By Terri Horvath
Thirty years ago, a comfy-looking waiting area complete with fireplace welcomed the patients of Kristoff Family Dentistry in the converted house at 121 North Range Line Road. When Dave and Linda Kristoff decided to move, they wanted to create the same type of cozy greeting. “It was important to us to include the fireplace in the new place,” said Linda.
Renovation to the old house, particularly to accommodate new technology and handicapped access, seemed economically unwise. So, they found a former liquor store for sale and renovated extensively. They relocated to 1040 North Range Line Road about 11 years ago.
The Kristoffs have always tried to put the “family” feeling into their operations. In addition to the comfortable atmosphere complete with TV sets at every dental chair and Wi Fi in the waiting room, they are known to cater to their patients whenever the need arises. Dr. Dave talks about times at the old place, when they lived above the office in an apartment. “It wasn’t uncommon to have someone knock at our door during dinner who had something wrong like a cracked denture.” He would then go downstairs to the office and fix the problem.
They carried their commitment to their patients and the community to the new location. For example, they are charter members of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce and continue to support the organization’s efforts. They have witnessed the dramatic transformation of Carmel and believe that two changes in particular have been beneficial.
During the early days of the chamber, “we talked about two things that Carmel really needed,” said Dr. Dave. “One was that we needed more parks, and the other was that we need apartments for young people who couldn’t afford to buy a house.” Both have been accomplished.
They agree that Carmel still maintains a small-town feel but one with plenty of options for a variety of people.
