Jordan J. Balvich, DMD, FAGD, DAAOS, a.k.a. “Dr. J”

Dr J is the glue that brings this magnificent dental team together for you. He has been practicing general dentistry in Rensselaer for the past 19 years. He gets a lot of questions regarding the initials after his name. Let me explain. DMD stands for doctor of Dental Medicine: training for this degree was alongside medical students. FAGD stands for Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry: only 1% of dentists obtain this standing. These are doctors dedicated to furthering their knowledge and understanding the dental condition. DAAOS is an abbreviation for Diplomate in the academy of the American Orthodontic Society: less than 2% of its membership obtains this level of understanding in orthodontics. You can see the doctor likes to excel at what he does. This can be seen in Dr Balvich being selected as on of the Nation’s Top Dentists by the Consumer Research council of America for the past seven consecutive years.

Dr J is also serving as past-President of the American Orthodontic Society and he serves as it’s co-editor of the Journal of the American Orthodontic Society. He has also recently served as liaison for the Academy of General Dentistry in Washington D.C. with Indiana Congressmen for patient rights. Dr J is also an assistant instructor for the American Orthodontic Society where he teaches other general and pediatric dentists in orthodontics. He is a past board member and president of the local CDC. He has been an avid supporter of local youth activities and sports.

Dr J grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, graduated from St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer), received his dental training from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (Alton, IL) and returned to Rensselaer in 1992. He is married to Beth (Neal of Monticello, IN) for 26 years. They have four children: Joshua, a senior at RCHS, Parker a sophomore at RCHS, Graham a 7th grader at RCMS, and Ella, a 1st grader at St. Augustine Catholic School. Somehow the Doctor finds time for everyone, including his children. In his free time, he enjoys finishing the basement, attending the sporting events the kids are in and working in the yard. He is also studying for his private pilot license.

Terri O’Neil - "T.O."

Terri is Dr. Balvich’s go to person. She is your new patient concierge. She can help all patients; new and old get that smile of their dreams.

Originally of Indianapolis, Terri has been a resident of Rensselaer for the past 4 years. She is married to Brad and they have 3 young children, Jace, Kyndra, and the newest edition, Parker. The children manage to keep mom and dad very busy. Terri enjoys anything that involves the kids, like camping, going to the races, and anything to do with the outdoors. She is a huge Indianapolis Colts fan as well, GO BLUE!

Stephanie Hortsman - “Steph”

Dr. Balvich’s Back Office Coordinator and Orthodontic Coordinator. She is responsible for making life easy for the doctor so he can treat patients with ease and comfort. She does all the dirty work too. That means sterilization of all instruments, prepping your dream smile for lab work, and an array of other duties but the most important one may be holding the hands of our younger patients as the get their “shot”. She is very good at this!

Steph is originally from Virginia and moved back here eight years ago. She is a graduate of Everest Business College in Merriville. She also likes to spend time outdoors camping and walking with her friends. You might also see her at the local Pizza Hut from time to time.

Valerie Bahler, RDH - “Val”

Val is one of our very talented and caring Periodontal Therapists/Hygienists. Her responsibility is to see that all of Dr. Balvich’s patients receive quality periodontal therapy to promote a state of general overall good body health. Current research shows links between periodontitis and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart attack/stroke, pneumonia, low weight/early term pregnancies, and cancer to name a few. The research goes on.

Val is a 2007 graduate of Tri-County and a life long resident of the Wolcott are. She graduated from IUPUI’s dental hygiene program in 2010. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, singing, reading, and traveling. She is also teaching herself to play the organ and accordion. Valerie has 2 nephews and 3 nieces, and 3 older sisters each in different states. (OH, IL, IA)