2022 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. John Vander Kolk

John K. Vander Kolk, DDS A Role Model for Service

The West Michigan District Dental Society’s highest award is the Distinguished Service Award. This award, also known as the “Silent Bell,” is given to recognize contributions to organized dentistry. These contributions include service to dental professionals, patients, and the community. Dr. John K. Vander Kolk is this year’s Silent Bell recipient.

John was born at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the middle son of Dr. Anno Vander Kolk and Claire Monsma. John and his brothers Craig and David grew up in Grand Rapids. His father was a practicing dentist, and his mother was a teacher, professional singer, interior designer, and real estate agent. Their house was full of love and music. John vividly remembers how his father loved dentistry and how his mother sang in church. Family and faith defined John’s life as he grew up. The Golden Rule was at the core of lessons passed on to John from his parents.

As a child, John’s life was full of activities. John describes his childhood interests as “everything water,” which included boating, swimming, surfing, sailing, and lifeguarding. John wasn’t just a water lover. He enjoyed just about any outdoor activity: hiking, backpacking, camping, and mountain climbing. Aside from all the fun and activities John participated in, he also worked. His strong work ethic is apparent as he held a wide variety of jobs. He began his first job at age twelve as a blueberry picker and salesman. Other jobs included working in sales for a hardware and lumber store, working as a camp counselor in Montana, a landscaper, and a restaurant manager.

John cites two individuals as role models. The first is Ken Thomasma, a teacher, outdoorsman, writer, and adventurer. The second is his father as a man of faith who loved God, people, and his work. The apple has not fallen far from that tree.

As a young undergraduate, John attended Hope College for four years. He sang in the touring choir, carrying on his mother’s love of musical performance. John’s dental school years followed his time at Hope. He was awarded his DDS degree from the University of Michigan.

John met Rosemary (Rosa) D’Agostino at Mott Children’s Hospital. He was doing a mini-residency in anesthesia, and Rosa was working as a surgical scrub. Their first several meetings were during surgeries. John describes those moments where all the two could see of their future spouses were “each others’ eyes.” On January 3rd, 1986, they were married during a small ceremony with only parents and siblings in attendance. As newlyweds, John and Rosa both worked for the University of Michigan. John was an instructor in the dental school, and Rosa worked in the hospital. It is very revealing of their close relationship that John describes Rosa in the most glowing of terms, “admiring the spirit of God in her.”

Their first home was in Alger Heights. This home was across the street from where John’s parents lived when he was born. John and

Rosa are blessed with four children: Patrick, Anthony, Nick, and Gina. They also have three daughters-inlaw, Mallory, Sherri, and Anneri, married in respective order to their sons. Four additional family blessings are their grandchildren, Luka, Elias, Kai, and Roan.

John readily shares multiple events have had a hand in shaping John’s family life. The faith journey the Vander Kolks have been on is a cornerstone of their family life. They enjoy travelling to do international mission work. The mission work continues today. They have also disconnected from cable TV. No television has been part of their lives for the past 25 years. Their family time is spent talking, reading, and playing games, strengthening their love and an already strong family bond. John notes that leaving private practice also helped mold his family life.

John’s dental career began in Ann Arbor, where he taught in the University of Michigan prosthetics department half time. The other half of his early dental career was spent as an associate dentist: first with Dr. Barbara Weir in Dexter and then with Dr. Kevin Sloan in Ann Arbor. His work consisted of seven-day work-weeks so that he could cover family bills. John and Rosa then moved to Grand Rapids, where he began his solo practice career in a building owned by his father. He practiced next door to his father’s practice in Alger Heights until he outgrew his space. He spent three years practicing in Breton Village until Dr. Tim Gietzen asked him to merge with Drs. Cook, Milanowski, and Gietzen and join them in practice. In 2004, the partners built a new office on Forest Hill. In 2005, John sold his practice to his partners as he and Rosa felt God was leading them on a new path away from private practice. The international experiences they had helped clarify their direction. Initially, John and Rosa had planned on moving to North Africa to live and work. That door closed, but another door opened. John was asked by Health Intervention Services to start a dental program dedicated to providing care for people who were falling through the gaps in our social safety net. This meaningful work continued for eight and a half years. In 2014, John began ramping up short-term international work and began working for Michigan Community Dental Clinics. While working in the Big Rapids MCDC, John cared for those patients covered by Medicaid.

