Dr. Christopher Allen
“My interest and enthusiasm for the field of endodontics was sparked early on in dental school and has only grown stronger since. I do love what I do! I have found that the real joy I experience from endodontics comes from the personal connection with others – my wonderful patients and their incredible referring doctors – and being part of a treatment team of dental professionals all working together to achieve optimum oral health for you. It is a satisfying feeling to relieve someone of pain and help them maintain a tooth that contributes to their overall health and wellbeing. Shoreline Endodontics is the culmination of my experience and training, but most importantly, it is a practice built on strong communication, compassion, and relationships. I promise to treat you as an individual in an unhurried, focused, and gentle way.”
Dr. Allen is a native of Coldwater, Michigan. He grew up working in an old-fashioned root beer stand owned by his family for more than 30 years. His time working at Allen’s Root Beer Drive-In formed the foundation for his work ethic and core values as a future business owner. His family often jokes that his attention to detail and strong desire for technical excellence were evident at 14 years old by his commitment to delivering a precisely stacked, perfectly swirled ice cream cone. An achievement that continues to bring him great pride today! While Allen’s Root Beer Drive-In is no longer the family business, that same comforting feeling of family, in a warm environment, is what we like to call the “Shoreline Experience.”
Dr. Allen completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University in 2004 and received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2008. Dr. Allen completed a General Practice Residency at the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan in 2009. During this time, Dr. Allen furthered his education and training in the various dental disciplines but focused the majority of his training in endodontics. In 2009, Dr. Allen returned full-time to academia and completed a two-year residency, receiving his certificate in endodontics and a Masters degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2011.
A mentor once told Dr. Allen the most important decision he will make in his career is deciding where to raise his family. Knowing that Michigan would always be home, Dr. Allen could not think of a better place than northern Michigan. Dr. Allen and his family moved to Traverse City after graduation and founded Shoreline Endodontics in 2011.
Dr. Allen enjoys sharing his passion for endodontics with his peers and has hosted various lectures at local dental society meetings and study clubs. He is also proud to serve as a guest lecturer for the dental assisting program at Northwestern Michigan College. He is a Resort District Dental Society leader and a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the Michigan Association of Endodontists.
When he isn’t practicing dentistry, Dr. Allen enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, a good Petoskey stone hunt, boating, water sports, traveling, hockey, and Michigan State football.