Hygiene Team

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Shari, Hygiene Coordinator

I was born and raised in Monticello, Iowa. Since graduating from Des Moines Area Community College hygiene program in 1984, I have worked as a hygienist. During the early years of my career in Florida and Iowa, I typically worked at sole proprietor offices where I was the only full-time hygienist. I have also been able to lend my experience to other offices, working as a hygiene consultant.

I have been at The Dental Center since 2001. Joining a veteran hygiene team, because of the quality of care we provide our patients. I appreciate the environment staff enjoys at The Dental Center. The doctors understand we have many aspects to our lives, and they work with us to find the right balance. This is invaluable and because of it, employee turnover is very rare at The Dental Center. You will see familiar faces each time you visit.

I am married to Brett. He and I have two children, Mackenzie and Chancy. We also have three dogs, and two businesses. We enjoy traveling, particularly to warm places during cold Iowa winters.

Ami W.

Ami is a registered dental hygienist and has been a part of The Dental Center family for almost 25 years!

“My passion/love is watching and enjoying what my kids love most, sports. You will find me at softball, baseball, volleyball, football, wrestling, and track cheering on the West Delaware Hawks. As a family, we enjoy boating. I love to exercise and take care of my health.”

“The Dental Center has always taken into consideration my needs of being a mother. The flexibility is important to me and they provide that. I feel honored to be able to serve a great community of patients that I have gotten to know considerably over the years.”

“It’s the little things in life. Slow down and take time to enjoy the small things.”

Marie

Marie has been a dental hygienist at The Dental Center since the beginning of her career in 1998. She grew up in Minot, North Dakota and graduated from North Dakota State College of Science.

“In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband Darin, read my kindle, watch movies, and spend time outdoors.”

“I like working with people every day to help them understand the importance of a healthy mouth and of a smile that they don’t have to hide.”

“Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” -Plato

Amy M.

Originally, Amy went to college to be a Histology Technician and worked in the field for 8 years. Her desire to learn about the dental profession grew so she went back to school to be a dental hygienist. She has been working in the dental field for 19 years.

“I enjoy all areas of dentistry and learning about the newest advances. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time and creating memories with my family, hiking, traveling, and photography.”

“I love working at The Dental Center because we provide a wide range of services to meet each individual’s dental needs. Our goal is also to create doctor-patient relationships based on mutual trust and respect. I am proud to provide high-quality compassionate care in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”

“Expect nothing, appreciate everything.”

Melissa L.

Melissa has been a hygienist at The Dental Center since 2005. She completed her hygiene and clinical studies through Kirkwood and The University of Iowa in 2002. She also graduated from Kirkwood Community College Dental Assisting program in 1996.

“I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping, hiking, and snuggling with my puppies.”

“I feel fortunate to be employed at The Dental Center. It’s a beautiful establishment with top of the line equipment. The staff is highly skilled and the doctors are wonderful.”

“Don’t let the world change your smile… Let your smile change the world!”

Sandy

Sandy is a dental hygienist and an assistant here at The Dental Center. She completed her studies in both hygiene and assisting at Kirkwood. She has also completed level 1 and level 2 expanded functions in Dental Hygiene.

“When I’m not working, I love to hang out with my family. I have a 3-year-old daughter that keeps me busy! I’m also known as the ‘crazy dog lady’. I volunteer with a local animal shelter fostering and taking care of dogs. If I have had the pleasure to work with you, there is a good chance you have heard about my two crazy pups!”

“I have been working at The Dental Center for over 17 years and I work with some pretty amazing people. All of the doctors are amazing and provide the best care to our patients. We all make a pretty awesome team!”

“There’s always a reason to smile.”

Kim V.

Kim has been a dental hygienist for nearly 30 years. A graduate from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry with a Bachelors in Dental Hygiene. She has made Cedar Rapids her home ever since.

Kim is blessed with 2 wonderful children and an amazing son-in-law, dog, and grand dogs. You will find Kim on many amazing adventure with family and friends.

“I have been working with this heart felt, caring, blessed staff of the dental center for 10, years now. You will notice immediately how very comfortable and stress-free the pond atmosphere rooms are here! Assessing and Education dental needs is the most rewarding part of my day”.

“Your present circumstances do not determine where you go: they merely determine where you start”

Nadia

Even as a small child, I knew I would either be a teacher or work in a health field some day. I believe I’ve found the best of both worlds with dental hygiene! I truly enjoy every opportunity I am given to educate my patients about oral health. I feel fortunate to be here at The Dental Center where I can spend so much one-on-one time with my patients. It really gives me the chance to get to know every person individually and help them achieve the best oral-health possible.

I graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene from Kirkwood in 2015 and with a degree in Health and Human Physiology from The University of Iowa in 2016. My studies have led me to have a strong interest in the association between oral and overall health. I love when I am able to help our patients see and appreciate the connections between the two!

In my spare time, I enjoy cheering my kids on at their sporting events, traveling, and simply spending time with family.

Carolyn

Carolyn graduated from dental hygiene school in 2001. She states, “It was one of the best decisions I ever made, I have enjoyed serving my patients ever since!”.

“I get excited about anything health and nutrition because I feel it impacts everything I enjoy doing! Making time for family, friends, cooking, nature, hiking, biking, walking, traveling, volunteering, and meditating are all passions of mine.”