2016 brought about another change in John’s dental practice career. He rejoined Partners In Dental Care to care for the patients of a dentist who was leaving. The partners acknowledge and support John’s vision to balance work in Grand Rapids and international service.

Faith has led to clarity of purpose for John. He believes that we can make a difference in communities around the world. Making a difference that is immediate, kind, and long-lasting has always been John’s calling. The positive effects of his life work are found not simply in our local community but also in our world community. They exceed dentistry and are found in everyday compassion and service.

John Vander Kolk represents the epitome of what the WMDDS Distinguished Service Award is all about. His dedication to service makes him deserving of the Silent Bell.

John K. Vander Kolk, DDS – CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

Caring for People God’s Way: Christian counseling course, 2005 Force, International: Training in orthodontics, 1995 University of Michigan; Mott Children’s Hospital: Mini-residency in anesthesiology, 1985 University of Michigan, School of Dentistry: Doctor of Dental Surgery, licensed in Michigan, 1985 Hope College: Bachelor of Arts in science and chemistry, certified in elementary education, licensed to teach in Michigan, 1978 Grandville High School: High school diploma, 1974

During College Years: Member of Phi Alpha Kappa Fraternity. Very active in student government, volunteerism, sports, and music.

Employment

Partners in Dental Care: Dentist, 2016–Present Spectrum Health Hospitals: Clinical Advisor in Dental Initiatives, 2014–Present Michigan Community Dental Clinics: Dentist, 2014–2016 Health Intervention Services, non-profit: Dental Director, 2005–2014 Cook, Milanowski, Gietzen & Vander Kolk, DDS, PC., DBA Partners in Dental Care: Full Partner – Owner, 1994–2005 John K. Vander Kolk, DDS: Private Practice – Owner, 1987–1994 Physicians Insurance Company of America: Consultant, 1991–1998 Biotec Dental Manufacturing: Consultant, 1989–1997 Dr. Roger Erbaugh: Associate Dentist, 1987–1988 Dental One: Associate Dentist, 1986–1988 Dr. Kevin Sloan, Prosthodontist: Associate Dentist, 1986–1987 University of Michigan School of Dentistry: Clinical Instructor, 1985–1986 Kwangju Christian Hospital, Kwangju, Korea: Instructor & Clinician, 1983

Professional Activities

Local Oral Health Coalition: Leadership West Michigan District Dental Society: Immediate Past President: 1996–1997; President: 1995–1996; Vice-President: 1995; Secretary/Treasurer: 1991–1995

Adult Dental Services, A United Way Agency: Member, Committee Chairman

WMDDS Membership Committee: Member

Young Dentist Forum: Member, Committee Chairman

Nominating Committee: Member, Committee Chairman West Michigan Dental Foundation: Member, Campaign Committee Kent County Dental Society: Member 1995 Fluoride Commemorative Symposium “50 Years of Fluoridation”: Planning and Local Arrangements West Michigan Steering Committee: Member Group Dental of West Michigan: Board Member

State Michigan Dental Association

Special Committee on Access to Care: Member, 2008–Present

Annual Session: General Chairman, 1997

Annual Session: Co-Chairman, 1996

MDA House: Delegation Chairman, 1996

Annual Session: Chairman of Exhibits & Local Arrangements, 1991–1997

Committee on Rules & Order: Chairman, 1994

MDA Presidential Campaign for Dr. Arnold Baker: Campaign Chairman, 1993–1994

MDA House: Delegate, 1992–1996

MDA House: Alternate Delegate, 1991 Michigan Oral Health Coalition: Member

MDA Special Committee for the Young Professional: Member MDA Membership Committee: Member Core Group for Interaction with Dental Students from U of M and U of M-D for many years.

