Meet the Team
We’d love to see you!
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 at Optimal Dental in 1984. During that time 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 by continually monitoring the patient’s dental health and dental hygiene needs.
My personal interests are my family, friends, walking and going to the health club. When the weather is nice, I enjoy being outside, I am a wimp in the cold weather!
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.
I have worked at Optimal Dental since 1994, and truly love this practice. During the many years I have worked as a Dental Hygienist, I have had opportunities to specialize in areas I enjoy, gaining valuable experience I offer to all of my patients. Early in my career I worked in a pediatric dental practice where I developed a love for working with kids of all ages. I currently specialize in a periodontal office as well.
I am also a registered licensed yoga instructor.
Kristian and I married in 1992, and have a family of five children we adore; Ashley, Ehlee, William, Maire and Maura. We also have a pug, 2 cats and a rabbit.
Lauren
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
I was raised in Lincoln and had a passion for dentistry at a young age. I received my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 2018.
As a dental hygienist I strive to ensure patients feel informed and comfortable during their visit. My favorite part of my job is building relationships with patients and helping them find ways they can maintain and improve their periodontal health.
My husband and I keep busy with our son Nico and many guinea pigs! In my free time I love spending time with my family, cooking, sewing, and doing puzzles.
Jodie
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Growing up on a farm in Western Nebraska, my family spent considerable time in Colorado.
Consequently, I moved there and achieved my B.S. in dental hygiene in 1999. I was drawn back to “the good life” of Nebraska and returned in 2020.
Without a doubt, one thing I love about being a hygienist is building genuine relationships with patients.
I find great purpose in providing care and educating patients on their oral health.
Outside of the office you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors, traveling, gardening, and spending time with
family and friends.
Ann
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
I grew up a farmer and ranchers daughter in central Nebraska. I graduated from Central Community College in Hastings in 2000 from the Dental Hygiene program. I moved to Lincoln shortly thereafter to start my career. While working full-time, I also finished my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I worked in a periodontal office for 16 years before accepting a position at Optimal Dental in 2020.
I enjoy working with patients of all ages and developing relationships with them. Helping them with their dental care is very important to me.
I have a husband, Dave, two stepsons, Andrew and Noah, and our son, Logan. We also have three furry kids; a large dog named Walter, and two cats.
Heather
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
I was born and raised in Lincoln and have been involved at St. Marks United Methodist church my entire life. In 2002 I graduated from Lincoln Northeast and graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene from UNMC in 2006. Upon receipt of my license I started working in clinical practice for three dentists until I was asked to return to the College of Dentistry to teach later that Fall. I kept working for one of my dentists while teaching at the college for the next 15 years where I was involved in all their clinic sessions and most of their labs. In 2010 I earned my Masters of Science in Dental Hygiene and later began teaching the dental hygiene students Research Methodology. Evidence based practice is important to me when treating patients and I love to answer patient questions and concerns! Getting to know patients and helping them understand their dental health is one of my favorite aspects of the job.
I have also been heavily involved in the American Dental Hygienists’ Association as well as the UNMC Alumni Association. Over the years I have served in numerous leadership positions. All my opportunities have helped me grow personally and professionally in tremendous ways and am grateful for the experiences, even if they were a lot of work!
In my spare time I love to be with family and friends, volunteer, or work on random crafting projects. In 2006 I married my high school sweetheart, Brandon. We had two boxer puppies (Daisy and Seamus) prior to having kids and are blessed with Chloe (2011), Corbin (2014), and Dominic (2016). While I do not find a lot of time for my crafts these days, baking and decorating cakes is one of my favorite creative outlets. However, balance is important and thankfully Disney+ has helped me be healthy and get on the treadmill every night after the kids go to bed as I am a HUGE Avengers fan and watch the movies repeatedly.
Jan
LICENSED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I was born and raised right here in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2012 I attended Southeast Community College, where I completed the dental assisting program to become a certified dental assistant. I have now been a dental assistant for 11 years and have a great passion for what I do!
In 2021 my husband Joe and I welcomed our son Quinn into the world and have enjoyed every moment of being parents.
In my free time you can find me with our two dogs, Rocky and Stella, reading a good book, or in the kitchen cooking or baking!
Taylor
LICENSED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I grew up on an acreage outside of Hickman, Nebraska where I attended and graduated from Norris High School. After graduating, I moved to Lincoln and spent 2 years at Southeast Community College. While attending SCC, I rotated though Optimal Dental where I fell in love with their beautiful clean office and personable staff. I then graduated from SCC’s accredited Dental Assisting Program in 2014 and worked at another office for about a year to gain experience. In fall of 2015, I was blessed to have the opportunity to become a part of the Optimal Dental team and truly feel like I have found my dental home. There is nothing better than getting to work with friends.
