Get to Know Dr. Bruce Watkins & Our Dental Office
Dr. Bruce Watkins
I graduated Dental school from Indiana University in 1998. Immediately following graduation, I was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Dental Corp. where I spent my first year finishing a General Practice Residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. I experienced Hospital Dentistry, more exposure to dental specialty treatments, and trauma. I was then deployed with a SeaBee battalion deploying to Puerto Rico and Okinawa. Following my service, I came back to Indiana to a group practice in South Bend and decided that I wanted to have a more hands-on, personal practice. That is when I invested in this practice in 2002. I felt with my vast experiences in General Practice Residency, Navy and civilian training that I could build a great practice by providing quality, caring, comprehensive dentistry.
My commitment to cutting-edge is clear, but also tempered by the knowledge of what has been proven and successful. I am most proud of the positive changes that I have brought to my patients lives. We have maintained the highest level of integrity, amidst busy daily schedules and often challenging situations. I recommend the best, as I would for myself and my own family.
I am involved in every step of the dental experience. I am available to clients and staff, ensuring the highest level of client care. There is true joy and sense of fulfillment when a client positively embraces our treatments. It reminds me why I’ve chosen the dental profession as a life-long endeavor. The fun factor kicks in and encourages my staff and I to continue our commitment to successful client relationships. I am especially proud of our team and their commitment to you through caring attitudes and continuous, advanced training. Our professional team wants the experience to be as comfortable and positive as it can possibly be.
Dr. Watkins is a member of many professional groups, including the:
- American Academy of Facial Aesthetics (AAFE)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
- American Dental Society (ADA)
- Indiana Dental Association (IDA)
- Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
- North Central Dental Society (NCDS)
- International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) - Diplomate
- Elkhart Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to Dr. Watkins on achieving his Diplomat level training with the International Dental Implant Association. This is the highest distinction achievable in dental implant and bone grafting training. This process has taken over 2 years, more than 250 continuing education hours in lecture, cadaver and live patient training with Dr. Garg and Implant Seminars. Dr. Watkins is most proud of the live patient experiences as those cases were donated to underserved Dominican Republic citizens that would never have been able to access the high level of implant related care that he and his colleagues provided at no cost. On two separate occasions, over 2.5 million dollars of treatment were donated to those amazing people by dentists just like Dr. Watkins learning their craft and supervised by established, internationally regarded professionals from all over the world. Dr. Watkins completed his case presentations, didactic and clinical hours on the 5th of February. We are proud to provide our patients with ever expanding treatment options by training with the best to provide the best care possible.
Happy Elkhart Patient
"I have been a patient for several years. The quality of care is exceptional. The doctors and staff are very professional and caring. The facilities and equipment are state of the art. I recommend Dr. Watkins for all dental needs." Lena A
Sarah Front Desk Receptionist
Originally from North Carolina, I have been a resident of Indiana since 2019. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my two nieces, watching sports and practicing yoga. I am an avid Notre Dame football fan! Go Irish!
I am thankful to be apart of a team that is focused on patient care and truly treats each patient like our own family. I am happy to say this is my home away from home!
Renee Dental Assistant
I have always loved going to the dentist and getting my teeth cleaned and this spiked my interest in dentistry. In high school I attended the career center for their dental program and after six months I knew I wanted my career to be in dental assisting. I am a Certified Dental Assistant and have been with Dr. Watkins since 2005. I enjoy meeting new patients and helping them with whatever dental need they have. My favorite procedure is implant surgeries.
Days away from the office I love spending time with my family at the beach or we enjoy going camping.
Barbie Dental Assistant
I am a Certified Dental Assistant. I have always had a desire to help patients improve their smile, educate them on their oral health and maintain their health. I enjoy getting to know each one of my patients and how every patient is a different case. There is never the same case.
Everyday brings something new whether it be with a patient or learning more knowledge about dentistry. When not in the office I enjoy crafting, wood projects and spending time with my family and friends.
Jessica Dental Assistant
About two years ago I received a call that began my journey into the dental industry as a sterilization technician. I have since advanced my career and now am a Certified Dental Assistant and enjoy working in a friendly, fun environment. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, concerts and exploring outdoors as well as abstract painting and cooking.
Hayley Dental Hygienist
I graduated from hygiene school in the spring of 2021 and love the career I have began to build. I chose to become a dental hygienist as I've always loved going to the dentist and found that it was the right fit for me. I enjoy meeting patients, learning more about them and helping them feel comfortable at their dental appointments.
Outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs. I also enjoy reading, binging TV shows and traveling.
Krystal Dental Hygienist
My career in dental hygiene began around age five, when I regularly and carefully cleaned the teeth of my stuffed animals in my tiny exam room (underneath my grandfather's office desk). I have fond memories instructing each patient to take good care of their teeth because, as my grandfather used to tell me, "you only get one 'real' set so you better take good care of those teeth". I knew it was true, as both he and my great grandfather were dentists, and the thought of losing my teeth helped me become an avid teeth brusher and flosser. My passion for cleaning teeth and promoting good oral health has remained unchanged from my childhood and I am thrilled to serve our Elkhart community at Watkins Family Dentistry!
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, reading a good book, and exploring the great outdoors!
Jenny Office Manager
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved people’s smiles, so I knew the dental field was the right choice for me. I have been with the office since it started in 2002 and wouldn’t want to work any where else. I love meeting new people and helping them with their dental needs. I’m also a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant and taught the Dental Assisting program at Lake Michigan College for 10 years.
When I'm not in the office, I love spending time with my family and going to the beach.
