Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

September 2, 2009, Page 4

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Three dentists join Neillsville Dental Center

Michael Chiulli, D. D. S., Elizabeth Chiulli, D. D. S. and Heather Petricig, D. D. S. joined the staff at Marshfield Clinic Neillsville Dental Center.

Elizabeth Chiulli and her husband, Michael, join Petricig, Tammy Boudry, D. D. S. and James Gunelson, D. D. S., to provide dental care to patients at Neillsville Dental Center, located at 8 Boon Boulevard.

“Patients are my passion,” said Elizabeth Chiulli.  “In Marshfield Clinic I have found an organization that evaluates care giving through the eyes of the patient and not just based on a bottom line, and that is why I find it to be such a good fit.  I enjoy getting to know my patients and making a positive impact in their lives.  Marshfield Clinic encapsulates a dental design in which access to care is significantly increased and in which patients from all different backgrounds are thoroughly welcomed into a dental care facility.  It is truly refreshing to be a dentist in a model that works, a model that is set up to reach and serve the patients who need it most.” 

Chiulli earned her dentistry degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee. She also attended the University of Michigan and earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University.

“For me, becoming a dental practitioner was most about becoming a compassionate clinician.  In dentistry, patients are awake and fully aware of every treatment you are performing.  When a patient realizes your trustworthiness and that you care about their health and well-being, it’s a very fulfilling moment,” Chiulli said.

As a person’s health begins to decline, it is typically first seen in their mouth, Chiulli said.

“A snapshot of a patient’s overall health is often represented significantly by taking a look at his or her teeth,” Chiulli said.  “In popular culture, we often bear witness to ‘extreme makeovers’ on television and in magazines, but I don’t think this is something that should be elusive to our neighbors and friends in our Wisconsin communities.  There are many everyday people who just want to be able to smile, to be out of pain and to feel healthy again, and it is great to be part of an organization that is allowing that to happen to patients in areas of Wisconsin that would otherwise not have access to care.”

“Marshfield Clinic is a leader in healthcare delivery, and when my wife and I began looking at dental opportunities, it was one that had to be considered,” Michael Chiulli said.  “Throughout Wisconsin, there is a large and growing demand for dental care, and especially in underserved areas there simply aren’t options for people who really need care.  Marshfield Clinic has stepped up to meet this need, and it was something we wanted to be a part of.”

Chiulli earned his dentistry degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

“It’s rewarding and fulfilling to help people keep their teeth and avoid some of the infections and diseases that lead to tooth loss,” Chiulli said.  “Sometimes, very simple changes to a patient’s lifestyle can make a big impact in this regard.  Infections and diseases that cause patients to lose their teeth can also impact their overall health.  Helping patients gain better oral health not only affects the way they eat and smile and interact with others, it also goes a long way toward impacting their overall health.”

“Marshfield Clinic has been opening clinics in areas of Wisconsin that have been historically underserved,” Chiulli explained.  “The patients we have the opportunity to care for have, until this point, been in a very difficult position.  Simply, they’ve had to endure dental pain and disease with no opportunity for treatment.  The people I’m talking about are our neighbors and their children, and it is truly exciting to be a part of a clinic that offers alternatives for everyone and provides health care that leaves no patient behind.”

Neillsville Dental Center’s mission drew Petricig to the clinic.

“I find it rewarding and fulfilling to help those in need gain access to dental care,” Petricig said.  “I am honored to be able to work at the Neillsville Dental Center, and I look forward to treating patients in this community.”

Petricig earned her dentistry degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in Minneapolis, MN.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.

When deciding on an occupation, Petricig knew she wanted to work in a health care-related profession.

“I was attracted to dentistry, because this is a profession where I am able to help people in need and educate them about dental health,” Petricig said.   “I love all aspects of dentistry, but I am probably most passionate about dentures.  I find it rewarding to see patients smile when they have their new teeth in place.”

Neillsville Dental Center opened for patient care Aug. 10 (2009).  A ground breaking ceremony for the new facility was held May 11 (2009).

Neillsville Dental Center offers general dentistry services, including preventive, restorative, operative, prosthodontics, endodontics, diagnostic, oral surgery and emergency care.

The dental center will serve all patients, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status (uninsured, commercial or public—i.e. Forward Health Coverage). A Dental Financial Assistance Program is available for those with limited income. 

Additional Articles:

Neillsville Dental Clinic (15 Oct. 2008)

Ground Breaking (13 May 2009)

New Dental Clinic (22 July 2009)

Dental Clinic Dedication (9 Sept. 2009)

Dental Clinic Ribbon-Cutting (16 Sept. 2009)