About Us

Dr. David H. Long, our practice CEO, has a great love for our patients and the dental profession.

Dr. David began his career in 1987 with his associateship in a Galesburg practice. His first “owned & operated” clinic was in Kalamazoo, but shortly after purchasing Battle Creek Family Dentistry in 1990, Dr. David sold Kalamazoo to focus 100% on serving patients right here in our neighborhood.

After 31 years practicing dentistry, Dr. David’s career took a new trajectory when he became Battle Creek Family Dentistry’s CEO. Guiding the team, his focus allows us all to benefit greatly from his experienced leadership and management skills. Along with this is the exciting vision of our practice future. Dr. David continues to keep his dental memberships active, including the American Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association.

Dr. David married Diane in 1987, right out of University of Detroit Dental School, and they have 2 daughters, Jennifer and Lauren. In his spare time, Dr. David enjoys family time, playing golf, brewing his own beer, cooking up a good meal, and performing (acting & singing) in productions at the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall.

Dr. Karen Smereck has been helping families just like yours achieve excellent oral health with beautiful smiles for more than 25 years – and it’s her dream to continue doing so for many years to come!

After earning her BS in Dental Hygiene from UVM, Dr. Smereck knew she wanted to do more for her family of patients. Enrolling at Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry was the perfect choice, and she has been working as dentist since earning her doctorate in 1995.

Helping others is her forte, and Dr. Smereck is devoted to ensuring you are comfortable while she helps you become happy and proud of your smile. Whether you’re looking for the oral health education that helps you prevent issues, or a variety of solutions to get you out of pain, Dr. Smereck puts your comfort and confidence first. As your partner, Dr. Smereck makes you part of your treatment plan and works with you to help you make the most-confident choices for your family’s dental care.

When she’s not helping the underserved access dental care, Dr. Smereck enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family, which includes a cat and kitten. Her many interests include music working out, cooking, and art. She is also a trivia buff!

Dr. Richard Juhnke loves dentistry today as much as he did when he graduated as a young dentist 3 decades ago!

After growing up in Mt. Pleasant, MI, Dr. Juhnke pursued his dental education at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 1991. His passion for the advances in dentistry over the years has had him continually investing his time in the continuing education that gives you access to the variety of general dentistry treatments you want and deserve for your smile.

With a love of how dentistry allows him to use his brain and his hands, Dr. Juhnke is dedicated to working with you to solve even the most complicated of dental problems with creative, artistic expertise. Putting your needs first, Dr. Juhnke will develop a treatment plan that meets your needs while also letting him put his skills to good use. He is committed to helping you become as healthy as you choose with support, kindness, and the dental education you need to support your goals.

When he’s not helping others, Dr. Juhnke enjoys living the dream with his wife Ellen, their three dogs, Gracie, Finnigan, and Emmy, and their cat Dolly. He also loves to read, both for leisure and about the continuing advances in dentistry. In the fall you can often find him hunting. His guilty pleasure? Black licorice.

Dr. Richard Caringella received his degree from Chicago’s Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1985 and has been practicing for more than 35 years. He is a member of multiple dental organizations and keeps updated with current dental technology.

With a focus on treating every patient with a gentle touch and a friendly and compassionate chairside manner, Dr. Caringella is dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry that enables his patients to smile with ease again. Following in the footsteps of his father who was also a dentist, Dr. Caringella prioritizes the wants and needs of each of his patients, aiming to make every step of their dental experience a comfortable one.

Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs and lived in the city for most of his adult life, Dr. Caringella makes a habit of taking time to enjoy the slower pace and community feel that Battle Creek offers.