Dr. Balkins received both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in biology from Walla Walla College in 1979 and 1982. He went to dental school at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland where he graduated in 1989 with honors in clinical excellence. He then completed a one year fellowship program from OHSU in general dentistry before starting up his dental practice in Corvallis, Oregon. He is a twenty year member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Oregon Dental Association, and Southern Willamette Dental Society. Dr. Balkins is currently a member of the Exploring Excellence Study Club, an affiliate of the prestigous Seattle Study Club.

Dr. Balkins and his wife have enjoyed raising their two daughters in Corvallis where they have enjoyed many outdoor activities. He enjoys hiking, skiing, dirt bikes, reading, and travel.

Dr. Swensen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University. He then attended The Ohio State University College of Dentistry where he graduated Magna cum Laude and received numerous academic and clinical honors. He completed a general practice residency at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. In his residency, Dr. Swensen received advanced training in all phases of general dentistry, including oral surgery, dental implants, and sedation. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Southern Willamette Dental Society. Dr. Swensen is currently a member of the Exploring Excellence Study Club, an affiliate of the prestigious Seattle Study Club.

Dr. Swensen lives in Corvallis with his wife, and their three children. His hobbies include cycling, water skiing, snow skiing, and golf. Dr. Swensen is thrilled to welcome you to our office.

Trudy is our Office Manager. She has 33 years of experience in dentistry, 25 of which have been in this office. She received her EFDA certification from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, OR. Trudy & her husband Carlton love camping, four-wheeling, and traveling to tropical islands. They have two children and one new granddaughter.

Suellen is one of our Business Administrators. She has been working in dentistry for 35 years & enjoys helping people SMILE! She received her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant license in Ventura, California after completion of the Regional Occupations Program for dental assisting. She & her husband Ken share 5 children & 10 grandchildren. She loves playing with the grand babies, gardening in the sun, & flying the skies in their Cessna.

Lisa, a native Oregonian, is from Grants Pass. She grew up rafting and water skiing on beautiful Rogue River, and hiking and camping in the scenic mountains of Southern Oregon.

After graduating high school, she attended University of Oregon for two years, majoring in Health/Pre-Dental Hygiene. She then transferred to Lane Community College's Dental Hygiene program, graduating with honors in 1985.

She lives in Corvallis with her husband Ed, who is Vice President of Marketing for Project.net. They have two sons; one who attends Crescent Valley High School, and another who attends Cheldelin Middle School. Lisa enjoys volunteer work, reading, following current events, playing piano and guitar, hiking regularly with her friends, and running half and full marathons.

Belinda, one of our Dental Hygienists, graduated from Northampton County Area Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She received her Oregon Dental Hygiene License in 1976. Belinda's passion for over 34 years has been providing high quality preventive dental care for her patients while building strong ties with the community in Corvallis.

Belinda and her husband of 22 years, Stephen, cultivate a hazelnut orchard in south Corvallis. They have one daughter in college, a daughter in her senior year at Corvallis High School, and an eighth grade son at Franklin.

A graduate of the University of Washington, Sue has 34 years of experience in dental hygiene. She has worked in this office for 30 years. She loves her interaction with all of her patients as well as her colleagues. She and her husband, Jay, have two grown sons that continue to keep her busy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, needlework, camping, painting, and spending time with her family.

Jessica is one of our Dental Assistants. She grew up in Corvallis and attended Linn-Benton Community College where she received her certificate in dental assisting. While at LBCC, she was a member of the volleyball team. She and her husband are newly married and enjoy camping, water sports, hiking and going to the movies.

Michelle is one of our Dental Assistants. She is a graduate of the dental assisting program at Linn-Benton Community College and has worked in our office for 14 years. She is a Harley Davidson enthusiast and is very active in the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group.

Susan Elbinger received her Dental Assisting Certification from Linn-Benton Community College and has been a member of our team for eight years. She has fond memories of growing up in Hawaii. Her passions in life are her three children, animals, and working on community issues. She also enjoys hiking with her two dogs.

Christy was born and raised in Lebanon, Oregon. She graduated from Linn-Benton Community College, first with a degree in Law Enforcement, then with a degree in Dental Assisting. She has worked in our office for over 13 years as both an assistant and as a receptionist. Her husband, Gene, owns Gene's Antenna Service. They have been married for 28 years and they have two children, Nikki and Travis. When she is not working in our office or with her husband, she enjoys reading, cooking, and doodling in the yard.