Our Team
Dentist Team
Dr. Michael Orchekowski
Dr. Mike joined Dr. T.K. Scheer in 1990 and together started Lakeshore Dental in 1991. He is a graduate of Roncalli High School in Manitowoc, and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1988.
“The integrity of a profession that is so involved in prevention means everything to me. Practicing in the dental field with Lakeshore Dental all these years has allowed me to meet and build relationships with so many truly wonderful people, many of whom I consider friends. All the people, from my patients to our team, make coming to work every day amazing.”
Dr. Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, and travel adventures with his wife, Deanna, and their family.
Dr. Lauren P. Zipperer
Dr. Lauren P. Zipperer was born and raised in Valders, Wisconsin graduating from Valders High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Lauren then went on to receive her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2021. After graduating from dental school, she wanted to come back to the area to be able to serve her community. In 2022, she trained and received her botox certification and is able to perform cosmetic and therapeutic botox treatments in the office.
Dr. Lauren’s goal is to be able to develop long-lasting relationships with all her patients and provide them with exceptional dental care. When Dr. Lauren is not practicing dentistry, she is usually hunting or fishing with her husband, Jake, or hiking with their black lab, Kenai.
Hygiene Team
Our hygiene team’s focus is on ensuring the long-term oral health of our patients. Specifically, each of our hygienists is adept at assessing patients’ oral health conditions, performing oral cancer screenings as well as head and neck inspections, treating periodontal disease, and administering local anesthetics.
Our dental hygienists make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and treatment techniques and providing patients with guidance on oral health care, prevention and nutrition. Each member of our hygiene team prides herself on getting to know her patients and providing dental care on an individual basis.
Randi — RDH
Meet Randi – Registered Dental Hygienist at Lakeshore Dental
Randi Whitt is a passionate and knowledgeable Registered Dental Hygienist who brings curiosity, dedication, and a patient-focused mindset to the Lakeshore Dental team. A graduate of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Randi is deeply committed to continuous learning and always seeks out the latest advancements in dental care.
What fuels her work most is the opportunity to help patients take ownership of their health — not just their oral health, but their full-body wellness. Randi values clear communication in the workplace and believes that truly listening to patients is the key to exceptional care.
She is especially passionate about educating others on how oral health affects the entire body, and her favorite part of a dental appointment is when a patient has that “aha!” moment about preventing disease. Her approach for nervous patients is thoughtful and empowering:
She takes time to communicate, answers questions, and ensures each person feels heard.
If she could invent a dental breakthrough, it would be a way to naturally rebuild tooth structure — merging nature and science for healthier outcomes.
She also wishes more people knew the truth:
Genetics aren’t the main cause of cavities or gum disease — diet and habits matter more.
When it comes to personality, Randi is strong, caring, and a true advocate — which makes it no surprise that her ideal dental superhero sidekick would be Wonder Woman.
One of her most fulfilling discoveries in the field is the joy of building relationships across generations of families — watching trust grow year after year.
Her favorite sound? Waves — for their calming, relaxing rhythm.
And her go-to dental pun?
“Floss the only teeth you want to keep!”
Gail — RDH
Meet Gail – Registered Dental Hygienist at Lakeshore Dental
With an incredible 46 years of dental experience, Gail Denor brings deep knowledge, professionalism, and heartfelt care to every patient she sees. Her background includes work as a Dental Assistant, Front Office team member, and Registered Dental Hygienist, making her one of the most well-rounded members of the Lakeshore Dental team.
She earned her certifications from both Waukesha County Technical College and Lakeshore Technical College, and holds credentials in Local Anesthesia, CPR, and is a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Gail continues to pursue ongoing education in updated technology and periodontal care to stay at the forefront of the field.
Gail is passionate about her profession — especially when it comes to education, prevention, and overall health and wellness. She values strong communication, team bonds, and the ability to practice with autonomy. For Gail, it all comes down to one principle:
“Patient care comes first.”
Her favorite part of a dental appointment is the opportunity to deliver one-on-one personal care, and her advice to nervous patients is simple but powerful:
“Go slow — your needs come first.”
She wishes more people understood that flossing truly does save teeth — and the myth that it isn’t important is one she’s determined to bust.
