All of our dental assistants are E.F.D.A.’s (Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary). An E.F.D.A. is an individual who is State board-certified to place fillings and perform other dental procedures. One year of schooling as well as a board-certified examination are required. Michele, Lydia, and Cindy are all certified to complete an array of dental procedures and are registered as E.F.D.A.’s by the Ohio State Dental Board. They will answer any questions you may have and guide you in choosing the appropiate dental treatment.

Each staff member is required to have CPR training. They are also required to take specialized courses to keep them up-to-date in their field.and with the latest technology. Courses recently attended are:

• Medical Emergencies
• Radiology
• OSHA Updates
• Advanced Aesthetic Techniques
• Periodontal Issues for the Millennium
• Neuromuscular Occlusion

Michele Prather

Michele obtained her E.F.D.A. certification from Case Western Reserve University in 1980. She is licensed to place fillings for all patients, and has placed over 20,000 white bonded restorations. She is an expert in her field and was past president of the dental organization O.D.E.F.A, the Ohio Dental Expanded Functions Association. Michele will answer your questions regarding finances and billing.Email me!

Lydia Artler

Lydia graduated from Cuyahoga County Community College in 1981 with an associate degree in Dental Laboratory Technology. She obtained her E.F.D.A. certification from Case Western Reserve University, which qualifies her to place restorations for patients. She has over 31 years of experience in all phases of dental assisting. She is a master technician and an expert in teeth shaping and shading and CEREC cad/cam design, which is especially valuable for patients who require extensive care. She will work closely with patients when a laboratory type filling is necessary. Lydia is a member of O.D.E.F.A., as well as the National Association of Dental Assistants, and the American Dental Assistants Association. One of Lydia’s many talents is her innate, artistic ability to create individualized, beautiful smiles for each of her patients.Email me!

Cindy Onorato

Cindy has been in dentistry for over 30 years and graduated from Case Western Reserve University School Of Dentistry E.F.D.A. program in 1997. She has assisted in every area of dentistry and is licensed to take radiographs in Ohio. Cindy is trained in CEREC CAD/CAM design & INVISALIGN; clear braces that Cindy has also worn to straighten her teeth. She is an active member of the ADAA, NDAA, DANB & ODEFA organizations and continually takes continuing education courses in various areas of dentistry throughout the year. Cindy has enjoyed making dentistry her lifelong career and looks forward to seeing her patients at the office and meeting new ones daily.

Annette Hemminger, RN, LMT

Annette is a Registered Nurse (graduated in 1974 from Providence Hospital of Nursing in Sandusky, Ohio) and a Licensed Massage Therapist (graduated in 1996 from National Institute of Massotherapy in Akron, Ohio). She has also self-studied nutrition and alternative/holistic medicine. Her specialties in massage are reflexology, Swedish massage, neuromuscular techniques, myofacial release, chair massage, and using massage to help relieve the muscle pain of TMJD. She has studied at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies in neuromuscular therapies for dentistry and at the Cuyahoga County Community College learning the Gibbons Method of Massage Therapy. Annette also represents our office in public education and marketing opportunities.Email me!

Ann, Scheduling Coordinator

Ann is our scheduling coordinator. Her friendly voice is the first you are likely to hear when you call our office. She can arrange an appointment compatible with your schedule and your needs.Email me!