Our Staff

Dentists - Park Rapids, MN ~ Pleasant Avenue Dentistry

All our professionals at Pleasant Avenue Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry.

 

Jay Jorgenson, DDS
I am Dr. Jay Jorgenson. I grew up in Detroit Lakes, MN where I graduated from High School in 1984. I then went to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In1995, I graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE.

I married Krista Hesby, in 1994, and started practicing dentistry in Park Rapids in the fall of 1995. In 2000, I built a new dental office on Pleasant Avenue where I continue to practice. Krista and I have two active sons, Per and Bjorn.

Favorite pastimes of mine include Nordic skiing, running, trout fishing, hunting, and spending time on the lake with my family.

I am extremely passionate about cosmetic dentistry. I'm excited about modern dentistry and I am constantly advancing my skills and continuing my education. I have taken my staff to the prestigious Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco, CA where I had the opportunity to do a live hands-on smile makeover for a patient under the guidance of the world's top cosmetic dentists (before and after photos can be seen on this web site). Most recently, the staff had gone to Destin, Florida to the Excellence in Dentistry conference. I feel it is important to include my team on these endeavors so that they too can elevate patient care and service. It is my plan to strive for excellence by continuing to improve my skills through further advanced education.

 

 

Steve Schell, DDS
I am Dr. Steve Schell. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 1976. I owned River Road Dental, a four doctor dental clinic in Brooklyn Center, MN for 28 years. My practice included all types of general dentistry as well as implant restoration, cosmetics, braces and Invisalign. I have done dental missions to Guatemala, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Madagascar.

After selling my practice I took a year off to start Airport Cars Club (Airportcarsclub.com), a web based car exchange club for private pilots to use as ground transportation. For the last year I have worked as a temporary dentist in several practices in the Midwest.

I have been an active pilot since age 16 and hold a commercial pilot's license with instrument and multi engine ratings. I own a Mooney personal aircraft which I use to commute to the various offices I have worked in. Currently I serve as Vice President of the Flying Dentists Association, an association of dentist/pilots dedicated to dental continuing education, aviation and family travel.

My wife, Tara, is a Registered Dental Assistant and worked as the clinic manager for River Road Dental before our sons Alex (17) and Michael (13) were born. We all enjoy travel, snow skiing, and tennis. I also enjoy biking, SCUBA, sailing, windsurfing and wilderness camping with my boys. Tara's not really into the camping thing.

Throughout my career I have employed many doctors and recently worked in several other dental clinics. Dr. Jorgenson and his team are exceptional. Together we will be able to serve our patients without compromise while keeping our families first.

*Dr. Steve Schell is now providing orthodontic treatment! He is a general dentist who has been performing orthodontic treatments for 25 years. He is now providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment (braces) at Pleasant Avenue Dentistry!

LacyHello, my name is Lacy Ament. I have been a dental hygienist with Pleasant Avenue Dentistry since 2004. I graduated from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. I enjoy coming up to Park Rapids to work because of the great team and quality dentistry.

My husband, Trent, and I welcomed our first child into our family! Our son, Cass, has been keeping us very busy. We live on 40 acres near New York Mills. We enjoy being near our families, the outdoors, and working on house projects. Personally, I enjoy reading, gardening, and being a mom.

sara beckerHello, my name is Sara Becker. I graduated in 1989 from Mankato State University, and have been with Dr. Jorgenson since 2003. I look forward to every day I work with our great dental team and wonderful patients.

My husband, Ed and I live in Nevis with our 2 children Katie and Gavin. Ed and I own In-We-Go Resort. When I have spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks and biking.

marcia gieseMy name is Marcia Giese. I began dental assisting in the early 1970s. I have enjoyed the advances in dentistry and am happy to serve with this team in offering professional and quality dentistry. It is rewarding to help our patients recieve and maintain dental health.

My husband Marty and I have 4 grown children ~ Anna, Sarah, Rachel & David, and 3 grandchildren. In addition to dentistry, I enjoy being a pastors wife, time with family and friends, golfing, fishing, furniture restoration, travel, perennial gardening and quilting.

tracy girtz-gartnerHi, my name is Tracy Girtz-Gartner. I am a dental assistant and have worked with Dr. Jorgenson since 2001. I love working in the dental field with such a great team.

My husband, Bernie and I were married in 2006. Together we have 7 children. I enjoy going to the lake, sporting events and reading.

Jenn GodwinHello, my name is Jenn Mead-Godwin! I am one of the office managers at Pleasant Avenue Dentistry. I worked with Dr. Jorgenson for 2 years and then went to pursue my nursing career. I then returned in 2004 to present! We have a great team to work with and we love our patients!

My hobbies and things I enjoy doing are biking, running/walking, kayaking, trips to Duluth/North Shore, being outdoors, campfires, being in the summer sun, spending time with friends and/or family, and spending time with my kids being a mom! I live in Park Rapids with my children Ava (6) and Ashton (2)!

sheri hinkleyMy name is Sheri Hinkley. I have been a dental assistant for Dr. Jorgenson's office since 2005. I feel very lucky finding such a great team and doctor to work with. I have two sons ~ Damion and Sawyer.

I enjoy camping, biking, and playing sports with family and friends.

carolina kallinenMy name is Caroline Kallinen. I am a dental assistant and have been with Dr. Jorgenson since April 2001. I feel fortunate to be part of such an exciting team.

I am married with 7 children, 3 girls and 4 boys. My husband Larry and I live in Wolf Lake. We live on a farm and have cows and sheep. We enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time with our children. In my free time I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and gardening.

cherryannHi, my name is Cherryann Post. I am one of the Office Managers at Pleasant Avenue Dentistry. I have worked in the practice since 2004. I enjoy working with the fabulous dental team and seeing all of our great patients.

I live near Detroit Lakes with my husband Russ and our two boys Levi and Hudson. As a family we enjoy all types of outdoor activities - snowmobiling, biking, camping and four-wheeling. I enjoy walking/running, reading good books, being with friends/family, long summer nights at the lake and being a mom!

julie sitzHi, my name is Julie Sitz. I have been a Dental Hygienist since 1994. Prior to becoming a hygienist I was a Dental Assistant for 13 years. Needless to say I enjoy working in the dental field. I started working for Dr. Jorgenson in December of 1999. It is an honor to work for such an excellent dentist. My co-workers are like family. We make a great team!

My husband Greg and I live in Park Rapids. We have three kids and a dog that keep us busy. My husband and I like to work hard ~ we have a large garden, we pick berries, love to go for walks, spend time with our family, and during the winter months we enjoy our sons hockey games.