Fun Fact: Gail loves the chirping of birds in the spring and summer, a sound that reminds her of calm, new beginnings.
She also laughs now about an old myth she once believed — that burmt toast could make teeth whiter!
And her favorite dental pun?
“Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”
Amy — RDH
Meet Amy — Registered Dental Hygienist at Lakeshore Dental
Amy Hofmann is a Registered Dental Hygienist with an incredible 37 years of experience in the dental field — 26 of those proudly spent with Lakeshore Dental. Her role centers on educating patients about their oral health and guiding them toward healthier, more confident smiles.
Amy earned her degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and holds certification to administer anesthetic, adding an extra layer of care and comfort for her patients. With a deep well of experience, she brings both technical skill and heart to every appointment.
Amy values commitment, loyalty, and respect in the workplace, which is reflected in the long-lasting relationships she builds with patients. For her, great patient care means forming a foundation of mutual respect — where patients feel heard, cared for, and empowered.
Her favorite part of any appointment isn’t just about teeth — it’s about getting to know the person behind the smile. And when nervousness creeps in, Amy uses a mix of compassion, patience, and a good sense of humor to help patients feel at ease in the chair.
After nearly four decades in the field, one of the most surprising — and rewarding — things Amy has discovered is that dentistry continues to be deeply fulfilling, especially when it comes to caring for others and watching their confidence grow.
Outside of the office, Amy treasures time with her family. Her favorite sound in the world? The giggles of her three granddaughters — a joyful reminder of the happiness and love that family brings.
Julie — RDH
Meet Julie (JFK) – Registered Dental Hygienist at Lakeshore Dental
With over 24 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, plus 3 years as a Dental Assistant, Julie Fischer-Klinzing — affectionately known as JFK — brings unmatched knowledge, dedication, and warmth to her role at Lakeshore Dental. She is a graduate of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and holds an Anesthetic Certification, enabling her to provide thorough, comfortable care for every patient.
Julie values trust, respect, and open communication in the workplace and believes that great patient service is a MUST. Her favorite part of being a hygienist?
“Everything!” — She genuinely loves what she does and pours her heart into each patient interaction.
She’s passionate about her profession and says it best herself:
“I am doing it!”
For nervous patients, Julie uses patience, understanding, and a bit of gentle distraction to redirect their attention and ease anxiety.
If she could invent a dental tool, it would be an imaging system that shows the percentage of remineralization happening in real time — helping patients see their progress and stay motivated.
She also wants to bust a common myth:
Flossing doesn’t cause your gums to bleed — not flossing does.
Fun Fact: Julie says all her talents are useful, and her favorite sound is the soothing rhythm of rain on a tin roof — peaceful and nostalgic.
Molly
Meet Molly – Dental Hygiene Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Molly Hall is a dedicated Dental Hygiene Assistant who brings energy, compassion, and a strong desire to learn to the Lakeshore Dental team. She began her journey in dentistry while still in high school through a youth apprentice program, and now has 4 years of experience assisting hygienists.
Molly is currently attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) for Dental Hygiene and is proud to have been accepted into the program — a major milestone in her growing dental career. She has received both on-the-job training and formal education, giving her a well-rounded foundation in patient care.
She values communication, trust, and teamwork, and is passionate about providing the best hygiene care possible. For Molly, great service means building long-lasting relationships with patients and ensuring they always feel comfortable and supported.
Her favorite part of the job?
All of it — she truly enjoys every moment of helping patients and supporting the hygiene team.
When working with nervous patients, Molly uses the "tell-show-do" method and offers plenty of reassurance that they are in good hands. If she could invent something for the dental world, it would definitely be periodontal care-related — an area she’s especially passionate about.
Molly wants to clear up a common myth:
“Hygienists don’t make you bleed — poor oral hygiene does!”
Fun Fact: Molly finds peace in the sound of ocean waves and brings that same calming energy to her care.
Her favorite dental pun?
“What did the dentist of the year receive? A little plaque.”
Carmela — RDH
Dental Assistant Team
The Dental Assistants at Lakeshore Dental offer comprehensive dental care and superior customer service to each and every patient. Their goal is to make every patient feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visit.
