Our Staff

Please take a moment to get to know our great staff of employees. Combined, they have many years’ experience and help make Optimal Dental one of the friendliest and most reputable dental offices in Lincoln – Your dentists in Lincoln.

Janet, Registered Dental Hygienist

I graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental hygiene in 1983 and have been licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Nebraska since that time.

I began working for Dr. Ganser in 1984. During that 27 years I have also had the opportunity to teach part-time in the Periodontal Department at the UNMC College of Dentistry and to practice part-time in a periodontal office.

My favorite thing about the profession would be the relationships that I have with my patients. Over the years, I feel like I have developed a friendship with most of my patients. I love that many of the children that I saw for their first dental appointments are now getting married and bringing their children in to see us! I also enjoy that the practice of dentistry is always changing. With the advances in technology and patient care, there is always something new and exciting to share with the patients.

My main role in the office would be to oversee the patient’s periodontal (bone and tissue) health. I do this by evaluating tissue health with a full periodontal assessment, taking radiographs to see bone levels, checking for oral cancer, and removing any build-up on the teeth by either scaling (routine cleaning) or by scaling and root planing ( periodontal therapy). I follow this up with home care instructions and continually monitoring the patient’s dental health and dental hygiene needs.

My personal interests are my family, friends, walking, the health club and doing anything outdoors once it is 60 degrees.

Laura, Registered Dental Hygienist

I was born in Germany, while my father was in military service, and grew up here in Lincoln, graduating in 1988 from Pius X High School. I attended the University of Nebraska to complete pre-requisite requirements before attending the UNMC College of Dentistry and graduated with a degree in dental hygiene in 1994.

During the 16 years I have worked as a dental hygienist, I have had opportunities to specialize in areas I enjoy. I have a passion for pediatric dentistry that I was able to practice early in my career and since that time have become very interested in the specialty of periodontics. During the years I have worked for Drs. Ganser and Bailey, I have also worked for a periodontal practice where I gain valuable experience to offer all my patients.

Kristian and I have been married for 18 years and have a family of five children we adore; Ashley, Ehlee, William, Maire and Maura.

My personal interests are yoga, music, dance and I dream of travel someday.

Sherri, Registered Dental Hygienist

I was raised on a farm in the Fullerton area and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1986. I attended Central Community College in Hastings and obtained a Dental Assisting Diploma. In 1997 I returned to school and earned my Associates of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. I have since worked in many areas of the dental profession, including general dentistry, orthodontics and periodontal offices.

I have been blessed to be in a field that I absolutely love! One of my greatest rewards is getting a patient back to good oral health! Optimal Dental has a fabulous team and has been one of the best offices I have had the privilege to be a part of.

I am a mother of four children, Jarrid 20, Jesselyn17, Jack 8 and Jace 7.

My personal interests are gardening, volleyball and now, golf. My children keep me busy attending rodeos, swimming pools and baseball games. I love to vacation as much as possible.

Heather, Registered Dental Hygienist

I started my dental career working as a dental assistant for four years prior to attending dental hygiene school in Hastings, where I graduated from Central Community College in 2007.

I like the dental hygiene profession because I feel I am making a difference. I love educating people on oral hygiene and the one-on-one contact that I have with the patients, getting to know them. My favorite is really helping someone find their smile that had been hiding for awhile.

My personal interests are reading, camping, my cat “Scout” and being with family, especially the nieces and nephews.

Pam, Business Manager

I am originally from Fullerton, Nebraska, graduating from Fullerton High School in 1981. I attended Central Community college in Columbus, Nebraska graduating with a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Since that time I have worked in dental offices in Fullerton, Columbus and Lincoln, and have been with Optimal Dental for the past 22 years.

My role in the office as business manager includes being responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, resolving insurance claims and questions, coordinating staff schedules and human resources.

I very much enjoy the interaction with patients; being able to help them with their concerns and having them be happy with the outcome.

My husband and I have been married for 26 years and we have two grown children.

My personal interests include spending time with my family, camping, church activities, reading and motorcycle riding.

