About

Exceptional Skill & Personalized Dentistry in Northern Michigan

Our Mission

At Associates in Family Dentistry, our mission is to deliver exceptional dental care grounded in trust, innovation, and a deep respect for every individual. We believe in empowering you through education, offering advanced technologies, and creating a relaxed atmosphere where your needs come first. Whether you're seeking relief from TMJ discomfort, planning a smile makeover, or simply ready to commit to long-term oral wellness, we're here to guide you with integrity, compassion, and clinical excellence.

A Legacy of Functional Excellence

Meet Dr. Michael C. Hutchison

Dr. Michael C. Hutchison, DDS, AAACD, is the founder and visionary behind Associates in Family Dentistry—and a recognized leader in the fields of neuromuscular, cosmetic, and laser dentistry. With a lifelong commitment to improving lives through dentistry, Dr. Hutchison offers advanced care rooted in a deep understanding of functional relationships between the jaw, muscles, and teeth.

A graduate of the Loyola University School of Dentistry, Dr. Hutchison has devoted decades to perfecting a whole-body approach to oral health. He’s the only dentist in the region to integrate the Myotronics K7 Neuromuscular System into non-surgical TMJ therapy and is the inventor of NeuroGuard+, a concussion-reducing oral device. His talents extend beyond innovation; he presents every month on local radio to help empower the community with actionable oral wellness knowledge.

Dr. Hutchison is both a practitioner and a humanitarian. His passion for service has taken him internationally to care for underserved communities in Haiti—an extension of his belief that everyone deserves access to health and hope. Known affectionately by patients for his empathetic manner and advanced capabilities, Dr. Hutchison has created a dental home where high-level treatment never loses its human touch.

As he transitions his role to ensure the continued legacy of trusted care in Traverse City, Dr. Hutchison remains a powerful advocate for thoughtful, functional, and individualized dentistry. His work continues to inspire a new era of precision care that’s both evidence-based and emotionally aware.

Precision Meets Personalized Care

Meet Dr. Hayley R. Popp

Dr. Hayley R. Popp, DDS, MS, brings a fresh perspective to the practice’s future—rooted in meticulous attention to detail, technical precision, and warm, relationship-driven care. A standout clinician with a master's degree and dental training that matches her artistic eye, Dr. Popp is known for creating transformative experiences that put patients at ease.

Originally earning a Bachelor of Science in Package Engineering from Michigan State University, Dr. Popp worked as a packaging engineer in Traverse City before deciding to return to school. She proceeded to earn a Master of Science in Basic Medical Sciences from Wayne State University in 2018 and went on to attain her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Michigan in 2022.

Balancing her engineering mindset with a natural gift for education and communication, Dr. Popp helps patients feel confident and understood at every step of their dental journey. Whether guiding someone through custom TMJ therapy, same-day crown restorations, or cosmetic enhancements, she leads with clarity and care. Her goal? To build trust and deliver exceptional outcomes without the confusion or stress too often found in traditional dental settings.

With a focus on collaborative care, Dr. Popp champions patient education and taking the necessary time to get to know you and your needs. She believes the best results come from conversations, not checklists. Her presence ensures the Associates in Family Dentistry legacy continues to evolve while staying rooted in excellence.

As an emerging leader in Northern Michigan dental care, Dr. Popp looks forward to serving as your partner in health—and making each appointment feel more like a visit with a trusted friend.

Meet The People Behind Your Smile

Our Skilled, Compassionate Team

When you step into our Traverse City office, you’ll immediately feel the warmth and professionalism of our team. With decades of combined experience, our dental assistants, hygienists, and patient coordinators go beyond the expected—putting your comfort, concerns, and wellness first.  

Each team member brings a unique skillset and personality, creating an environment that’s both calming and technically sharp.

Experience a New Level of Patient-Centered Dentistry

Your First Visit: Thoughtful, Thorough, and Personalized

What to Expect

We’ve designed your first visit to go far beyond a typical checkup. During your New Patient Experience, you’ll receive an in-depth assessment, professional cleaning, oral cancer screening, and personalized education—all in a relaxing environment with ample time to discuss your goals and concerns.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces and lakeside views. Your visit includes diagnostic imaging, intraoral scans, and a comprehensive exam that empowers you to make informed decisions about your care. We create space for conversation so we can truly understand what matters to you.

What to Bring

Help us make your first visit as efficient as possible by bringing:

A valid photo ID

Your completed New Patient Forms (or arrive 10 minutes early to complete them)

Any relevant medical or dental history documents

A list of current medications

Your preferred payment method

Exceptional Comfort, Elevated Technology  

Where Innovation Meets Atmosphere

At Associates in Family Dentistry, every design choice and piece of technology is selected with your comfort and care in mind. From same-day crowns to advanced TMJ diagnostics, we blend next-generation tools with modern comforts to create a uniquely rewarding dental experience.

Dual Monitors for Patient Education

Blankets & Pillows

Lakeside Views

Fotona Lasers

Intraoral Scanners

CEREC Same-Day Crowns

3D Printer

3D CBCT Imaging

Panoramic X-Rays

Digital X-Rays

Intraoral Cameras

VELscope Oral Cancer Detection

Myotronics K7 3D Jaw Tracking TMJ Sound Study

Pearl AI

T-Scan Occlusal Analysis System

Ready for Personalized Dentistry That Feels Different?

Book Your Comprehensive New Patient Experience Today