The dentist, the team, and the town.
Dunwell Dentistry is an independent, veteran-owned practice on Pontiac Trail. No corporate group, no rotating dentists — just the people who live here treating the people who live here.
Meet your dentist
Dr. Jeffrey Dunwell, DDS
A fourth-generation graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and a former active-duty U.S. Navy Dental Officer.
Dr. Dunwell was awarded the United States Navy Health Professions Scholarship for dental school. After graduating he spent four years on active duty as a Naval Dental Officer — the kind of clinical experience you cannot buy: a wide range of procedures, often in demanding conditions, always with the person in the chair a long way from home.
He then spent three years as an associate in private practice, deepening his work across restorative, surgical and cosmetic procedures, before opening Dunwell Dentistry.
He lives in South Lyon with his wife and two daughters. His attention to detail is the thing patients mention most — that, and the fact that he explains what he is doing before he does it.
“All the technology we use is purposeful.” Digital impressions, digital records, digital sensors, digital x-rays, intra-oral cameras and rotary endodontic instruments — each chosen because it makes an appointment easier for the patient, not because it looks impressive on a website.
You can trust us to be honest about treatment options, and we will always recommend the most conservative route first. We will never suggest a treatment that is not in your best interest, and nothing proceeds until you are completely comfortable.
Service
Four years at sea, and a flag on every grave.
Dr. Dunwell served four years of active duty as a U.S. Navy Dental Officer. Dunwell Dentistry is, and is registered as, a veteran-owned business.
That service has not stopped mattering here. Every year around Memorial Day, this practice marks Flags-In at Arlington National Cemetery — when soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, alongside Marines, sailors, airmen and the Coast Guard, place a flag at every one of more than 250,000 headstones.
“Freedom isn't free. Remembering those who paid the ultimate price for that freedom. Thank you doesn't even come close.”
If you are a veteran or an active-duty service member, tell us when you call. You will not be the only one in the room who has worn the uniform.
Lt. Dunwell, U.S. Navy Dental Corps — on deployment.
Flags-In at Arlington National Cemetery.
Our approach
What we built this practice around
Our mission is simple: provide an amazing patient experience. Here is what that means in practice.
Every age, one office
From your youngest to your oldest family member. We want even our smallest patients to discover that a trip to the dentist can be a good experience — because that shapes the next fifty years of their dental health.
Prevention over repair
Healthy gums and teeth are a real piece of your overall wellness. Regular exams and cleanings catch things early, and an oral cancer screening is part of every preventive appointment.
Honest, in plain English
We will tell you the conservative option first, show you the picture on the screen, and answer the question you actually asked. If a tooth can wait and watch, we will say so.
Comfort, taken seriously
If you are anxious about the dentist — and plenty of our patients were, before they came here — tell us. We will slow down, explain more, and stop when you need to stop.
Technology that shortens visits
The intra-oral scanner takes a digital impression in about a minute. No tray, no goop, no gagging, no re-takes — and a better-fitting restoration at the end of it.
A South Lyon business
We are not a branch of a group practice in another state. Decisions about your care get made in this building, by the person who made them.
The team
The people you'll actually see
When you come into our office, you will quickly see that we have built a team of dental professionals who genuinely love what they do.
Our patient-centred focus means our patients are happy, which in turn makes our staff happy — and that is not a slogan, it is the reason people stay with us for years. Dr. Dunwell's knowledgeable staff offers real expertise working with family members of all ages.
You will get to know them by name. They will know yours.
A note to Dr. Dunwell: we would love to feature each team member here with a photo, a name and a line about what they do — hygienists, assistants and front office. Send us the names and we will build the cards.
In the community
Two thousand toothbrushes, one very good pumpkin
A practice that belongs to a town shows up in it. Here is some of what that has looked like — the Pumpkinfest parade, the elementary school classrooms, the chamber ribbon-cutting, and a booth that raised $367 for Operation Smile.
Our official ribbon cutting took place on 20 March — the first day of spring and the start of new beginnings — with the Kensington Valley Chamber of Commerce, family and friends. We are glad to be part of this town.
Looking for a dentist in South Lyon?
We are accepting new patients. Whether it has been six months or six years since your last appointment, you will not get a lecture — just a plan.
(248) 216-1000