After graduating from Marquette in 1973, I entered active duty in the U.S. Navy. I had joined the Navy in 1969 and was “inactive” reserve until graduation. My last duty station during my active duty was Great Lakes. During my tour in 1974, I began working Saturday’s at Dr. Don Sturm’s office in Wonder Lake. After serving my tour of duty, I opened my solo practice with one assistant on November 1st, 1975. From 1975 to 1978, I taught dental school at the University of Illinois. As an assistant professor, I taught fixed prosthetics and treatment planning. By 1978, the practice was so busy that I had to quit teaching, and devote full time to my patients. In 1990, my brother, Dr. Wayne Bruggeman joined our growing practice. In 1994, Dr. Wayne moved back to Hawaii and Dr. Brian Overmyer came to our practice. In 2000, I was very proud to have my son, Dr. Kevin Bruggeman join us. In 2001, Dr. Brian Overmyer left to begin his own practice