Tulip Tree Dental Care marks 12 years with 750-plus reviews and therapy dog Meatball

Tulip Tree Dental Care in South Bend marked its 12th anniversary in September 2026 as founder Dr. Nicole Hurcomb spotlighted the practice’s patient-first approach. The independent office now serves families across Michiana and uses therapy dog Meatball to help ease dental anxiety.

Why it matters: - Tulip Tree Dental Care says its model is built around low-pressure, patient-first care, which can matter for families who avoid dentistry because of anxiety or past bad experiences. - The practice has also become a local destination beyond South Bend, serving patients across Michiana, including Niles, Michigan. - More than 750 Google reviews and a 4.9-star average suggest strong patient loyalty for an independent practice.

What happened: - Tulip Tree Dental Care marked its 12th anniversary in September 2026. - Dr. Nicole L. Hurcomb, known to patients as Dr. Nicci, opened the practice in September 2014. - The office is at 51584 Indiana State Route 933 in South Bend, Indiana. - The practice introduced Meatball, a therapy Bernedoodle known internally as "Dogtor Meatball, DDS," to help patients with dental anxiety.

The details: - Dr. Hurcomb is a third-generation dentist who grew up in northwest Indiana. - She began working in her father’s dental office at age 13, learning front-office management and chairside assisting. - She graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. - She practiced with her father for a year before moving to the current location. - She worked at two locations for seven years before opening Tulip Tree Dental Care in South Bend. - Dr. Hurcomb has completed several hundred hours of continuing education, including courses at the Bell Institute. - Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, the North Central Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Chicago Dental Society and the 3rd Coast Study Club. - The practice offers general and restorative dentistry, clear aligner orthodontics and EMFACE, a needle-free facial treatment. - Meatball greets nervous patients at the door and can stay with patients during visits when requested. - Meatball also visits local schools, including Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes and the Portage School of Leaders. - The practice lists more than 750 Google reviews with a 4.9-star average. - More information is available at the practice website.

Between the lines: - The anniversary story doubles as a brand check-in for a solo-founded practice that has grown by emphasizing personality, consistency and reassurance. - The therapy dog is not just a novelty. It is part of the practice’s strategy for reducing friction around dental care. - The review volume suggests Tulip Tree Dental Care has built trust in a competitive local market.

What's next: - Tulip Tree Dental Care is likely to keep leaning on its patient-experience pitch as it expands within South Bend and the wider Michiana region. - Meatball’s school visits suggest the practice will keep using community outreach as part of its identity.

The bottom line: - Tulip Tree Dental Care is celebrating 12 years by highlighting the mix that built its reputation: straightforward dentistry, local roots and a therapy dog that helps nervous patients walk through the door.