About Us

Dr. Jeffrey T. Meister
Dentist

Dr. Jeffrey Meister is a general dentist practicing in Munster, Indiana. He is a 1988 graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is a past president of the Academy of Gp Orthodontics and has practiced orthodontics since 1991. Dr. Meister is a graduate of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Maxicourse, and also of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry IV Sedation Program.

Dr. Meister is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Implantology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Meister is a Past President of the Central District of the AAID, and has served on numerous committees for the AAID.

In addition to the above described organizations, Dr. Meister maintains memberships in the following professional organizations:
Academy of Computerized Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Chicago Dental Society, Indiana Dental Association, and the Northwest Indiana Dental Society.

Dr. Meister resides in Schererville, Indiana with his wife, Kimberly, and their son, Noah. He is a Catholic Lay Minister, a founding member of the Autobahn Country Club, is a member of Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG), and the Ferrari Club of America.

Dr. Richard W. Economou
Dentist

Dr. Economou is a native of Northwest Indiana, having attended George Rogers Clark High School, Purdue University and graduated from Loyola University School of Dental Surgery, Chicago, IL in 1967. He joined Dr. Jeffrey T. Meister & Associates in April of 2005. He maintained a private family practice in Hammond and Munster, Indiana for 41 years.

Dr. Economou is a life member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Northwest Indiana Dental Society, and an associate member of the Chicago Dental Society. Dr. Economou continues to further his dental education by attending continuing dental education courses, seminars and meeting.

Dr. Economou and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 40 years. They have two sons, Peter and Paul. Paul and his wife Tami have blessed them with two grandchildren, Alexander and Chloe. Dr. Economou and his family attend and support St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Munster, Indiana.

Dr. Economou has interest in history, historical places, museums, reading, numismatics, and spending quality time with his family.

Dr. Roger Shieh
Dentist

Dr. Shieh is excited to return back to Northwest Indiana to practice dentistry in Munster, Indiana. He grew up in Munster and graduated from Munster High School in 2002 and Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2010. Dr. Shieh’s passion for dentistry started when he worked at Dr. Meister’s office while in high school and college. He enjoyed working there so much that he has decided to return and join the practice.

Dr. Shieh is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Indiana Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Northwest Indiana Dental Society.

He is also currently a member of Academy of Gp Orthodontics and American Academy of Implant Dentistry and constantly taking continuing education in order to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.

In his spare time, Dr. Shieh enjoys playing basketball, running, tennis, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Rachel Dunlop
Dentist

Dr. Dunlop grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana.  She attended Valparaiso High School and later recieved a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Butler University, graduating with honors.

Dr. Dunlop graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry with distinction in 2010.  Dr. Dunlop was elected into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national Dental Honor Society.  A love for children inspired her to continue her studies at Riley Hospital for Children where she recieved her Master's Degree in Pediatric Dentistry.  During her residency, she was honored with the Ralph E. McDonald Scholar Award for outstanding performance.

Dr. Dunlop's pediatric dental training includes treating infants, children, teenagers and patients with medical, physical, and mental special needs.  Throughout her specialty training, Dr. Dunlop gained widespread experience in pediatric dentistry including examinations, cleanings, restorative treatment, oral trauma, emergency dentistry, and dental treatment under sedation. 

Lorraine Burkholder
Hygienist

I graduated from Indiana University Northwest Dental program in 1991. I am ACLS Certified and an active member of the American Dental Hygienists Association. I attend the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting and continuing education courses on a yearly basis. I have been employed with Dr. Meister since 1992. I am enjoying my years with Dr. Meister, Dr. Shieh and Dr. Economou and am thankful for the opportunities that the practice has offered me in furthering my education. Our doctors have been wonderful in allowing me ample time to extend excellent care to our patients, which I know the patients thoroughly appreciate! I am an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chesterton, Indiana. I have three children and two grandchildren. I grew up in Griffith and have lived in Chesterton for 19 years. You might be surprised to know that I have 5 sisters.

