we create lasting, healthy, beautiful smiles

Whether you are simply searching for a new dentist to help keep your smile healthy, or are in need of more extensive cosmetic or restorative treatments, our team has the knowledge, experience, and tools to cater to your unique needs.

Family Dental Health has been practicing dentistry in the community since 1979.  The practice has outgrown two offices and our current location is equipped with the latest technology and amenities while maintaining a winning local reputation. Our dentists along with the front office coordinators, certified dental assistants, and licensed dental hygienists combine for an enthusiastic team ready to ensure your dental experience leaves you feeling valued, respected, and understood.

We offer convenient hours five days a week. We have extended hours on Tuesdays from 7am until 7pm and one Saturday/month from 8am until noon. To learn more, please continue to browse our website or give us a call!

Located conveniently in the South Bend/Granger/Mishawaka area as well as greater Michiana. We proudly serve patient's from all over Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, including Chicago, LaPorte, New Carlisle, North Liberty, Walkerton, Elkhart, Goshen, Bremen, Berrien Springs, Niles, Edwardsburg, Dowagiac, and Cassopolis.

Meet The Doctors

  • Harvey Weingarten,
    DDS
    Founder, Retired Dentist

    A native of South Bend, Dr. Weingarten, along with Dr. Gitlin, started the practice in 1979 on Mishawaka Ave.

    After attending Adams High School and Indiana University in Bloomington, he earned his dental degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. In addition to his work at FDH, Dr. Weingarten has worked with IUSB's Hygiene Program, served as the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis and served as president of the IN State Board of Dentistry. He was a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

  • William Gitlin,
    DDS
    Founder, Retired Dentist

    Dr. Bill Gitlin retired from practice at the end of 2021 after 42 years with Family Dental Health. Along with Dr. Weingarten, the two started the practice in 1979 on Mishawaka Ave. 

    Dr. Gitlin was raised in Bluffton, IN. He completed his undergrad education at Miami University of Ohio, and earned his DDS degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has been recognized by the Indiana Dental Association for his many contributions to the Michiana community and is a fellow of the International College of Dentists. Outside of the office, he volunteered his time at the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center and served as a board member for the North Central Dental Foundation.

  • Alon Shemesh,
    DDS

    Dr. Shemesh graduated undergrad from IU South Bend and went on to earn his DDS degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. Before moving to South Bend, he spent five years practicing dentistry in Chicago. He joined Family Dental Health in 2001. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Shemesh is the dental director of the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center. 

    Aside from dentistry, Dr. Shemesh loves spending time with his family and enjoys the outdoors.

  • Stephen Hendricks,
    DDS

    Dr. Hendricks was raised in South Bend and graduated from Clay High School and Manchester University. After his time at Manchester, Dr. Hendricks spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington in Vancouver, WA. 

    Dr. Hendricks received his DDS degree at Indiana University in 2016 and the following year, completed a hospital-based residency program in general practice dentistry at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, MI. In addition to his private practice, he volunteers time with the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center and the Dr. Angie Health Exchange Program.

    As a very active dental student, Dr. Hendricks held several leadership positions and received numerous accolades. He enjoys continuing his education both at home in a Spear Study Club with local dentists and specialists as well as numerous hours taking courses from the best dentists in the country. Dr. Hendricks is committed to providing individualized care that excels in quality for the community that raised him.

    Dr. Hendricks is married with two children. He enjoys cycling and running. As a family, the Hendricks' enjoy being outdoors, traveling and eating ice cream.

  • Andrew Watkins,
    DDS

    Dr. Watkins was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana. He graduated from Notre Dame and went on to earn his doctorate in dental surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry. Following dental school, Dr. Watkins returned to Bloomington and worked in private practice for several years before moving to South Bend. He joined Family Dental Health in spring of 2018. 

    Dr. Watkins and his wife have two daughters, Claire, born in 2019 and Ellie, born in 2021. In his spare time, he enjoys running with his wife and two dogs, playing at the park with his daughters, as well as attending Notre Dame athletic events.

  • Eric Stefanski,
    DDS

    Dr. Eric spent his childhood fishing, biking, and sailing on and around the lake he grew up on in Southwest Michigan.  

    He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for both undergraduate and dental school studies, earning his DDS degree in 2015. He has practiced in the Michiana area since graduation and has developed particular passions for patient education, orthodontics, and endodontics. 

