Byrum Dentistry
About Us

Dr ByrumDr. Robert L. Byrum DDS, grew up in Bettendorf, graduating from Bettendorf High School. His undergrad is from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and he graduated from University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1984. Dr. Byrum is one of six children. His father was a pediatrician, which inspired Dr. to pursue a career in health care. From an early age, he enjoyed working with his hands and at age 10 told Dr. Hand he would grow up to be a dentist and take over his practice.

During his college years, Dr. Byrum worked as a jewelry designer/fabricator and as a technician in a dental lab. This has given him the background for the precision and perfection he achieves in his cosmetic restorations. You could even say it's his specialty and what he likes best.

Dr. Byrum is enthusiastic about continuing to advance his learning and training in all aspects of dentistry. He has had extensive training in Cerec (CAD-CAM) technology and prosthodontics (including complete and partial dentures). He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Society, Davenport Dental Society, and the Bettendorf and Davenport Chambers of Commerce. Dr.Byrum believes in giving back to and promoting dental health to all aspects of the community. Since 1990, Dr. Byrum has made monthly donations to area charities such as Make a Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Routinely toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste have been donated to area causes such as shelters, schools, and overseas military personnel.

After such a full professional life, Dr.Byrum enjoys seizing time to relax and takes pleasure in activities involving family and nature. Dr. Byrum has many stories of his travels, boating adventures, and even a few fishing (tall) tales.
But most of all, he loves the time spent with his four grandchildren.

Many of our patients would be quick to comment on how gentle and caring Dr. Byrum is. He and his staff have assisted many people in overcoming their dental treatment fears.

Dr. Melinda M. Hochgesang D.M.D., formerly Mindy Peterson, grew up in a rural area just south of Milan, IL. She is married to David Hochgesang. Mindy met her husband David, a biology major, at IU. David now teaches college prep biology and exploratory science at United Township High School in East Moline, IL. David and Mindy have a nine month old black lab puppy named Hoosier. She has one sister, Mary Ann Peterson, who works at the Rock Island Arsenal. Her brother, Craig Peterson, is currently in his second year in dental school. Her father, Albert, is a truck mechanic for Alcoa and her mother, Michelle, is an English teacher at Mercer County High School in Aledo, IL.

Mindy ran cross country and track in high school and also played softball. She was a five-time state champion in cross country and track. Mindy graduated Valedictorian from Rockridge High School in 2001. After high school, she competed at the collegiate level as a cross country and track athlete for Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Mindy enjoyed her time as a student athlete and in November 2003 she earned All-American honors in cross country. She started college with an undecided major but after taking classes in various areas, she decided to major in biology with a minor in chemistry. She also received a certificate in the liberal arts and management program in the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

During Mindy’s second year at IU, she decided to apply to dental school. No one in her family was a dentist but dentistry interested her. Mindy attended dental school at Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL near St. Louis. She was voted by her peers to be the most helpful dental student in her class as she often tutored and helped others after class. During Mindy’s senior year, she was selected by supervising dentists to receive a certificate for having exhibited the greatest interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry. She also attended a dental mission trip to Jamaica to treat patients in need. Enjoying her time in dental school, Mindy’s passion grew for her future career.

When Mindy has time for herself, she loves to run. She has run the Bix several times and completed four marathons. She also enjoys running other road races in the Quad Cities such as the Moonlight Chase, the Turkey Trot, Race for the Cure etc. During the summer of 2010, Mindy plans to finish her first sprint triathlon at West Lake.

We pride ourselves in not only our attention to excellent dentistry, but also our identity as a friendly and fun staff.

Let me introduce you…..

Janine grew up in the Princeton, IL area. She has worked with Dr. Byrum for 24 years and enjoys getting to know our patients as she has seen many families grow throughout the years. Janine also enjoys activities such as reading, taking walks, and especially spending time with her family including 3 grandsons.

Carla has been our administrative assistant for 12 years with a total of 17 years of financial experience. Carla grew up in the Galena, IL area. She enjoys riding Harleys with her husband, a good Bears football game and spending time with her two daughters and friends.

We have three excellent dental assistants. Among several functions, a dental assistant helps doctor obtain information about the patient's needs, assist the doctor in providing restorations, and keeping the schedule running smoothly.

Kim is a registered dental assistant and has worked with Dr. Byrum for 9 years. She grew up in the Dewitt, IA area. Kim enjoys her time with her 2 children. Her son is a fireman and paramedic working in Iraq keeping our soldiers safe, and her daughter attends University of Iowa majoring in communications and Spanish.

Patti grew up in Dubuque, Ia and graduated from Kirkwood Community College as a certified dental assistant. She also is a registered dental assistant with 36 years of dental experience. She has worked with Dr. Byrum for over 8 years. She enjoys gardening, travel, and time with her family. Her daughter and son attend Iowa State. Patti has also been very involved with the Iowa Dental Assistant's Association.

Mandy was born in London, England, but also grew up in Davenport. She has a degree in electronics, but has been a registered dental assistant working with Dr. Byrum for 6 years. She enjoys gardening, reading, football, spending time with her son, and attending rock concerts.

The back staff also consists of 2 licensed dental hygienists. Some of their duties consist of oral cancer screenings, blood pressure readings, exposing and developing radiographs, scaling, root planing, coronal polishing, as well as many other tasks.

Annette grew up in Kansas City, MO. She received her degree from the University of Missouri, and has been a registered dental hygienist for 20 years, 11 of them with Dr. Byrum. She enjoys fishing, scuba diving, dancing, and travel. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Michelle grew up in St. Joseph, MI. She received her degree from Carl Sandberg College in Galesburg, IL, and has been a registered dental hygienist for over a year. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, playing volleyball, and traveling.

To keep the momentum flowing, our office manager, Bonnie, challenges us to reach new goals in providing outstanding treatment for our clients. Bonnie, Dr. Byrum's wife, has been working with the practice for over 20 years. She grew up in the Cedar Rapids, IA area and enjoys travel, tennis, and her 4 lovely grandchildren from California.

 

Byrum