GRAND RIVER PERIODONTICS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the West Michigan District Dental Society

Dr. Smith grew up In Holland and attended Hope College, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with degrees in biology and chemistry. He completed his dental education at the University of Michigan, and upon graduation, was awarded a clinical teaching position at the dental school, until finishing his residency in periodontics in 1985. In 2009, Dr. Smith earned fellowship status at the Misch International Implant Institute and the International Congress of Oral lmplantologlsts. In 2012, Dr. Smith rejoined the faculty at the U of M for a year as an adjunct assistant clinical professor in the department of graduate Periodontology/Oral Medicine, where he instructed their residents in the clinical practice of his specialty. Dr. Smith is an active member of the West Michigan District Dental Society (and the editor of its Journal), as well as the Michigan Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and the International Congress of Oral lmplantologists. Dr. Smith has also served on the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Alumni Board of Governors. Dr. Smith has gone on several dental mission trips to Guyana, South America. And in addition to being very personally rewarding, has found that doing this kind of work in a third world setting is a good test of one's ability to improvise with and organize the resources and personnel that are available. These trips are character building and helpful in resetting one's priorities, especially after the team gets back home. Recreational activities include snow skiing, tennis, bicycling, hiking, fishing, photography, and travel. Dr. Smith has grown twin daughters that also live in west Michigan.

Dr. Sinacola is a Michigan native who attended Michigan State University, graduating with degrees in Human Biology and Microbiology. Like Dr. Smith, she attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for her dental education. While in dental school, she completed a dual-degree, earning her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research through the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She continued at the University of Michigan for her periodontal residency and Master of Science degree in Periodontics and is now an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the Periodontics and Oral Medicine Department. After graduation, Dr. Sinacola took the additional steps to become board-certified in both periodontics and dnetal implants and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Sinacola is an active member of organized dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and American Dental Association. She serves as a Delegate in the Michigan Dental Association and member of the Membership Committee. She is Vice President of the Kent County Dental Society and is on the board of the West Michigan District Dental Society as the Editor of The Bulletin. In her free time, Dr. Sinacola enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, and playing the piano.