Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr Oppenhuizen has practiced in Holland since 1985. Dr Oppenhuizen began as a partner with Dr’s Ron Boven and Ed Fuder. Dr Boven created the first full time orthodontic practice in the Holland area. Practicing for many years together, both Dr Fuder and Boven have retired. Dr Oppenhuizen continues the legacy of the most established orthodontic practice in our area.
While academically gifted, scientifically knowledgeable, and technically strong, Dr Oppenhuizen brings a unique background and interest in the arts to his practice of orthodontics. A perspective that makes Dr Oppenhuizen distinctive.
Dr Oppenhuizen graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1974 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin College in 1978 majoring in Political Science. He participated extensively in swimming and music, which remain interests to this day. While at Calvin, Dr. Oppenhuizen was on the Dean’s List for academic achievement, captain of the swimming team, and was twice awarded first prize for original music composition.
Dr Oppenhuizen went on to the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry and graduated near the top of his class in 1982. He then continued his specialty studies at Indiana University where he received his Specialty Certification in Orthodontics and Master’s Degree in Dentistry in 1984.
Dr. Oppenhuizen believes that it is important to give back to his profession and the community. Among numerous positions, he has served as President of the West Michigan Dental Society, the West Michigan Dental Foundation and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. He also served as the Michigan Director, and is currently President of the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Oppenhuizen is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Orthodontic Health Care and an affiliate of the Midwest Angle Society.
Serving as Chairman, Dr Oppenhuizen has also been instrumental in the development and expansion of the Holland Area Aquatic Center, the premier aquatic facility and swimming and diving program in the state of Michigan.
Dr. Oppenhuizen is a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Diplomate status is achieved by rigorous testing and it is the standard of achievement in the specialty afforded to less than half of all orthodontists. To be invited into the other honor societies is a distinction awarded to less than 3% of all dentists in the United States. Dr. Oppenhuizen earned this distinction by nomination of his peers for his work in the dental and orthodontic associations and in community involvement.
Dr Oppenhuizen has served as Editor for the Michigan Association of Orthodontists and is the author of articles that have appeared in The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association, Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, The American Dental Association News, and others.
Dr Oppenhuizen is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer. His photos adorn the picture monitor at the office. Dr. Oppenhuizen’s photos have been featured in ‘ Ultimate Depth‘, a Russian language dive magazine. You might want to ask him how that happened! Here is the link to that article ‘ Mope Kopteca ‘ Dr O shares his underwater photography at his underwater photo gallery. Check out the link.
Dr. Oppenhuizen is also an avid gardener. The picture to the left is from his home garden.
Dr. Oppenhuizen is a master’s swimmer and has been a medalist for many years at the Michigan Master’s State finals.