DENTAL SERVICES

Dr. Erika Bowman is from Bloomington, Illinois. She received her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. While studying at Texas A&M, she met her now husband, Dr. Thaylan Bowman, during a genetics lecture. Dr. Bowman attended the University of Texas where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Houston, Texas. After living in Texas for a decade, she and her husband missed the Midwest lifestyle and decided to move back home. She enjoys spending her free time reading, cycling, playing with their animals (cats for now, but excited for a dog in the future), and traveling.

Dr. Thaylan Bowman was raised in the Fort Dodge-Humboldt area. After graduating from Humboldt High School, Dr. Bowman relocated to Texas for 9 years where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. He met the love of his life and fellow Midwesterner, Dr. Erika Bowman, while attending a genetics lecture at Texas A&M University. In 2023, the Bowmans decided it was time to come home and Community Health Center of Fort Dodge was the perfect fit for employment. Dr. Bowman enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, and staying up to date on his continuing dental education.

Kumari Saswati Kar has over 11 years of combined clinical experience as a general dentist in India and the United States. She graduated from dental school in India and then completed her advanced education in General Dentistry, along with a Master’s in Dental Sciences, at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health, University of Rochester, NY. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Kar worked in community clinics and hospitals, where she was actively involved in workshops aimed at improving oral health within communities. She has also worked in a community clinic in New York, where, in addition to providing comprehensive general dentistry care, she participated in several research projects focused on enhancing community oral health. Notably, her work included studies on oral health during pregnancy and its impact on early childhood caries. Dr. Kar is married, and in addition to her passion for dentistry and patient care, she enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, and traveling to new destinations with her husband in her leisure time.

Dr. Marcela Paulino DaCosta is from Hampton, Iowa and the second oldest of five kids. She is the first in her family to go to college and received her Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa! After graduating from dental school in 2016, Dr. DaCosta and her husband moved to California but definitely thought Iowa was better so they moved back two years later. In her spare time Dr. DaCosta enjoys traveling, going to the movies and cuddling her two German shorthaired pointers while reading a book (preferably Harry Potter).

Kelsey joined the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in February 2018. She graduated from the Iowa Central Dental Hygiene Program in May 2010. She and her husband, Adam, had their first daughter, Ivy, in July 2017. They enjoy visiting Kelsey’s parents in Montana, as well as doing anything outdoors and playing with their three dogs.

Sydney Hensley joined Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in March 2023. She is a graduate of the Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene program. Sydney grew up in Humboldt and currently lives in Fort Dodge with her husband and Berenedoodle, Llyod. She enjoys gardening in the summer and going on walks with her husband and dog.

Mary joined the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in May 2022. Mary graduated from Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Program in May 2018. Mary grew up in Humboldt, IA where she met her high school sweetheart and now husband Jeremiah. They have four fur-children. Three cats named Pete, Zeke, and Minnie and one dog named Remy. Mary enjoys skiing, painting, watching cooking shows, fishing, shopping, history, and having board game nights with family and friends.

Marissa has been with Community Health Center of Mason City since opening in 2018. She graduated from Newman Catholic High School and from there she moved to Minnesota to study Dental Hygiene. She then graduated from Normandale Community College with her degree in Dental Hygiene. She practiced for four years in Minnesota before deciding to move back home to Mason City. Marissa has two daughters; Grace, who was born February 2016, and Leona, born August 2018. She enjoys spending time with her girls and watching them grow! She also likes to shop, camp, and take vacations. It is her goal to get the girls to all 50 states before they are 18!

Bethanie joined Community Health Center of Eagle Grove in August of 2023. She is a graduate of the ICCC Dental Hygiene program. Bethanie grew up in Webster City where she still resides today with her husband Brett, Daughter Kennedy, two sons Royce and Trace. They have many animals including a Labradoodle, two cats and five chickens. When not at work Bethanie enjoys spending time with family, friends, camping, shopping, listening to audiobooks and going on vacation.