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 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 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.
Casey – Scheduling Coordinator
Casey joined our team in 2016, and hers is the smiling face that greets you when you walk in the door. One of the things that Casey enjoys most about her position is her interactions with our patients. She is happy to help with questions about your insurance or your account, as well as scheduling your appointments for treatment and re-care.
Casey is an Oregon native, and loves being active in the outdoors year-round. She is a dog mom to four Akitas, Charli, Ammo, Uno and Suge, which keeps her very busy. She loves spending time with her family, and going on adventures with her partner Jim, and his son Levi. We have a handful of Oregon Duck fans on our team, and Casey is one of them, which makes for lively conversations, especially during football season.
Dani – Scheduling Coordinator
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 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.
Lisa L. – Registered Dental Hygienist
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 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 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.
Heather – Dental Hygienist
Heather, one of our hygienists, is a true New Englander. She was born in Boston, and spent the majority of her life on the seacoast nook of New England. She attended college in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and graduated from the Dental Hygiene program in Concord, New Hampshire in 2011. During her schooling, she participated in dental care programs for local schools, providing free hygiene care and sealants to underprivileged children. After graduating, Heather worked as a hygienist within family dental offices in the seacoast of New Hampshire. She later spent 4 years at a pediatric and orthodontic office specializing in hygiene care for children, teens, college students, and patients with special needs.
With a love for nature and the great outdoors (and a plan to leave New England’s brutally cold winters behind), Heather packed up herself, her dog, and her Jeep and moved to Corvallis in 2016. She feels so thankful to have found North Point Dental Group, as they are the closest thing to family she has away from home – and they truly fit the part.
Heather enjoys travelling and knocking states and National Parks off of her bucket list.
She has driven up and down the Eastern Seaboard many times and across the U.S. twice. She has also done some travelling abroad in Ireland. More locally, Heather loves hiking McDonald Forest with her dog, Todd, tending to her vegetable garden in the warmer months, and going on little Jeep excursions to explore Oregon.
Susan – Dental Assistant
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 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.
Vanessa – Dental Assistant
Vanessa is one of our dental assistants. She graduated from the LBCC Dental Assisting Program in 2011, and worked in a pediatric specialty office before joining our practice in 2012. She’s happy to be a part of such a fun atmosphere, with a team that’s committed to providing excellent patient care.
Vanessa was raised in Alaska, and now lives in Albany with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, hiking, fishing and exploring Oregon.
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.
Kori – Dental Assistant
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 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.
