Dr. Richard D. Stern

Dr. Richard D. Stern has been practicing dentistry in Big Rapids since 1974. With over thirty years of experience treating patients with the best dental care possible, he has dedicated himself to continual dental education and has incorporated the latest technologies into his daily practice of general dentistry.

Dr. Stern received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He went on to study dentistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Science degree in 1974.

Dr. Richard Stern is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the West Michigan Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society.

He and his whole family has been serving on short-term, volunteer, summer mission dental projects to Honduras and Ecuador since 1995 with the Christian Medical and Dental Society, Medical Ministries International, and Cure International.

In 2012, Dr. Richard Stern retired from active dentistry but continues to remain current with dental credentials and practices. It has been a great honor and pleasure for him to serve the Big Rapids community.

Christa L. Stern, DDS, FAGD

Christa L. Stern, DDS, FAGD has been practicing dentistry with her father, Dr. Richard Stern, in Big Rapids since 2001. She attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and then went on to Big Rapids High School. She graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

In 1996 she began her dental studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and earned her Doctorate in Dental Science in 2000. She continued with a post-doctoral residency and earned her degree in Advanced Education for General Dentistry at the University of Minnesota.

In 2009 she earned prestigious fellowship status from the Academy of General Dentistry. This distinction is awarded to dentists who have completed a comprehensive written exam as well as rigorous continuing education to stay current with the latest research and practices in dentistry. Fellows of the AGD have a demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Dr. Christa is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the West Michigan Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society.

She also has served on short-term, volunteer, summer mission dental projects to Honduras and Ecuador, and Jamaica since 1995 with the Christian Medical and Dental Society, Medical Ministries International, and Cure International.

Paul R. Stern, DDS

Paul R. Stern, DDS joined the family practice in 2008 and enjoys practicing with his father and sister. Dr. Paul earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan and went on to continue his education with a post doctoral degree in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from Virginia Commonwealth University where he gained additional clinical instruction and practice in comprehensive and aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Paul is actively pursuing “Fellow” status by taking continuing education through the Academy of General Dentistry. He is committed to continuing education to insure that his patients receive the dental care that is informed by research and guided by the digital technologies.

Born in Big Rapids, he also completed his B.S. at Hope College and is a graduate of Big Rapids High School and St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Big Rapids.

He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the West Michigan Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society.

As a general dentist, Dr. Paul focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry as well as orthodontics. He has served on numerous short term dental mission projects with his family in Honduras and additionally in Appalachia.