Emily Van Heukelom, DDS

Emily J. Van Heukelom, DDS

Dr. Van Heukelom is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is passionate about making oral surgery as easy and comfortable as possible for her patients. She and her team work closely with you and your dentist to ensure your treatment plan is comprehensive and aligned with your long-term dental and overall health goals.

A highly accomplished surgeon, Dr. Van Heukelom has developed focused expertise in dental implant placement, comprehensive oral rehabilitation, facial trauma, and complex hospital-based surgical care, as well as dentoalveolar surgery. Whether your visit is routine or complex, Dr. Van Heukelom looks forward to helping you. 

Beyond her work at the Center for Oral Surgery + Dental Implants, Dr. Van Heukelom is a recognized leader in surgical standards and patient safety. She currently serves as Chair of the Michigan Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Office Anesthesia Evaluation Committee, where she helps uphold the highest standards for anesthesia administration across the state.

 

    • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): University of Iowa College of Dentistry (2004)

    • General Practice Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (2005)

    • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency: Boston University Medical Center (2009)

    • Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (Board Certified)

    • Diplomate, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology

    • Fellow, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

    • Chair, Michigan Office Anesthesia Evaluation Committee

    • Contributor to the AAOMS Parameters of Care in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines: Anesthesia Subsection

    • American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

    • American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

    • American Dental Association (ADA) and Michigan Dental Association

    • Michigan Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

    • American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

  • Dr. Van Heukelom grew up in Iowa and is a second-generation oral surgeon. After completing residency training in Boston, she began her professional career in private practice in New Hampshire before bringing her skills and experience to Grand Rapids in 2015.

    • Favorite Place You’ve Been: I lived in New England for 10 years. The rolling alpine meadows around Burlington, VT, have a special place in my heart.

    • If You Weren’t an Oral Surgeon: Systems engineering or macroeconomics are two other fields that would be a good fit for me.

    • Favorite Books: Reading Harry Potter with my kids.

    • Favorite Pastime: Hiking, leisure reading 

    • Bucket List: We are planning a family trip to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and talking about going to the United Kingdom. 

    • Favorite Food: Spaghetti with arrabiata sauce and fresh basil. I grow basil year-round because it’s my favorite fresh herb.