Meet Our Team

Abraham Khanafer, DDS

I graduated in 2017 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Detroit Mercy. Even though I enjoy all aspects of Dentistry my interests throughout school and while practicing Dentistry focused on restorative dentistry, esthetic dentistry, implants, oral surgery, and research.

I strongly believe in continuing education and to stay current with the latest dental research, techniques and developments in order to provide the best available care for my patients. The most important enjoyable aspect in Dentistry for me is to interact with my patients and build long lasting relationships.

I am Married and have two wonderful children. Family is very important to me and love to spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids.

Academic Achievements/Publications:

• (2016). Rare incidence of Gorham disease with limited involvement of the maxilla: case report. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 54(7), 845-846.
• "Gorham Disease | Atlas of Science." Atlas of Science Gorham Disease Comments. N.p., 14 May 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2017. https://atlasofscience.org/gorham-disease/.
• Idiopathic Incidence of MRONJ in Patients on Denosumab. Clin Surg. 2017; 2: 1410.
• Ongoing Projects involve: Denosumab, Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Holly Miner, RDH

Holly has been with Thumbs Up Dental (formerly Dental Health Care), for nearly 30 years. In 1989 she began as a dental assistant where she quickly became passionate about dentistry. This passion inspired her to further her education and become a Dental Hygienist. Holly is quick to make her patients feel at ease by building confidence, trust and friendship with each patient. Holly and her husband, Jeremy, have two daughters, Taylor and Madison, and a son-in-law, Kyle.

Jolynn McKenney, RDH

Jolynn Mckenney is a Dental Hygienist at Thumbs Up Dental. She is a lifelong resident of North Branch working primarily out of our North Branch office. She has worked in the dental field for 23 years, working as an assistant for 2 years and a Dental Hygienist for 21 years. Jolynn graduated in 1997 from M.C.C. with honors. She has been married for 20 years with an 18 year old daughter that will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall, pursuing a degree in Business. When Joylnn is not working she enjoys gardening, camping and spending time with her family and friends.

Melissa Swoish, RDH

Melissa completed her Dental Hygiene Degree in 2002, at Baker College of Port Huron. She has been employed with Thumbs Up Dental (formerly Dental Health Care) for 20 years. Melissa truly loves to work in dentistry and has a heart for every patient. She especially feels accomplished when she can make people with previous negative memories of dentistry comfortable and happy to be receiving care.

Melissa and her husband, Todd, are raising three children together. The family enjoys spending time going to various sporting events and being up North.

Linda Voelker, RDH

I am a 1994 Dental Hygiene graduate of Delta College. I've worked full time for 24 years at Thumbs Up Dental (formerly Dental Health Care), and am proud to be with such an outstanding dental team. We strive to bring our patients to reach optimum oral health and are compassionate in reducing their dental fears.

Annually I participate in Give Kids A Smile dental program during dental health month in February at one local elementary school. I am a lifelong resident of Caro. I have two amazing daughters, Jackie and Jeanette. Outside of work, my pride and joy are spending time with my 6 incredible grandchildren.

Mellisa Mabery, RDH

Mellisa Mabery is a dental hygienist for Thumbs Up Dental. She works in both, the North Branch and Caro offices. Mellisa has over 10 years' experience in the dental field and since graduating from Baker College has worked as a dental hygienist for the last five years. Mellisa and her husband have three boys, two of which are attending North Branch Schools, and the oldest is a recent graduate of North Branch Area Schools. Mellisa enjoys working in her community and providing personalized dental care to friends, family, and the North Branch and Caro communities.

Rose Polega, RDH

"I love being part of this incredibly hardworking team that is successful in easing patients' fears and educating them to optimum oral health." Rose has 22 years of Dental Hygiene experience and is certified in Local Anesthetic. Rose is the mom of 2 active children. She keeps busy taking her son to baseball, football, basketball, motor cross, travel hockey and showing animals at the local fair. In her free time, she likes to decorate and redo old furniture.