Meet Our Doctors

Ashley Halm D.M.D

Dr. Ashley Halm. is honored to serve Midland and the surrounding communities of Mid-Michigan.

Dr. Ashley’s philosophy is to work directly with patients to create a treatment plan that is custom-fit to their specific needs and goals. She strives to provide patients with the knowledge necessary for making good decisions about their dental health. Dr. Ashley enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, including but not limited to cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, preventative dentistry, and dental education.

Dr. John Bay City Michigan Dental Care Signature Dental

John McLaren, B.S.E., D.D.S., M.S. (Restorative Dentistry)

0Dr. John McLaren (Dr. John) was raised in Ann Arbor and graduated from the University of Michigan, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Material Science Engineering (BSE), followed by a doctoral degree in Dental Surgery (DDS). Dr. McLaren finished second in his graduating class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary society. Dr. McLaren then completed a three-year master’s degree specializing in restorative dentistry at the University of Michigan a specialty degree that fewer than 1 percent of practicing dentists in the United States have obtained. During this time, Dr. McLaren taught pre-clinical dentistry, oral medicine and diagnosis and held the faculty position of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the University of Michigan. In 2017, Dr. John started teaching clinical dentistry again at the University of Michigan and has enjoyed re-connecting with many long-time faculty as well as being a part of the growth and learning for future dentists.

He has been an associate editor with The Dental Advisor publication and currently serves as a clinical consultant. His scientific background has helped him bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. McLaren has conducted research in reducing mercury vapor release from amalgam, strengthening of porcelain, color matching of composites and high-strength fiber-reinforced materials. Dr. McLaren has given numerous lectures and written published articles and book chapters, including in the publication “Esthetic Color Training in Dentistry.” He has had articles published in Dental Materials, Contemporary Esthetics and Restorative Practice, the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, and the Dental Advisor. He is a member of the American Dental Assocation, Michigan Dental Assocation, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society), Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Sigma Mu (International Honor Soceity for Materials Science and Engineering), and Saginaw Valley District Dental Society.

Dr. McLaren has an unwavering dedication to providing each patient the best quality dentistry, while providing a comfortable experience. It is extremely important for him to truly understand each patient’s health objectives and customize dental care to meet each patient’s needs. Dr. McLaren has volunteered in the Michigan Special Olympics Dental Program, Helping Hands Dental Clinic in Midland, Mission of Mercy at SVSU and worked in the heart of Detroit serving as a dentist in the Detroit Community Health Connection. Dr. McLaren enjoys reading, home improvement, golf and bowling.

Charles McLaren, B.S.E., D.D.S., M.S. (Restorative Dentistry)

Dr. Charles McLaren (Dr. Charles) grew up in Ann Arbor, MI and received his bachelor’s degree (B.S.E.) in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. His dental degree (D.D.S.) and his master’s degree in restorative dentistry were also from the University of Michigan. Dr. Charles has a background in dental materials and restorative dentistry, with a clinical interest in the area of cosmetic dentistry and all-ceramic restorations. While at Michigan, he collaborated in various research projects from 1995-2005 involving ceramics, amalgam, bio-degradable polymer scaffolds and fluoride-releasing materials. From 2000-2005, Dr. McLaren taught pre-clinical dentistry, oral medicine and diagnosis, and clinical dentistry as an Adjunct Clinical Lecturer and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Michigan. Since 1999, Dr. McLaren has worked with The Dental Advisor publication as an associate editor, contributing author and clinical consultant. He has been invited to speak and present research at the International Association of Dental Research, Academy of Operative Dentistry and the Dental Advisor’s annual symposiums.

Dr. Charles has had research articles published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Contemporary Esthetics and Restorative Practice, the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, and the Dental Advisor. He has also been a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Dentistry, a monthly peer-reviewed publication. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Saginaw Valley District Dental Society. He also holds memberships with Tau Beta Pi (National Engineering Honor Society), Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Mu (International Honor Society for Materials Science and Engineering).

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, and two young boys, Ian and Anson. He also enjoys golfing, classical music and creating stained glass works of art. Many of his stained-glass panels are displayed throughout the office.