Traverse Dental Associates is a 4th generation values-driven, value-based practice. First owned by Dr. Macare and Christina's great-grandfather, it was passed on to their grandfather, uncle, and father. Now she and her cousin lead the practice. It’s an enduring legacy of trust built on a legacy of long-term relationships and long-lasting smile solutions. And we’re a team with ever growing skills, to always serve you better.
Dr. Macare is the fourth generation of dentists in the Kelly family, all of whom graduated from the University of Michigan. She considers it an honor to be able to serve many of the same patients that have been seen by her father and grandfather, and is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence in dentistry.
In her free time, she absolutely loves long distance running, playing pickle ball, skiing, and cooking. She is also active in her church community on Old Mission Peninsula.
She began her educational journey by graduating from Hope College, earning a double bachelor’s degree in both Chemistry and Spanish. She went on to complete her dental training at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. During dental school she was a member of the Ethics Committee, Jonathan B. Taft Society, and did medical and dental missions in Guyana and Honduras. She also gained special recognition for her high scores on the National Board of Dental Exams and the Bunting Award for Excellence in Periodontics.
Dr. Macare continued her learning after dental school at the Pankey Institute, which has a reputation of being the One Place for relationship based advanced dental education. At the Pankey Institute, she has had special training in regard to TMJ disorders. She especially enjoys helping restore smiles and confidence in her patients through cosmetic dentistry. She has completed training for Botox and Frontline TMJ Orofacial Pain Therapy with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Additionally, she is certified in Invisalign, CandidPro and Clear Aligner Therapy.
Dr. Chris attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies he conducted researched with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.
Dr. Chris is a highly trained and experienced dentist with a passion for learning and teaching. He is a curator for Restorative Nation, a website designed to help dentists with their post-graduate education. He has served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates, focusing on patient interactions and leadership. In 2020, he completed the Pankey Scholar Program, which he considers to be his greatest professional achievement. He is currently a visiting faculty member at The Pankey Institute, an Adjunct Clinical Faculty Member for the University of Michigan, and a member of the Advisory Board for Dental Economics Magazine. He has also continued his advanced education training at the Kois Center in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Chris is committed to serving his community. In partnership with the Michigan Dental Association's Donated Dental Services program, he has helped provide comprehensive dental care to underserved individuals, exceeding $250,000 in treatment costs.
In his leisure time, Dr. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Christina, and their three children, Baylor, Eliana, and Rose, as well as his two dogs, Lola and Aspen. He maintains an active lifestyle through daily exercise, golfing, skiing, and keeping up with his children.
Dr. Van Horn was born and raised in Traverse City, where he also graduated school from Traverse City. He then received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Michigan State University, where he met his future wife. Prior to enrolling in dental school, he spent two years as a clinical research assistant at the University of Michigan Hospital where he was involved with numerous collaborative research studies focusing on head and neck oncology and radiation. Through those studies, Dr. Van Horn had the honor to co-author two distinguished research articles, while building a strong foundation of identifying oral cancer and other harmful oral conditions.
He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Michigan where he was awarded with a renowned scholarship. Following dental school he completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Michigan Hospital where he broadened his skillset further treating significantly medically compromised patients, as well as administering general and IV sedation.
In October 2014, Dr. Van Horn enrolled at the renowned Pankey Institute, continuing his lifelong pursuit of his professional education, where he continues training today. Through his collective experiences and training, he has been continuously devoted to furthering his skill, knowledge and advancement of the profession. Examples would include Completion of The American Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia and Sedation in Dentistry. After completion of his GPR at The University of Michigan Hospital, Dr. VanHorn completed an additional residency in IV sedation with concurrent ACLS training.
He loves spending time with his wife Ashley and their three sons: Charlie, Wes, and Will. He also enjoys sailing, tennis and bird hunting with his dog Lucy.
Born and raised in Traverse City, Christina is a member of the fourth generation of the Kelly Family to be serving the community. She feels very honored and humbled to continue their tradition of excellence.
She completed her program at Pankey Institute as well as several of their focus courses in Esthetic Dentistry and Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction(TMD). These courses along with additional training in neuromodulator (Botox/Xeomin) treatment has allowed for greater comprehensive treatment of TMD. Currently she is working on completing the curriculum at the Kois Center for Advanced Dental Education. The cumulation of this additional training and experience has provided her with the skills to perform modern comprehensive esthetic dentistry. Addition to end of section. Each year she is dedicated to continued learning so that she may be certain to offer the greatest care to her patients.
Dr. Christina graduated from Traverse City Central High School. She then went on to study at the University of Michigan where she earned her degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Following the footsteps of four generations before her she then graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School and received her D.D.S.
She participated in several charitable events with the Jonathon B. Taft Society and was blessed to participate in a mission trip to Ecuador her final year in dental school. Helping those in need has always been important to Christina and she feels blessed that she is able to touch lives every day through dentistry.
She loves spending time with her husband, Christopher and their children, Baylor and Eliana and Rose. Together they enjoy the outdoors, running, swimming, golfing, and skiing.
When Dr. Swan was in junior high school and considering his future career, his Irish grandmother suggested dentistry. She never imagined the impact her suggestion would have not just on his life and that of his family, but on the thousands of patients who have trusted him with their dental care over the years. He also had no appreciation of how wonderful the profession of dentistry would be, or the many advances that keep a perpetual learner like himself interested and excited to apply his knowledge.
Dr. Swan is a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan where he received both his undergraduate and dental degrees. After finishing near top of his dental school class, Dr. Swan spent an additional year of advanced training at Sinai Hospital of Detroit.
Over his career, his passion for perpetual learning has led to over 2,500 hours of training after dental school. He has pursued managerial and behavioral training through the Center for Professional Development in Arizona, implant training through the Misch International Implant Institute in Pennsylvania, and advanced comprehensive care through the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida where he holds position as a visiting faculty member.
Dr. Swan is also part of the adjunct faculty for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. In addition to his teaching appointments Dr. Swan has been recognized as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Misch International Implant Institute. He has also been designated a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Swan is the coordinator for the Pankey Scholar program and sits on the Board of Directors.
Dr. Swan is a Life Member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor dental fraternity, the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and was founder and first president of the Northern Michigan Implant Study Club.
His wife Lynn is a physician who has held appointments at both Michigan and Michigan State’s Medical Schools. She is the director of Street Medicine in our area serving the homeless population. They are enjoying life as grandparents to their nine grandchildren since their three oldest married children live nearby. He and his wife have attended Christ the King in Acme since 1994. Northern Michigan has been a wonderful place to remain physically active and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. I’ve also gotten the chance to participate in the local music scene where I sing and play bass guitar in a variety of projects.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 231-947-0210 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We'll be in touch soon.