Meet the Doctors
Dr. Rich Strikwerda
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Dr. Rich Strikwerda graduated from the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan in 1982 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Prior to his studies at the U of M he attended Calvin College, graduating there in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Rich was born and raised in Holland Michigan and attended Holland Christian Schools.
After finishing dental school, Dr. Rich worked for 2 years as dentist and director of the Jackson Area Dental Clinic, a public health clinic focused on providing dental care to low-income children in Jackson, as well as providing educational experiences to the University's School of Dentistry. After his work there, Dr. Rich and Dr. Susan Strikwerda moved to Holland to join Dr. James'(Rich's father) practice and form Strikwerda Family Dentistry. In 1996, the practice outgrew it's original location on 29th Street, and moved to the more-spacious current location on West 35th Street. Since graduating from dental school, Dr. Rich has kept his education up to date by attending continuing education classes on a regular basis, helping to insure that patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care available.
Dr. Rich tries to travel yearly to Central America to provide dental care to adults and children in remote areas there. He has also participated in various programs that provide donated dental services.
Dr. Rich is a member of the American Dental Association as well as the Michigan Dental Association. He has served as deacon and elder in his church and as a Holland Christian School board member. In his spare time, he enjoys among other things, hiking, golf, computers/technology and reading. Dr. Rich feels blessed to be able to serve God, family, patients and staff in this wonderful community, and enjoys his career today more than ever.
Dr. Dan Gardner
Dr. Gardner is originally from Alma Michigan. He attended Hope College for his undergraduate studies where he majored in Biology and Chemistry. He attended dental school in Fort Lauderdale Florida where he received his D.M.D. from Nova Southeastern University. He is dedicated to providing patients with the most predictable dental treatments possible while always showing compassion and understanding whatever the situation may be.
Dr. Gardner is a member of the Michigan Dental and American Dental Associations. Dr. Gardner is married to wife Marisa and has three children Dalton, Davis, and Brooks. He also is a dog lover and has a black lab named Jack. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr.Susan Strikwerda (Retired)
Dr. Susan Strikwerda was born in Lajolla, California. Her father's career in the Navy enabled their family to live in many places on the east and west coast as well as Hawaii and Spain. In 1979 she graduated from Calvin College and in 1984 obtained a D.D.S. degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She then joined the dental practice with her husband and father-in-law.
Dr. Susan has traveled to Central America to provide dental care to adults and children in remote areas.
Dr. Susan is a member of the American Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association. She volunteers at church and enjoys traveling, reading and cooking.
Dr. James Strikwerda (Retired)
Dr. James Strikwerda was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He attended Calvin College and in 1953 received his degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. After graduation he served in Korea as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Dental Corp. In July 1955 he and his wife Dolly moved to Holland and started his dental practice.
Dr. James is a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association.
He spent two short terms providing volunteer dental care on the mission field in Nigeria, West Africa. Congratulations to Dr. James on his retirement!