Dr. Joe Hakala, DDS

Dr. Joe Hakala is a Denver native. He graduated from St. Louis University Dental School in 1960 and was ranked second in his class. He also met his wife Jane while he was in dental school. After graduating, he spent 2 years in the US Air Force in northern California and then returned to Denver to practice. He is a life member of the American Dental Association, and still practices dentistry on Mondays and Thursdays. He and Jane have 6 children and 6 grandchildren, and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009.

Dr. Kate Hakala, DDS

Dr. Kate Hakala is the oldest of 6 children. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry with a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene in 1982. After 3 years in private practice as a hygienist, she returned to CU and graduated with her D.D.S., cum laude, in 1989. She now teaches at the dental school 1 morning a week, in addition to 4 days a week in private practice. She holds a position on the Colorado State Dental Board and travels to other states for licensing examinations. She and her husband Dirk have been married over 25 years and have 2 children.

Named one of Colorado's Top Dentists in June 2009. Click here to read article.

Our Dental Assistants:

Laurie - She received her training for dental assisting in the Navy. Laurie has been a dental assistant for over 20 years. She spent 17 years with a pediatric dental office. While working there Laurie became involved with going on dental missions to 3rd world countries! She has traveled to Africa, Cambodia and Romania! During these trips she helps assist the doctor and educate the children on dental health.

Laurie spends her free time with her husband, mother, son and daughter! She has several pets. She enjoys gardening, watching old movies and having friends over.

Ava - Came to Denver from the Chicago area. She is close to her parents who also now live in the Denver area! Ave has two grown sons!

Our Hygienists:

Cara - Grew up and attended dental hygiene school in Buffalo New York. She moved to Colorado over six years ago and loves it! Last year Cara purchased a new home and has enjoyed spending time decorating and fixing it up. This year she added a privacy fence so her very special spoiled dog Otis can run freely!

Cara enjoys snowboarding, hiking, gardening, fishing and camping!

Suzi - Went to hygiene school in Rangely, Colorado after having been a dental assistant for years. She loves dogs and owns seven of them! Including 4 Chihuahuas. She also is the biggest Denver Bronco supporter!

Our Front Office:

Jaime - She has been in the dental field since 1993. She graduated from Heritage Dental College in 1994. Jaime worked as a dental assistant for two years before moving to the front office.

Jaime has one son who just finished a tour of duty with the Army in Kuwait. She has 5 brothers and sisters. She has 5 nieces and 4 nephews and is even a great aunt to 3!

She enjoys spending her free time with family, at the ocean, scrap booking and watching her favorite team the Kansas City Chiefs!

Kathy - Is our newest member! She is our "Rookie"! This is Kathy's first experience in working in the dental field. She worked for an insurance company for 17 years before joining our team in April.

Kathy has enjoyed meeting the patients and has even been able to "catch-up" with a few! Kathy grew up and attended school in the neighborhood!

Kathy and her husband Jim just celebrated 38 years of wedded bliss!! They have 3 adult children who all still live in Denver.

Kathy enjoys spending her free time with her family including Friday Night Spaghetti Night! She loves riding her bike, walking her dogs Bandit and Boats and her Starbucks!

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