Brigette Koetter, DDS

Dental Professionals of Rockwall

By Meredith Knight | Photos by Dallas McNeal Photography

Dr. Brigette Koetter has been a strong presence in the Rockwall community for the past 15 years. She is the owner of Dental Professionals of Rockwall, providing Rockwall-area residents with compassionate care and comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. She prides herself in caring for the needs of all age groups, from toddlers to adults, and treating patients like members of her own family. She strives to be a key part of her patients’ team, providing and maintaining not only optimal oral health, but good health in general throughout their lives.

A Mentor for Dentistry Students

Serving as an example to others, she is actively involved as a mentor to young women through the dental assisting program at the Gene Burton Career Center in Rockwall. Each semester, Dr. Koetter has two to three students working toward certification as registered dental assistants by the time they graduate high school. Some of these students are heading out into the workforce, applying to hygiene school, or applying to dental school after they attend college. Dr. Koetter shares experiences with these young women along with her patients. “It’s an amazing program that allows me to demonstrate what I love about dentistry,” she says. She’s surrounded by a team of strong women who each bring their capabilities and expertise to the office. “We demonstrate how healthy relationships facilitate a successful work environment,” she explains. “We lift each other up and do work and life together.”

Aspirations and Goals

Dr. Koetter developed her passion for dentistry when she was 15 years old while working as a dental assistant. In college, she worked in the dental operatories and the front office, gaining as much experience as possible in the field. Being chairside with her patients, she knew she had found her calling. She truly loves her job that serves others and enjoys owning her own practice. It allows her to continually educate herself and be a leader in the field of dentistry.

Round Table Study Club

Besides being a mentor to young ladies seeking a career in dentistry, Dr. Koetter is an active member of a study club that allows a round table setting to review difficult cases, where they create the best solution for patients facing fears and questions about what is best for their oral health.

Improving a Patient’s Dental Experience with Innovative Advancements

As dental technology continues to advance improvements in comfort and aesthetics, Dr. Koetter maintains her endeavor to improve a patient’s dental experience, with their comfort and convenience in mind. The use of digital X-rays with small sensors make routine exams easier and more pleasant. “We also have CEREC – the most innovative method for creating dental restorations,” she explains. This process eliminates taking impressions and having gooey material in your mouth. During the appointment, patients can sit back and relax in the chair while Dr. Koetter replicates a 3D model of their mouth using a state-of- the-art scanner. This affords both the patient and Dr. Koetter to view the results on a large screen. Then Dr. Koetter designs a custom crown using the newest computer-integrated database of teeth.

“It’s kind of like the reverse of a 3D printer. A porcelain block is placed in the mill and carved out to the exact specifications I have designed,” she explains. The crown is then milled in the office and stained to match the existing teeth. Next, the crown is speed-fired in a kiln to set the glaze on the porcelain. The patient goes home with the crown on the same day, eliminating the need for extra appointments and a temporary crown. Her patients appreciate the convenience this process allows.

Education and Awards

Dr. Koetter graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2002, where she was honored as an OU scholar. She then earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2007. While in dental school, she served two years as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate orthodontic department. She was one of three students recognized as a Senior Departmental Advanced Studies program participant in orthodontics and was honored with the John C. and Ruberta Weaver Award for Excellence in Periodontics and Prosthodontics. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Time for Family

Leisure time for Dr. Koetter is spent with her family. She is the mother of three children, ages 16, 13, and four. Her eldest daughter wants to pursue a career in dentistry and has grown up learning how a dental practice operates. Much like her mother’s start, Dr. Koetter’s daughter spends her summers behind-the-scenes working the front office, chairside, and in sterilization. Dr. Koetter has plans to include her son in the family business too.

Dr. Koetter and her daughter are also active members in the National Charity League, a local community service and mother-daughter organization. Together, they enjoy spending their free time volunteering in and around Rockwall at Liberty Heights retirement home, Meals on Wheels, Patriot Paws, and many more organizations that appreciate their support.

Dr. Koetter’s favorite activities are watching her children’s sporting events and traveling. “Travel is one of my passions,” she says. “I love going on adventures with my family and exploring historical places.” She also likes discovering new thrilling activities, and watching her kids enjoy something for the first time.