Meet Our Dentists

If you grew up in Rockford or the local area, you may be familiar with the work of Dr. Julia Pesavento, DMD. Dr. Pesavento is an established Dentist in the Rockford area and an active member of the community. She has been tending to the needs of dental patients in Rockford since 1988 and is skilled in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry.

Dr. Pesavento recently teamed up with another accomplished Dentist in the area, Dr. Erin Gunderson, DMD! Also a Rockford native, Dr. Gunderson recently moved back to the area after enjoying a strong start to her career in Pittsburgh. She is excited to be back in her hometown and has joined our staff as an Associate Dentist.

We are positively thrilled about these recent changes and hope that you are too! Our dental family is growing. Having another Dentist on our team will allow us to take on more new patients and better serve the Rockford community. It will also give us the ability to devote more of our care and attention to our established patients, who have stood by us over the years. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

We hope that we will be able to get to know each and every one of you on a personal level. We believe that communication is key to building strong relationships based on trust and respect. Below, we’ve shared some information about our Dentists and our practice in general.

MEET OUR DENTIST & OWNER, DR. JULIA PESAVENTO, DMD:

Dr. Julia Pesavento’s practice of dentistry began in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois, following graduation from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. She is a graduate of Boylan Catholic High School and Augustana College. An active member of the Winnebago County Dental Society, she served as the first female president of the organization. She is a member of the American Dental Society and the Illinois State Dental Society.

Active Community Member & Dental Health Advocate:

Dr. Pesavento served on the Rockford Health Council and its Access to Care Committee, helping to improve access to dental care for disadvantaged local children. She is an active volunteer for Boylan Catholic High School, serving on their $10,000,000 Imagine Campaign Committee, and the Development Committee. She is the 2012 recipient of the Boylan Catholic Veritas Award recognizing a Boylan graduate who models the essence of Catholic secondary education.

Dedicated to Patient Comfort & Convenience:

Practicing dentistry is one of the joys in Dr. Pesavento’s life. Building long-term relationships with patients and staff and helping patients to feel comfortable with the treatment and understand their treatment options is a central focus of the practice. Her office utilizes the latest technologies in digital radiography and digital imaging, allowing one-appointment crowns that are created on-site. Each day, she strives to live up to our mission of providing excellent dental care in a warm and caring environment.

Family, Faith & Enjoying Life:

Dr. Pesavento is a lifelong member of St. Peter Cathedral Church. She and her husband raised four children who are now adults. When she is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, gardening, and reading. She believes that life is precious and that happiness is meant to be shared. As your Dentist, her goal is to make you smile. She looks forward to getting to know you better and helping you along your journey toward wellness.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATE DENTIST, DR. ERIN GUNDERSON, DMD:

Dr. Erin Gunderson was born and raised in Rockford, IL. She knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry due to her admiration of her father's career in the healthcare field and her mother's artistic nature. She grew a deeper passion for dentistry after her own dental experience as a child gave her the confidence to show her smile. Dr. Gunderson feels that dentistry is the perfect match for her desire to provide personalized care for patients while also implementing her artistic abilities to create beautiful smiles. She finds great fulfillment in being able to help others and create positive change in the world.

Rockford Native & SIU Dental School Graduate:

Dr. Gunderson attended Rockford Christian for elementary and middle school and then transitioned to Boylan Catholic High School where she graduated in the class of 2009. She is a proud Illini grad and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign in 2013. Dr. Gunderson obtained her DMD from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and graduated Cum Laude in 2017. She then completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at SIU-SDM. Her focus during this additional training was implant and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Gunderson enjoyed the start of her career in Pittsburgh, PA where her husband, Aaron Altman, attended his Oral and Maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, Dr. Gunderson was trained in Invisalign and currently provides Invisalign treatment on a selective basis. Dr. Gunderson is so happy to be back in her hometown of Rockford, IL, and is here to stay!

Devoted to Dentistry & Your Oral Health Needs:

She is excited to be a part of this incredible team and be able to provide you with the best dental care experiences that align with your oral health goals. Dr. Gunderson strives to live up to our mission each and every day by prioritizing our patients' needs and exercising the utmost level of professionalism. The focus of our office is comfortable and convenient care using only the highest quality materials. Our office utilizes modern technology and is proud to be able to provide same day crown appointments.

Passionate About Health, Family & Life:

Aside from dentistry, Dr. Gunderson is passionate about family, wellness, and living life to the fullest. She’s a foodie at heart and loves trying new restaurants and cooking for friends and family at home. She is the youngest of four girls and there is never a dull moment with her three nieces and three nephews. Dr. Gunderson enjoys long walks with her husband and their two dogs, spending time outside, and pilates! Dr. Gunderson is honored to be a part of your oral health care journey. She is looking forward to seeing your smile!

PATIENT-FOCUSED DENTISTRY in ROCKFORD, IL:

Since 1988, Pesavento Dentistry has been providing excellent dental care to patients and families in Rockford. Our Dentists and staff strive to create a warm and caring environment where every patient feels valued. We believe that patient comfort and convenience should always come first, no matter what. Exercising the utmost professionalism, we work hard to tend to our patient's unique dental health needs while treating them with compassion and respect. Our dental services include general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, and beyond.

Contact Our Rockford Dentists Today!

Do you have questions or concerns about your oral health? We’re here to help! Dr. Julia Pesavento, DMD, and Dr. Erin Gunderson, DMD are compassionate Dentists in the Rockford area and are experienced in treating patients of all ages and levels of health. Whether you’re due for your bi-annual teeth cleaning and exam or are looking for a dentist that specializes in dental crowns, veneers, or implant restorations, our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you. We offer comprehensive family and general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and preventative care for patients in the Rockford area. Contact our office by calling (815) 395-1711 today!