    Dr. Eric moved to the South Bend area to be with his wife, Elle, who is from New Carlisle. He enjoys spending his days with his two young children, and when the opportunity arises, he and Elle will hop on their tandem bike to cruise through the beautiful scenery of Michiana.

Testimonials

    I always get the best care at Family Dental Health. My hygienist does an incredibly thorough job, and got all the nasty stains off my teeth. The doctors are top notch. Love Dr. Hendricks! Thank you!!

    Nanci Z.

    Dr. Eric is very engaging, he listens to my concerns, explains what needs to be done and why. I was very impressed with my visit!

    Kay A.

    I had an exceptional experience yesterday with all of the people I came in contact with. I am so thankful I was referred to your practice.

    Barb B.

    I am a longtime patient! Excellent patient care! Kind and caring! Determined to give the best care possible!

    Christi M.

    I want to thank Dr. Andrew Watkins and his team for an incredible experience in their office. Everyone from the staff at the desk to the hygienist to Dr. Watkins, was pleasant, professional, and timely. My cleaning was perfect and my visit to have additional work completed was just as explained. Dr. Watkins performed his work painlessly and with great skill. I would recommend Family Dental Health and Dr. Watkins to anyone looking for a great dentist.

    Gloria B.

    This was my first visit to Family Dental Health. Going to a new dentist can get the better of your nerves. However, from the moment I arrived, the team was wonderful. The environment was set up to be spacious, which matters nowadays. The chairside assistant had the friendliest personality. Dr. Shemesh addressed a few issues and gave wonderful advice. Overall A+. I wish I came to them sooner!

    Christina M.

    If you, like me, have some anxiety about going to the dentist, I highly recommend this practice! Every staff member I interacted with was friendly and polite but Dr. Watkins and the hygienist I saw, Jamie, were particularly wonderful. They were both so patient, explained everything they did, and happily answered all my questions. I’m so happy to have found such a great dentist!

    Lindsay M.

    So happy with my dentist Dr. Hendricks, and my hygienist Kristen is so calming and detailed in her exam. Can’t wait for my next visit…and I never say that about dentists!!

    Kim H.

    I am 70 and have been going to Family Dental for 35 years. I still have all my teeth, no pain, and just a little stain from lots of ice tea. This is an amazing place, very professional, clean, safe, and high tech. I feel that I am treated like a person and I am important. They are concerned about my comfort, my heath and my teeth. I took my 90 year old mother there for a problem when she had dementia. They fixed her up and refused to charge her.

    Dan H.

    Such a great dentist office. Took care of me straight away. I thought this appointment would be a consultation but my broken teeth were fixed on the same day. Always friendly and attentive!

    BM P

    I have a wonderful relationship with this office of professionals. The folks who work there are thoughtful, engaging and thorough. Dr. Watkins is kind and provides several options to a problem. He does the work himself as opposed to other establishments who rely too heavily on the assistants to do the work. I have been through a lot since being diagnosed with cancer and he understands my fears. Five stars all the way!!!

    Rosemary B.

    Jeanne is the best dental hygienist in the area. Professional, courteous, and gentle. Many hygienist are abrasive and too rough; feel like they're wrestling your head off, Jeanne does not. She understands tooth sensitivity and uses correct procedure instead of using your mouth (or head) as leverage to clean. I will not work with anyone else.

    Drew Y.

    I always feel anxious when visiting a dentist. Family Dental Health allayed my anxiety the moment I stepped in. There is an atmosphere of genuine care and attention to detail. Michelle Carmola is brilliant, attentive and so knowledgeable. Dr. Shemesh is calm, gentle and reassuring. I highly recommend this practice .

    Erica P.

    I have major anxiety when it comes to dental work. Dr. Hendricks and his staff show genuine empathy and compassion to that and do their best to make me as comfortable as possible. Great dentist and staff. Highly recommend.

    Tracy C.

    I always dreaded going to the dentist. A coworker suggested I see Dr. Shemesh at Family Dental Health. I'm so glad I did. I no longer have anxiety before each appointment. Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. I'm always cold and I have neck issues but no worries. My favorite hygienist, Melisa, always has a pillow and blanket waiting for me.

    Donna H.

    Always on time for their appointments. Staff is courteous and helpful. I always look forward to going to my appointment and interacting with doctors and staff. I highly recommend Family Dental Health!

    Kevin M.

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Contact Us

Our Location

You can find us on Douglas Road, just east of the University of Notre Dame campus

Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Open 1 Saturday/Month - Call For Details

Sunday:

Closed