Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

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Tara

Office Manager

I have been the Office Manager since 2014.  Graduating from NDSU in Business Administration and Hospitality & Tourism Management.  Each day brings new and interesting interactions with our patients, and I love getting to know them on a personal basis along with the generations of family’s we see at our office.  Having been at the office 11 years and have enjoyed watching the family’s change and evolve.   I especially enjoy hearing all the fun stories about all our patients.  Everyone on our team has an amazing relationship and we all truly value and care about our patients and they can feel that when they come to our office.  We strive to have everyone be as comfortable, like family!

My husband Tyler and I have three amazing kids along with a black lab that we Adopted from Service Dogs of America, Miss Rizzo.  I love spending weekends at Cormorant Lake with the family enjoying the water, skiing at Big Sky, Pheasant Hunting in Western ND and reading when I get a chance between my three kids crazy schedules.  You will find me proudly wearing my alum green and gold as I celebrate the NDSU Bison! Go Bison!

Wendy H

Office Coordinator

I have been our Office Administrator since 2013, and have been in dentistry for 21 years working previously as a dental assistant. I work with our patients to schedule convenient appointments and assist them with any questions they may have about their appointments or account. I enjoy talking with patients and getting to know all about their life outside our office. They have some really great stories! I also really appreciate working with such an outstanding team of people who are passionate about what they do.

My husband Dan and I have a son, Brody, who keeps us busy with sports and activities. We also have a fun and friendly Yorkie, Lola. I enjoy shopping, being with family and friends, and the North Dakota weather.

Cassie

Receptionist

I graduated from Salina Area Technical College in 2009 for dental assisting and have my certification as an RDA. I joined the front office of Dr. Gruchalla’s practice in 2021, where I greet patients, schedule appointments, and am as helpful to our patients as possible. I have really enjoyed getting to know our patients and helping them during their dental journey. Our team is awesome as well—they are a true definition of teamwork and work family!

I have been married to my husband, Nathan, since 2015. We welcomed our little man, Henrik, in October of 2022. We also have one rescue pup, Mikka, from 4 Luv of Dog. In my free time, I like spending time with friends and family, camping, crafting, and craft beer.

Mikayla

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

I graduated from M State and became a part of Dr. McDonald & Dr. Gruchalla's team in 2021. As a dental assistant, I get to meet lots of new faces, both young and old, and get to work alongside both doctors to provide top notch dental care. One of the things I love about dental assisting is that there are always ways to improve yourself and learn new things. In fact, I went to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and obtained my restorative functions training which allows me to place fillings, build ups and stainless steel crowns.

While I do enjoy the technical aspects of my job, what I truly love is making connections with patients. After a while, they start to feel like friends!

I am newly married to my husband, Zach and we have two fur babies, Lindy and Piper. When I’m not in the office, I spend my time walleye fishing and hunting.

Kayla

Dental Assistant

I graduated from Minnesota Technical and Community College's dental assisting program and was welcomed onboard at McDonald & Gruchalla right out of school. My favorite part of my job is working with patients to help them feel comfortable at the dentist’s office and love their smile. I'm proud to be part of a dedicated team that works cohesively to ensure our patients receive the highest quality of dental care and attention.

Being outdoors and staying active is what I prefer, but when I have to be inside, you'll probably find me cooking or baking. I love lifting weights in the morning and relaxing when I get home after work. I'm a big fan of football and in the fall, you can catch me on Sunday's watching the Vikings after church!

Emma

Dental Assistant

I recently completed M State’s dental assisting program and became a member of the McDonald & Gruchalla Dentistry team. As a dental assistant, I work alongside our doctors with all aspects of patient care and procedures. It is incredibly fulfilling to build connections with each individual patient, as well as helping the community to be healthier and happier. I always come to work with a smile on my face, ready to help our patients!

My boyfriend Tanner and I have a Lab named George and a Lab/husky mix named Ruby. In our free time, we like to spend time on the lake, especially fishing and hunting, and spending time with my family.

Tarah

Dental Assistant

I began my career in 2016 working in the dental specialty of periodontics. While I learned a lot from my time there, I’m so excited to join Drs. Gruchalla and McDonald! I love the variety of dental assisting and the opportunity I have to get to know patients. It is such a rewarding experience to help them smile again.

I recently adopted an orange tabby cat named Cheddar who is a real character! I enjoy traveling to warmer climates, spending time with friends and family, iced coffee, and the color pink!

Allison

Dental Hygienist

My career began in dental assisting and continued to dental hygiene, which I’ve done for the past 13 years. I can be found cleaning teeth, providing other preventive services, as well as educating patients on the best ways to reach and maintain their best level of oral health. I truly love every aspect of dentistry—no day is ever the same! 

I'm married to my husband Ryan, and we have two kids and two dogs! We are an on-the-go family and you can find us watching our kids play volleyball, football, and baseball.  A few of my favorite things are spending time at the lake with family & friends, sunrises, sunsets, kayaking, coffee, and yoga.  I also love travel and adventure and am always up for trying something new!

Angie O

Dental Hygienist

I have worked for Dr. McDonald and Dr. Gruchalla for the past eight years, and have been a hygienist for 20 years. I truly enjoy educating my patients on their oral health and ensuring they have all the info they need to maintain a healthy smile.  I love educating kids and teens on how to care for their smile starting at a young age.

I'm married to my hubby Tim and have three kids, and a golden-doodle Ivy. Outside the office I enjoy running, coffee, spending time with family and friends, and spending time at the lake. I feel so lucky to be working with some of the kindest  and most compassionate co-workers that truly want the best for their patients.

Leah

Dental Hygienist

I graduated from North Dakota State College of Science in 2000 with a degree in Dental Hygiene.  I am committed to getting to know each one of my patients and educate them on their oral health in a comfortable and stress-free environment.  I really enjoy visiting with our patients and getting to know them and their families.  I am grateful to work with an amazing team who is dedicated to making each visit a positive one.   Everyone comes to work each day with a smile on their face.

I have been married to my husband, Leon, for 23 years. We have 3 amazing children - Logan, Lucas and Laina. We have an adorable pup, Milo. I enjoy spending time with family and friends at the lake, reading and going to our children's activities.