What makes Red Arrow Dentistry, “The Dental Care Center” in Bridgman, one of a kind? A unique partnership with staff and community! “We're here when you need us,” said office coordinator Yvonne Kieft, wife of the clinic's founder, Dr. Kenneth J. Kieft. “Our practice is open over 57 hours per week offering emergency care.”

It was an emergency that brought the couple together over 38 years ago. Yvonne's impacted wisdom teeth led her to the University of Michigan's dental clinic where Kenneth, a young dental student, was interning in oral surgery. “Kenneth watched as his instructor removed my wisdom teeth,” Yvonne said. “When I returned to have my stitches out, Kenneth asked me for a date.”

That was the beginning of a romance that blossomed into matrimony and a unique business partnership. The Vietnam War, however, interrupted the romance. Kenneth served in the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam while they were engaged. “It was a scary time for both of us,” Yvonne said.

Kenneth and Yvonne were married three weeks after he returned home from Vietnam. The couple decided to locate their practice in what they felt was the prettiest area of the state…southwestern Michigan. “A small town setting appealed to both of us,” Kenneth said. “We wanted to be involved in the community.”

In the early 1970s, Kenneth served on the Bridgman school board, and Yvonne taught at the Bridgman Elementary School until they started their family. “I returned to teaching after my three sons started school,” Yvonne said. “But my husband wanted me to be a part of the dental center. I knew that God had given me to him as a helpmate, so I took the position of appointment secretary at the clinic. As the practice grew, I hired more staff and managed the office.”

We have two full time dentists and two full time hygienists on our team to take care of your dental needs. "Most of our emergency patients come in because they are in pain," Dr. Mike Marcincuk said. "But once they find out how caring our staff is, they become regular patients."

The clinic has 13 employees that provide a full range of services that include cosmetic dentistry, extractions, braces for children and adults, whitening of teeth, Invisalign (invisible braces), root canal and gum disease treatment and dental care for children. "We have patients that travel a great distance to see us. This is the kind of practice and technology that you’d expect to see in Chicago or another large metropolitan area," Dr. Marcincuk said.

Some of the latest technologies include Diagnodent, a way to detect decay below the enamel of a tooth that traditional methods can’t pick up until the decay hits the root of the tooth. Micro dentistry, another hi tech process, identifies abrasions or small cracks in tooth enamel that can be repaired to prevent a cavity down the road.

"The decisions that we make here are driven by the dental needs of the community. That’s why we offer convenient appointment hours. We’re open two mornings at 7 AM, three evenings until 8 PM, and every other Saturday", said Dr. Kieft. Red Arrow Dentistry’s paperless practice has nine treatment rooms that are fully computerized with digital cameras and X-rays.

The Kiefts feel it is very important to stay physically fit. They enjoy riding their bikes, lifting weights, and exercising. Both like to read, fish, and play with their grandson during their leisure time.

The Kiefts are very involved in their church. Dr. Kieft is currently serving as chairman of the deacon board and is co-teaching Sunday school for the four and five year olds with his wife, Yvonne.