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.
I had a dental emergency and called 15 minutes before they were getting ready to leave and they stayed to treat me. Dr. Kate was wonderful! I don't have insurance but was in a ton of pain and they didn't charge out the wazoo for the start of my root canal. Dr. Kate noticed how much pain I was in and numbed me a little more so I'd be more comfortable for the rest of the night. I don't remember the hygienist's name but she was also just as nice and comforting. The dentist can cause me a lot of anxiety especially when I'm by myself but I didn't have any issues there.
I felt welcome and comfortable and I felt they were concerned about my pain and were gonna do whatever they could to help me.
Dr. Kate also said she'd do some of the root canal procedure at no extra cost to me if I go back there to have the surgery (I have to have some bone removed). Needless to say I will be calling this afternoon to set up the next appointment to finish my root canal with Dr. Kate. I also really hope they accept my insurance once I get it in October as I'd love to have them be my family dentist. This dentist was amazing I have no complaints whatsoever.
- Charley B.