Laura Eich
Hygienist

I have enjoyed a career in dentistry since 1991. I have practiced in dentistry as a clinical dental assistant, practice management dental assistant, dental hygienist, as well as an adjunct faculty member with Indiana University Northwest School of Dentistry. I joined Dr. Meister’s team in September of 2000 as a dental hygienist.

My dental education started in 1991 when I participated in a high school vocational program for dental assisting. In 1993 I graduated from Indiana University Northwest School of Dentistry’s Dental Assisting Program with high distinction. In 1993 I was inducted into the Phi Epsilon Nu Dental Assisting Honor Society and received the Abraham J. Ochstein Award for Professionalism. I also became a nationally Certified Dental Assistant and have maintained this certification throughout my dental career. In December of 1993 I completed a laboratory course and became an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. In 1998 I received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from IUN. In 1999 I graduated from IUN’s School of Dentistry’s Hygiene Program and was awarded the Oral Health Education Award. I am an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association and American Dental Hygienist’s Association. I have chaired many committees and held many offices on both the state and local levels in each association. I am a lifetime member of the Indiana University Alumni Association and served as the Northwest Indiana School of Dentistry’s representative on the Alumni Board for five years. I look forward to serving my profession for many years to come.

Andrew Cantu
Senior Lab Technician

I began my education at Purdue University, majoring in pre-dental studies in 1982. I continued my studies at Chicago School of Dental Technology in 1986 and then worked for the school as an instructor for Dental Technology upon graduation in 1989. From 1989 thru 1997 I worked in many different dental labs throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicago land area until I began working for Dr. Jeffrey Meister in 1998 as the Senior Lab Technician. I continue to expand my knowledge by attending seminars on Cerec Restorations, Dental Implant Technology, and New Innovative Denture restorations.

I enjoy many hobbies including coaching baseball and basketball, fishing, and camping with my family. I enjoy playing music in my thirteen piece Latin orchestra. I’m also a mentor in an organization called H.O.P.E., which encourages and provides scholarships to high school students entering college. My wife, Elizabeth, and I have 3 sons, Daniel, and twin boys, Emilio and Antonio.

Judy Eriks
Patient Relations Associate

I began working with Dr. Meister and his team in 2002. I am a current member of the American Dental Assistants Association and I participate in related courses each year. Outside of the office I cherish spending my time with my wonderful husband of 37 years, Dale. Together we have 3 handsome sons, 3 beautiful daughter-in-laws, and 3 precious granddaughters as well as an adored grandson. I also enjoy scrap booking, card making, camping, and traveling on the back of our Harley.

Sarah Hlavacek
Office Manager/ Certified Dental Assistant/Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary

Since 2002, I have enjoyed being a part of our highly skilled team! During the 10 years I have worked with Distinctive Dentistry, I have taken the nationally recognized DANB exam to obtain the distinction of Certified Dental Assistant. I have also earned the title, Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary. I am ACLS certified and regularly participate in continuing education courses to further my education. I also maintain my membership in the American Dental Assistant Association. I am an avid runner and I am an RRCA certified running coach.  I am passionate about health and fitness and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I live in Crown Point, Indiana and am dedicated to the health and happiness of my two Viszla’s. Dentistry is just one of my many interests and I look forward to a successful future in the field.

Pamela Merritt
Certified Dental Assistant/Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary

I graduated from Indiana University in 1999 with the following credentials: EFDA, CDA, and CDPMA. We regularly attend training seminars to stay current with dentistry practices and technology. I have been with Dr. Meister for many years. I have been married to my husband Bob for over 25 years and have two children, Scott and Samantha. My hobbies are gardening and caring for the canine members of the family.

Lauren Jackson
Dental Assistant

I am a newer team member with Dr. Meister. I grew up in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 2005. I have always been interested in the medical field and attended Northwest Indiana Institute at Wesleyan College in pursuit of becoming a Health Unit Coordinator. During this time my interest changed and I moved towards a career in dentistry and attended The Advanced School of Dental Assisting in Crestwood, IL. I found a home with Jeffrey T. Meister & Associates and I am fascinated by many of the areas of dentistry. I am motivated by helping others improve their smiles and self confidence. It will be my endeavor to learn as much as I can and to continue my education within this profession.

Amy
Financial/Insurance Coordinator