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. Before attending dental school, Dr. Swensen earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Utah State University, graduating cum laude. 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 sedation, implant dentistry, oral surgery, complex restorative dentistry, and aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Swensen is committed to providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary care at the highest level. Dr. Swensen constantly furthers his education in dentistry, far exceeding the minimum continuing education requirements. He invests in the highest quality continuing education from world-renowned clinicians. As a member of the Seattle Study Club and the Spear Study Club, Dr. Swensen studies with local specialists, emphasizing interdisciplinary care. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Southern Willamette Dental Society. In addition, Dr. Swensen is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Swensen and his wife, Lindsey, have four children: Macy, twins Karlee and Nicholas, and Logan. Away from the office, you might find Dr. Swensen golfing, road biking, mountain biking, or watching college football.
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, 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 and his wife have enjoyed raising their two daughters in Corvallis, where they have enjoyed many outdoor activities. He enjoys hiking, skiing, riding dirt bikes, reading, and traveling.
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 four 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 is the practice manager. She has worked in the dental field in Corvallis for over 20 years, joining North Point Dental Group, LLC in February 2012. She feels so fortunate to work with Drs. Balkins and Swensen and the amazing team. Her primary role in the practice is to support the doctors and staff in providing excellent patient care. Sandy enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and playing disc golf with her husband, Tom, and their two westies, Benson and Bailey. She is an avid college football enthusiast, and considers herself a “Beaverine,” half OSU Beaver and half Michigan Wolverine.
Trudy – Financial Coordinator
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 38 years of experience in dentistry, 29 of which have been in this office. She received her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, OR. Trudy and her husband have two children and three grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, the great outdoors, sports, and traveling to tropical islands. She also loves hanging out with her dog and best girlfriend, Blue.
Lisa – Registered Dental Hygienist
Lisa is a registered dental hygienist and has been with Dr. Balkins and North Point Dental Group, LLC since 1998. After graduating from Grants Pass High School, she attended the University of Oregon for two years, majoring in Health/Pre-dental Hygiene. She then transferred to LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program, graduating with honors in 1985. Lisa cherishes the relationships she has established through the years with many of our wonderful patients. She feels extremely fortunate to work in a practice where high-quality patient care is emphasized, and she is proud to be part of the North Point Dental Group, LLC team. Lisa lives in Corvallis with her husband, Ed, who is Vice-President of Marketing for
Project.net in Boston. They have two sons: Aaron, a Clark Honors College student at the University of Oregon, and Noah, who attends Crescent Valley High School. Lisa enjoys attending her sons’ activities, community and school volunteer work, reading, being active with her friends, hiking (especially in Peavy Arboretum), and running half and full marathons.
Belinda – Dental Hygienist
Belinda, one of our dental hygienists, graduated from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA. She received her Oregon Dental Hygiene License in 1976. Belinda’s passion for over 35 years has been providing high-quality preventive dental care for her patients, while building strong ties with the Corvallis community. Belinda is married and has two daughters and one son. Belinda and her husband of 25 years, Stephen, cultivate a hazelnut orchard on Kiger Island in Corvallis. Both daughters are completing their bachelor’s degrees, while their son will graduate from Corvallis High School this spring. Belinda enjoys sewing, reading, walking, cooking, and volunteering at CHS and her church.
Susan – Dental Assistant
Susan is one of our dental assistants. She has been with North Point Dental Group, LLC for 12 years. She was born and raised in Hawaii, and it is still her favorite place to visit. Susan’s three children, Rachel, Grant, and Luke, are a very important part of her life. She also enjoys exploring the wonderful hiking trails around Corvallis with her dog Modo. In addition, she is involved with different groups in the community that celebrate diversity.
Kong – Dental Assistant
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, LLC! Kong loves cooking, baking, attending area festivals, and hiking the Northwest hills with her husband Tom and their two furry kids, Kody and Oscar.
Vanessa – Dental Assistant
Vanessa is one of our dental assistants. She graduated from the LBCC Dental Assisting Program in 2011 and joined the North Point Dental Group, LLC team in 2012. She is happy to be a part of such a fun atmosphere with a team that is committed to providing excellent patient care. Vanessa was raised in Alaska and she enjoys visiting there with her husband and son. She also enjoys dancing, spending time outdoors, and working on craft projects.
Lisa F. – Dental Hygienist
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.
April – Dental Assistant
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.
Sarah – Scheduling Coordinator
Sarah is our scheduling coordinator. She is the welcoming smile you will be greeted with when you walk in the door. Sarah began her career in the dental field in 2010 and she truly understands the value of excellent dental care. Existing patients can count on Sarah for all of their administrative needs, and she will help to make the new patient process seamless, beginning with scheduling the initial exam, verifying your insurance benefits, and answering any questions you may have along the way. Although a native of California, Sarah was raised in Washington and she has lived in Corvallis since 2007. Outside the practice, she enjoys Oregon Football (Go Ducks! …but we are working hard to convert her), baking, road trips, camping, and summer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
