Meet Our Staff
Jesse Hagen, DDS
Dr. Hagen earned his dental degree at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee after graduating from University of Mary in Bismarck. He has continued his quest for knowledge by taking continuing education courses from Dawson Center and Mercer. Dr. Hagen holds membership in the American Dental Association, the Association of General Dentistry, and the North Dakota Dental Association. He is licensed to practice dentistry in North and South Dakota.
Dr. Hagen's favorite moments in his professional life come when a patient gains confidence from restorative or cosmetic dental work. When patients get excited, Dr. Hagen feels truly rewarded. Away from the office, Dr. Hagen enjoys cooking, mountain biking, skiing, and home improvement projects.
Rita Utter, Front Office
Rita has served our patients for more than twenty years. Her friendly face and inviting attitude are a joy for everyone. Rita attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. She enjoys our fun office and working with our patients, whom she counts as friends and neighbors.
Through the years, Rita has helped many people in this community and watched our patients' children grow.
When she isn't manning our front desk, Rita likes to read, watch sports, and attend her children's activities. She and her husband, Rodney, have two children, Miranda, who is in college, and Jill, a senior in high school.
Shari Ihry, Dental Hygienist
Shari holds an associate's degree in dental hygiene. As a registered dental hygienist, she helps our patients maintain healthy gums through regular cleanings and, when necessary, gum disease therapy.
Shari can teach you how to improve your oral care at home with a few simple tips. She thoroughly enjoys making a difference in her patients' health! With her husband, Kevin, Shari has four children.
She enjoys watching their activities, as well as hiking and biking in her free time.
Donna Samuelson, Dental Hygienist
Donna has been a registered dental hygienist for more than 25 years. She helps our patients overcome gum disease with gentle hygiene therapy and ward off disease with regular, six-month cleanings.
If you have questions about your oral healthcare, Donna will be happy to answer them. She enjoys the upbeat energy in our office and caring for the smiles of her treasured patients.
On the weekends, Donna and her husband, Earl, enjoy going to their children's activities or spending time at the lake. Their children include Reed, a college student, and Taija, a senior in high school.
Ellie Williams, Dental Assistant
For nearly 15 years, Ellie has worked as a registered dental assistant. She earned her certification at Moorhead Technical College and has been in dentistry since.
Ellie works chairside, helping Dr. Hagen during dental procedures. She enjoys our friendly team and learning about new dental technology.
After work, Ellie and her children, Tristan (12) and Sidney (8), like to walk, bake, and take care of their pets – four cats and one dog.
Joan Waslien, Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, Joan works alongside Dr. Hagen to make sure things run smoothly during clinical procedures. She has been in dental assisting for more than 30 years. Joan enjoys her coworkers and our patients.
Seeing dentistry evolve and improve with modern technology and dental materials is very interesting to Joan.
At home, she enjoys painting glassware, reading, cooking, and going to the lake in the summertime. Joan and her husband, Bob, have three children: twin daughters, Brianne and Brooke, and a son, Tyler.
Heather Ovrada, Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, Heather will work alongside Dr. Hagen to make sure you stay comfortable in the dental chair. She'll assist chairside, helping Dr. Hagen during your dental procedures. Heather has been a dental assistant for to year, since graduating from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD.
Heather appreciates our staff's great teamwork, and she helps make our office a comfortable, inviting place for patients. A lifelong learner, she enjoys the new dental tools and procedures that she learns working with Dr. Hagen.
After hours, Heather hikes in the summertime and enjoys reading throughout the year.
