Meet The Crossville Dental Team
Shalena – Registered Dental Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse
Shalena was raised in Graham, TX, before later relocating to the Crossville area. She graduated from North Central Texas College with honors and is an LPN. Shalena is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She has advanced training in N20 monitoring, ACLS certification, and is also cross-trained as an orthodontic assistant.
She’s been working in dentistry for nearly two decades, and during that time, Shalena has worn many hats, including:
- Dental assisting
- Front desk/receptionist
- Scheduling
- Insurance
- Claims and billing
- New patient coordinator
- Compliance coordinator for OSHA and HIPAA
- New hire training
Shalena’s love for dentistry started when she was in high school, working for her family dentist in the sterilization department, and she said her love for dentistry grew from there. She enjoys educating patients about oral health and believes that creating a healthy environment in your mouth leads to improved overall health.
When you meet Shalena, you’ll find that she’s energetic, passionate, an overcomer, persistent, and caring. She enjoys giving back to the community and participating in missions alongside her husband Dr. Donald Hooie. They’ve been involved with multiple mission trips to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. When she isn’t at work, Shalena can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, all kinds of water activities, traveling, doing Scouting BSA, and volunteering with church activities.
Amber – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Amber is a graduate of Greater Orlando Dental Assisting School and the Meharry Dental College. She’s been working hard in the dental field since 2010. At the office, Amber assists the doctor during treatments and procedures, ensuring everyone has what they need to get the job done comfortably. She’s skilled at sterilization of all instruments and dental tools. Amber also helps out in reception too by greeting patients, answering phones, and scheduling appointments whenever necessary.
When asked what she loves most about working at Hooie Dental, Amber says she loves knowing that everyone is providing quality dentistry while also making a real difference in someone’s life. Amber didn’t necessarily choose dentistry for herself, she says her mom thought it would be a good fit. (Turns out she was right!) When you have the pleasure of working with Amber, you’ll find that she’s curious, eager, receptive, collaborative, and genuine.
Outside of the office, Amber is busy raising two boys alongside her husband. She enjoys being with them, spending quality time, and making lasting memories. Amber also likes forcing her husband to go on new, exciting adventures.
Mary Ann – Registered Dental Hygienist
Mary Ann graduated from Roane State Community College with honors in 2005. She’s certified in the administration of both local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Mary Ann has been involved in dentistry for well over a decade and has been with Hooie Dental since 2005. She started working for a dental office during her senior year of high school at the young age of 17. Today, she’s our beloved hygiene director, which gives her the opportunity to positively impact our patients’ smiles and their lives.
Mary Ann says she became interested in learning more about dentistry from an early age. She says it’s been a blessing to work in the community she grew up in and loves. Working in our office is a unique experience for Mary Ann because of our ability to help a patient get the smile they’ve always wanted with the effective options they deserve. Working with Mary Ann, you’ll quickly understand why our team members and patients love her. She’s friendly, attentive, considerate, adventurous, and resilient.
Mary Ann has completed volunteer dental work for the community, supported the Cumberland County Rescue Squad, raised money for the local Salvation Army, and collected donations for child burn survivors to attend Camp Hope. This is a charity that’s special to her because Mary Ann’s husband works in the fire service. When she’s not working, Mary Ann enjoys being with family and friends, horseback riding, motorcycling, camping, and traveling.
Kind, professional, informative, and helpful. Helped me with understanding what my insurance was paying and what I would have to pay. Absolutely the best experience I’ve ever had at a dentist’s office. Thanks to the team!
Elizabeth