Our Story

The Story Behind the Name

Dr. Geary and Dr. Eckdahl have teamed up to create Red Rose Dentistry. When deciding on a name for the office, it became clear that a story from Dr. Eckdahl’s childhood would inspire our office in more aspects than just a name.



Dr. Eckdahl’s grandparents grew up with very little. They were married as teenagers and worked incredibly hard to be able to own their own house. Her grandmother’s main wish was to have a small rose garden. Every morning her grandfather would go outside and cut his wife a fresh rose to give her with breakfast. He did this for her until the day she passed away, even when she had lost most of her memory.



The rose gave Dr. Eckdahl’s grandmother a spark of joy and a feeling of love every morning. We hope to give our patients feelings of love, loyalty and trust every time we see them.



Dr. Eckdahl’s grandmother passed away when Dr. Eckdahl was half way through dental school. Dr. Eckdahl and her husband along with her parents have now adopted their own traditions around roses. Even though her grandmother was never able to see Dr. Eckdahl graduate, her family’s legacy of dedication and love lives on through our office name and philosophy.

Dr. Eckdahl's Mother and Grandparents With Their Rose Bushes

The History Behind the Passion

We have deep roots of love in Milwaukee.

1953

Dr. Cornelius Geary opened his dental practice in 1953 at 4201 W Fondulac Ave after graduating from Marquette University School Of Dentistry in 1950 and serving in the United States Air Force. Dr. Cornelius Geary also served in the United States Navy during WWII prior to attending dental school. Dr. Cornelius Geary’s father, Dr. Cornelius J. Geary, was also a dentist but they never got a change to practice together. Dr. Cornelius Geary was a leader in his community and his profession. He was an early advocate of Preventive Dentistry and making the dental experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. These philosophies still guide us today.

1969

In 1969, Dr. Geary relocated the practice to 3953 N 76th Street, where his wife Sara Geary joined the staff. In 1981 their daughter, Dr. Mary Eileen Geary, joined the practice after graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry and completing a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital.

1982

Dr. Terence Geary joined the practice in 1981 after graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry.

1987

In 1987 Dr. Cornelius Geary retired from the practice and devoted additional time to teaching at the dental school. Dr. Cornelius Geary taught in the Oral Diagnosis Department and was the director of the Dental Ethics and Professionalism course at Marquette Dental School. That same year Dr. Terence Geary joined the faculty of the dental school in the Department of Public Health/Pediatric Dentistry and he remains on the faculty today as he greatly enjoys working with the dental students. Later that year, Dr. Terence Geary and Dr. Mary Eileen Geary formed “Drs Geary & Geary LLC”

1992 - 1993

In 1992 Dr. Alfred Romagna, colleague and friend of Dr. Cornelius Geary and Dr. Terence Geary, retired and we welcomed his patients into our practice. In 1993 Dr. Leon Zukrow who practiced next door to us, retired and we then welcomed his patients into our practice as we expanded our office into the additional space.

Drs. Mary Eileen & Terence

Jeff Keeling, Dr. Mary Eileen Geary, Beth Geary, Dr. Terence Geary, Sara Geary, Cornelius Geary

1996

In 1996 we further expanded and modernized our practice as we broke ground on our new building on W North Ave. We are in this building today!

Beth Geary (Wife of Terence Geary)

1998

Our office kept growing, as did our staff. The doctors and our staff continued to spread their message of dental health in our community.

2011

Dr. Terence Geary and Dr. Mary Eileen Geary were recognized for their Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. This year we brought our office into the digital age. We implemented digital X-ray imaging and digital patient charts.We also made another transition as Dr. Terence Geary changed the name to Geary Dentistry LLC. Beth, Dr. Terence’s wife, was also involved in the business, helping to maintain the office for many years.

2020

This year began a new era for our practice: Dr. Eckdahl joined the team, and we found our new name: Red Rose Dentistry. Hand-in-hand with Dr. Geary, Dr. Eckdahl passionately ensures that we continue to serve our community with the same love and care.

2024

In March 2024 Dr. Geary fully retired from practicing dentistry. As our office enters a new era, we remember our history and thank those who have come before us. It goes without saying, that we all wish Dr. Geary nothing but blessings and happiness in retirement.

“LOVE the story behind the name”

I am new to the area and asked for a referral from a friend. I absolutely LOVE the story behind the name and the legacy Emily has created for herself and her family. I have had a few visits and am so impressed with the level of respect and care these women give to their clients, themselves, and each other.

Tammy M.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

Call 262-860-1500 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.