Our caring dentist and team work hard to maintain your oral health. We strive to provide patient-focused care that soothes your dental fears and makes you smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lance Vander Giessen, please give Vander Giessen Dental Care a call today at (360) 671-6333 and learn more about dental care in Bellingham, Washington.
Meet our team
Dr. Lance Vander Giessen
Dr. Vander Giessen was born and raised in Lynden, Washington, and graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2008. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. He has been practicing in Bellingham since August 2008. To make sure he keeps providing high-quality dental care, Dr. Vander Giessen continues his education at the R.L. Bruna Dental Seminar each month and attends about three other classes regularly. He is a member of the American Dental Association®, Washington State Dental Association and the Mount Baker District Dental Society.
Dr. Vander Giessen is married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda, and they have four children together, Jude, Emmy, Piper and Milo. When he is not working with patients, he enjoys road biking, camping, hiking, running and all kinds of skiing (downhill, back country and cross-country). His goal as a dentist is to treat people, not teeth. He believes that dentistry should always be about empathy and kindness. He works hard to be as precise as possible, as high-quality, precise dentistry lasts longer!
Shawna – Business Manager
Shawna has been in the dental field since 1996 and has been working with our practice since 2015. She has always felt it is important to work in an office which provides quality dentistry, centered around great patient care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Beverly – Front Office
Beverly has been a valuable member of our practice since 1997. She graduated from BTC’s dental assisting program. She loves that she feels like she works with family and that everyone in the office has a great working relationship. Beverly has been married for over 25 years and has two amazing children and two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running and biking.
Rita – Front Office
Rita has been in the dental field since 1985 and joined to our office in 2020. She enjoys volunteering, sewing, quilting and a great cup of coffee! Rita was raised in a big family and enjoys spending time with them whenever possible.
Erin – Dental Hygienist
Erin joined our practice in June 2020, after her local employer of over 20 years retired. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from WWU followed by a dental hygiene degree from Clark College in Vancouver, WA, in 1995. She loves working together with a dental family that works to provide high quality dentistry with a gentle touch. She strives to help patients have healthy mouths and develop ongoing relationships with them. Outside the office, Erin enjoys exploring trails around Bellingham, watercolor painting, and camping with her husband and grown daughter.
Lauren – Dental Hygienist
Lauren has been in the dental field for 10 years and graduated with a dental hygiene degree from Lake Washington Institute of Technology in 2017. She loves working with a team that cares about their patients and strives to make her patients feel comfortable. Outside of the office she enjoys hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
Denni – Dental Assistant / EFDA
Denni has been working at our practice with over 21 years. She has DA education from Oregon and was mentored by Dr. Oswald and Dr. Vander Giessen for her EFDA certificate. She thinks the best part is being a member of an awesome team that provides high-quality, patient centered dentistry. We love our patients! She has two children. Outside of work, she is a wine enthusiast who enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors.
Roxie – Dental Assistant
Roxie graduated from BTC and the dental assisting program and joined our practice in 2007. She loves working with staff and a dentist that takes pride in their work and wants to make a difference in peoples’ lives by meeting their dental needs. Roxie contributes to our practice with her compassion, attention to detail and being a great listener. She has been married to her husband TJ for 16 years and they have two kids together, son Colton and daughter Charlie. When she is not working, Roxie enjoys camping and spending time with her family.
Allison – Dental Assistant
Allison has been a dental assistant since 2014, joining VGDC in 2019. She loves working with a team of people who care about their patients and each other. Allison is quick to laugh and enjoys getting to know patients while providing dental care. Outside of work, you can find her spending time with her husband and son, usually outdoors and often on bikes. She also enjoys reading, gardening and running.
Jennifer – Dental Assistant
Jennifer is a Whatcom County native and has been a dental assistant for 27 years. She joined our practice in 2022. Jennifer appreciates the individual customized time we spend with each patient. Outside of work, she enjoys playing on local volleyball and softball teams.
