Meet the Team
Andrea
Front Desk Coordinator
Andrea joined Loucks & Buren Orthodonics in 2021 and she's the first friendly face you'll see when you arrive! You'll find her answering the phone, helping patients schedule appointments and keeping the office running!
"I am a people-person and love getting to know everyone during their time with us! My husband Kyle and I have lived in Newton since 2002. We have three children: son Taryn attends the University of Rochester and is studying Astrophysics; daughter Megan attends the University of Iowa where she is studying Psychology; and our other daughter, Molly, is at Iowa State University and studying Animal Science."
Kim
Financial and Insurance Coordinator
Kim started her career in the dental field in 1982 after graduating from the Dental Assisting program at DMACC. She joined the Loucks & Buren team in 2002 as an orthodontic assistant, and moved into her current role as Financial/Insurance coordinator in 2017. Kim's here to assist with everything related to the financial part of treatment; she'll gather insurance information for your consultation, work with you to develop a financial contract that fits your budget, and submit and follow-up on insurance claims.
"I love working at Loucks & Buren Orthodontics because this office is a big family; we are always here for each other and we get to meet so many great patients who then become part of the family! Outside of work I treasure time with loved ones. My husband Mark and I have a son, Ben, and daughter-in-law, Emily, who have given us our grandson, Lincoln. Being a grandma is the best thing ever! We love to travel as much as we can. I love making craft projects in my spare time and watching baseball and football games, too."
Barb
Orthodontic Assistant
Barb joined Loucks & Buren Orthodontics in 1992 when she was trained in the office to become a Registered Dental Assistant. After 30 years of dedicated service, she decided in 2022 to cut back on work to spend more time with family. She now works in the clinic part-time--we won't let her go!
"I’ve loved getting to know our patients and helping them develop great smiles for the past 30 years! I live in Newton with my husband Ray, and have two lovely daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy outdoor activities and antiquing during my time off."
Jen
Orthodontic Assistant
Jen became a Registered Dental Assistant in 1993 after graduating from the Dental Assisting program at Marshalltown Community College. She joined the Loucks & Buren team that same year and continues to not only help keep the clinical area running smoothly, but also takles the front desk duties when we visit our Grinnell office.
"I love watching the kids grow up and really getting to know them over the years. It takes great team work to make the dream work, and we have a great team here! Away from the office I spend much of my time with my family in Monroe. I enjoy playing cards, camping, and photography."
Deanna
Orthodontic Assistant
Deanna became a Registered Dental Assistant in 1992 while working in the Quad Cities. Since then she has had the opportunity to work in several orthodontic offices around the country (and even in Australia!) before earning her Certified Dental Assisting credential and joining the Loucks & Buren team in 2018.
"I love everything about my job, but especially love working on patients and making them smile. Our team is amazing: we love to have fun and love laughing with our patients! Last year my partner Mark and I moved to a farm. We have cows, chicken, and kittens, along with two German Shorthairs that we take pheasant hunting. We enjoy going to rodeos and concerts throughout the year and I like playing the piano, too."
Maria
Orthodontic Assistant
Maria became a Registered Dental Assistant in 2018 while working in a general dental office. She joined the team at Loucks & Buren Orthodontics in 2019.
"I love helping people look and feel their best and value getting to know everyone during their treatment. We have the best team at Loucks & Buren Orthodontics; we are like a family and have fun every day. My middle school-aged son keeps me busy outside of work and is active in many sports. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, outdoor activities in the summer, and am also a licensed Esthetician and makeup artist."
Nicole
Orthodontic Assistant
Nicole became a Registered Dental Assistant in 2006 after graduating from the Dental Assisting program at Kirkwood Community College. She earned her Certified Dental Assistant credentials and joined Loucks & Buren Orthodontics that same year.
"I enjoy having a variety of things to do each day and LOVE creating beautiful smiles for people. This is such a positive office where we all work together to provide you with the best experience and your best new smile! My husband Mike and I live in Sully and have five super active and loving boys. We also have a pocket beagle, named Sadie, who loves to cuddle and play. I enjoy watching my boys play sports while my husband coaches; when we're not busy with sports I like working out, health, and pedicures."
Katy
Orthodontic Assistant
Katy grew up in Norwalk and moved to Newton with her husband in 2022. She joined the Loucks and Buren team in 2023 after completing her clinical rotations with us and graduating from the Dental Assisting program at DMACC.
"Everyday is a chance to make a positive impact on our patients, which is one reason I love being a part of this team! I love getting to know people in our community and collaborating to create beautiful smiles. Seeing progress with our patients makes my job very fulfilling."
