Meet the Doctors

Over 130 years of combined dental experience.

photo of doctor van gorden Dr. Van Gorden

Education
  • Completed BA in Physical Science, Colorado State College, 1962
  • Completed MA in Chemistry, Colorado State College, 1963
  • Completed DDS at Marquette University, 1971
  • Continuing Education
    • National American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Meeting 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008
    • Advanced Accreditation Workshop AACD, 2005
    • Sleep Disorder Breathing Snoring and Sleep Apnea, 2002
    • L.D. Pankey Institute, C-7, 1997
    • L.D. Pankey Institute, C-6, 1995
    • L.D. Pankey Institute, C-5, 1993
    • L.D. Pankey Institute, Dawson Fillastre Week, 1982
    • L.D. Pankey Institute, The Basic Continuum C-1 through C-4, 1976-1981
    • Orthodontics, Functional Jaw Orthopedics, Endodontics, Crown and Bridge, Esthetics, 1971 - Present
Professional Information
  • Practicing at Menomonie Street Dental from 1971 to present
  • Positions Held
    • Board of Directors, L.D. Pankey Institute, 1981 to present
    • Associate Faculty, L.D. Pankey Institute, 1995 to present
    • Teaching Associate, L.D. Pankey, 1994
    • Teaching Assistant, L.D. Pankey, 1987
Memberships:
  • American Dental Association (ADA), lifetime
  • Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), lifetime
  • Northwest District Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
  • Doctors of Oral Conscious Sedation (DOCS)
  • Board of Trustees, L.D. Pankey Institute, 1998 to 2008
  • Board of Directors of Chippewa Valley Boy Scouts, 1992 to present
  • President, Chippewa Valley Boy Scout Council, 2006 to 2009
  • Board of Directors, Eau Claire YMCA 2005 to present
  • Board of Directors, L.D. Pankey Institute, 1981 to present
  • Board of Directors, Northland Buildings
  • Past President, Ojibwa Chapter Trout Unlimited
  • Past Commander, Eau Claire Commandery #8
  • Past President, Eau Claire Antique Car Club
  • Past Vice President, Eau Claire County Dental Society
  • Past Member, Vestry Episcopal Cathedral
Awards:
  • Pankey Scholar, 2003
  • Silver Beaver Boy Scouts of America, 1999
  • Presidents Award Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2001
Presentation Subjects Across the Nation
  • Aesthetics
  • Sleep Disorder Breathing
  • Functional Jaw Orthopedics
  • Ideal Dental Exam
  • Myofunctional Therapy
  • Anterior Guidance and Aesthetics
  • Splint Therapy
  • Photography
  • Occlusion
Personal Information

Native of: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Family members: Married to Jane for 37 years, two children and 2 grandchildren

Leisure activities: Private pilot and owner of a 182 Cessna on floats, avid woodcarver of fish and mammals, avid fly fisherman, tennis, golf, rollerblading, weightlifting and bike riding (this year will be my 20th annual 100 mile bike ride).

I bet you didn't know that my son, Schuyler is a dentist in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

photo of doctor friedeck Dr. Friedeck

Education
  • 1969 BS Biology, Marquette University
  • 1973 DDS Marquette School of Dentistry
Continuing Education
  • Pankey Institute C1 through C4
  • Pankey Institute Dawson-Fillastre
    • Comprehensive course of occlusion and oral full mouth reconstruction
    • 2 Year Orthodontic Internship - St. Michael's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
    • Invisalign Elite Provider; completed basic and advanced courses
    • Member of Seattle Study Club
    • Member of American Dental Association
    • Member of Wisconsin Dental Society
    • Dawson Seminars of Occlusion and Reconstruction
    • Member of Chicago Dental Society
    • Yearly attendance at the Chicago Mid-Winter Dental Meeting
I started practicing at Menomonie Street Dental in Eau Claire, June of 1973. From 1973 – 1976, I practiced at Menomonie Street Dental, Eau Claire and at our satellite clinics in Augusta and Fall Creek; as well as at the Eau Claire Manor Nursing Home.

My practice philosophy is to provide the best quality dental care for my patients while emphasizing comfort, function, health, and aesthetics. I treat every patient like family. If a patient is in pain, he or she will be seen that day. Being a prevention-oriented practice, patients are shown better ways to brush, floss, and care for their teeth. Since each tooth in the mouth is necessary for optimum jaw function, my goal is to help you keep all your teeth your entire lifetime.

Dentistry offers me the opportunity to provide valuable skills for my patients while getting to know people from many diverse backgrounds. I really enjoy getting to know my patients individually and find it very rewarding to help patients by eliminating their discomfort, seeing new-found confidence in their smiles, and observing them maintain healthier dental habits.

