> Dennis Collins D.D.S.

Born and raised in DeKalb, Dr. Dennis Collins, of the Collins Dental Group, has practiced dentistry in the DeKalb/Sycamore area for over 25 years.  Most recently, he relocated his practice to the Prairie Professional Park in Sycamore with the goal of building the finest dental facility in the Midwest to reflect the dental team’s commitment to excellence.  “Our goal is to have the facility accent the quality of dentistry we are producing right here in the DeKalb/Sycamore community,” he said. 

Some of the new features in the state-of-the-art facility include complimentary massage therapy, large flat-screen TVs in every treatment room, all digital radiography, a comprehensive sterilization center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

“Our goal is to try and build the nicest facility in the Midwest, and I think we did it,” he exclaimed.  “We use the highest quality of materials here.  I think it’s evident by the first time you walk in the door.  We do not cut any corners.  We feel it is in the patient’s best interest for us to provide them with the best dentistry has to offer,” he added.

His patient centered philosophy emphasizes the value of educating patients about most innovative techniques available.  “I believe in giving our patients choices.  First of all, let them know what options are available and inform them.  There are many new materials and techniques that have come into dentistry during the last 10 years. Our entire dental team stresses staying current and up to date on dental treatment that works.  I think it is essential to give patients options and choices to empower them to make decisions about their own healthcare,” he said.

As a fly fisherman who enjoys running marathons, skiing, and golfing, Dr. Collins enjoys the great outdoors when he is not practicing dentistry.  He is also passionately involved with the DeKalb/Sycamore community.  As President of the DeKalb Sanitary District Board of Trustees and an executive board member of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, Dr. Collins believes it is important to stay vested in the local community. 

“All of our dentists at Collins Dental Group are involved in local extracurricular activities in a big way.  We feel it is important to be part of the social fabric of our community along with our patients,” he emphasized.  “We look forward to seeing our patients at the grocery store, a baseball game, or the school PTA meeting,” he added.  All the dentists at Collins Dental Group live, work, and play in our local community.

> Bryce Deter D.D.S.

Bryce Deter, D.D.S., of the Collins Dental Group, has a patient centered style that focuses on providing the best quality care—one patient at a time.  “There are two different types of dentistry out there.  You can have a high volume practice where you have multiple assistants with expanded duties and you are rotating from one room to another while the assistant performs all work that is allowed by law.  Dr. Collins and I, along with the rest of the team, do not like to practice that way. We just have one patient at a time. We don’t go on to the next patient until we have finished with the previous one,” he explained.  

Prior to joining the Collins Dental Group 20 years ago, Dr. Deter served five years as a dental officer in the Navy.  “What impressed me about the Navy is their professionalism,” he said. 
One aspect of Navy Dentistry Dr. Deter has implemented into his practice is the team approach.  “In the Navy I was working with other dentists routinely, so it seemed natural to come into a group practice and have a similar setting.  The advantage you have is you see a case, show an x-ray to another doctor and bounce ideas off of them.  I think it affords better treatment for the patients,” he said.

When Dr. Deter is not practicing dentistry, he actively participates in the local aviation community. Currently, he serves on the DeKalb Airport Advisory Board and teaches flight lessons on the weekends. “From the time I was 16, I started flying. I have been a commercial pilot and flight instructor for many years.  When I am not in the dental office, I am usually over at the airport working as a flight instructor,” he said.  Dr. Deter and his wife have two children.  They reside in DeKalb. 

> Mary Ann Wines, D.D.S.

Mary Ann Wines, D.D.S. enjoys practicing all phases of dentistry especially cosmetic dentistry, crown and bridge, and implant dentistry.  As a valued member of the Collins dental team, Dr. Wines appreciates working with quality dentists and staff in her local community.  “It’s wonderful working in a group setting.  We pass ideas back and forth and consult each other, which is a plus of having a group practice.  We have great staff here and a connection to the community,” she said.

Her philosophy of care is grounded in two foundational principles: superior communication skills and absolute professionalism.  “As a dentist, I believe you have to have good people skills and excellent communication with patients—addressing their concerns and fears while providing them with a safe comfortable treatment that will relieve their problems,” she said. 
Dr. Wines, who volunteers for the Healthy Smiles Happy Kids Program and the Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, is passionate about social justice.  She is very involved in Crop Walk for Hunger, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity, and Kishwaukee United Way.  “I think it is important to stay involved with community organizations that support the poor,” she said.  As the recipient of the Arthur Monroe Drexler Humanitarian Award and the Clinical Excellence in Prosthetic Dentistry Award, Dr. Wines has a reputation for going above and beyond in her profession. 

In her free time, Dr. Wines enjoys traveling, gardening, and the performing arts.  She and her husband Bill, who have lived in the Sycamore/DeKalb area for over 30 years, are proud owners of a beagle dog.

> Amy Newkirk D.M.D.

Dr. Amy Newkirk, of the Collins Dental Group, is passionate about providing the best comprehensive care in the most comfortable environment.  “Our new office is state of the art, yet very comfortable for our patients.  Ultimately, it's our warm and friendly staff that puts our patients most at ease,” Dr. Newkirk said. 

Dr. Newkirk believes in the importance of establishing a good rapport with her patients.  She especially enjoys working with families and watching them grow. “I feel as though I really get to know my patients while we work together to achieve and maintain their healthy smiles.  Recently two patients came in and announced they were expecting.  I love seeing families blossom,” she said.

Simplifying procedures and breaking down dental care into manageable steps is an important part of Dr. Newkirk’s philosophy. “Visiting the dentist should not be overwhelming.  Having a healthy mouth is attainable, and doing things in small steps makes the process easier,” she affirmed.

In her free time, Dr. Newkirk stays busy with outdoor recreational activities.  She and her husband recently visited friends in Alaska where they went camping, kayaking, and hiking.  Dr. Newkirk is also actively involved at the civic level with the local dental society and the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club.  “I think it is imperative to be involved with our community,” she said.

> Stephen L. Woodrick D.D.S.

Dr. Stephen L. Woodrick, of the Collins Dental Group, centers his practice on two fundamental principles: placing the patient’s well being and concerns first ,and providing the highest-level quality of care.

“What I am most passionate about is that the patient receives the highest level of care and that they receive my full attention. With the predictability of today's modern dentistry and how things are going to turn out, there is always going to be the best result if we give patients our complete attention and if the patient feels like we are all about them,” he says about his philosophy of care.

“It’s a trite old adage: People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” Dr. Woodrick adds.

As a member of several dental organizations including the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Woodrick is committed to professional development. From the moment patients enter his office, they recognize Dr. Woodrick’s commitment to the highest standards of treatment.

“If you spend time with patients and listen to them, they know they are heard, and not dismissed whether it’s a dental concern of what they desire improved, or how they wish the treatment to proceed. Patients today are intelligent. They want to be heard. They should be listened to and know they are an integral part of the treatment process,” Dr. Woodrick affirms.

In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, basketball, and bicycling.