Our Team
Dr. Christine Tenaglia has been providing exceptional dental care for over 30 years. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1992 after completing her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University on a full athletic scholarship for running. A first-generation college graduate, she paved the way for her three younger sisters to pursue higher education. Her journey in dentistry began as an associate in Saline, Michigan, before she launched her own practice in Brighton. She later became a partner in Holt before ultimately settling in Okemos in 1997, where she built a state-of-the-art dental facility in 2003.
Passionate about treating patients of all ages, Dr. Tenaglia values the personal connections she forms with those she serves. She enjoys hearing their stories and takes pride in making a positive impact on their lives. Inspired by her own positive dental experiences, she knew in high school that dentistry was her calling. She is also known for bringing joy to the community with her festive Halloween and Christmas displays, a tradition that families look forward to each year.
Outside of work, Dr. Tenaglia is dedicated to health and fitness, enjoying activities such as running, biking, weight training, pickleball, and downhill skiing. She loves traveling and experiencing new cultures, as well as cooking, growing her own vegetables, and sharing great food and wine with friends and family. Dr. Tenaglia’s commitment to compassionate care, professional excellence, and community involvement makes her a trusted and beloved dentist at Tenaglia Smiles.
Jennifer is a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Tenaglia Smiles with over 20 years of experience in the field. Specializing in the treatment of gum disease, she spent 13 years working in a periodontal specialist office before transitioning to general dentistry. Her extensive knowledge and expertise allow her to provide top-tier care to Dr. Tenaglia’s patients.
Jennifer’s passion for dentistry stems from her desire to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. She finds immense satisfaction in educating and guiding individuals toward optimal oral health, knowing that a bright smile can make a lasting impact on their self-esteem and well-being.
Outside of work, Jennifer is a devoted wife and mother of two. She enjoys spending time in nature and is also a budding sewist, embracing creativity in her free time. With her wealth of experience and compassionate approach, Jennifer is committed to ensuring every patient receives exceptional care at Tenaglia Smiles.
Nicki is a dedicated Dental Assistant at Tenaglia Smiles. Originally from the metro Detroit area, she moved to Okemos for high school and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing from Full Sail University. Now, she resides in Okemos with her husband and daughter.
Outside of work, Nicki enjoys exploring Michigan’s many breweries, cheering on the University of Michigan, and spending time outdoors playing disc golf. She brings her enthusiasm and passion for patient care to Tenaglia Smiles, helping create a comfortable and positive experience for every patient.
Rebekah brings over a decade of experience in dental administration to Tenaglia Smiles. She holds a Business Degree and began her career in the Metro Detroit area before moving to Lansing after getting married. Her passion for helping people and problem-solving led her to the dental field, where she excels at finding the best financial solutions to help patients achieve their dental goals.
Rebekah knew she was in the right profession when she left work each day feeling fulfilled by her accomplishments. She values the impact she has on patients and enjoys being a trusted resource in their dental care journey.
Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband, their three cats, and four chickens. She can often be found reading, gardening, or exploring the beauty of Northern Michigan.
