About Us

Welcome to our web page! I hope to meet you soon, but let me tell you a little about myself and the wonderful practice my staff and I have developed. I graduated Dental school from Indiana University in 1998. Immediately following graduation, I was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Dental Corp. There I spent my first year finishing a General Practice Residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital--experience in Hospital Dentistry, more exposure to dental specialty treatment, medical situations 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.

Everyday is a chance to learn and improve. 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 make myself 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 choose the dental profession as as life-long endeavor. The fun factor definitely 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. Bruce D. Watkins

Meet the Staff

Hi, my name is Jenny Sharpe and I'm the Office Manager. I have been working for Dr. Watkins since 2002. I'm originally from Niles, Michigan and now live here in Elkhart on the St. Joe River. I graduated from Lake Michigan College and Indiana University. I'm a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant and I also teach at the Lake Michigan College Dental Assisting program part-time. Some of my hobbies include: reading, spending time with family and friends, and kayaking.

My name is Rebecca Frantz and I'm 30 years old. I am the receptionist here for Dr. Watkins. I was born in Chillicothe, Ohio and then my family moved to New Carlisle, In when I was 10 years old. I attended high school at New Prarie High School. I also attended I.U.S.B. I now live in Mishawaka, In with my son Corbin who is 6 and our Saint Bernard, Abby. I adopted my son 6 years ago and he is the best thing that ever happened to me! My hobbies consist of playing a lot! We go bike riding, take walks, and go bowling. I look forward to meeting you all and taking care of all your dental needs.

Hi, my name is Heather Weber. I have been practicing dental hygiene for 14 years full time until I had my first daughter, Reagan who is 6 years old. I married my husband Rich on July 7, 2007. I now have another daughter who is six months old named Delaney. I moved here from Syracuse, Indiana about 2 years ago and love the water. I love fishing and camping. I even clean my own fish. My favorite times are hanging out with my family. I love to watch stupid movies with my sisters. We all love to laugh. The best place on the planet is Vegas Baby!!!!

My name is Rachel. I am a dental hygienist. I attended I.U.P.U.I. and I.U.S.B. For fun I like to cook, paint, and play outdoors (especially with my dog Sammy). Some of my biggest pet peeves are: stubbing my toes, burning my tongue, and loose door knobs. One of my biggest accomplishments would be winning the Dorothy Fromm Excellence in Patient Education award in 2008.

My name is Becky Kline. I am a dental hygienist here. I am a graduate of Elkhart High School, attended Ball State University, and graduated from I.U.S.B. in 1976. I have been working in this practice for over 30+ years. My best vacation spot is Siesta Key Florida. My favorite activity is floating in my pool with a good book. Since I have worked in the practice for 30+ years, I guess you can say that I enjoy my job and the patients.

Hi, my name is Renee. I am a Certified Dental Assistant. I live in Osceola, IN. with my pitbull named Xena. I graduated from Penn High School and attended Lake Michigan College where I received a certificate in Dental Assisting. In my spare time I am usually at the race track watching my boyfriend race. My favorite color is pink and I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriends.