Meet The Dentists

Skill and compassion go hand in hand when providing exceptional patient care. As dental professionals, we stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry in order to provide the most current treatment options for our patients. We recognize that each patients are unique individuals who have placed a great deal of trust in our team. That is just one reason why we value each and every patient relationship.

I appreciate the time you’ve taken to visit this site and find out more about our dental practice, our team, and the many services we can provide to help you achieve optimum oral health.


Grant Russell, DMD

Grant Russell, DMD graduated from Southern Illinois University - School of Dental Medicine in 2023 and joined Park Place Dental Group in April of 2024. From childhood, Dr. Russell always knew he wanted to be a dentist. His grandfather Dr. Mel Schulmeister and aunt Dr. Jody Schulmeister and uncle Dr. Larry Newquist helped inspire him to follow in the family footsteps and he is excited to continue his professional career serving the local community with excellent dentistry. Dr. Russell graduated from dental school receiving magna cum laude Latin honors and won the 2023 student award for outstanding achievement in periodontics recognized by The American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Russell has worked with Dr. Schulmeister and Dr. Newquist as an associate dentist further developing his clinical skills for the past year. He has also taken more than 200 continuing education hours in straight wire orthodontics. He will continue to provide excellent orthodontic treatment for patients as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages. Outside of dentistry Dr. Russell enjoys hiking, golfing, board games, building Lego, going on walks with his beagle dog, Louis, and spending time with his family and wife Katie who will be joining him in the practice as an assistant. Dr. Russell is accepting new patients. Please call our Godfrey office at 618-466-3140 to schedule an appointment or new patient exam with Dr. Russell.


Jaxsen Helmkamp, DMD

Jaxsen Helmkamp, DMD is originally from Bethalto, Illinois and earned his B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from SIUE in 2020. From there, Dr. Helmkamp moved on to attend Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. During his time in dental school, he enjoyed giving back to the community through various charitable programs and his dental school fraternity PSI Omega. Dr. Helmkamp received his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2024, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Dr. Helmkamp's mission is to deliver top dental work while creating the best environment for patient care. He wants his patients to feel at home in the dental chair while establishing a relationship based on trust and clear communication. He is excited for the opportunity to give back to the community he was raised in and looks forward to helping patients improve their overall oral health.

When he is not in the office, Dr. Helmkamp enjoys being with his fiancé, Aly, and their Golden Retriever, Charlie. He also enjoys playing golf and spending time with his friends and family.