Kara
Meet Kara – Dental Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Kara is a dynamic part of the Lakeshore Dental team, serving as both a Dental Assistant and Office Assistant, helping wherever she’s needed — whether assisting with clinical care or supporting front desk operations. A graduate of Lakeshore Technical College, Kara holds a Dental Assistant certification and brings a ready-to-learn attitude and warm, patient-first approach to everything she does.
She’s especially proud of returning to school later in life, proving it’s never too late to follow your passion. Kara values communication, trust, and the incredible relationships she has with both patients and coworkers.
To Kara, great service means everything — and it shows in how she treats every patient with kindness and empathy. She’s passionate about both exceptional patient care and being a devoted mom to her children.
Her favorite part of her role?
Meeting new people and helping make their dental experience a positive one.
For nervous patients, Kara offers comforting words:
“You are NOT alone — most people don’t love going to the dentist.”
If she could invent something new for dentistry, it would be a reverse anesthetic, so patients wouldn’t leave the office numb.
Fun Fact: Kara thinks the Tooth Fairy would make a great dental assistant — who better for the job?
She describes her personality as spicy — full of flavor and a little bold!
She finds peace in the sound of rain, and remembers being told as a kid:
“If you make a face, it’ll stay that way!”
And for a good laugh, here’s her favorite tooth pun:
“What kind of teeth can you buy for a dollar? Buck teeth.”
Amanda
Meet Amanda – Dental Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Amanda is a skilled Dental Assistant who plays an essential role in keeping things running smoothly at Lakeshore Dental. From assisting doctors during procedures to sterilizing instruments and helping with supply orders, Amanda is a reliable and caring team member who always shows up ready to help.
A graduate of Lakeshore Technical College, she earned her Dental Assistant Technical Diploma and brings a strong sense of teamwork, compassion, and dependability to her role. She’s especially proud of going back to school later in life while balancing a busy family life — a true testament to her drive and dedication.
Amanda values communication, teamwork, and trust, and believes that exceptional patient care is the foundation of a successful practice. She’s passionate about helping others, and her favorite part of the job is getting to know patients and knowing she’s making a difference in their care.
For nervous patients, Amanda offers comforting words:
“Most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist — you are NOT alone. Just take baby steps.”
If she could invent something for dentistry, it would be a product that reverses anesthetic before the patient leaves — helping them feel normal faster after treatment.
She also wants patients to know:
You shouldn’t only visit the dentist when there’s a problem. Prevention is everything.
Fun Fact: Amanda would love to have Wonder Woman as a dental assistant — strong, fearless, and always ready to help!
She says her personality is most like mint toothpaste — fresh, classic, and cool under pressure.
Her favorite sound? Ocean waves — peaceful and relaxing.
And her go-to dental pun:
“What time do people go to the dentist? Tooth-hurty.”
Denise
Meet Denise – Dental Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Denise is a dedicated Dental Assistant with over 32 years of experience, including 23 wonderful years with Lakeshore Dental. She received her training from Lakeshore College and is known for being reliable, compassionate, empathetic, and always bringing a strong work ethic to everything she does.
Denise values a supportive and respectful team environment, and her goal every day is to provide high-quality, compassionate care that makes patients feel at ease. For her, great patient care means showing compassion, having patience, and truly listening — qualities that come naturally to her.
One of the things Denise is most passionate about is making each patient’s appointment a positive and terrific experience. She enjoys every step of the process — from meeting and conversation to the procedure and final goodbye. Her favorite part of the visit is simply connecting with people and helping them feel comfortable in the chair.
For nervous patients, Denise offers a simple but powerful reassurance:
“I’m going to take great care of you.”
If she could invent a dental product, it would be a slimmer X-ray sensor — to make diagnostics even more comfortable for patients.
Denise brings a calming and warm energy to our team. If her personality were a toothpaste flavor, she’d be Sensodyne — gentle, thoughtful, and always putting others first. Her favorite sounds? The peacefulness of nature and the joy of laughter — both of which reflect the harmony and happiness she brings to our office each day.
