Elkhart Dental Staff

Sangyoung Lee, DDS & Associates

Dr. Sangyoung Lee
DENTIST / OWNER

Dr. Sangyoung Lee

Dr. Sangyoung Lee has been practicing as a general dentist in Elkhart, Indiana for the past 31 years. During this time, the dental office has been known as Elkhart Dental Center. Dr. Lee has dedicated himself to delivering the best family dental care to his patients.

Dr. Lee grew up in Michigan City as a third son of an immigrant family.

He was taught early on that hard work and education are the keys to success. He attended Butler University and graduated from IU School of Dentistry in 1991.

The dental education he received from IU School of Dentistry was a springboard for avid learning of all aspects of dentistry including orthodontics, bone graft with PRP and PRF, Implants, TMJ treatment, Sleep apnea appliances, Sinus lift and IV sedation dentistry to name a few. Dr. Lee continues to challenge himself to acquire knowledge and skills so that he can provide the most current and comprehensive dentistry to his patients.

2022 is a special year for Dr. Lee. The office will have a new name, Elkhart Dental and Implant Center. We will move into the newly constructed office with state of the art dental technologies . He is excited to provide this new space for his patients who have seen his practice bursting at the seams. The new office is part of a master plan to have his two daughters, Dr. Sunny Lee and Dr. JJ Lee joining his dental practice. You can read more about Dr. Sunny and Dr. JJ in their bio but needless to say Dr Lee is very proud to call his daughters as his colleagues, associate dentists, and future partners. We are taking family dentistry to the next level.

Dr. Lee has been married for 30+ years and enjoys working out, cooking, tinkering around the house, traveling with family.

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Dr. Sunny Lee
DENTIST

Dr. Samantha Lee (Dr. Sunny)

Samantha Sunhie Lee, DDS is fondly nicknamed Dr. Sunny. Her name is apt as it tells of her sunny disposition.

Dr. Sunny is the #1 daughter of Dr. Sangyoung Lee. She received her BS degree in Health sciences with a minor in biology at Purdue University and completed her dental school education at IU School of Dentistry, finishing in 2020.

2020 was a tough year to graduate as the havoc that was COVID-19 was at its peak. However, she didn’t get discouraged by this unprecedented event in history but accepted the challenge of becoming the best dentist she can be.

Now into her 3rd year as associate dentist, she is liked by so many kids that she is practically a pedodontist. Also, Dr. Sunny enjoys the art of creating immediate Cerec crowns so that patients can leave the office with a permanent crown in one visit. Making patients happy, whether you are 4 years old or 80+ years old, is her goal.

Although there are challenging areas in dentistry, Dr. Sunny works closely with her dad for moral support and to glean knowledge from his many years of experience. It is said that “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, and this is so true for Dr. Sunny as she is very much her father’s daughter.

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Dr. JJ Lee
DENTIST

Dr. Jessica Lee (Dr. JJ)

Congratulations Dr. JJ!

Jessica Jaehie Lee, DDS, otherwise known as Dr. JJ, is a 2022 graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry. She earned her undergraduate BS degree at Butler University in Biology with minors in Spanish and Chemistry.

We know that you have connected all the dots and astutely guessed right. She is the youngest daughter of Dr. Sangyoung Lee and younger sister to Dr. Sunny.

Dr. JJ may be the baby of the family, but she has earned her place next to her father and sister. Dr. JJ has always strived to be the best at all that was expected of her. We think this is because she is very much her mother’s daughter!

The love of learning and excelling in all aspects of academics were drilled into her since she can remember. Yet, life has not been all about studying, as she has participated in girl scout activities, Taekwondo, horseback riding, varsity tennis, skiing and snowboarding. Achieving balance in school work, interpersonal relationships, fitness and healthy lifestyle has been important and will continue to be what centers her.

Now that she is about to join the workforce, she endeavors to continue to find this balance in life and accepts the challenge of a new chapter in life. Dr. JJ accepts nothing less than the best in herself as a dentist working alongside her family in delivering the nonpareil family dental care in the Elkhart area.

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Esther Lee
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Esther Lee

Esther Lee is the Chief Operating Officer for Elkhart Dental and Implant Center. This role of COO isn’t anything new, since she is the chief operating officer at home.

Esther is a radiologist by profession. She is fellowship trained in Breast Imaging from Lynn Sage Breast Center at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago.

Esther is a full time wife, mom and a health care provider. She somehow juggles all the duties and still manages to have a large vegetable garden, cans vegetables and fruits, cook meals for her family, raise chickens for eggs and have 3-4 dogs at any given time.

She supports her husband and her two daughters 100 percent in the business of dentistry. Working for the three Dr. Lee’s at Elkhart Dental and Implant Center is the next stepping stone in this family business. It’s about Family taking care of Family.

Just as the quote “It takes a village to raise a child,'' it takes front office staff, assistants, hygienists, dental lab technicians, sterilization and other support staff to run a successful dental office. Esther hopes to be the glue that will hold all the parts of the whole together so that the Elkhart Dental and Implant Center will continue to provide the highest levels of dental service with compassion and care for all patients.

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Janet Adams
OFFICE MANAGER

Janet Adams

There is one word that aptly describes Janet Adams. DEDICATION.

Janet Adams is the office manager of Elkhart Dental and Implant Center. She is an invaluable member of the team. She has been with Elkhart Dental Center since 2006 and will continue to work in this capacity at the newly built office.

