To my valued patients,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your trust and confidence in allowing me to take care of your dental needs through all the years. It has been my singular honor to be you dentist.
I’m in my 44th year of dentistry and have enjoyed every minute. As technology and materials improved, so has dental care. I really enjoy studying the science of what really works, and more importantly, what doesn’t.
For the last few years, patients have asked me when I was going to retire. My response has always been, “as long as I enjoy it and as long as I can perform at an excellent level, I will continue”.
I am not retiring, but have planned an inexact exit strategy. I have decided to merge my practice with Dr. Jeff Sindelar and Dr. Chris Guilfoy of Oakville Dental Care, one block down the street. Dr. Sindelar and Dr. Guilfoy will each spend one day a week treating and meeting as many of you as possible. They will begin May 4, 2020, or whenever the government allows us to re-open the office.
Everything else remains the same. Same office, same hours, and the same staff you’ve enjoyed for years. They will use the same materials I use and refer to the same specialists I have recommended to you for years. I will continue to practice with them those two days and solo the other two days each week, as usual.
I have chosen these two dentists because they practice most similar to me, high tech with personal involvement for each patient. They will treat you with honesty and fairness, as I have for years.
I have known these two doctors since they started in practice. Dr. Jeff Sindelar graduated with highest honors from the Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City with his Dr. of Dental Science degree in 2006. He also earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from the Univ. of Mo.-Columbia. Jeff strives to provide top notch service in all aspects of dental care, with a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry. By being an Invisalign provider, he can help patients straighten their teeth and improve their smile with easy to use clear aligners.
Jeff grew up in the Oakville area and resides in Sunset Hills with his wife Janna, an elementary school teacher, and their three children, Jackson (10), Addison (8), and Emily (5). He enjoys supporting local charities, local community sporting teams, and Make A Wish Foundation.
Dr. Guilfoy earned his Dr. of Dental Surgery from the Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City in 2011. He also holds a Bachelor of Science from Creighton Univ. in Omaha, Neb. He attended St. Louis University High.
Chris grew up in Webster Groves, and developed his love for the art and science of dentistry from his pediatric dentist, Dr. Gerald Albrecht, who mentored him from his youth on. He feels the newest technologies provides the best patient comfort and care. Dr. Guilfoy takes great joy in helping patients sleep better by making oral sleep appliances. He can work with your sleep doctor to create an oral appliance you can wear that replaces a CPAP machine.
Chris’s wife, Bri, is from Oakville. They have a son, Harrison (almost 2), and two golden retrievers, Chief and LuLu. He enjoys competing on the racquetball court, and is an avid Blues and Cardinals fan, so he’ll keep you posted on the ups and downs of their seasons. He wants to give back and be a part of the growing Oakville community.
I am in two dental study clubs with these guys and have seen their desire to learn, evaluate the science of the newest developments, and integrate the best in their clinical practice. I’m sure you will be happy with them.
I feel this transition is best for everyone. When/if I decide it’s time to hang up the drills, you will already have found the dentist who practice similar to me, using the latest and greatest equipment available. Also, my loyal staff will have their place in the practice. It is only fair to all of you that I make this decision now. I plan for a smooth transition that will occur over the years.
If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to call or email me at 314-892-4445 or danrathgeber@yahoo.com. I have always put your needs first, Drs. Sindelar and Guilfoy will provide the same after I ride into the sunset.
Dan H. Rathgeber, DDS