Welcome to Our Practice

Welcome to Preferred Dental Practice, Your Dentist in Eastpointe, MI

Welcome! The dental professionals at Preferred Dental Practice are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We want all our patients to be informed decision makers and fully understand any health issues you face. That's why we've developed a web site loaded with valuable information about dental and dental problems and treatments. We encourage you to visit this site whenever you have concern about your teeth.

Our web site also provides you with background about our, staff, office hours, insurance policies, appointment procedures, maps, directions to our office in and other useful information. We know how hectic life can be and are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible. And we want you to feel confident that when you choose , you're working with doctors and other professionals who are qualified, experienced and caring.

Please take a few moments to look through this site to get a better feel for Preferred Dental Practice's capabilities and services. We also invite you to email or call our office at any time to request an appointment or ask any questions. Thank you.

Contact Us

Meet Our Doctors

  • Dr.
    Ari G. Thanasas
    Orthodontics

    Dr. Thanasas was raised in Riverview, Michigan.  He completed his undergraduate and pre-dentistry studies at the University of Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1989. He continued his education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where he obtained his D.D.S. degree in 1993. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, he pursued his professional education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. He received a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in 1995 and a M.S. degree in Oral Biology in 1996. While at PENN, he was a Clinical Orthodontic instructor in both the Dental and Graduate Orthodontic departments.

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  • Dr.
    Alan J. Ker
    Orthodontics

    Dr. Alan “AJ” Ker was born in Buffalo, NY and was raised in Troy, MI. He graduated from Troy High School and pursued higher education at the University of Michigan after being selected for advanced admission to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry during his senior year of high school. His undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan produced a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2001 after only three years. Having completed his pre-dental studies simultaneously, he enrolled at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry for his dental training.

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  • Dr.
    Curt Ralstrom
    Pediatric Dentistry

    Dr. Ralstrom received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. He went on to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital of Michigan where he served as Chief Resident. He returned to the University of Detroit where he earned his Master of Science degree in Oral Biology while doing research on the effects of oral electrical burns on craniofacial growth and development.

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  • Dr.
    Elizabeth Ralstrom
    Pediatric Dentistry

    Dr. Ralstrom was raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. In 2005, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Kalamazoo College and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. During her time at Kalamazoo College, Dr. Ralstrom studied abroad in Spain for 6 months to pursue her interest in the Spanish language.

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  • Dr.
    Jeff Daulton
    Pediatric Dentistry

    Dr. Daulton was raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan, although he attended high school overseas in Taipei, Taiwan. He attended and graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he received an honors Bachelor of Science degree. Following his undergraduate studies, he graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1991. At graduation he was awarded the American Society of Dentistry for Children Award.

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  • Dr.
    Robert Shore
    General Dentistry

    Dr. Robert Shore was born in Framingham, Massachusetts and grew up in a small town environment. He attended and completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Boston University.

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  • Dr.
    Tim DeMeulenaere
    General Dentistry

    Dr. Tim DeMeulenaere is a 1987, graduate of the University of Detroit Dental School. He has been a full time practicing general dentist at Preferred Dental since 1989. Dr. Tim was born and raised in the area and attended nearby St. Angela School.

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  • Dr.
    Ana Brajak
    General Dentistry

    Dr. Ana Brajak was born and raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2005. She completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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  • Dr.
    Matthew Bruzek
    General Dentistry

    Dr. Matthew Bruzek grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2006. Upon graduation, Dr. Bruzek was commissioned as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy and completed a one year post-graduate residency at Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes. After serving his time in the Navy, Dr. Bruzek and his wife Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek, a St. Clair Shores native, have made their home in Michigan since his honorable discharge from the military.

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  • Dr.
    Robert Baima
    Periodontics

    Dr. Robert Baima graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1975. He continued his studies at the Medical College of Virginia and achieved a Certificate in Periodontics in 1979. Through his continuing dental education he has also attained a Certificate in Fixed Prosthodontics, Certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and Certification of training in Dental Implant systems.

