Dr. Kate and her team all have many years of experience in the dental field. Dr. Kate has chosen team members who have integrity and are dedicated, reliable, and professional. Regular training sessions in CPR, infection control, HIPAA, and dental materials are held so that everyone on the team is up to date and informed.
Dr. Kate and other team members volunteer at the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM), providing free dental care, and have participated in medical/dental missions in Guatemala and Mexico. Because Hakala Family Dentistry was started in 1962, patients from several generations of families have been coming in for their dental care. We are happy to have you join our dental patient family.
Dr. Kate Hakala
Dr. Kate Hakala graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, cum laude, in 1989. Prior to that, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1982 and worked for several dentists before returning to dental school. Her father, Joe Hakala, started Hakala Family Dentistry in 1962, and it was an easy decision for Dr. Kate to join him in his busy general dental practice. Dr. Joe is now retired, but he stops by the office periodically to say hello. You can see his wood carvings in our hall display case.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Kate has been named a “Top Dentist” by 5280 Magazine for 17 years in a row!
Dr. Kate supervises students in the dental clinic at her alma mater, CU, one morning a week. She served for six years on the Colorado State Dental Board, after being appointed to the Board by Governor Owens. She also volunteers for Dental Lifeline and the Colorado Mission of Mercy. Dr. Kate has done volunteer dentistry in Mexico, Colombia, and twice in Guatemala. In March of 2020, our office manager, Jaime, and hygienist, Suzi joined Dr. Kate on a large medical-dental team seeing indigenous people in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala. It was a fabulous experience, and they hope to return in the future.
Dr. Kate and her husband will celebrate 40 years of marriage in 2022. They have two grown children, Colin and Maura. They also have a rescue husky, Indiana, and a cat named Bibi. When she is not in the office, Dr. Kate likes to ski, hike, and travel. She is an avid reader and is studying Spanish to help with future dental mission trips.
Dr. Firas Habaj
After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri, Dr. Habaj earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Marquette University in Wisconsin. He went on to refine his training by doing multiple residencies and postdoctoral training at the University of Texas, Ohio State University, and Bern University in Switzerland
Dr. Habaj has wide-ranging experience practicing in Ohio and overseas and has consulted internationally to improve and guide dental practices to elevate their standard of care. His philosophy is to provide the same high level of care for each patient as he would provide for his own family.
After his extensive training and clinical experience, including 10 years as the Clinical Director at the American Dental Center in Muscat, Oman, Dr. Habaj moved to the Denver area to be with his two young sons. He enjoys spending time with his sons and taking them on outings.
Diane
Hygienist
I've been practicing dental hygiene in the Denver area for 33 years. I guide and treat patients as I would my own family to ensure the patients get the best dental care they deserve. I am a third-generation Denver native and enjoy reading, crocheting, and the wonderful weather and activities in Colorado.
Brenda
Hygienist
For thirty years Brenda has enjoyed working as a dental hygienist. Brenda earned her dental hygiene degree in Wisconsin and is now enjoying all that Colorado has to offer in the way of outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to exercise, bake, cook, and go on hikes with Rick, her husband of thirty years.
Jaime
Office Manager
After working in early childhood education, Jaime decided to go to dental assistant school in 1993. She graduated from Heritage Dental College and was on the Dean’s list in 1994. She started her dental career working in a very busy pediatric dental office, polishing teeth, taking x-rays, and helping the dentist. During her experience in the pediatric dental office, Jaime went to different schools to help promote healthy dental habits for the children and to visit their dentist regularly. She also learned a lot about orthodontics and the management of young patients. Her experience in childhood education was a real asset to this.
Jaime decided to give the front office a try and worked at an office in Arvada for five years. She has been with Hakala Family Dentistry since 2008. Jaime loves helping patients with their insurance, scheduling, and financial needs. Jaime’s highlight of the day is when she gets to chat with the patients, who she also calls her friends. The family feel of the office is one of her favorite things about Hakala Family Dentistry.
When not working, Jaime can be heard rooting for her Kansas City Chiefs (SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!), and she finds time to garden, scrapbook, and travel. Jaime, Suzi, and Dr. Kate had an amazing experience in Guatemala, providing free dental care to people in rural areas. They hope to go again.
Kika
Oscar Olivas
Dental Assistant
Thank you for the wonderful care you gave me from the time I made the appointment through walking out. The entire team was fantastic.
Dr. Hakala, you were so kind, caring, skilled and thoughtful. I can't express how much I appreciate you. You are amazing!
Thank you so much!
- Shari