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.
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 9 years its so fun to watch the family’s change. 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 3 amazing kids along with a black lab that we Adopted from Service Dogs of America, Miss Rizzo. I love spending weekends at Lake Lida with the family fishing, hiking Maplewood State park, skiing at Big Sky, and reading when I get a chance. You will find me proudly wearing my alum green and gold as I celebrate the NDSU Bison! Go Bison!
Wendy
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 Nathan since 2015. We have two adorable dogs, Tater and Mikka. In my free time, I like camping, crafting, craft beer, and tending to my plants.
Lauren
Dental Assistant
Lauren has been with our office since 2011 after graduating from M State in Moorhead, MN. In 2018 she attentded the University of Minnesota Dental School for additional traning placing fillings for both doctors. It is so rewarding for her to assist in the care of our pateints and help them achieve a healthy smile.
Caitlin
Dental Assistant
I truly enjoy working as a dental assistant for Drs. McDonald and Gruchalla. We work together to provide each patient with a positive and comfortable dental experience. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive team. We are dedicated to the highest quality of patient care, and I'm proud to be a part of this dental home over the last 9 years.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy working out, reading, taking road trips, and spending time with family and friends.
Sara
Dental Assistant
I attended M State in Moorhead for my dental assisting degree and was fortunate enough to be placed in this office for my internship. I began working full-time after graduation and have been with the team for over 5 years.+ As a dental assistant, I work alongside our doctors to create a positive environment in which our patients receive care.
I grew up in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, but was born in Dover, Delaware. I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and friends.
Mikayla
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. Every single day throws something new at you so you never get stuck in a rut!
When I get home from work, my kitten Lindy greets me with her playful attitude. Outside of the office, I love to go on fishing trips with my boyfriend, bake sweet treats, and craft!
Angie
Dental Hygienist
I have worked in our office for more than eighteen years. As a dental hygienist, my main focus is improving and maintaining our patients’ gum and bone health, and making sure they receive the treatment needed to keep their teeth healthy. One of the things that I find most rewarding is being able to make the experience of the patients a pleasant one.
It is also nice to introduce an enjoyable and fun experience for kids when they begin coming to the dentist, so that they look forward to future appointments in our office. It is gratifying to see our patients leave with a smile. We have a very close team at our office. We are not only co-workers, but friends as well. We enjoy spending time together both in the office, and out of the office.
I am very lucky to be blessed with two wonderful healthy and happy children: a girl and a boy. I am fortunate to have my parents, siblings, and nieces living in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The kids and I enjoy spending a lot of time with our family. We also spend every free moment of warm weather enjoying time at our lake cabin.
Kari
Dental Hygienist
I have worked in our office for 24 years. As a dental hygienist, my duties include cleaning and polishing my patients’ teeth and educating them so they can take an active role in their oral health. My patients’ comfort is also very important to me, and I’m a real softie when it comes to kids! I like the fact that our doctors take the time to explain any necessary procedures to the patient and help alleviate any fears they may have. They also encourage us to attend continuing education meetings so that we keep current with any new advances and changes in the dental field. I have gotten to know many patients throughout the years, and enjoy catching up with them when they come in for their visits.
In my spare time, I enjoy going to the lakes, gardening, hiking, biking and spending time with my family and friends.
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- we have 2 kids and 2 dogs! We are an on-the-go family and you can find us wathcing 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 8 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 3 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
Bio coming soon!!
