Meet Our Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne's Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Dentist and Favorite Orthodontist
2021: Afdent Awarded Fort Wayne's Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Dentist and Favorite Orthodontist
2022: Afdent Awarded Fort Wayne's Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Dental Office and Favorite 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.

Bryan Braasch, DDS

A Fort Wayne native, Dr. Braasch graduated from Bishop Dwenger prior to attending Wabash College where he received a BA in psychology with a focus in neuroscience. His formal dental training was completed at Indiana University School of Dentistry where he received a doctorate of dental surgery.

As part of the Afdent team, Dr. Braasch knows that providing patients with the care they need and the quality of care they deserve all starts with an open ear. By listening, we learn about your needs and concerns from day one and use this as the foundation for providing care that meets yours needs as an individual.

Dr. Braasch is an animal lover who also enjoys cooking, sculpting, and traveling.

Education
Doctorate Of Dental Surgery: Indiana University School of Dentistry
Bachelor of Arts: Wabash College

Areas of Expertise
Areas of Expertise
General Dentistry
Neuromuscular Dentistry (TMJ)
Oral Surgery
Endodontic Dentistry (Root Canals)
Esthetic Dentistry
Tooth Whitening

Richard Dziak, DDS

I’m a graduate of Loyola Dental School and maintained a private practice in Chicago, Illinois for 28 years focusing on crowns, bridges, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In 1995 I moved to Northwest Indiana and in 2005 I joined Dr. Pecina at Afdent Dental in Mishawaka. I was in complete agreement with the practice’s philosophy of putting the patient first and was also very impressed by the friendly and professional clinical and office staff at Afdent.

I am married and the proud father of two lovely daughters. I give back to the community as a volunteer fireman and medical first responder. I also enjoy outdoor activities, bicycling, and traveling with my family.

Education
Doctorate Of Dental Medicine: Loyola University (1977)
Undergraduate: B.S. from Western Illinois University

Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
LaPorte County Dental Society

Serving the Community
Lt. on the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Dept. and Medical First Responder

Areas of Expertise
General 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

Christopher Leonard, DDS

I have 30 years experience in clinical General Dentistry.  My focuses include extractions, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, implants, and occlusal restoration.

I have two children. My daughter is studying at Indiana University and my son is studying at IUPUI. I enjoy playing guitar and I’ve begun training in classical guitar.  I’m fascinated with storm chasing and plan to start my first adventure next year.

Education
Doctorate of Dental Surgery: Indiana University School of Dentistry (1991)
Undergraduate School: Indiana University, B.A. Chemistry (1987)

Associations / Professional Memberships
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry

Areas of Expertise
Extractions
Fillings
Root Canals
Crowns
Dentures
Implants
Occlusal Restoration

Alan Prouty, DDS

I'm originally from Fox Lake, Illinois. I grew up playing football, baseball and wrestling.  My senior year in high school I served one term as village trustee where I got to experience local politics and serving the community first hand. I wrestled for two years in college and served as assistant wrestling coach at Truman College.

I enjoyed playing sports and coaching so much I decided to pursue a degree in physical education and minor in health. I taught high school for several years in Chicago Public Schools before attending dental school at IU. In teaching, I coached high school wrestling and girls tennis. In my spare time I enjoy weight training, cycling and yoga. I also enjoy playing golf and tennis.