Dr. Susan M. Cocquyt, DDS, and Dr. Lori F. Risser, DDS, are highly experienced dental professionals with a combined 59 years of clinical expertise. Both are deeply committed to providing exceptional family dentistry, focusing on patient comfort, advanced technology, and comprehensive treatment options. Dr. Cocquyt and Dr. Risser are passionate about staying current with the latest dental advancements, continually expanding their skills and knowledge to deliver the highest standard of care. They are one of a small number of Dentists in the world to have achieved Fellowship status in DTR therapy. They work together to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients are treated like family. By offering personalized treatment plans, they ensure that every visit is stress-free, comfortable, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
I am so lucky to have a job that I love. Going to work and feeling like I have made someone healthier and feel better about themselves is such a rewarding experience. Being a dentist has also allowed flexibility to be a mom as well. For the past 30 years, I have been passionate about seeing the differences in my patients, whether it is helping them get out of discomfort, or helping them achieve a smile they are proud of. My patients continually inspire me, and it feels satisfying when they are so appreciative of the work we do. Education I obtained my Bachelor of Science at the University of Indianapolis, and my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. I have also taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses involving TMD treatment, snoring and sleep apnea, restorative and smile design, laser treatments, and recently received Fellowship status for DTR therapy, which is helpful to patients suffering from TMJ disorders and facial pain. I am continuously trying to seek out new information and techniques to help me treat my patients with the best possible care. I believe the field of dentistry is continuously changing and the only way to stay current is to learn the newest and best way to perform treatments. Affiliations • American Dental Association • Indiana Dental Association • North Central Dental Association • North Central Dental Foundation founding member • American Equilibration Society • American Academy of Facial Esthetics • Dawson Academy Alumni In addition, I have been involved in the community. In the past, I volunteered at a local dental clinic as an instructor. I also have served on the board of our local YMCA, a Give Kids a Smile volunteer dentist, am a founding member of the North Central Dental Foundation, and was a board member of Dental Lifeline of Indiana for many years. Personal Life I am a native of Mishawaka and married another Mishawaka native who is a firefighter. We have five children who are mostly young adults, and they are all very active, especially in hockey. I love gardening and look forward to more travel now that my kids are getting older. I also love to read. We have a family lake house that we love to be at in the summer.
I feel very fortunate each day to come to work and to be participating in a profession that I love. The dental profession has given me the opportunity to help people with their overall health and dental well-being. What I enjoy most about dentistry is the ability to give a patient back a healthy, beautiful smile that allows them to talk and laugh without having to worry about being self-conscious. Working with new patients is especially rewarding, because finding out what is important to them is always an exciting opportunity. I particularly enjoy educating our patients on their individual concerns. With our intraoral cameras, patients can see what we can see and it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. I enjoy connecting with our patients and hearing about their families and what is going on in their lives. I have been practicing dentistry for 25 years and am passionate about helping people. I truly take pride in the detail-oriented and artistic aspects of dentistry. Education I graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with a BA in biology in 1994. Then I attended Indiana University School of Dentistry and finished in 1998, when I received the Prosthodontic Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry, as well as my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. I’m passionate about continuing education and love to learn. I have completed the Dawson Academy for Advanced Dentistry curriculum. Other areas of continued education interest are dental sleep medicine, home sleep studies, dental implants, dental laser treatment, TMJ treatment, and bruxism guards. I also received Fellowship status for DTR therapy, which is helpful to patients suffering from TMJ disorders and facial pain. Personal Life I grew up in South Bend, and live in Long Beach, on the shore of Lake Michigan with my two daughters and husband, who is a high-school activities director and basketball coach. I love traveling and spending time with my family. As a coach for Girls on the Run, I share my love of running with young girls in our community. Community I am an active volunteer in the national Give Kids a Smile program and love giving the gift of dental health to children in our community who may not otherwise receive dental care. I’m a previous board member of Donated Dental Services and currently volunteer as a treating dentist, which enables me to combine my volunteer efforts and dental expertise to enrich many lives in our community.
Alecia is one of our expanded dental assistants. She has been in the dental field for 5 years and her duties include placing restorations and making patients feel comfortable. She also enjoys working with a great group of supportive women. Outside of work, Alecia enjoys being near the water, shopping and spending time with her friends and family.
Angie is one of our expanded dental assistants and her duties include placing restorations, assisting the doctors, and lab work. Since 2002, Angie has enjoyed creating beautiful smiles at our office. She especially likes working with our dentists because they are so caring and understanding. Outside the office, Angie likes to spend time with her family watching movies. In her spare time, she enjoys camping with her husband.
Our business administrator, Anna, has been in the dental field for more than three years. Her favorite part of the job is being able to assist patients with their dental insurance. Working with these women doctors truly shows what dentistry is like with a woman’s touch. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and spending her nights at the gym.
Cyndi is an important part of our business office team. She has been with us since 2016 and is an expert in the field of dental insurance. When she’s not working, Cyndi is passionate about spending time with her family and often travels to visit her children and nine grandchildren.
Danielle is one of our expanded dental assistants, as well as a business assistant. Her duties include placing restorations, and when needed she will assist the business staff with daily duties. Since 2000, Danielle has enjoyed working with patients and creating beautiful smiles. She enjoys working with the doctors because they are compassionate and believe in the staff when it comes to helping patients. Danielle is a mom of 4 kids’ s, when she is not at sports functions; she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Our dental hygienist Jody provides dental care through preventive cleanings, treatment of periodontal disease, radiographs/diagnostics, and patient education. Jody enjoys helping her patients achieve improved health. She enjoys working with the team at Erskine Family Dentistry because they are compassionate and strive for the best in patient care. Jody is married and has two children. She embraces their farm life, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren is an expanded function dental assistant who has a passion for patient care and is detail oriented. As a great addition to our team, Lauren strives to make every patient comfortable with a calm and compassionate approach. Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors, being on the water and taking care of her fur babies.
Stacy is one of our dental hygienists who treats periodontal disease, performs periodontal therapy, and maintains healthy gums and teeth. Her favorite part about her job is helping people become confident with their smile and helping them to become healthy overall. She learns a lot from the doctors at our office, and respects that they have good communication skills with their patients. Outside of work, Stacy is married with two daughters and a stepson. Her hobbies include gardening, the outdoors, and being near the water.
Our dental hygienist Stacey gives oral hygiene instructions to our patients, cleans teeth, takes X-rays, places fluoride, and does periodontal therapy. She also orders our office supplies. For Stacey, the best thing about her job includes working with such a great team, getting to know our patients and their families on a personal level, and educating them on their overall health. She also appreciates that our office is dedicated to staying on top of the latest technology. In her spare time, Stacey enjoys being with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and shopping.
"I have had a LOT of dentists in my life (I've moved a zillion times) but the folks at Erskine Family are THE BEST I've EVER had by far. I just had two fillings redone in spots that have previously been very painful and problematic for other dentists to deal with. At Erskine, it could not have been a better experience, and the resin fillings look beautiful. They are so skilled, nice, helpful, and organized. Thank you all,"
