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Dr. Robert Antolak, a 1987 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, formerly shared office space with a dentist friend in Warren. Antolak is also known throughout Macomb and Oakland counties for his portable dentistry practice, which he will now do on Thursdays.

“I chose Shelby Township because it’s really nice out here,” Antolak said. “Many of my patients are from this area. It’s growing and it’s perfect for us.”

Antolak took his time and found the site of a former dental practice along 22 Mile Road just west of Hayes. He completely gutted the large suite and started sixth months of work to make it exactly the way he wanted it.

“I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was 8 years old,” he said. “That part has come true. I have a wonderful family, wonderful staff and now I have the perfect place for us and our patients.”

The building - and especially the staff - makes patients feel comfortable. The waiting area is open with a flat screen television, a coffee/juice bar and easy access to Dr. Antolak and his employees.

Consultation areas offer privacy and access to all information a patient would need to make their own dentistry decisions.

“We want them to be comfortable with the whole process,” Dr. Antolak said. “We aren’t going to force them into a treatment they don’t want or need.”

Everything in Dr. Antolak’s office is computerized, from the records to low-exposure digital dental X-rays to treatment photos. It’s as close to paperless as possible. Treatment rooms have soft, well-placed lighting to be easy on the patient’s eyes. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Treatment can come with “Dream Dentistry,” a one-pill sedation that allows you to doze through the entire procedure without memory afterward, but Antolak has earned the nickname “The Gentle Dentist” for his focus on patient comfort.

“It’s important that we create relationships with our patients,” Antolak said. “Our goal is beautiful smiles, created in a comfortable atmosphere.”

From general check-ups to cosmetic dentistry, the staff is prepared and continues to be educated in the latest techniques and products.

Antolak is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, ADA, MDA, and Christian Dental Society and Crown Council.

He has provided dentistry to the poor internationally through multiple Christian groups and hopes to help those who need it in northern Macomb County.

“There are people everywhere who can’t afford basic care - they’re living in pain,” Antolak said. “I would love to take care of people and provide a day of emergency care free of charge. It’s important to give back. That is what I love to do.”

Antolak and his wife, Polly, have two children, Grace and Matthew.

“They haven’t seen me much while I’ve worked on this building,” Antolak said. “It’s nice to be here, and to be part of the community. All of the hard work is worth it.”

Dr. Antolak’s office is located at 15055 22 Mile Road, Suite 2, in Shelby Township. For more information, call 247-3500 or visit www.TheGentleDentist.com. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Portable dentistry is done on Thursdays by appointment. For more information on portable dentistry, call 873-5567.

Dr. Robert Antolak’s office is sponsoring a Good Deed Contest for students 18 years and younger. The best essay explaining a good deed will win a new home computer. For more information, visit the office at 15055 22 Mile Road

or www.TheGentleDentist.com.