Meet Our Mishawaka Doctors
Meet Dr. Pecina,
the Doctor Who Changed the Way People Experience Dental Care
Dr. Roger Pecina is the founder of Afdent. A pioneer in the field of dentistry, he has changed the way thousands of people have experienced dental care.
His unique philosophy of organizing the entire dental office around his patients was well ahead of its time when Afdent first began serving the Michiana community over 40 years ago. This philosophy still positively impacts every patient visit today.
Here's What Dr. Pecina Has To Say About Providing Exceptional Dental Care:
"We listen to our patients and engage them in their care. We focus on your goals, and do our best to give you what you want when you want it. You may be visiting for fillings and decide right then that you want to talk about dental braces or teeth whitening. We're ready to do that, and many times can start treatment that same day."
"No two people are the same. No two mouths are the same. Everyone has unique needs, goals, concerns, and financial considerations. You'll never know what those things are if you don't ask. At Afdent, every patient has a strong voice in determining the right direction for their good oral health."
1977: Graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry
1978: Afdent opens as Affiliated Family Dentists on Ironwood Rd in South Bend
1985: Afdent moves to a 2,500 sq. ft. space on Grape Rd. in Mishawaka
2002: Afdent moves into new state-of-the-art 12,000 sq. ft. facility on Douglas Rd
2013: Roger S. Pecina Education Dental Hygiene Clinic opens at IUSB
2013: Afdent Immediate Care Center opens next to main office on Douglas Rd
2020: Afdent Awarded Michiana's Favorite Dentist for the 20th time
2021: Afdent Awarded Best of the Best Local Dentist, Local Orthodontist, and Local Pediatric Dentist
2022: Afdent Awarded Best of the Best Local Dental Clinic and Best Local Orthodontist
Dr. Parker Pecina
Growing up in Granger, Indiana I often spent time watching my father Dr. Roger Pecina treating patients here at Afdent. Observing the way he treated and cared for his patients, putting their needs first and doing what is best for them at that time in their life is what motivated me to follow in his footsteps. I graduated from Penn High School and went on to receive my Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Indiana University South Bend. I then attended the graduate school of Florida State University where I received my Masters Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, worked as a teaching assistant in Microbiology and carried out research in Bionanotechnology. I then went on to Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I studied dentistry and graduated with my DMD to come home and work alongside my father and his associates. My dream is to continue providing the best care to the greater Michiana area and beyond.
Caitlin Ferguson, DMD
Although I grew up in South Florida my parents brought my family “home” every summer to Plymouth, Indiana. I found a “home” again here in Northern Indiana when I attended the University of Notre Dame to obtain my bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Pre-professional Studies. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2013, I completed a General Practice Residency at the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago.
I received orthodontic training through the United States Dental Institute and have been Invisalign certified since 2013. I found my dream job here at Afdent in 2016 and made Michiana my permanent home with my husband and two little girls. We love to spend time outside, read, and have dance parties in the living room.
Education
Doctorate Of Dental Medicine: University of Florida (2013)
Undergraduate: B.S. from the University of Notre Dame (2009)
General Practice Residency: Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago (2013-2014)
Associations / Professional Memberships
Academy of General Dentistry
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society
Awards / Certifications
Invisalign Certified (2013)
United States Dental Institute Ortho Training, Chicago (2017)
Clinical Excellence Award from University of Florida
Student Servant Leadership Award (2013)
Serving the Community
Active Member of St. Pius X Catholic Church
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Crown and Bridge
Oral Surgery
Endodontic Dentistry (Root Canals)
Esthetic Dentistry
John Havlick, DDS
My career in Dentistry started in 1979. After graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry, I went into practice with my father, Dr. Paul Havlick. I practiced patient-centered Dentistry for over 40 years in Valparaiso, and now I have the great opportunity to do the same with Afdent here in Mishawaka.
During my time outside the office, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and my two dogs.
Education
Doctorate Of Dental Surgery: Indiana University School of Dentistry (1979)
Undergraduate: B.A. from Indiana State University (1975)
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Northwest Indiana Dental Society
Chicago Dental Society
Awards / Certifications
Certified in Botox and Dermal Fillers (American Academy of Facial Aesthetics, 2019)
Serving the Community
Indiana University Northwest, Faculty (Adjunct)
Active member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2517
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Crown and Bridge
Aesthetic Dentistry
Botox and Dermal Fillers
Abigale Miller, DMD
I was born and raised in South Bend, attended Clay High School, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2012. In May 2016, after earning a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, I returned to my hometown to practice patient-centered dentistry.
In my spare time, I enjoy camping, hiking, walking my trusty French bulldog, Roxie, and spending time with friends and family.
Education
Doctorate of Dental Medicine: University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
North Central Dental Society
Serving the Community
Service to others is an important part of my dental practice. In dental school, I organized events that educated and provided free dental exams to elementary school students. I remain dedicated to my role in serving our community through various programs in northern Indiana.
