About Us

Mark P. Swensen, DDS, FAGD

Dr. Mark Swensen graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2007 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Finishing in the top 5% of his class, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. Before attending dental school, Dr. Swensen earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Utah State University, graduating cum laude. Following dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, which incorporated advanced training in all phases of general dentistry, including implant dentistry, oral surgery, complex restorative dentistry, and aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Swensen is committed to changing lives by providing comprehensive dental care at the highest level. He constantly furthers his knowledge in dentistry by investing in the highest quality continuing education from world-renowned clinicians, far exceeding the minimum continuing education requirements. As a member of several study clubs, Dr. Swensen collaborates regularly with local specialists, emphasizing an interdisciplinary, team approach to treat complex dental problems. In July 2013, Dr. Swensen was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, after completing 500 hours of continuing education and passing a comprehensive examination. He is currently a member of the Faculty Club at Spear Education in Scottsdale, AZ. Additionally, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, the Southern Willamette Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.When he is away from the office, Dr. Swensen enjoys spending time his wife, Lindsey, their four children: Macy, twins Karlee and Nicholas, Logan; and their dog, Penny. Dr. Swensen enjoys water skiing, snow skiing, golf, cycling, and college sports.

Glenn D. Balkins, DMD

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 his dental practice in Corvallis. He is a twenty eight year member of The Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Southern Willamette Dental Society. Dr. Balkins and his wife, Jeenie, enjoyed raising their two daughters in Corvallis. They now enjoy frequent trips to Central Oregon, where both daughters live with their husbands. Dr. Balkins enjoys hiking, skiing, mountain biking, travel and reading.

Ben W. Haslam, DMD

Dr. Haslam grew up in Philomath, Oregon and attended Oregon State University, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Biology. He then attended dental school at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland where he held various leadership roles, including serving as president of the student dental association. Dr. Haslam is a member of The Oregon Dental Association, American Dental Association and The Southern Willamette Dental Society.

He enjoys spending time with his family, biking, skiing, and playing tennis. He and his wife, Julia, have been married for 5 years, and are active and involved members of our community.

Meet Our Team

Our friendly and compassionate dental team works alongside our dentists, Dr. Swensen and Dr. Balkins, to give you the best dental care in Corvallis, Oregon. We care about you and your oral health, and we look forward to giving you the smile you are proud of! If you would like to get to know us a little bit better, we invite you to read our biographies and give North Point Dental Group, LLC a call. We are so excited to work with you!

Sandy – Office Manager

Sandy
Sandy is the manager of North Point Dental Group. She has worked in the dental field in Corvallis for over 20 years, joining NPDG in 2012. She feels so fortunate to work with Drs. Balkins, Swensen, Haslam and the amazing team. Her primary role in the practice is to support the doctors and staff in providing excellent patient care. Outside of the practice, Sandy enjoys stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, and playing disc golf with her husband Tom, and their two westies, Benson & Bailey. She is also an avid college sports fan, and considers herself a “Beaverine” … half OSU Beaver and half Michigan Wolverine.

Trudy – Financial Coordinator

Trudy
Trudy is our financial coordinator. She was born and raised in Eastern Oregon. Therefore, she is a Beaver and Duck fan, except for the Civil War, and then it’s “Go Beavs!” She has 40 years of experience in dentistry, 31 of which have been in our office. She received her Expanded Function Dental Assistant certification from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon. Trudy and her husband have two children and four grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with family and friends and the great outdoors, along with sports and traveling to tropical islands.

Dani – Scheduling Coordinator

Dani

Dani has been in the dental field for 18 years, joining North Point in 2017. She has been a wonderful addition to our team, with her ready smile and warm and caring personality.

She is a native Oregonian, born and raised in the Philomath area. She and her husband, Brian, are parents to grown daughters, Megan and Heather, and a sweet little dog named Bodie. In her free time, Dani enjoys attending the local high school sporting events, photography, scrapbooking, camping, and girls’ trips with her daughters and friends.

Sarah – Treatment Coordinator

sarah
Sarah has worked in the dental field for 7 years, joining NPDG in 2013. Patients can count on Sarah for all of their administrative needs. She also works with our new patients, presenting financial information and payment options for recommended treatments.
Although a native of California, Sarah was raised in Washington, and has lived in Corvallis since 2007. Outside the practice she enjoys Oregon Football (Go Ducks! … but we’re working hard to convert her!), baking, road trips, camping and summer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Tammy – Insurance Coordinator

Tammy

Tammy is the welcoming smile you’ll see when you come through our door. She has been in the dental field for 7 years, and absolutely loves interacting with people!