She has shown her unfaltering dedication to her position by shouldering many responsibilities. She is pulled in all directions from the moment she walks in the door, and yet she is always smiling. She should be called “Smiles”.

Janet has a daughter Jocelyn who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her Masters from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is very proud of her.

She enjoys her family time and watching Hallmark Christmas movies any chance she gets. Janet considers herself adventurous as she loves to travel both domestic and international, wherever the Caribbean life takes her.

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Meet Our Team

Monica Arvoy
Monica Arvoy

Office/Accounts Receivable

English

My name is Monica and I am in charge of the accounts receivable at the office. I ensure that all payments and claims are processed correctly and at an appropriate pace. I personally protect our organization’s value by keeping all information confidential. When I am not working, you may find me spending time with my beautiful children or enjoying life outdoors.

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Yessica Tamayo

Office Clerk

English and Spanish

I am Yessica and I have been working as a front desk receptionist at Elkhart Dental and Implant Center since 2014. I have been married for over 10 years and we have two beautiful children, son and daughter who we both love spending time with. In my free time, I enjoy baking and decorating cakes.

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Daniela Vela

Office Clerk

English and Spanish

Hi my name is Daniela, and I am one of the hygiene coordinators here at EDIC. When I'm not at work I'm usually spending time with my family/pets, and friends.

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Delmis Villanueva Lopez

Office Clerk

Spanish and English

Hello, my name is Delmis Lopez. I’m the greeter at the EDIC, I’m very grateful for my job. Although I just started working here, I’m very excited to learn new thing and help customers feel welcomed.

In 2013 I moved to Elkhart from Honduras. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and watch soccer games.

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Lisa Smith

Office Clerk

English

Hello, my name is Lisa Smith. I am a receptionist here at the office. I have a son named Eric. I love spending time with family and friends. I can honestly say that I have never worked for a place that cares about their staff as they do here.

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Emily Clark

Hygienist

English

Hello, my name is Emily. I have been working at EDIC as a Dental Hygienist for almost a year now. I love connecting with my patients and helping them improve their oral health. When I’m not working I love spending time with my wonderful husband and son!

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Linda Swanson

Hygienist

English

I have been married to Rich for 47 years. We have 2 grown daughters and 2 grandchildren, one of each. We babysit the grandchildren and get to see them grow. I like to watercolor and belong to a group of plein aire painters. I have been a hygienist in Texas, Michigan and Indiana!

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Cassie Quiriconi

Hygienist

Coming soon!

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Natalia Rita Bueno

Assistant

English and Spanish

Hi there, I'm an expand functions dental assistant who graduated from IUSB in 2008. I've been with EDC since December of 2010 and can't believe how much we have grown here as a team! Onward to our new adventure as EDIC where we continue to treat patients 1 tooth at a time

I love spending time with my family and friends especially my beautiful 2 year old daughter & husband who give me the strength to stay strong and keep moving along, we enjoy dancing and going on walks at the park.

Hablo español para toda la gente que necesita traducción..

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Evelyn Cermeno

Assistant

English and Spanish

I was a dentist in Venezuela. I have been in the US since 2018 and living in Elkhart. My husband’s name is Felix and I have 1 daughter named Fabi. I enjoy using my education in dentistry to work on patients' teeth and make them happy. I like dancing Meringue, travel to new places and visiting with friends.

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Karla Garcia Contreras

Assistant

English and Spanish

I live with my parents and my son Carlos. I enjoy spending time with my son, going to the movies and dancing. I love to work in the surgical area of dentistry. I like the pace and excitement of surgery. I love learning new things every day and I want to be a valuable employee to Dr. Lee. I hope to grow and move up in the EDIC office.

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Railynn Whitt

Sterilization

English

I am Railynn and I just recently started at EDIC doing sterilization. I have a 1 year old son named Kaleb. I enjoy spending time with him as well as the rest of my family. Although I just started here, I'm hoping to achieve a long-term career in the dental field.

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Susan Teter

Ortho Assistant

English

I am a mom of 3 kids and a grandson, Caden. Scott and I have been married for 35 years. We have a horse farm and we grow and harvest our own hay. I love being on the John Deere tractor and enjoy the outdoors. I love gardening, planting, and crochet We are very involved with our church family. I have been an orthodontic assistant for over 30 years in Elkhart. I love giving people a great smile, especially the kids and give them the confident smile that will help them in their everyday life.

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Hezir Barros deAraujo

Denture Lab Technician

English and Portuguese

Hezi has been working as a denture lab technician at Elkhart Dental Center nearly from its inception. Did anyone know that he was a dentist in Brazil before he came to the United States? Hezi’s skill has been diverted to being a lab technician and we have benefited from his knowledge of teeth. Patients love their in-house made dentures that Hezi meticulously creates for each patient. He has been married to Ann for 51 years. He has 3 grown daughters named Ann Renee, Lillian and Hezilene. They both live near. Hezi likes to fish and ride horses.

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Lyric Strong

Denture Lab Assistant

English

I am married with 2 precious girls. I also have 3 bonus kids who are a wonderful addition. I have 3 dogs and a turtle. I have been with Elkhart Dental and Implant Center since March 2014 as a Denture Assistant. I really enjoy the expression on the faces of the patients after delivery of their new smiles. Outside of being at work, I enjoy going to church and reading the bible.

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