental implant placement and bone grafting. Dr. Cathy Cheng followed a unique career path to the field of dentistry. Born and raised in China, Dr. Cheng came to the US for graduate school in 2003 and has called it home ever since. Before transitioning to dentistry, Dr. Cheng was a biomedical researcher who studied the genes and proteins fundamental to several human diseases. Her research work had led to multiple original research or review articles published in prestigious biomedical journals, some of which can be found here. While she found her research work extremely interesting, Dr. Cheng had a deep desire to improve human health more directly. This desire led her to the field of dentistry, where she could use her skilled and artistic hands to help people improve their oral health and transform their smiles. Following her passion, Dr. Cheng earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, where she graduated at the top of her class and was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a National Honor Dental Society. She also received General Practice Residency (GPR) training at the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital and the University of Michigan Hospital, during which she gained experience treating medically compromised patients and individuals with complex dental needs. Dr. Cheng maintains memberships in the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. She firmly believes in lifelong learning and has been to various continuing education courses every year in order to deliver optimal care for all of her patients. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Cheng enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, and is proud of being an avid runner!

Job Titles:

• Retired

Dr. Smillie ran this practice for 47 years. He saw and treated many patients while serving the community. He still enjoys playing tennis and traveling frequently. Dr. Smillie fully endorses Dr. Cheng as the new owner of this dental practice. He has offered to sit down with patients that may have questions pertaining to their treatment. He comes in occasionally as a coach and mentor to our dental staff, although he is fully retired and enjoying it.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy

Dr. Zhou graduated from West China University of Medical Sciences in 1991. After graduation, he went on to complete orthodontic specialty training and obtained a PhD from the same University. Once Dr. Zhou moved to the United States, he completed a three-year graduate Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Residency Program at Medical College of Georgia, in which he received his certifications for Periodontics. Dr. Zhou is a board certified Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Zhou is currently a clinical professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. He strives to provide high quality multidisciplinary treatment, with focus on periodontics and implant dentistry. Dr. Zhou lectures dentistry internationally and has published a number of peer-reviewed articles.