Sally, Appointment Coordinator / Front Desk Receptionist

Before moving to Lincoln in 1991, I lived in southwest Nebraska where my husband and I had a farming/ranching operation for 18 years. To our union of 38 years of marital bliss, we have three married sons who have blessed us with one granddaughter and three grandsons who are the joy of our lives.

I had always worked in a medical setting, either as a receptionist/scheduler or transcriptionist, until I decided to venture into the dental field and thus began working for Dr. Ganser and Dr. Bailey in 2003. I worked here for three years, moved away and then moved back to Lincoln. I am happy to be here again working with the staff and patients at Optimal Dental.

My position at the front desk includes the responsibilities of coordinating daily appointments with our dentists and dental assistants and with our hygienists, along with making patients feel welcome and comfortable while they are here.

My favorite activities are singing barbershop with my DooWop buddies, traveling with my husband and entertaining our grandchildren, or should I say, “grandchildren entertaining me” ?

Keeli, Hygiene Coordinator

I grew up in Lincoln, graduating from Lincoln Christian High School in 1991. Jason and I married and lived in Illinois for 6 years. We now reside in Fremont where my husband is an elementary school principal. We have three children, Leighton, Dylan and Tessa of whom we are very proud.

I come from a family of dental professionals so it was natural for me to transition into a dental career after giving many years to my primary responsibility as a mother.

My previous position, from 2006 to 2010, was as an orthodontic assistant with an orthodontia practice in Fremont. I very much enjoyed the personal interaction with patients and keeping the daily activities of the office flowing smoothly. Prior to being an orthodontic assistant, I worked as an orthodontic sales representative in Omaha.

As hygiene coordinator, my goal is to keep our daily hygiene schedule accurate and complete, communicating with patients regarding making and confirming their appointments and assuring patients feel welcome when they arrive.

I enjoy communicating and building new relationships with co-workers and patients here at Optimal Dental. Outside the office most of my time is spent attending sports and activities involving my children and my extended family.

Jill, Dental Assistant

I graduated from the accredited dental assisting program at Southeast Community College here in Lincoln. I have been an assistant for 22 years.

I started as an assistant with Dr. Ganser upon graduation, before moving out of state for a period of time. While out of state, I assisted in an oral surgery practice as well as completing lab work for two family practices.

After returning to Lincoln, I was very fortunate to return to the office and have been here for a combined total of 15 years.

Since the fall of 2007, the doctors have allowed me the opportunity to work as an adjunct clinical instructor for the Southeast Community College Dental Assisting Program during the spring and fall quarters, one afternoon each week. During this time, I supervise, grade and offer feedback to dental assisting students completing clinical rotations at University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry.

I very much enjoy taking care of the patients we see and the relationships I have had the opportunity to form with many of them over the years. I take pride in what I do and the people I work with.

Away from the office, my two teenage daughters occupy most of my time. They are both very active in dance and between the classes they take and the performance team of which they are both members, we stay pretty busy.

I have been teaching a pre-school Sunday school class for the last 10+ years. During the winter months I play volleyball on a co-ed competitive church league team.

Angel, Dental Assistant

I am originally from Maywood, Nebraska and moved to Lincoln to attend college. I graduated in 2006 with an Associates of Science degree. In 2008 I earned my Dental Assisting Degree and began working at Optimal Dental.

My responsibilities include assisting Drs. Ganser and Bailey with patients during dental procedures, keeping dental records and implementing infection control.

I love having the opportunity to help people overcome their dental fears, answer questions they may have, improving their overall oral health and giving them something to smile about.

I enjoy being with family and friends, playing volleyball, taking vacations and the outdoors.

Kelsi, Dental Assistant

I am originally from Arapahoe, Nebraska. I completed my Associate’s Degree in Dental Assisting at Hastings Community College in May 2007. I worked in Kearney as a dental assistant before moving to Lincoln in March of 2010 to work at Optimal Dental.

I have wanted to be a dental assistant as long as I can remember. I feel so fortunate to be able to assist next to both Dr.Ganser and Dr. Bailey. I love being able to educate my patients on good dental hygiene. I enjoy talking with the patients and getting to know a little more about them.

My personal interests include spending time with family and friends, watching movies, playing sports and shopping.