About the Practice

About Metro East Dental Care

YOUR FRIENDLY DENTAL TEAM IN GRANITE CITY

At Metro East Dental Care, we are a family-oriented practice dedicated to providing compassionate care. We are passionate about serving the Granite City and Metro East community, helping people maintain excellent dental health and happy, healthy smiles. Our experienced team provides a nonjudgmental environment where every patient can enjoy a stress-free and positive experience while receiving the care they need.

Our modern practice combines state-of-the-art facilities, advanced equipment, and an expert team—all essential elements that contribute to outstanding patient outcomes. We embrace a whole-person approach to treatment planning, recognizing the vital link between oral health and your overall well-being.

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I really enjoy going to Metro East Dental. I have gone to MED for my cleanings, checkups, and tooth repair. Every time I go I feel welcome and important. The staff is friendly and make my visits enjoyable. They always ask how I'm doing and if I'm comfortable... I would highly recommend Metro East Dental to anyone who is looking for great dental care.

DARREN M.

Meet the Dentists

Meet Christopher May, DMD

Dr. May knows that helping patients achieve optimal health is about more than oral hygiene; it’s also about getting to know his patients and connecting with them. For him, dentistry is a blend of art, science, and human connection.

“I love connecting with patients and developing long-lasting personal relationships with them. Also, I love helping patients regain their confidence, relieve their discomfort, and develop optimal dental health as well as overall wellness.”

The personal connection Dr. May strives for with each patient makes his career rewarding and the visit more enjoyable for his patient. He really enjoys talking with people, learning their motivations and apprehensions, and working with them as a team to conquer those obstacles in order to achieve their oral health goals. He listens to each patient and recommends treatment based on what he would do for his own family.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science – Marquette University
Doctor of Dental Medicine – Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine
Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD residency) – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Dr. May’s AEGD residency was his first form of continuing education following dental school. It gave him a deeper understanding of the most advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, extractions, and implant dentistry.

But Dr. May didn’t stop there. He later completed a 10-month mini-residency and implant fellowship through Regents University in Atlanta. Upon completing that residency, he earned his associate fellowship from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Oral healthcare is ever-evolving. It’s essential for Dr. May to stay current on innovative materials, techniques, and new technologies in order to provide the highest quality of care and results for his patients. Through continuing education courses—including seminars, lectures, and annual meetings—he stays up-to-date on new technology, treatment options, and information. He holds various memberships in professional associations to be in the know so he can provide the best care and experience for his patients. A few of those memberships include:

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

American Dental Association
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Illinois State Dental Society
Greater Saint Louis Dental Society

Dr. May outside of the office

Dr. May grew up in Mount Prospect, a northwest Chicago suburb. He attended dental school much closer to Granite City in Alton, and he is happy to call the Metro East area home. His wife, Emily, grew up in Bethalto, and they’re happy to be living close to family. They are proud parents to their daughters, Hadley and Charlotte, and their silver Labrador retriever, Maisey.

Dr. May and his family enjoy the Missouri Botanical Garden, the area museums and zoo, and the farmers’ markets. They enjoy being outside and giving Maisey a chance to play. Dr. May enjoys watching sports, playing golf, running, and reading.

Meet the Team

Sandy

Business Team Leader and Insurance Coordinator
Sandy has been working with Metro East Dental Care since 1992. She started her career with us as a dental assistant, but her role has changed over the years. Now, working as our insurance coordinator, Sandy loves helping our patients understand their treatment needs and helping them find ways to make it all happen. She has built many relationships with patients over the years and enjoys hearing all about their families, vacations, and celebrations. When she’s not busy working, she also loves to spend time with her own family as much as possible. Sandy also enjoys shopping, bowling, going to craft shows, and spending time in her pool.

Deb

Dental Assistant
Deb has been a dental assistant since 1988 and joined Metro East Dental Care in 2021. She is trained in dental assisting, expanded duties, nitrous oxide, sedation dentistry, and CPR. Deb has been to several clinics with Remote Area Medical, serving the public with free dental care. She is also a member of the Daughters of Scotland at Washington University, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, who were also members. Deb is engaged to Lindsay and mother to three boys. She also has a grandson and granddaughter, as well as a bonus daughter (Lindsay's daughter) and a son-in-law. Deb owns two motorcycles, and she’s a very good cook.

Emily

Director of Communications
Emily shares her many talents clinically and through our office communications. As a published author with a background in clinical research, Emily is passionate about oral health education and patient care. With clinical certifications and decades of experience, you may see Emily helping the team in the clinic or seeing her smile at a public oral health event. She enjoys managing the content of our social media/marketing and team education and appreciation. For fun, Emily enjoys yoga, her avid book club, traveling, cooking, and hosting special events. This multitasking mom of two girls is proud to participate in local community outreach and organizations that empower young women. Emily and Dr. May have defined the term “family business,” as they are partners at work and home.

Shelly

Dental Assistant
Shelly joined the practice in 2022 as a dental assistant. She has basic life support, prophylaxis, sealant placement, nitrous administration, and IV sedation and monitoring certifications. Shelly is detail oriented, goal driven, and always proactive and ensures mistakes don’t happen. She is a genuine person who strives to be the best mother, daughter, friend, employee, and human. A single mother to three wonderful children. She enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and being goofy, trying new recipes, dancing, traveling with her children, and making memories. Shelly is also a fan of fragrances, big earrings, and all things fashion, believing when you smell and look your best, you will always put your best foot forward.

Jessica

Dental Hygienist
Jessica joined Metro East Dental Care in 2022 and is a dental hygienist. Trained in anesthetics, nitrous oxide, basic life support, and CPR. Jessica has also completed continuing education in oral pathology and OSHA standards for dental clinics. Jessica came to our office with 20-plus years of dental hygiene experience. She is well versed in all aspects of dental care, from general cleanings to advanced periodontal treatments. Jessica has been married to her husband, Brian, for 29 years, and they have three almost-grown sons. Her hobbies and interests include CrossFit, visiting antique stores, watching her boys play baseball, and going to different breweries around the St. Louis area.

Nicholo “Co”

Dental Assistant
Co joined the practice in 2024 and has certifications in CPR, child coronal polishing, and OSHA. She has been a dental assistant for over two decades and has also started training in expanded functions dental assisting. Co loves working with patients, teaching them about good oral care, and helping them feel comfortable in the chair. Co is married and has four children and a daughter-in-law. Coming from a large Italian family, Co believes family is everything, and that includes her work family. When not busy working at the dental office, Co enjoys flipping furniture and crafting. She has two Jeeps and loves playing in the mud and driving back roads with the music loud. Co is currently helping her husband build an off-road Jeep.

Our philosophy of care

COMPASSION

We provide compassionate, patient-centered care to ensure every visit is a positive experience.

WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH

Our team recognizes the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being.

MODERN DENTISTRY

Combining modern dental techniques, technology, and an experienced team.

You can count on us to take good care of your smile!

We’re here to help you and your family maintain optimum oral health so you can smile confidently. Contact our team today.