Jenny Hovland, DT

Jenny grew up in Pelican Rapids, MN. In 2008 she received her Associates of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead, MN. After dedicating eight years to clinical hygiene, Jenny pursued advancing her education. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 2016 and subsequently earned her Master’s degree in Advanced Dental Therapy from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN in 2017. After completing the necessary requirements, she became an Advanced Dental Therapist in 2019

After practicing dental hygiene in Vail, Colorado, Jenny moved back to Minnesota and joined the LifeSmiles Dental team in 2009. Her passion is to encourage effective change in her patients’ oral health, and she is committed to coaching her patients on the dental implications to their overall well-being. Jenny enjoys using her preventative and restorative experience to help others improve their smile.

“I’ve always had a passion for caring for people, and I recognize the limited access to dental care. I strive to provide quality dental services to these individuals in rural areas.”

Jenny is a member of the Minnesota Dental Therapy Association and a former member of the American Dental Hygiene Association. Over the years she has been involved with the Minnesota Oral Health Coalition, the Love Grows Here Wellness Center and has provided dental outreach services at the White Earth Indian Reservation. Jenny has also volunteered for several years with the “Give Kids a Smile” program. She has met with Minnesota senators, advocating for change with the current policies with the mission of improving access to oral care. As a dental therapist, Jenny focuses her attention on providing another level of care in the dental setting.

Jenny has two children. She likes to stay active and healthy. She enjoys water sports, snowboarding and working out. Time on the water with family and friends ranks as her favorite activity.

Fun Facts

• If I hadn’t become a dental therapist I would’ve been a: nurse anesthetist 
• The one thing I can’t live without: coffee 
• My spirit animal is: Monkey 
• The reason I became a dental therapist is: After being a hygienist for many years, I wanted to expand my duties and fulfill the shortage of dental professionals in our area. I love what I do!
• My favorite thing about living in Pelican Rapids is: The great school system, awesome people and being close to multiple lakes