Meet The Team
Dr. Sara L. Kleven
Dr. Kleven is originally from a rural farming community in Nebraska. She obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University College of Dentistry in 2016. That same year, she married her husband, Riley, and relocated to Bottineau, North Dakota. Together, they have three children. When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Kleven is trying to keep up with her sons’ activities and cherishing moments with her daughter, who was born in February 2025. She also enjoys spending time with her family, following sporting events, watching movies, traveling, or crafting when she has the time. Dr. Kleven has appreciated the opportunity to establish connections with various colleagues through ongoing professional development and volunteer experiences. One of her favorite aspects of dentistry has been getting to know her patients throughout the years and being able to offer them high quality dental services in a rural setting.
Samantha
Dental Hygienist
Samantha was raised in Marshfield, Wisconsin on a family-owned dairy farm. She has 21 years of experience as a dental hygienist, having earned her degree in Dental Hygiene and Applied Science from North Central College in Wausau, Wisconsin. Following graduation, she relocated to Huron, South Dakota, where she resided for approximately nine years. During this period, she met her husband, Shelby Lund, from Bottineau, and they married in September 2008. In January 2013, they relocated to North Dakota to be closer to their extended family. Samantha is the mother of two daughters who attend Bottineau Public School and a stepson who lives and works in Montana. She enjoys spending her time cheering on her daughters at their activities. Samantha’s hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, visiting the lake, gardening, woodworking, and crafting. She always has various projects going on at home.
Ashley
Scheduling Coordinator
Ashley was born and raised in Canada. After graduating from high school, she embarked on a 15-year career with an airline, which helped her pursue her passion for travel. In 2021, she relocated to Bottineau with her husband, Jeff, and their daughter, Emmy. Shortly after, they welcomed their son, Jake. Prior to her current role on the Oak Creek Dental team, Ashley was a stay-at-home mother. She cherishes moments spent with her family, whether it involves visiting the park with her children or attempting to teach them to fish. When not chasing after her two active children, she enjoys relaxing on the boat or by a bonfire. The most rewarding aspect of dentistry for Ashley has been the opportunity to connect with people from the Bottineau community.
Carmen
Dental Assistant
Carmen joined the Oak Creek Dental team in February 2022, bringing 16 years of dental experience to the office. She holds an Associates of Applied Science in Dental Assisting from Canby, Minnesota. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. Carmen has spent summers at Lake Metigoshe with family for the majority of her life. Her favorite aspect of dentistry is building connections with her patients and coworkers.
Tracy
Insurance Coordinator
In September 2021, Tracy started her employment with Dr. Kleven. She played a pivotal role in the relocation of the office to Bottineau in February 2022, which coincided with the expansion of the Oak Creek Dental team. At that time, she was promoted to the position of insurance coordinator. Monitoring patient eligibility with dental insurance providers, ensuring the timely settlement of claims, and addressing any issues arising from submitted claims is a high priority for Tracy. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling with her husband, visiting their two daughters and grandchildren, camping, and socializing with friends.
Braidy
Dental Hygienist
Braidy is originally from Kindred, North Dakota. She graduated from Minnesota State University in Morehead with a Dental Hygiene Degree in 2017. Braidy met her husband, Matt, through the North Dakota High School Rodeo Association. They have two young sons. Outside of work, Braidy enjoys riding horses and spending time at the family farm. She dedicates her weekends to attending her son’s motocross races. Braidy is an outgoing individual who cherishes her coworkers and enjoys meeting new people. The most gratifying aspect of dentistry for Braidy is the opportunity to establish rapport with her patients.
Clare
Treatment Coordinator
Clare, a seasoned dental assistant and treatment coordinator, possesses almost 3 decades of expertise in the dental field. Her professional journey started at Nord Orthodontics in Grand Forks in 1996, followed by a return to the Bottineau area in 2007. Throughout her career, Clare has accumulated extensive experience in pediatrics, endodontics, and oral surgery.
Clare enjoys providing patient care, collaborating on treatment plans, and managing insurance coverage for all cases. During patient visits, she may occasionally engage in lighthearted banter and be heard singing. In her leisure time, Clare cherishes spending time with family and her three grandchildren. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing along with an abundance of lake time.
Taisyn
Dental Assistant
Taisyn joined the Oak Creek Dental team in February 2022. Prior to her dental career, she was trained in culinary arts. She is currently pursuing a Registered Dental Assistant certification through the Dental Assistants National Board (DANB). Taisyn was raised in Bottineau and graduated from Bottineau High School in 2015. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the lake and golf course with friends and family. Taisyn and her husband, Alex, reside in Bottineau and have one daughter, Aliana, and one dog, Luna. She actively follows all Bottineau High School events and sports. Her favorite part of dentistry is assisting with oral surgery procedures.