Tammy grew up in Idaho but has lived in the Corvallis area for 30 years and considers herself an Oregonian.  She and her husband Mike live in Philomath where they raised two sons and one fluffy dog. She enjoys spending time with family and friends watching sports, GO BEAVS!, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Lisa L. – Registered Dental Hygienist

Lisa
Lisa grew up in Grants Pass Oregon, and attended The University of Oregon for two years as a Health/Pre-Dental Hygiene major. She finished her degree in Dental Hygiene at Lane Community College, graduating with honors in 1985. Lisa lives in Corvallis with her husband Ed. Her sons, Aaron and Noah, are both finishing their under graduate degrees at OSU. She enjoys reading, kayaking, rock collecting, chocolate, staying active with her friends, hiking (especially in Peavy Arboretum), and running or fast-walking half marathons.

Belinda – Dental Hygienist

belinda

Belinda graduated with a degree in dental hygiene from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Belinda keeps current in dentistry through the latest journals, as well as attending continuing education classes. Providing high quality preventative dental care for her patients and building strong ties to the Corvallis community has been her passion for the last 30 years.

Belinda’s husband is an OSU graduate, and their three children are CHS graduates. Belinda and Stephen reside in Corvallis, where they currently raise hazelnuts. In her spare time Belinda enjoys hiking, sewing and wedding planning as well as attending OSU sports events and lectures

Lisa F. – Dental Hygienist

Lisa-F
Lisa is one of the dental hygienists on staff at North Point Dental Group, LLC. She began her career in 1985 after graduating from the LBCC Dental Assisting Program. Lisa worked in general dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics before pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. She graduated from the LCC Dental Hygiene Program in 2008 with honors. She enjoys working on the North Point Dental Group, LLC staff and strives to provide optimum dental care to each of her patients. Lisa lives in Philomath with her husband John. She enjoys traveling, camping, swimming, hiking, and reading.

Susan – Dental Assistant

susan
Susan has been a valued employee of North Point Dental Group since 2000. She was born and raised in Hawaii, and it is her favorite place to visit. Susan’s three grown children, Rachel, Grant and Luke are a very important part of her life, along with her son-in-law Dave, and grandson Makoa.
Susan enjoys hiking, animals, being involved in the community, and educating herself about issues that involve diversity and justice.

Kong – Dental Assistant

kong
Kong is one of our dental assistants. She began her career here with Dr. Balkins, when she graduated from the LBCC Dental Assisting Program in 1997. After working in the orthodontic field for several years, she is finally back home at North Point Dental Group! Kong loves cooking, baking, attending area festivals, hiking the Northwest hills with her husband Tom, and their three furry kids, Kody, Oscar & Lucy.

April – Dental Assistant

april
April graduated from The LBCC Dental Assisting Program in 2005. She has since enjoyed a career assisting in both orthodontics and general dentistry. April was raised in Philomath, where she and her husband Blake continue to live and raise their three children. She loves camping, cooking, watching OSU football, and spending time with family.

Kori – Dental Assistant

Kori

Kori joined our practice in 2017, coming to us with 10 years of assisting experience, and a strong commitment to provide high quality patient care. She has been a perfect fit for NPDG, and we plan to keep her around for a very long time!

Kori is a native Oregonian, born and raised in Sweet Home. She and her husband, Greg, are the parents of 7 great kids, and grandparents of two beautiful little girls. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Brandi – Dental Assistant

Brandi

Brandi joined our team in 2017. She has boundless energy, and is very committed to making our patients feel at ease, cared for, and comfortable.

Brandi is a native Oregonian, born in Salem, and grew up in the Willamette Valley. She and her fiancé, Travis, love being with their friends and family, camping and spending time at our area lakes with their two sons, Emery and Westen.

Michelle – Dental Hygienist

Michelle

Michelle has been a dental hygienist in Corvallis for over 12 years, and has lived in the Willamette Valley for most of her life. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Oregon Institute of Technology – Go Hustlin’ Owls! Michelle lives in Monroe with her husband, Richard, who is an OSU and WOU alumnus. They have three young children, Cade, Reese and Jack who keep them very busy. Michelle loves spending time with her family, and if she has some free time she enjoys relaxing!