Because I have been blessed in my life, I try to use my abilities to give back to our community. One way I do this is to provide dental care for those less fortunate in our area. Additionally, I have been involved for the past eight years with the wonderful organization, Feed My People where I continue to serve on the board. I have also assisted with their fundraising and organizational growth.

Personal Information

I was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in 1947 and have resided in this area most of my life. I have four children, Jay, Justin, Troy, and Lindsay. Though my lovely wife thinks she "rules the roost," it is really our 3 dogs; two Shih Tzu's and a miniature English bulldog, who run the house. We love spending time at our cabin in Hayward, WI, which provides our family with the year round enjoyment of fishing, boating, and winter activities. Golf and skiing are two of my favorite leisure time activities.

photo of doctor henry Dr. Henry

Education
  • Completed DDS at Marquette Dental School in Milwaukee, WI in 1972
  • Completed USAF General Dental Residency at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, 1972-1973
  • Completed Continuous Continuing Education from the L.D. Pankey Institute, Pankey Scholar Status
  • Additional Continuing Education in Complex Restorative Dentistry, Implant Placement and Restoration, Implant Retained Full Dentures
Professional Information
  • Practicing in Eau Claire since 1975
  • Certified in Oral Conscious Sedation
  • Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • My practice philosophy is to provide people with optimum oral health, in a relationship-based setting, which takes into account the patient's individual circumstances, desires, and needs. And to provide this care in a manner that is appropriate for each individual patient.
  • As a dentist, I get the most satisfaction from the ability to provide excellent dental care to patients who appreciate being well taken care of.
Memberships

Currently a member of the following dental organizations:
  • Wisconsin Dental Association
  • American Dental Association
  • Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS)
  • West Central Wisconsin Seattle Study Club
  • L.D. Pankey Institute
Personal Information
  • Native of New Richmond, Wisconsin
  • I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life
  • Family members: My wife, Sharon; my daughter, Kelly; my son, Kevin
  • Leisure activities: Golf, boating, trap-shooting, spending time with my family
Bet you didn't know: I enjoy trimming trees and doing yard work.

photo of doctor travis Dr. Travis

Education
  • Completed Bachelor of Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings SD, 1981
  • Completed Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN 1985
Professional Information
  • Practicing in Eau Claire since 1985
  • My practice philosophy is to provide my patients with the appropriate information for them to make informed decisions on their dental health care.
  • I enjoy the daily interaction with patients that allows me to get to know them very well, provide for their dental care, and get to know them as friends.
Memberships:

Currently a member of the following dental organizations:
  • American Dental Association
  • Wisconsin Dental Association
  • Seattle Study Club
  • Chippewa Valley Dental Society
  • L.D. Pankey Institute
Personal Information

Native of Mobridge, SD

I have lived in Eau Claire since 1985

Family members: wife, Trisha; children, Nate, Lauren, Kayla, and Jake

Leisure activities: Golf, water skiing, snow skiing, biking

photo of doctor shook Dr. Shook

Education
  • Biology / Chemistry degree received at UW-Superior in 1980
  • Doctorate degree received from Marquette University in 1983
  • Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry in 1996
  • Completed 4 Levels of the L.D. Pankey Institute
  • Doctor of Oral Conscious Sedation (DOCS) certification
  • Completed over 500 hours of continuing education in implants
Professional Information
  • Practicing in Eau Claire since 1998
  • Specialties: Sedation dentistry, Mini-Implants, Conventional Implants, Family Dentistry, Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
  • My practice philosophy: Treat my patients / patients' teeth exactly like I would like to have my own treated. All my dental care recommendations are based on this thought. I feel it is my responsibility to keep up to date and current with all of the latest dental developments and innovations; and to make these available to my patients to receive the best possible dental care.
  • I enjoy solving problems and helping people. The ability to be able to take someone that has a significant dental problem and alleviate the problem is extraordinarily rewarding; it makes being a dentist fun.
Memberships:
  • Wisconsin Dental Association
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of General Dentistry
  • Northwest Wisconsin Dental Society
  • Seattle Study Club
  • West Central Wisconsin Dental Study Club
  • Chippewa Valley Dental Society
  • Doctors of Oral Conscious Sedation (DOCS)
Personal Information

Native of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin

I have lived in Eau Claire, Wisconsin since 1998

Family members: I am happily married to my wife, Sheila. We have three children; Sarah, Joe and John.

Leisure activities: Golf, bike and motorcycle riding, fishing, archery, and wood carving.

Currently I am involved in attending and helping children's activities, volunteer sealant clinics, volunteer soccer coach and United Way.

Bet you didn't know that I am an adventure / risk taker. I enjoy skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving and I once wrestled a 15 foot alligator! (just kidding)