Chelsea Update spotlight on business: Chelsea Family Dentistry

By Lisa Carolin

From a staff of four employees in 1994 to a staff of 30 today including five doctors, Chelsea Family Dentistry has seen a lot of growth in its 25 years of existence.

The practice has always been community oriented, sponsoring events like Sounds and Sights and offering scholarships through the Chelsea Education Foundation.

“We believe in being part of the organizations that make Chelsea a wonderful town,” said partner Dr. Brian Wisniewski. “We support the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and Kiwanis Club where we get to help run the hot dog stand during the Chelsea fair week.”

Chelsea Family Dentistry is located at 123 South St. behind the old post office. Dr. Todd Napieralski and his wife Peggy purchased the practice from Dr. Clare Warren in June 1994 when they fell in love with the small-town practice, a mere 800 square foot office built by the late Bob Daniels, owner of Chelsea Lumber.

As their practice grew, they decided to expand and in 1998, built two additional treatment rooms and a support space adding 1,200 square feet.

Wisniewski became an ownership partner in Chelsea Family Dentistry in 2007. He and Napieralski were classmates at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

The practice continued to grow, and in 2011, they purchased the parcel to the east, and in 2012 added another 1,500 square feet to the south of the property adding five more treatment rooms, a new sterilization center, and private patient check out areas.

Most recently, the practice added 22 parking spaces for patients, and easement access for adjacent places of business.

“Many of our staff have progressed from assistants, to hygienists, and doctors,” said Napieralski. “We often provide mentorships and job shadowing to those considering any dental related career. Most importantly, we have seen our patients grow up before our eyes. From kids who had their first cleaning with us, to seeing them get married, to having them bring their own children for treatment.”

As far as being part of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce goes, Wisniewski said, “Being part of the chamber allows us to meet and discuss business strategies in today’s challenging climate. It allows us to meet and socialize with other business owners to brainstorm how to make Chelsea become a place where everyone wants to live and raise a family. We are so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community.”