New Hours of Operation – OPEN SUNDAYS!
8am – 8pm Monday through Thursday
Now Open Sundays 10am-6pm!
Call for an appointment today! 219-947-2581
If we may toot our own horn for a minute, we think the staff here at Lakeland Creek is what makes us the best dental practice around. And since strangers are just people you haven’t met, let us introduce ourselves.
Dr. Dankowski always knew he wanted to be a dentist. His childhood dream of becoming a dentist was fulfilled upon graduation from University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2006. He is now a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental association, and Northwest Indiana Dental society.
Although he is well versed in all areas of General Dentistry, Dr. Dankowski has developed a very special interest in the CT-scan Guided Dental Implant surgery. At the heart of his philosophy on patient care, is an attempt to come up with the most cost effective and the most lasting treatment solutions for all of his patients. He believes that an ability to attentively listen to the patients' needs is the most crucial trait that a dentist can have and holds himself to this philosophy with each and every patient. Dr. Dankowski especially loves children and while his youngest patients keep him happy and positive all day long with the funny things they say, they perpetually inspire him to be the kindest and most caring dentist.
In his spare time, Dr. Dankowski can be found sailing on Lake Michigan in a summer time. Dr. Dankowski is a big dog-lover and has strong reverence when it comes to protecting animals. He also likes to attend theatrical performances of all varieties and tries to see as many classical and jazz concerts as he can. Dr. Dankowski lives in Chicago with his wife Julie, their daughter Lauren and two dogs, Gracie and Leyla.
Lauren – Baby/Greeter
Lauren is a full-time baby and a part-time greeter at Lakeland Creek. Lauren was born in July of 2015 and soon after joined front desk. When she is not performing her office duties, Lauren likes to attend exercise classes for babies, listen to her mom and dad reading her books, watch cartoons and play with her sisters. Lauren resides in downtown Chicago with her dad, Dr. Dankowski and her mom, Julie. She has a brother Boris and two sisters: Gracie and Leyla. Gracie has a long tail and she is a German Shepherd. Leyla has a very short tail and she is a Boxer.
Samantha – Business Assistant
Samantha joined the Lakeland team as a business assistant in 2015 and has been delivering world-class customer service to our patients ever since. She has an extensive background in administrative work, insurance and customer service in dentistry as well as other fields of medicine. Samantha is recently married and when she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her 2 dogs and traveling.
Janet Tarkington, CDA, LDH, BS, MSHA – Dental Hygienist
Janet Tarkington graduated with a Master of Science in Health Care Administration degree from Grand Canyon University. She obtained with Highest Distinction, her Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Pre-dentistry from Purdue University. She also graduated with Highest Distinction, her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Indiana University Northwest. Janet is also a Certified Dental Assistant, a Licensed American Heart Association CPR Educator, and a former faculty member of the Dental Education Department at IU Northwest. She also served as the Dental Education Representative for the Indiana University Northwest Alumni Association Board of Directors. While serving the IUNAA Board, she chaired the 2019 IUN Grad Night held at the Patrician Banquets and chaired the Grant Committee where they received monetary awards utilized for 2019 IU Day and 2019 IUN Grad Night.
Janet has been a Licensed Dental Hygienist with a Local Anesthesia permit since 2011. She taught at IU Northwest for almost eight years while working as a part-time clinician at different private practices including a specialty Periodontist’s office. While at IUN, Janet taught Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students and taught the following courses: Head & Neck Anatomy; Periodontics I; Periodontics II; Microbiology & Infection Control; Pharmacology; Anatomy & Physiology; Ethics, Jurisprudence, & Practice Management for DH ONLINE; Oral Histology & Embryology; Practice Management, Jurisprudence, & Ethics for DA; co-instructed – Oral Anatomy Lab; Radiology Lab; Fundamentals of DH; and Clinical Practice I, II, & III clinics. Janet also spearheaded the IUN Dental Education CPR simulation protocol, IUN Dental Camp, and the lead coordinator for the Dental Education Website re-design project.
Janet loves being a Dental Hygienist and is passionate about teaching. According to her, “Kindness and genuine care goes a long way…when I taught/mentored my students or treated a patient, it felt good that at the end of the day, I have done a positive thing. Treat each patient the way I would like to be treated because each one has unique needs and it is so rewarding to work with some of my former students. I am so proud of them!”
Janet loves to spend time with her husband, Bill, their daughter Samantha when she visits, and their dog, Harvey. She loves to travel with her family and thankful for all the many blessings in life.
Kim – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Kim has held this position at Lakeland Creek since 2011. She finds great satisfaction in education patients and helping them overcome their dental fears. She’s married with two daughters and three grandkids, an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and enjoys gardening and party planning in her free time.
Jackie – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Jackie earned her Dental Assistant Degree in Tempe, AZ in 1989 and has worked in both private and corporate general dental practices in the states of AZ, IL and IN. She’s been at Lakeland Creek as an expanded functions dental assistant since 2011. Her main objective is to assist in providing quality, caring and compassionate dental care to all patients.
In her spare time, she enjoys working in her yard, camping, going to concerts and spending time with her 2 sons, granddaughter, family and friends.