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  • Dr.
    Joseph Hildebrand
    Oral Surgery

    Dr. Joseph Hildebrand graduated from Michigan State University and subsequently the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. He completed his four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Sinai Hospital in Detroit. Presently, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has been an examiner for this board for the past seven years. Dr. Hildebrand is currently Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at both Children's Hospital of Michigan and Troy Beaumont Hospital. His interests include implant and reconstructive surgery.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "This place is phenomenal!!!!! They are beyond amazing! Jean goes above and beyond for my two sons! I took my oldest son to two other dentists before Dr. Curt and he was terrified. We moved to Lenox and I still make the drive! I wouldn’t take my kids anywhere else!!!!"
    Nichole T.
  • "My child with autism had a bad experience with another dental office. He was petrified of the dentist and I never thought he would go to one again. I was referred to Preferred Dental Practice and I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Ralstrom and his staff have not only regained my child’s trust in the dentist but he actually enjoys going now. They take their time with him and make him feel safe and comfortable. When we started my son's dental journey, he had to be sedated. Today he went back all on his own to get his tooth filled and walked out with a big smile on his face. I’m so thankful for this office and the time and patience they have taken to make my son love the dentist."
    Heather N.
  • "I've been coming here since my son was 5 years old....my grandchildren now receive service here. The staff are friendly, customer focused and you're seen at your scheduled time. It's a modern, clean and very warm environment."
    Barbara M.
  • "Dr Brajak was able to see me on short notice when I had a terrible terrible tooth ache. My experience with her was perhaps the best I've ever had at a dentist office, and her bedside manner and compassion and over all demeanor were so calming it made an otherwise horrible experience into an almost pleasant one. She was quick, efficacious, and explained everything to me at each step of the way. I am normally a little phobic about dentists and dentistry, she was more than accommodating of my condition, of which I am incredibly grateful."
    Nick C.
  • "Amazing care for the whole family! I highly recommend this office!"
    Carolyn S.
  • "Amazing orthodontics team! Professional, helpful, and friendly!"
    Anna W.
  • "I love my Dentist. Who says that? This place is great - quick, efficient, professional, courteous."
    Charlie G.

Featured Articles

Read about helpful topics

  • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient

    Patient Rights You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner. You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team. You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to ...

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  • Crowns and Bridges

    Bridges Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.Bridges are sometimes referred ...

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  • Veneers

    Teeth that are badly stained, shaped, or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth.Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or that are chipped, ...

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  • Invisalign®

    Invisalign's® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you're wearing them. Invisalign® is great for adults and teenagers. What is Invisalign®? Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your ...

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  • April 2022 Dental Newsletter

    The Importance of Preventive Care: Maintaining Good Oral Health Preventative dental care is a significant part of overall dental health, but it's often an afterthought. Our dedicated dentist sees many patients who don’t keep up with consistent preventative oral care and then must fix the problems ...

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  • Fillings

    Frequently asked questions: dental fillings Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in ...

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  • Sealants

    Sealants are liquid coatings that harden on the chewing surfaces of teeth and are showing a great deal of effectiveness in preventing cavities—even on teeth where decay has begun. The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these ...

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  • Overview

    Pain can occur in any number of places in your mouth: teeth, gums, roots, the palate, tongue and jaw. Cavities are a common culprit causing pain. Untreated cavities can impact nerves because of infections of the tooth and gums. Impacted and abscessed teeth and sore jaws from teeth grinding are other ...

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  • Introduction

    Does mercury in the silver fillings in your mouth pose any long-term health risks? Does fluoride, in spite of everything we've been told since childhood, actually cause more harm than good? What does the latest research reveal about tobacco use on your overall oral health? This section is dedicated ...

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  • Oral Piercing

    Oral piercings (usually in the tongue or around the lips) have quickly become a popular trend in today’s society.  With this popular trend, it is important to realize that sometimes even precautions taken during the installation of the piercing jewelry are not enough to stave off harmful, long-term ...

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Contact Us

Our Location

24901 Kelly Road, Eastpointe MI 48021

Office Hours

We are open to serve you, answer questions or schedule an appointment during the following hours:

Monday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed