Dr. Richard Klein

Dr. Richard Klein, Michigan TMJ & Sleep Dentist

Founder and Director of Michigan Head & Neck Institute

Dr. Richard Klein founded Michigan Head & Neck Institute, PC in 1985 to provide a place for people suffering from TMJ problems to seek specific treatment. After practicing general dentistry for 17 years (including the voluntary time he spent when he served as a Lieutenant in the US Naval Dental Corp), he saw a need to open a practice that exclusively treated patients with TMJ problems as he saw an increasing amount of patients with the relevant symptoms, and treatment for the condition was evolving. He later added the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea to his exclusive practice as he saw a growing number of people who suffered from the condition, and evolution in the treatment of such a sleep disorder included an oral appliance (mouthpiece) that could be made by an expertly educated dentist like Dr. Klein.

 

Dr. Chad Witkow

Dr. Chad Witkow understands the devastating effects Sleep Disordered Breathing and TMD can have on a person and is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life. After learning how to treat his own Sleep Apnea with an oral appliance, Dr. Witkow focused his practice solely treating Sleep Disordered Breathing and TMD. He received his Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree in Physiology from the Michigan State University- Lyman Briggs College of Natural Sciences in 1997. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2002. He is an active member in the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
 
Dr. Witkow spends his time away from the office with his wife Jen, and two young boys Elijah and Leo. He enjoys music, vacationing up north, relaxing with family and friends, and keeping up with all of the Michigan sports teams.

 

 

 

portrait of dr. hatahetDr. Renna Hatahet

Dr. Hatahet has been treating dental patients since graduating from University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2020.  Dr. Hatahet has committed herself to focusing on treating patients suffering from sleep apnea and TMJ disorders (TMD). As a patient of TMD and upper airway resistance issues herself, Dr. Hatahet understands a life of chronic pain and extends that personal knowledge toward building rapport with her patients. She has a strong passion for educating and guiding patients toward a healthier and pain free life. By working closely with physicians and dental experts, her goal is to offer treatment based on an interdisciplinary approach to sleep and TMJ disorders.

 

Our Mission

At Michigan Head & Neck Institute our focus is on restoring our patients’ quality of life. We work with our patients who suffer from TMD or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Our services aim to relieve the painful TMD symptoms by using oral appliances, multiple physical medicine techniques and physical therapy. We also provide an oral appliance as an alternative to a CPAP machine if you are unable to tolerate using one so you can get the sleep your body needs.

Dr. Klein and his specially trained staff provide an office that feels like home with treatments that have been relieving patients suffering from headaches, jaw, eye, ear and neck problems associated with TMD for over 35 years. Together with our patient we rediscover healthy sleep and a TMD pain free life for each of them.

 

group photo of team membersOur Team

Michigan Head & Neck Institute, PC. Providing relief for those suffering from TMJ symptoms. Saving lives of those who won’t wear a CPAP for sleep apnea.

“A real team consists of many people of different talents, different personalities, and different abilities working together for a heartfelt mutual goal and who look at each other as equals in the fabric of life and soulmates in the concert of their job.” – Dr. Klein

 

 

portrait of michele against a white background

Michele Bockenstette

Michele Bockenstette has been our billing manager for 15 years and has over 40 years of experience in medical and dental billing for Orofacial Pain, TMJ disorders and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (DME). Michele received her Associate’s Degree and Certificate in Behavioral Sciences from Macomb County Community College and then Majored in Business Administration at Wayne State University. She has received many Continuing Education Credits/ Certificates to keep current with health care billing practices and compliance. Having TMJ disorder herself, Michele understands the importance of patient centered care. With the help of her long-time assistant, David Gallagher, she oversees all billing activities. Michele currently resides in Clinton Township, raised two children, and loves reading, boating and traveling to beach destinations. She has current memberships with AAPC, AMBA, MDA, MMBA, MGMA, MMGMA, MSMA, NAPW.

