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MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Krystin Whitford, D.M.D., always knew she wanted to be a dentist. “I had a positive experience in the dental chair, and by middle school, I was committed to it and stuck with it,” she said.
That early decision led to a steady career—after becoming a dentist in 2013, she developed a diverse skillset, through continued training and mentorship. Dr. Whitford is now part owner with longtime colleague Dr. Frank Ruffino. The desire to balance her career and personal life has now become a successful reality, with 100% support from her husband and children.
“Having a career and family was always important to me, and I knew I needed an identity outside of my home,” Dr. Whitford said. “I made the decision as a mom to always be present at home for my family and, as a doctor, to be present at the office for my patients. This sometimes involves altering my schedule both ways—to accommodate concerts and parades, or when a patient may need to be seen. My advice to accomplish this is to write down your priorities and find a career that fits into the life you want to build for yourself.”
Her story isn’t just about balancing personal and professional roles—it’s also about trusting her own abilities. “Having faith in myself and my abilities has carried me through,” she said. A member of several professional dental organizations, she has completed extensive training in implant placement, sleep apnea and Botox.
Ilissa Schutzbach, D.D.S., who has joined the practice, echoed that sentiment. “Science was always my favorite subject, so combining the fact that I’m a detail-oriented perfectionist with a desire to help people made dentistry my perfect career choice,” she said. Dr. Ilissa began her training at Michigan State University and obtained her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. She has continued her training with clear aligner programs and is currently attending extensive implant courses. “Work/life balance is also important as I advance my career and plan my upcoming wedding in the fall,” said Dr. Ilissa.
Both dentists credit continuing education and cutting-edge technology with helping them grow professionally. The practice provides a full range of dental services, from routine care and teeth whitening to implants, root canals and sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Whitford and Dr. Ilissa are passionate about using advanced technology—including digital X-rays, 3D imaging and same-day crowns—to deliver efficient, high-quality care.
Mentorship is central to the practice’s culture. Dr. Whitford praised Dr. Ruffino for his guidance and said she is now paying it forward. “It’s important to support the next generation,” she explained.
Dr. Ilissa added, “We’re such a team here. I have the best support system—mentors who are constantly rooting for me and pushing me to grow. They care about my well-being, not just my work, and that’s something I hadn’t experienced before.”
“The best part of our practice is that we are super diverse,” Dr. Whitford added. “The field is constantly changing and evolving, looking for more efficient, more comfortable ways to improve oral health and to maintain our teeth for longer. We have moved toward a strong emphasis on implant dentistry in our practice to help bring the most state-of-the-art options for tooth replacement.”
Ruffino & Whitford Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is located at 16792 21 Mile Rd. at Garfield in Macomb Township. For more information, call (586) 263-1200 or visit fruffinodds.com.