Alyssa
Meet Alyssa – Dental Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Alyssa is a skilled and friendly Dental Assistant who brings versatility, energy, and a caring spirit to Lakeshore Dental. A graduate of Lakeshore Technical College, she holds a Dental Assisting Technical Diploma and plays a vital role in both clinical and front desk support — from assisting the doctors with procedures to checking patients in and out or answering phone calls.
Having worked in two other dental offices, Alyssa brings broad experience and knowledge of many different procedures, making her a valuable asset to the team. She thrives in a happy, supportive work environment and is always motivated by the opportunity to help people feel better and smile with confidence.
Alyssa defines great patient care as being kind and helpful to everyone who walks through the door. Her favorite part of the day? Getting to talk to so many different people — and making meaningful connections along the way.
For patients feeling nervous, she says:
“Ask to see Kenai! Or let us know if you need a break — you’re always in control of what happens here.”
If she could invent a dental product, it would be comfortable, flavored X-ray holders to make that part of the visit much more pleasant. She also wants patients to know that brushing harder isn’t better — it can actually cause gum damage, sensitivity, and long-term issues.
Fun Fact: Alyssa says if her personality were a toothpaste flavor, it would be bubble gum — fun, sweet, and upbeat!
Her ideal fictional dental assistant? Hermey the Elf from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — because he always knew he was meant for dentistry.
She’s double-jointed in her thumbs, loves quoting from The Emperor’s New Groove, and finds peace in the sound of rain on a house at night.
And of course, she never misses a chance for a good dental pun:
“What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.”
Business Team
From the moment you walk into Lakeshore Dental, the team will treat you like they have known you forever and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Brenda – Insurance
Manager
Meet Brenda – Insurance Manager at Lakeshore Dental
Brenda is the Insurance Manager at Lakeshore Dental, bringing a strong foundation of professionalism, organization, and excellent communication to our front office team. She plays a key role in helping patients navigate their dental insurance with ease, clarity, and care.
Brenda thrives in a positive work environment where strong communication and teamwork are valued. She is known for being empathetic, friendly, and attentive, always taking time to actively listen and ensure each patient feels supported and understood.
She is passionate about being kind, caring, and hardworking, and above all, her family is the center of her world. Brenda pours her heart into her work each day with them in mind.
Her favorite part of a dental appointment?
Seeing patients leave happy and confident.
For nervous patients, she offers heartfelt reassurance:
“You will be in good hands with our doctors — they will take great care of you.”
If Brenda could invent a dental product, it would be an instant whitening treatment that works with just one application — the perfect way to boost any smile.
She also wants to debunk a common myth:
You shouldn’t wait until you’re in pain to see the dentist — prevention is the key to a healthy smile.
Fun Fact: If she had to speak in only movie quotes for a day, she’d choose Sweet Home Alabama, her favorite feel-good film.
She finds peace in the sound of waves crashing on the beach, and brings that same sense of calm to the office.
And of course, she loves a good dental pun:
“What do dentists call the X-rays they take of patients' teeth? Tooth pics.”
Sheila
Meet Sheila – Business Office Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Sheila is a dedicated Business Office Assistant at Lakeshore Dental, bringing with her many years of experience in business office support and customer service. Whether she’s helping patients at the front desk or behind the scenes with administrative tasks, Sheila’s goal is always the same: to make patients feel comfortable, welcome, and well cared for.
She values respect, honesty, work/life balance, teamwork, and communication, and believes those qualities are what make Lakeshore Dental a great place to work and receive care. For Sheila, great patient service means EVERYTHING — and it shows in the way she interacts with each person who walks through the door.
She is passionate about doing her job — and doing it well — and takes pride in helping patients feel at ease. She also finds deep purpose in supporting her family, which drives her both personally and professionally.
Her favorite part of the day is sharing great conversations with patients and helping create a relaxed and positive environment. Her message to nervous patients is simple and reassuring:
“We will ALWAYS take good care of you and make you comfortable.”
She wishes more people understood that dental X-rays are essential for proper diagnosis, even if everything feels fine — because prevention is key to lifelong oral health.
Fun Fact: If Sheila had to choose a fictional dental teammate, it would be the Tooth Fairy — a natural fit for the job!
If her personality were a toothpaste flavor, she’d be Sunshine and Whiskey — warm, bold, and with a touch of fun.
Her favorite sound? Music — because music is good for the soul.