National American Dental Association: Member 1995 MDA Delegation to ADA: Alternate Delegate ADA Young Dentist Conference: Local & State Representative

Peer Recognition Michigan Dental Association Public Service Award, Presented at the 2010 MDA House of Delegates, 2010 Elected to Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy: an International Honor Dental Organization, 1996 Dental Anesthesiology Award, 1985 Audience Award, Table Clinics Operative Dentistry Award

Table Clinics & Speaking Engagements Multiple interviews including YouTube videos, 2005–2011 WGVU, Grand Rapids “Ask the Dentist” (Television interview call-in show), 1995 Introduced candidate Dr. Arnold Baker at meetings throughout the state, 1994 MDA House of Delegates, nominating speech: Dr. Arnold Baker for President-Elect U of M Table Clinic, “I.V. Conscious Sedation in the Dental Practice” U of M Table Clinic. “Fabrication of a Swing Lock Maxillary Denture in a Malignant Melanoma Patient: A Case Report.” Earned the Audience Award 1984 Lecture at U of M Dental School, “Dentistry in Korea,” 1983 Many other presentations on television, radio, and print. Community Service Activities Church Involvement at Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, and Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI (Elder) Donated dental services through a volunteer program run by the state, participant dentist. Health Intervention Services, Medical Committee Adult Dental Services Program, A United Way Agency: Volunteer work with the poor “Help Saturday,” volunteer dental services each year through my practice: Pro-bono work for indigent persons. Member, West Michigan Interactive Science Center Board, Children’s Hands-On Museum Project Homeless Connect: Led the initiative to offer dental care at this event Humanitarian work/serving orphans

Personal

Born: September 28, 1956, in Grand Rapids, Michigan Parents: Dr. Anno M. Vander Kolk, dentist (retired); Claire Monsma, realtor, designer, and teacher (retired). Spouse: Rosa D’Agostino, married in 1986, B.S. in business, associate’s degree in surgical technology Children: Patrick (Malory), Anthony (Sherri), Nick (Anneri), Gina Rose

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Silent Bell Past Recipients

Otto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S. ................................ 1981 Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S. ............................... 1981 Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S. ................................... 1982 William M. Creason, D.D.S. ................................. 1983 Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S. ............................... 1984 Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S..................................... 1985 Henry L. Homan, D.D.S..................................... 1986 Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S. .................................. 1987 Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S. ...................................... 1988 Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S.................................. 1989 Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S. .......................... 1990 David H. Seibold, D.D.S. ................................... 1991 Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S. ................................... 1992 Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S. ................................... 1993 John R. Cook, D.D.S. ...................................... 1994 Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S.................................. 1995 Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S. .......................... 1996 Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S................................... 1997 Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S. ................................ 1997 Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S. ............................. 1998 Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S. .................................. 1998 Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S............................ 1999 Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S................................... 2000 Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S. ................................. 2000 Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S. ............................... 2001 Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S. ................................. 2002 James L. Wieland, D.D.S.................................... 2003 Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S.............................. 2004 Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S. ................................ 2005 John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S. ................................. 2006 Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S. ................................. 2007 Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S. ...................... 2008 William A. Avery, D.D.S. ................................... 2009 William F. Rocker, D.D.S.................................... 2009 Robert F. O’Brien, D.D.S. ................................... 2010 Marilyn J. Stolberg, D.D.S................................... 2010 John D. Bouws, D.D.S. ..................................... 2011 Paul F. Korte, D.D.S........................................ 2012 Chase Klinesteker, D.D.S.................................... 2013 Tom Sommerdyke, D.D.S. .................................. 2013 Christopher J. Smiley, D.D.S................................. 2014 Donald French, D.D.S. ..................................... 2015 Colette Rumann Smiley, D.D.S............................... 2016 Scott J. Hodges, D.D.S. .................................... 2017 Norman V. Palm, D.D.S..................................... 2018 Steven M. Dater, D.D.S. .................................... 2019 W. Erick Rupprecht, D.D.S. ................................. 2020