Dr. Ross Nelson
Dr. Ross Nelson is a Newaygo native, he graduated Newaygo High School is 2003. He then went on to obtain his undergraduate from Central Michigan University, then graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2011. That same year, he joined the NFDC team practicing alongside his father, Dr. Dennis Nelson. Ross married his wife, Tara, in 2016 and they have 2 children, Piper and Jack. Dr. Ross works hard to embrace the latest technology for the continued benefit, comfort, and safety of his patients and staff. He holds a firm belief that the best care is provided when up-to-date technology is melded with exceptional dental skills and practices.
Dr. Dennis Nelson
Dr. Dennis Nelson is a Grant native. He served in the US Army from 1968-1971, then went on to obtain his Undergraduate from Central Michigan University. From there, he graduated University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1978. He started his dental career in nearby White Cloud, but then settled in Grant, and started his first practice. Early on, Dennis had always utilized the most up to date technology, and gave patients a comfortable experience along the way. In 2011 his son, Dr. Ross, joined the family practice and opened Newaygo Family Dental Care, the practice you all see today. Dr. Nelson officially retired in 2022, but rest assured, you will still see him from time to time at the office, running errands, and saying hello to our long time patients.
Dental Hygienists
Trisha, RDH
Trisha has been a part of the team since 2017. She graduated Tri County High School in 2009, then went on to Grand Rapids Community College and graduated from the RDH program in 2015. She married her high school sweetheart, Talon, in 2016. Together they have 2 children, Haven and Ellie. She enjoys hanging out with friends, doing yoga, shopping, and spending quality time with her family. Trisha enjoys dentistry because there's always something new to learn and she loves building a connection with patients!
Jocelyn, RDH
Jocelyn graduated the RDH program at Ferris State University in 2019 and has been a valued member of our team ever since. With a passion for patient care, she thrives in building genuine connections and tailoring oral health education to meet individual needs. Outside of work, Jocelyn embraces an active lifestyle alongside her husband Colin, and their two daughters, Sawyer and Sutton. They cherish family time outdoors, often accompanied by their dogs, Rusty and Ranger.
Bryttan, RDH
Bryttan made her start in the dental field as a Dental Assistant in 2021. She then graduated in 2024 with her Associates in Dental Hygiene and Bachelors in Allied Health Science from Ferris State University. Bryttan is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal oral health. When she's not in the office, you can find Bryttan walking her longhaired dachshund, Pinta, shopping, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with friends.
Dental Assistants
Melissa
Melissa has been a dental assistant with us since 2011. She enjoys working with patients, but also working in our on-site lab. Outside of the office, Melissa is married to her best friend, Kurt, and they have two sweet children, Noah and Natalie. They enjoy time as a family taking care of animals, gardening, and camping.
Ana joined the team in 2021 and has been enjoying getting to know the Newaygo area and building relationships with our patients, and growing in her dental career. Outside of work, Ana loves spending time with her animals, going on new adventures, and diving into new hobbies.
Autumn is a Grant native that has been practicing as a dental assistant since 2011 throughout West Michigan. Autumn returned to her hometown and is enjoying providing excellent care to her patient family at NFDC. Autumn strives to learn and grow by taking care of people in her career choice. Outside of the office, her first priority is being a mom to 3 boys. You can find them in the woods, lakeside, or by the pool.
Front Desk Team
Valorie joined NFDC in January of 2022 as our office manager. She has worked in the dental field since 1995 as a former registered dental assistant, an orthodontic assistant, and a treatment coordinator. Valorie states, "I stumbled into the dental industry after high school, and it's been a really rewarding career. As a bonus, I've made some remarkable friendships with my coworkers along the way."
A mother of 3 grown daughters, she now finds herself enjoying time with her husband, Joe, and their rescue dogs. She enjoys reading, tending to her MANY houseplants, gardening, traveling, and is an avid football fan.
Brittney
Brittney started at NFDC in Spring 2023, joining us in the Business Office. In the office, she enjoys helping patients coordinate their dental needs with the providers. Outside of the office, she enjoys hunting, camping, and being outside with her husband and 2 daughters. She looks forward to being the welcoming face you will see as you enter the office!