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Neuromuscular Dentistry (TMJ)
Oral Surgery
Endodontic Dentistry (Root Canals)
Esthetic Dentistry
Tooth Whitening
Byron Moore, DDS
After joining Afdent in 2011, I was immediately impressed with our Patient Friendly approach to dentistry. I enjoy working with our amazing and talented staff to bring the best dental care in Michiana. My wife and I have two beautiful twins. In my free time I enjoy Cubs baseball, my 1976 Jeep CJ5, and heading to the beach in the summer.
Education
Doctorate Of Dental Surgery: Indiana University School of Dentistry (2004)
Undergraduate: University of Southern Indiana (2000)
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Northwest Indiana Dental Society
Serving the Community
Cub Scouts Den Leader
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
Mini Dental Implants
Oral Surgery
Root Canals
Oral Sleep Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Cosmetic Dentistry
Michelle Paden, DDS, MS
I was born and raised in Muskegon, MI. I moved to the east side of Michigan while attending the University of Michigan Dental School and University of Detroit Mercy Dental School orthodontic residency. I was an associate professor at the University of Detroit Dental School orthodontic department and was a state of Michigan board examiner.
I practiced orthodontics for 22 years in Grand Haven MI. In February of 2019 I married my husband, Robert, and have since closed my office in Grand Haven and have made Elkhart my home. I now have a blended family of 4 boys, 1 girl, and 3 dogs. I enjoy golf, stand up paddle boarding, and playing bass guitar in the church praise band.
Education
M.S. Certificate in Orthodontics: University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (1997)
Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Michigan School of Dentistry (1995)
Undergraduate: B.S. from Grand Valley State University (1991)
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Board of Orthodontics Board Certified
American Association of Orthodontists
Certifications
Invisalign Certified (2020)
Serving the Community
I have gone on mission trips to Haiti and worked with Ottawa County Miles of Smiles dental van.
Areas of Expertise
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Orthodontics
Cosmetic Dentistry
Sara Paige, DMD
I recently relocated to Mishawaka, IN from Elizabethtown, KY with my husband and Daughter. We made the move to this community with our Bengal Cat, Lexi, and our Cumberland Slider Turtle, Terra. I’m so excited to join the Afdent family and hope to contribute my love of dentistry to the patient-centered model. Over the course of my 16 year career, I have committed myself to providing quality dental care for the whole family and place a high emphasis on patient comfort. A majority of my career has been in pediatric dentistry and I hope to contribute that skill set to the practice.
In my free time, I enjoy painting and working with my hands to create wall art with magazines and mod podge. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and look forward to exploring the area.
Education
Doctorate of Dental Medicine: University of Louisville (2004)
Bachelors of Arts in Biology: Bellarmine College (2000)
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Kentucky Dental Association
Louisville Dental Society
American Association of Orthodontists
Certifications
Implant Pathway Surgery Certification
State Dental Director KY Market
Serving the Community
I volunteered with Smile Kentucky placing sealants at the KY State Fair along with performing Oral Cancer screenings. I also volunteered at my home town elementary school for dental screenings.
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Crown and Bridge
Oral Surgery
Dentures and Partials
Dental Implants
Austin Pletcher, DMD
I was born and raised in Osceola and attended Penn High School. After graduating I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Indiana University – Bloomington. I continued my education at the University of Louisville where I received my Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching Star Wars, and following Colts Football.
Education
Doctorate of Dental Medicine: University of Louisville
Undergraduate: B.A. in Biology from Indiana University – Bloomington
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
North Central Dental Society
Serving the Community
Volunteering and giving back to the community is very important to me, especially the Mishawaka and surrounding areas as I have called this area home throughout my childhood. While attending the University of Louisville, I was involved with Smile Kentucky! all four years, a program that reinforces proper oral hygiene to the children in the greater Louisville area by informational school presentations and by providing free dental exams.
Areas of Expertise
Full Mouth Rejuvenation
Neuromuscular Dentistry (TMJ)
Esthetic Dentistry
Endodontic Therapy (Root Canals)
Oral Surgery
Smile Makeovers
Crowns and Bridges
Oral Sedation Dentistry
General Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Joseph Watson, DDS
New to Indiana, I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and then went on to receive my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. After dental school, I moved to New York City. While in NYC, I practiced general dentistry, and received a Certificate in Graphic Design and Advertising from Parsons School of Design.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience, I am comfortable with a wide variety of dental cases, and I love interacting with people. In my spare time I enjoy tennis, cars and art.
Education
Doctorate of Dental Science: University of Iowa College of Dentistry (1993)
Undergraduate: B.S. in Biology from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA (1989)
Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
National Dental Association
Illinois State Dental Society
Chicago Dental Society
Awards / Certifications
Dean's List in Dental School
Certificate Graphic Design and Advertising (Parsons School of Design)
Serving the Community
Volunteer at the Chicago Dental Society(CDS) Free Dental Clinic
Helped start mobile dental program at MOBILE CARE FOUNDATION (Chicago, IL)
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Dentures
Periodontics
Endodontics
Cosmetic Dentistry