CALL (219) 736-1401
Meet the Doctors
Dr. Timothy Surber
Since graduating from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2013 and completing his specialty training in maxillofacial surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Dr. Timothy Surber has gone on to be recognized and awarded by the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for his outstanding work in the field.
Dr. Surber is also board-certified and maintains active diplomate status in the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is involved in several professional organizations, such as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, ADA, and many local study groups. In 2012, he took his specialty skills abroad and traveled to Lima, Peru, as part of a multi-disciplinary surgical mission team.
Dr. Surber continues his work as a Northwest Indiana oral surgeon, where he also donates his time to multiple hospitals for facial trauma surgery. When not in the office, he enjoys traveling, boating, sport fishing, and physical fitness.
Dr. Howard Stevenson
A highly-respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Northwest Indiana since 1986, Dr. Howard E. Stevenson has been practicing his passion for dental health for years. After earning his dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Stevenson went on to complete his internship and residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center.
Today, Dr. Stevenson shares his skills with the community by attending staff appointments at Porter Hospital and St. Anthony Medical Center. He counts himself a member of several national dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
When out of the office, Dr. Stevenson enjoys quality time with his wife, Maureen, and their two children, Mallory and Alex, in their hometown of Crown Point. When he’s not serving as a Merrillville oral surgeon, Dr. Stevenson enjoys bicycling, tennis, skiing, and racquetball.
Dr. Stephen Fairchild
When you’re looking for an oral surgeon with both the qualifications and the personal touch to make you feel at ease, Dr. Stephen J. Fairchild has your back. After graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry Summa Cum Laude in 1980, Dr. Fairchild served his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center and associated hospitals. Dr. Fairchild has shared his knowledge and skills with the Northwest Indiana community since 1985 before teaming up with Dr. Stevenson in 2009.
A certified diplomate by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Fairchild also holds fellowship status in the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. An avid lifetime learner, Dr. Fairchild holds a number of memberships in many other professional organizations.
Out of the office, Dr. Fairchild spends time with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Lauren and Amy, at their Crown Point home. His creative side comes out in his love for fishing, boating, and woodworking.
Dr. Alexandra Okula
Dr. Alexandra Okula is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and empathy as a Northwest Indiana oral surgeon, having begun her journey as a graduate of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 2018. She continues to expand her knowledge in the field as an active member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Association of Osteosynthesis Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, the American Dental Association, and the Indianapolis District Dental Society.
Out of the office, Dr. Okula spends time with her husband, Ted Dann, and French Bulldog, Norman. She’s an active runner, having participated in several marathons, including New York City and Chicago. A life-long learner, she finds herself venturing into the sport of golf and loves watching professional hockey. The New York Islanders are her favorite, but she’ll cheer for the Chicago Blackhawks from time to time.
Dr. Omar Faraj
Dr. Omar Faraj brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for patient care to our practice. Dr. Faraj began his academic journey at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then pursued his dental education at the University of Pittsburgh before continuing on to medical school and residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This comprehensive training has equipped him with extensive skills. He has found passion in dental implants, facial trauma, orthognathic surgery, and the management of TMJ disorders.
Dr. Faraj is committed to ongoing professional development and is an active member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA). His dedication to staying on top of the latest advancements in his field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Faraj enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Reema, and their many nieces and nephews. He is an avid traveler and sports enthusiast, he finds joy in weight lifting, playing basketball, and supporting his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.