Rachel Fremont

Rachel Fremont

Hello, my name is Rachel. I have been with this office for 22 years. I have worn many hats over the years; accounts payable, marketing, front office help, and assisting the office manager. Before I became a member of this family, I had never even heard of TMJ. I have learned so much over the years! The best part of my day is seeing our patients improve and their pain lessen! My life outside of work keeps me very busy. My husband and I enjoy watching our three daughters play travel softball. We also have fun as a family snow skiing, enjoying time in our pool with friends and family, and cuddling on the couch with our Golden Retriever, Mazie.

Rachel Bryne

Rachel Cosby

My name is Rachel, and I am the medical transcriptionist/ medical records manager. I have worked here for almost 19 years and feel like this is my second home. I feel honored to work with such a great set of people and patients. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, staying active, and traveling, as well as spending time with my son, family, and friends.

David Gallagher

David Gallagher

Hello, my name is David, and I have been with Michigan Head and Neck Institute, Dr. Richard Klein, since 2008. I work here as Medical/ Dental billing assisting our Billing Manager Michele. I have quite extensive experience in the Billing field and take a lot of pride in my Billing education and our continuing education. Michele and I place a lot of importance on staying current on all Healthcare insurance laws. There is nothing in the world I enjoy more than helping our patients utilize their maximum Healthcare benefits, whether it is Medical or Dental. Interpreting Healthcare benefits is one of my specialties. I feel very fortunate to be working with Michele, one of the foremost experts in the medical billing field. When I am not working, some of my hobbies are jogging, reading the classics, volunteer work, and I especially like helping others. Some years ago, I ran the Detroit Free Press Marathon 2 years in a row, and I am currently engaged in reading some of the world’s most classic literature.

Reda Fatima

Reda Fatima

My name is Reda, and I am a certified dental assistant since 2017. I joined Michigan Head and Neck Institute over a year ago, and I love working here and helping patients with my great team members. I just recently got married and am enjoying my new life. I look forward to meeting new patients as well as continuing a great relationship with our current patients.

Donna Mingus

Donna Mingus

My name is Donna. I am a dental assistant at Michigan Head and Neck Institute. I have worked for this office for many years and enjoy helping patients. I have a grandson, and I love spending time with him on the weekends. When I am not working, I love to knit, read, and go to the movies.

Teri Hatherley

Teri Hatherley

I started working at Michigan Head and Neck Institute in 2017. I was first hired to work in the marketing department but moved to the front desk in 2020. I like working with patients, setting their appointment, and helping answer their questions to the best of my ability. When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my husband and my two grown children. We enjoy traveling as a family and spending time at our cottage in northern Michigan.

Anna Fabiilli

My name is Anna Fabiilli . I am the Office Manager and oversee the human resource aspects of the operation. I have two associate degrees from Macomb Community College as an Administrative Assistant and as a Word Processing Specialist. I have been with the practice for 17 years. I have had the opportunity to work at Michigan Head and Neck Institute because I knew the doctor’s wife, and she recommended me, and it just worked out great. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel and have been to many locations around the world.

portrait of emma

Emma Covey

My name is Emma, and I joined the team recently, and I love working here.  The rest of the staff is very friendly and great to work with.  I recently graduated high school and I am looking forward to helping people with TMD and Sleep Apnea

portrait of D'Chell

D’Chell Price

Hello, my name is D’Chell.  I am a TMJ Assistant at Michigan Head and Neck Institute.  I have been in Dentistry since 2017.  I have an associate degree from Wayne County Community College.  I have a passion for caring for others.  When I am not working, I enjoy watching my shows, movies and traveling.

Michelle Palmer

My name is Michelle.  I graduated from Macomb Community College in 2009 as a Physical Therapist Assistant.  I have completed advanced training in the Evaluation and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders with Cervical spine considerations.  I joined Michigan Head and Neck Institute in May of 2023.  I enjoy working with and educating people to reduce pain, improve function as well as improving their quality of life.  Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

portrait of sarah

Sarah Grover

My name is Sarah, and I am a TMJ Technician and have worked with Michigan Head and Neck for several years but have known Dr. Richard Klein for almost 20 years.  I enjoy working at this job because of how well we all work together.  It’s very seamless and everyone is like a big family.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son and fiancé.  I like the outdoors and I am an avid bike rider, a Trek pedal bike that is.