When you have the right people by your side, the result is a dependable and efficient dental team! We like to say that we have a small but mighty staff, and when you come to see us, they’ll make you feel comfortable in every way. Your appointments will always flow smoothly and be stress-free, and everything from scheduling to going over your dental insurance benefits will be carried out promptly and with clear communication. Keep reading to learn a little more about everyone!
Ruthie may be new to our dental office, but she actually worked with Dr. Christel Cochell for over eight years in Mill City beforehand! She attended Chemeketa Community College and the assisting program at Concorde for her education. Today, she is an EFDA and an EFODA with certifications in dental sealants, radiology, BLS, and CPR. She thinks every aspect of the dental field is highly enjoyable and wouldn’t change her career path for the world.
Outside of work, Ruthie has a boyfriend named Aaron who is helping her raise a beautiful daughter named Boston. She also has a son named Dustin who will soon be playing D3 College Football and a Lab named Riggin. Her personal hobbies include bow hunting, logging, cooking/baking yummy foods for her family, playing and watching softball, reading Navy Seal books, building furniture, and taking on fun projects she finds on Pinterest. An interesting fact about her: she actually donated her kidney to her aunt when she was 18!
Before joining our team, Salem native April had about 15 years of dentistry experience. After she graduated from McKay High School, she attended Apollo College. She is certified in radiology, sealants, and expanded functions, which helps us more efficiently serve our patients. Her favorite part of her job is giving our patients the high-quality care they deserve.
When April isn’t in our dental office, she loves to spend time with her husband, who is her high school sweetheart, and their two wonderful children. In her free time, she also enjoys reading books and riding 4 wheelers.
Sheryl is originally from Springfield, Oregon! Before entering the field of dentistry, she attended both Lane and Chemeketa Community College and ELITE: Dental Assisting Academy. Since then, she has continued to expand her expertise through continuing education, and she has earned her DANB Radiology Certification. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she shared that it is watching patients fall in love with their smile again.
When she isn’t at our practice, you’ll most likely find Sheryl spending time with her three beautiful children. She also loves to play the piano, camp in the mountains or along the coast, and read. One interesting fact about her is that she doesn’t own an umbrella!
Elizabeth may be relatively new to our team, but she has an impressive three decades of experience in the world of dentistry! She loves everything about being a hygienist, from making patients feel as comfortable as possible to taking the time to find out what works for every patient. Her educational background is extensive, studying at the College of San Mateo, Seattle Pacific University, Western Oregon University, and Oregon Health Science University.
Alongside her husband, Todd, Elizabeth has raised three wonderful children. Together, they enjoy spending summers at their lake house, fishing, camping, swimming, water skiing, paddle boarding, and playing card games in the evenings. Here’s something you may not know about her: she’s a servant. In addition to running Santiam Young Life in Mill City, she took care of her mom for 10 years and is currently caring for her father.
With 20 years of experience in the dental field, Holly joined our team in 2022. She completed her EFDA and CDA at Chemeketa Community College, and she is currently CPR and BLS certified as well. As for her favorite part of her job, she shared that it’s working with each patient to make their dental experience great!
Holly has been married for 20 years now, and she has four children (two boys and two girls). When she isn’t at the office, you’ll most likely find her spending time with her loved ones and traveling!