In the fall of 2019, the doctors made it possible for the assistants to complete our expanded function classes at SCC, which enabled us to expand our scope of practice. A few of my roles in the office are to comfort our patients, review treatment, take digital and traditional impressions, expose X-rays, and to assist the doctors during restorative appointments and surgeries. I enjoy getting to know our wonderful patients and their families and helping them to feel at home here at Optimal Dental. I love getting to assist in procedures and alongside the best dentists out there!
Cody and I were married and bought our first home in 2018 and soon welcomed our daughter Layne in 2019, and our 2nd daughter, Palmer in 2023. When I’m not chasing the girls around, my hobbies include going for walks, gardening, playing volleyball, crafting/house projects, and spending time with family.
Dakota
LICENSED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I was born and raised in the small town of Gering in western Nebraska. After graduating from Gering High School in 2013, I attended Chadron State College for four years where I graduated and received my bachelor’s degree in 2017. From there I wanted to pursue my dental dream, and I moved to Lincoln to do so and attended Southeast Community College. In 2020 I graduated from the accredited Dental Assisting Program with my associates degree. While attending SCC, I rotated through Optimal Dental where I fell in love with their knowledgeable, friendly staff, clean office, and the variety of services they offer.
After receiving my degree, I accepted the position of Dental Assistant here at Optimal. The doctors then made it possible for me to complete the expanded function classes at SCC, which added to elevate my skills.
I will continue to enhance my current role here at Optimal as I care for our patients, take digital and traditional impressions, take x-rays, and to assist the doctors during restorative appointments and surgeries. I enjoy working alongside my co-workers and the doctors and I am so blessed to have found such a great dental family to become a part of. I also enjoy interacting with our wonderful patients and their families and helping them to feel at home here at Optimal Dental.
I have an older sister who I have lived here with since 2017, and my mom who lives in Virginia. I met my boyfriend here in Lincoln as well in 2019, and together we have 3 fur babies (cats), their names are Tina, Cooper and Lilo. When I’m not assisting, I love to be outdoors. Some of my outdoor hobbies I enjoy are hiking, biking, and hanging with family and friends!
Jill
LICENSED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I graduated from the accredited Dental Assisting Program at Southeast Community College here in Lincoln in 1988. Prior to dental assisting school, I received my Associates degree from Southeast Community College in Beatrice.
I started as an assistant with Dr. Ganser upon graduation. I moved out of state for a period of time, while out of state, I assisted in an oral surgery practice full-time as well as completing lab work for two family practices. After returning “home” to Nebraska; I was very fortunate to return to Optimal Dental.
Beginning in the fall of 2007, the doctors 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 a week. I did this over a span of 4 years, and during that time I supervised, graded and offered feedback to the Dental Assisting students completing clinical rotations at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry along with site visits of students while in private practices. I also serve as a board member on the Advisory Board for the Dental Assisting Program.
In the fall of 2019, the doctors made it possible for the assistants to complete our expanded function classes at SCC, which enabled us to expand our scope of practice.
I very much enjoy taking care of our patients on a daily basis and the relationships I have formed with them over the years. I feel fortunate to work alongside Dr. Bailey and Dr. Wirth every day. I take pride in what I do and the people I work with.
Away from the office, my two adult daughters, son-in-law and granddaughter occupy part of my time. I love spending time with friends, both in and out of the office. I am an avid walker and I play on a coed competitive volleyball team through our church.
Laura
HYGIENE ASSISTANT
I was born and raised in Edinburg Texas, where I attended South Texas Vo-Tech and received my dental assisting license in 2014. I recently moved to Lincoln with my boyfriend and kids. I have 3 beautiful children my oldest daughter and my twin girl and boy.
On my free time I enjoy doing outdoor activities with my family, I also love to cook and bake a verity of Mexican dishes.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to work at Optimal Dental. I love that we are very family oriented.
Pam
BUSINESS MANAGER / OFFICE 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 since 1989.
My role in the office as business manager includes being responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, resolving insurance claims and questions.
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 were married in 1984, we have two grown children and three granddaughters. My personal interests include spending time with my family, camping, church activities and reading.
Katie
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
I am happy to be part of Optimal Dental! My dental career began in 2005 at the UNMC College of Dentistry, within University Dental Associates. There I learned much about general dentistry and all specialties of dentistry, working with up to 23 dental faculty per semester over the years in their private practice. I have experience in all office duties of a private practice, ranging from scheduling and insurance claims to credentialing and practice management.
In my spare time I enjoying traveling nationally and internationally with my husband and extended family, spending time with close friends, watching Husker volleyball, and baking! I am active in my church at the local and regional level, and support the denomination’s camp and conference center through volunteer work.
I am from Lincoln, grew up with family nearby, and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Michelle
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
I was born and raised in the small town of Friend, Nebraska. I grew up on a farm helping my Dad with livestock and helping my Mom in the garden. After graduating high school I moved to Lincoln and attended College of Hair Design for cosmetology and esthetics where I worked in that field for 12 years and still do a little here and there.
I got married to my husband in June 2020. In 2022 we welcomed our son Caden. We have two dogs where they rule the house. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, riding motorcycles, and being outside.