And her favorite dental joke?
“Have you heard of summer teeth? Some are there… and some are not.”
Deanna - Business Manager
Meet Deanna, Business Manager at Lakeshore Dental
Deanna serves as the Business Manager at Lakeshore Dental, where she plays a key role in helping patients understand their treatment plans and ensuring the practice runs smoothly and efficiently. With a background in both education and legal studies, she brings a thoughtful, organized, and compassionate approach to her work every day.
She holds a degree in Special Education and an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, earning her teaching license through studies at UW-Green Bay and Silver Lake College. She is especially passionate about always growing through education and living out the principles of servant leadership.
If she could invent a dental product, it would be a toothpaste that whitens crowns and veneers — because everyone deserves to love their smile. She also wishes more people knew that modern dental X-rays are incredibly safe — they emit about the same amount of radiation as eating a couple of bananas.
Her toothpaste flavor alter ego? Licorice — because, as she says, “I’m not a flavor everyone likes.” For nervous patients, she has a go-to recommendation: Come in and ask to see Kenai — a comforting presence in the office.
Her favorite dental joke:
One tooth said to the other, “I’ve got fillings for you.”
Meet April – Office Business Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
April is an organized and compassionate Office Business Assistant at Lakeshore Dental. She manages a wide range of responsibilities, including administrative tasks, patient scheduling, billing and financial duties, and daily communications — whether by phone, email, or in person. Her attention to detail and calm demeanor help keep the office running smoothly while ensuring each patient feels supported from start to finish.
April holds an Associate’s Degree from UW–Green Bay and is currently enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, continuing to grow her expertise in patient care. She brings over 10 years of experience in purchasing, customer service, and patient care — all of which contribute to her ability to create a welcoming, efficient experience for every patient.
April values honesty and communication and believes that exceptional patient service is rooted in compassion, active listening, and personalized care. Her goal is to ensure patients feel valued and understood throughout their visit.
She is professionally passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral hygiene, and personally enjoys growing and caring for her plants.
Her favorite part of a dental appointment?
Teeth cleanings — a fresh start and an important step in oral health.
For nervous patients, April offers comforting words:
“Take a deep breath. You’re in good hands, and we’re here to help you through your appointment in the most comfortable way possible.”
If she could invent a product, it would be one that stimulates the growth of a new tooth — a game changer in dentistry!
Fun Fact: April recently discovered how common dental issues are across all age groups, and would love to quote from Gone with the Wind for a full day if she had to speak in movie lines.
Her favorite sound is thunder — it gives her an unexpected sense of calm.
And one of her most hilarious childhood beliefs?
That Europe was on the other side of Lake Michigan.
April
Jenna
Meet Jenna – Front Desk Business Assistant at Lakeshore Dental
Jenna is a Front Desk Business Assistant at Lakeshore Dental who brings a strong background in customer service, business operations, and patient care. With experience in accounts receivable and payable, and having run both a bar and a game farm, Jenna brings a unique blend of business savvy and personable charm to the front desk.
She studied at Lakeshore Technical College and is a firm believer that on-the-job training is the best education. Jenna values clear communication and strives to make every patient interaction smooth, friendly, and efficient.
To her, great customer service means being honest and building trust through transparency and care. She’s most passionate about being present for her family — balancing her role at the office with supporting the people she loves most.
Her favorite part of a dental appointment?
Joking around with the hygienist — because laughter makes the day better for everyone.
Fun Fact: Jenna recently learned how dental implants work — something she found fascinating.
When asked about useless talents, she confidently says:
“Anything I consider talent isn’t useless.”
And her favorite sound? Laughter — because life is supposed to be fun.
As a kid, she believed swallowing gum would stay in your stomach for seven years — a myth that still makes her smile today.
Kenai
Kenai joined Lakeshore Dental in July of 2021 with Dr. Preston. He is a black Labrador Retriever. Kenai loves working at Lakeshore Dental and has worked here since he was a puppy. His duties include greeting all of our patients who want to pet him, especially little kids, sleeping in his mom’s office, and doing tricks for treats! When he is not hard at work, Kenai loves hiking with his mom and dad, playing fetch, and hunting for birds in the fall!