Dental patients of the late Dr. William J. Simpson, Morrison, IL, received a thoughtful mailing from Mrs. Deanna Simpson. It read, “Dr. Bill Simpson passed away on [Tuesday,] December 16, 2014, from complications from kidney failure. Dr. Simpson’s family and staff would like to thank their patients for their patronage through the years. To provide continuing care for Dr. Simpson’s patients, the practice will continue to be open full time and fully staffed by Dr. Mindy Hochgesang, a graduate of the Southern Illinois University Dental School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Simpson personally chose Dr. Hochgesang to carry on his practice….Dr. Hochgesang looks forward to seeing you at your regularly scheduled appointment….New appointments can be made by calling 815-772-2512. Thank you.”
Melinda Hochgesang, or Dr. Mindy, as she prefers to be called, received her degree in 2009 and worked “4.5 years in Bettendorf, IA.” In 2014 she began preparation to open her own practice with her brother, Dr. Craig Peterson, in Davenport, IA. This was interrupted when Dr. Simpson sought her assistance in November. Initially, she expected to fill in for Dr. Simpson during his recuperation period. That would change in mid-December.
What took place during those weeks was a transformation in Dr. Hochgesang, due to the patients she met. Even though she found her earlier clients and work experiences pleasant, “the attitudes are different here than in the Quad Cities. The people are the reason” she chose to set one of her dental practices in Morrison. “People are genuinely friendly and heartfelt,” Dr. Mindy explained. She has been welcomed into the new practice.
She added, “My brother[, Dr. Craig Peterson,] will begin work with me in August 2015 in both Morrison and Davenport. He is an extremely skilled dentist who is very genuine, honest, and full of compassion and integrity. I can’t wait to have him here! We have always been very close and the best of friends.”
Routine dental work is just one aspect of her expertise. She is a certified “Invisalign” provider ( for straightening teeth) and is proficient at root canals, removing teeth, and all other aspects of general dentistry.
“I eat, sleep, and breathe anomalies,” she admitted.
Her youngest patient was but four days old and had difficulties nursing. Babies who are born “tongue-tied” or “lip-tied” are unable to properly to express milk from the breast. This may cause mothers to cease nursing.
Dr. Hochgesang performs a laser “tissue ablation” on the frenum, to release tissue that restricts functional movements of the lip and tongue for some babies.
Dr. Mindy is now recognized as an expert in tongue ties and lip ties, especially as it relates to breastfeeding difficulties. She has flown across the United States to learn from the best providers in the Country. She has also traveled throughout the local area presenting to dentists, surgeons, lactation consultants, chiropractors, and other professionals. She brings awareness that tongue ties and lip ties can negatively affect the breastfeeding relationship and beyond. One patient came to her from New Mexico. Dr. Mindy instructed “100’s of other dentists” and lactation counselors.
She encourages parents to bring children to the dentist at age one. Cleaning is not necessary. Her expert observation is, however. She likes then to see children once a year, in order to identify any oral developmental problems.
“I close on the practice this Thursday[, February 12]. The name of both the Davenport and Morrison practice will be changed to BrightStar Family Dentistry.”
Her office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon. In the future, she added, there may be a change to include a full day on Thursday.
Changes in office hours reflect Dr. Mindy’s home life. She and husband David have young daughters: Hannah, 3, and Natalie, 1.5. Photos of the family line the interior hall of the office. David teaches Freshman Exploratory Science and Biology at United Township High School in East Moline, IL.
“My motto is ‘Put first things first,'” she stated. That means being home to have supper with the girls, share evening activities, put them to bed, and relieve her husband.
Dental Hygienist Melissa Devine, Sterling, IL, worked for Dr. Simpson four years. She will continue at the office of Dr. Mindy. Dental Assistant Sally Ball, Clinton, IA, is a new hire, as is Receptionist Melody Van Drew, Fulton, IL.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Dr. Hochgesang graduated Valedictorian from Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, IL, in 2001. After high school, she competed as a cross-country and track athlete for Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. She also received a certificate in the Liberal Arts and Management program in the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University. During her second year at IU, she decided to apply to dental school.
She attended Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL. During that time, she attended a dental mission trip to Jamaica to treat patients in need.
Dr. Melinda M. Hochgesang, DMD, is a member of the American Dental Association, Iowa and Illinois Dental Association, Scott County Dental Society, Davenport District Dental Society, and Illowa Study Club. Known…for her cheerful and friendly personality, Dr. Mindy is a regular guest on the “Paula Sands Live” TV show.