About Jonathan J. Bechtel, DDS

I became a dentist because I have always wanted to help others. Nothing makes me feel internally better, than when I can help someone else. It adds meaning to my life. As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a doctor. My standard answer as a child, when someone would ask me what I want to do when I grow up, was to be a doctor. When I was a kid I really loved working with my hands and I got into building models. I would love to build, and still have, all the model airplanes, and ships and tanks that I built. Something about that precision work really appealed to me. Dentistry allowed me to combine those two passions of mine into the perfect calling for me. I find it very gratifying to help get someone out of pain, or make a big change in someone’s appearance that allows them to smile again. I view all of my patients as my family and friends and my goal is to help all of them get to the level of oral health that they want. As a dentist I want to do work that is meaningful, have fun, and earn a living fulfilling my passion. I believe strongly in continuing education because I think there is more I can learn and do to better help and serve my patients. Typically, I average more than 80 hours of continuing education a year. My wife Stephanie and I have been married for 15 years and have two wonderful children, Josh and Elizabeth. My personal hobbies and interests include spending time with my family, boating, reading, traveling, biking, hiking, camping, fishing, cooking, and gardening. I am proud to have been born and raised in beautiful Grand Rapids Michigan.