Meet Dr. Stephanie Grider

As long as I can remember, I knew I would become a dentist and be just like my dad (Loyola, 1985). His patients remember me running around his small Southside office after pre-school, assisting as a teenager, and have watched me grow up to become the dentist I am today. I like to joke that I’m a “chip off the old tooth” when it comes to my style of practice. I attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2015 and started a post-graduate program in periodontics and implant surgery. I left to help my family when my mother unexpectedly passed away and my dad was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I’ve worked as an associate in private practices in Illinois and more recently, I spent the last four years practicing in beautiful St. Joseph, Michigan. My husband Kyle has worked at various NWI hospitals as a surgical neurophysiologist with most of his time spent at Porter Regional Hospital and other facilities within the Northwest Health system. We’re excited to finally establish long-term roots and start a family here, but for now, we have our big dog until the family expands. I'm particularly excited to find a local choir and my husband plans to rejoin the Valpo Community / University Concert Band on tuba when his braces come off.

I am excited to bring implants, Invisalign®, and advanced technology to the office over the next year. Even with contemporary dentistry and a modern approach, my goal is to always keep the “small office feel” that I remember growing up so that we get to know each of our patients. I try to explain your dental options in an approachable way, so that you feel confident to make your own health decisions. Everyone on our team is committed to enthusiastically providing you and your family excellent dental health care in a professional and friendly manner. We even may crack a joke or two. 

I’m always amazed at how many patients have been with my dad his whole career of 35+ years, and I’m so excited to finally do the same with our community here in NWI. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, and I look forward to helping you smile brightly.

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What Sets us Apart

Smile Brightly is a dental practice where everything is focused on you; your comfort, your needs, and your smile goals are our priorities.

Of course, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and excellent treatment, but our practice is so much more than that. We are here to create a place where patients trust us and know that we’re looking out for their best interest. Our Smile Brightly team allows encourages patients to tell their stories so together, we can achieve their goals.

Our office is a warm and safe environment, filled with people who genuinely care about our patients. We celebrate personal success and are energetic, knowledgeable, and confident in our clinical skills.

We promise to always:

• Offer treatment recommendations that are right for your specific clinical needs and goals
• Give you all the information you need to be advocate for your oral health
• Be respectful of your time
• Embrace your whole health, teeth, muscles, and body systems to ensure a lifetime of health and wellness

We invite you to schedule an appointment at Smile Brightly in Portage, IN. Come in, meet Dr. Grider and our team, and learn about the gentle treatment options that can create a healthy and beautiful smile, just for you!