“The patients at this office are especially friendly and receptive to learning ways to improve their oral health which makes it all worth it! The work environment is extremely supportive, when help is needed everyone rallies to do what they can. The doctors and administration are generous and caring. They do all they can to make sure we have great equipment, time off, and excellent quality continuing education.”

“One way I have found to improve my day is to ask myself, ‘What matters most in this moment’”.

Callan

Bio coming soon

Taylor A.

Taylor graduated with her Dental Hygiene degree from Kirkwood in 2018, and began with The Dental Center in 2019. She has continued her education in expanded functions which has allowed her to switch between roles in hygiene and assisting, you now see Taylor along side our doctors, predominantly, Dr. Kyle Haganman to help make your restorative visits run smoothly.

Taylor has a passion for ensuring patients feel comfortable and well cared for as well as understanding procedures and recommendations.

When Taylor is not working she is keeping up with her daughter, Cambria. They enjoy arts, outdoors, animals and family time.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

Megan

I have been a dental hygienist here at The Dental Center for over 4 years. I graduated from Wayne Comminuty College in NC in 2010.

When I am not working I love spending time with my son! We enjoy camping, golfing, playing tennis, bowling, kayaking and anything outdoors!

I have always been interested in health & enjoy educating my patients.

The best thing about working here at the Dental Center is how well we all work as a team. Everyone is very knowledgeable and here to do their best for our patients!

Christine

Christine was born and raised in Clinton, IA and moved to Cedar Rapids in 2007. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, and dog outside of work – anything outdoors or music related.

Christine went to Kirkwood for the Dental Hygiene program and has been working as a hygienist since 2019.

Christine really enjoys working at the Dental Center because of the caring, team atmosphere. The Dental Center is the a wonderful place to work and be a patient because you really are getting the best care possible.

“If it doesn’t bring you peace, profit, or purpose then don’t give it your time, attention, or energy.”

Emily

Natalie

I graduated from Kirkwood Community College in 2020 with a degree in Dental Assisting. While I waited for dental hygiene school I worked as a dental assistant in oral surgery and here at the dental center. I completed hygiene school in May of 2023 and joined The Dental Center full time right after.

I love working at The Dental Center because everyone is so welcoming and willing to help. The patient’s have been friendly and patient with me as I take on my new role and it has been so fun getting to know each one of them!

In my free time I enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Heidi

Kendra

We are grateful that The Dental Center is able to offer the skills of a prosthodontist, as well as treatment involving orthodontics. We can care for the entire family, from toddler to senior years. Our doctors and hygiene team have developed a periodontal program that is very beneficial for patients with gum disease. Our hygiene department works well together, each member providing a unique contribution for us all to learn and grow as a cohesive group.

Shari, Hygiene Coordinator

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Ami W.

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Marie

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Amy M.

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Melissa L.

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Sandy

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Kim V.

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Nadia

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Carolyn

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Callan

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Taylor A.

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Megan

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Christine

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Emily

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Natalie

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Heidi

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Kendra

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The Dental Center

7 days ago

🦷 What is Phase I Orthodontics?
Phase I starts while kids still have a mix of baby and adult teeth—usually around ages 6–10.

✨ Why do we recommend it?
Phase I isn’t about getting a perfect smile right now. It’s about guiding growth and setting the stage for a healthier, easier future smile.
✔️ Creates room for incoming adult teeth
✔️ Helps correct bite or jaw growth issues early
✔️ Can reduce the need for extractions or more complex treatment later
✔️ May shorten (or simplify!) Phase II treatment in the teen years

👀 Not every child needs Phase I, but for the right patient, early treatment can make a big difference.

If your child is around age 7 and hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now is a great time to get scheduled!
Early looks = smart planning. 😊

#PhaseIOrtho #EarlyOrthodontics #GrowingSmiles #OrthoEducation #HealthyBites ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center

1 week ago

✨ February Work Anniversaries! ✨
This month we are celebrating three amazing team members who truly make our practice what it is.

🦷 Shari- the brains, the backbone, and the heart behind our hygiene team! 25 incredible years of leadership, knowledge, and dedication.

🦷 Kim- 11 years of compassionate care, bright smiles, and making patients feel right at home.

📞 Hannah- 5 years of positivity, organization, and being the friendly face that keeps everything running smoothly.

We are beyond grateful for the passion, loyalty, and care each of you brings every single day!
Our patients and our team are better because of you! 💙🎉 ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center

2 weeks ago

Prevent cavities before they start! Regular dental visits are crucial for little smiles. 🦷 Schedule your child’s appointment this month! 🗓️ ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center

2 weeks ago

There are two types of dental patients:

👀 Watching every move
😴 Eyes shut the whole time

Which one are you? ⬇️ ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center

3 weeks ago

One tooth. One implant. One BIG transformation! 🙌🏼

Dental implants = natural look, real function, & long-term results!
#dentalimplants ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center

3 weeks ago

What did Dr. Lexi do on her birthday weekend?

She spent the weekend in Chicago leveling up her ortho knowledge at a continuing education course.

✨ Always learning. Always improving. ✨ ... See MoreSee Less

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The Dental Center
Cedar Rapids

815 38th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

PH: 319.365.0534

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed

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The Dental Center
Hiawatha

1090 Sherman Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233

PH: 319.362.0043

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed

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