Dr. Sinacola shaking hands with a patient in our exam room at our periodontist office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Our mission

To preserve teeth and restore oral health with cutting-edge technology, patient education, and the attention every patient deserves.

Grand River Periodontics balances advanced technology and science with genuine human relationships. Led by a University of Michigan-trained periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, we represent the highest level of specialized care available in West Michigan. However, credentials alone don’t define who we are — it’s what we do with them that matters.

Every patient who walks through the doors receives something rare in today’s healthcare industry: unhurried, individualized attention. While many practices operate on volume, we made a different choice. We invest significant time educating patients and collaborating with their dentists so that patients are always taken care of. This isn’t just good medicine; it’s respect. Respect for the trust patients place in us, respect for the collaborative relationship with the referring dentist, and respect for the fact that oral health impacts overall wellbeing.

Dr. Sinacola skipping stones with her family on the shore of Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Our mission, continued

We have implemented modern technologies and techniques, not because it was easy or immediately profitable, but because our patients deserve nothing less than excellence. We’re committed to giving each patient care that’s worth every minute and every dollar because their health and their life deserve that level of dedication.

This is healthcare the way we believe it should be: a medical exam that feels as comfortable as a conversation, where you’re never just a “number,” and where the goal isn’t just treatment; it’s education, partnership, and lasting health.

Dr. Rachel Sinacola

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

A Michigan native, Dr. Sinacola studied Human Biology and Microbiology at Michigan State University before earning her dental education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. There she completed a dual degree — a Doctorate of Dental Surgery alongside a Master of Science in Clinical Research through the U-M School of Public Health.

She continued at Michigan for her periodontal residency and a Master of Science in Periodontics, and is now an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the Periodontics and Oral Medicine department. After graduation she took the further step of becoming board-certified in both periodontics and dental implants, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

Dr. Sinacola is an active member of organized dentistry — a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association, a Delegate and Membership Committee member of the Michigan Dental Association, a former president of the Kent County Dental Society, and Editor of The Bulletin on the board of the West Michigan District Dental Society. Away from the practice, she enjoys time with her family, yoga and playing the piano.

Recognized excellence

Dr. Sinacola’s periodontal and implant care has been recognized locally and statewide.

Honors include the Michigan Dental Association’s 2022 Matt Uday New Dentist Leadership Award and multiple years as a Grand Rapids Magazine Top Dentist in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery.

Sophie, a member of our dental team at our periodontist office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Our dental team

Like general and restorative offices, we have dental hygienists who help maintain your oral health — often alternating cleanings with your general dentist rather than seeing you exclusively.

Two sets of eyes

Alternating care means your mouth is evaluated thoroughly across the whole year.

Decided together

How often you’re seen is set jointly by your dental and periodontal team.

Front desk and equipment at our periodontist office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Facilities and equipment

Modern imaging paired with rigorous sterilisation, at every visit.

Digital radiography

In use since 2006 — sharper images for diagnosis, with significantly less radiation than film X-rays, and a closer look when something needs a second opinion.

Sterile by protocol

Instruments are ultrasonically cleaned, hand scrubbed and steam-sterilised, with independent spore testing every week.

Our front desk team on the phone, helping with scheduling and billing questions at our periodontist office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Payment options

We’ll walk you through your treatment plan and payment options at your visit, once we know what care you need.

  • Our team is glad to talk through insurance and payment options with you in person


What to expect

Come see us

We value every patient relationship, and we’d be glad to answer your questions.

Contact our office New patients

Memberships and affiliations

Dr. Sinacola is a board-certified periodontist and an active member of the organizations that set the standard for periodontal care — here in West Michigan and nationally.

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