Dr. Kate Hakala graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, cum laude, in 1989. Prior to that, she received a Bachelors Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1982 and worked for several dentists before returning to dental school. Her father, Joe Hakala, started Hakala Family Dentistry in 1962, and it was an easy decision for Dr. Kate to join him in his busy general dental practice. Dr. Joe is now retired, but he stops by the office periodically to say hello. You can see his wood carvings in our hall display case.
Dr. Kate supervises students in the dental clinic at her alma mater, CU, one morning a week. She served for six years on the Colorado State Dental Board, after being appointed to the Board by Governor Owens. She also volunteers for Dental Lifeline and the Colorado Mission of Mercy. Dr. Kate has done volunteer dentistry in Mexico, Colombia, and twice in Guatemala. In March of 2020, our office manager, Jaime, and hygienist, Suzi joined Dr. Kate on a large medical-dental team seeing indigenous people in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala. It was a fabulous experience, and they hope to return in the future.
Dr. Kate and her husband will celebrate 40 years of marriage in 2022. They have two grown children, Colin and Maura. They also have a rescue husky, Indiana, and a cat named Bibi. When she is not in the office, Dr. Kate likes to ski, hike, and travel. She is an avid reader and is studying Spanish to help with future dental mission trips.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 15 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMandy Johnson
2 years ago
The receptionist is extremely rude and insulting
Katie Starr
2 years ago
Dr. Kate and everyone at Hakala Family Dentistry are by far my favorite dental team I've ever had. Everyone was very kind and easy to talk to, I felt well taken care of, and I was confident that they were only giving me the services I actually needed (no up-selling, very straightforward communication, etc). I recently moved and having to go to a new dentist made me really appreciate how great everyone at Hakala Family Dentistry was! Highly recommend them.
Kevin McShane
2 years ago
Dr Kate (and previously her father, Dr. Joe) just finished the crown that saved my first lower molar. The advice, referral for endodenistry, and Kate's perfectly fitted crown are all to be commended. The staff, Jamie (office manager), Suzie (hygienist ), and each of the individuals welcome and provide excellent care and service.
Roberta Coss
2 years ago
Dr. Kate and her wonderful staff always make it easier for me to come in for some pretty serious dental issues. They are compassionate and friendly. During COVID and even recently, they handled everything very safely and I never worried going that going to the office might be harmful to mine and other's safety. I highly recommend Dr. Kate for all your dental needs--serious and normal.
Howie
2 years ago
Live in NY visiting my grandchildren here in Colorado. Chipped my tooth and didn't have a dentist here. Called Dr Kate on a Saturday asking fir emergency. She spoke to me direct from her home and reassured me she would see me. Made an appt with office mgr Jamie right away and had my chipped tooth fixed!..and as a plus Dr Kate found a cavity as well and took care of it. Not only did Dr Kate make me feel at home so did her office staff!....NEED I SAY MORE!
Kevin McShane
3 years ago
Dr Kate (and previously her father, Dr. Joe) just finished the crown that saved my first lower molar. The advice, referral for endodenistry, and Kate's perfectly fitted crown are all to be commended. The staff, Jamie (office manager), Suzie (hygienist ), and each of the individuals welcome and provide excellent care and service.
Roberta Coss
3 years ago
Dr. Kate and her wonderful staff always make it easier for me to come in for some pretty serious dental issues. They are compassionate and friendly. During COVID and even recently, they handled everything very safely and I never worried going that going to the office might be harmful to mine and other's safety. I highly recommend Dr. Kate for all your dental needs--serious and normal.
Howie
3 years ago
Live in NY visiting my grandchildren here in Colorado. Chipped my tooth and didn't have a dentist here. Called Dr Kate on a Saturday asking fir emergency. She spoke to me direct from her home and reassured me she would see me. Made an appt with office mgr Jamie right away and had my chipped tooth fixed!..and as a plus Dr Kate found a cavity as well and took care of it. Not only did Dr Kate make me feel at home so did her office staff!....NEED I SAY MORE!
OuterStace Namaste here
5 years ago
Ive always had a fear of Dentistry, But Dr. Kate and her staff really showed compassion towards me and always make my visits extremely comfortable, from the front desk to the dental chair it is always a pleasure. Thank you Dr. Kate and staff!
OuterStace Namaste here
5 years ago
Ive always had a fear of Dentistry, But Dr. Kate and her staff really showed compassion towards me and always make my visits extremely comfortable, from the front desk to the dental chair it is always a pleasure. Thank you Dr. Kate and staff!
Charley Buckingham
5 years ago
I had a dental emergency this Saturday 9/1. Called 15 minutes before they were getting ready to leave and they stayed to treat me. Dr. Kate was wonderful! I don't have insurance but was in a ton of pain and they didn't charge out the wazoo for the start of my root canal. Dr. Kate noticed how much pain I was in and numbed me a little more so I'd be more comfortable for the rest of the night. I don't remember the hygienist's name but she was also just as nice and comforting. The dentist can cause me a lot of anxiety especially when I'm by myself but I didn't have any issues there. I felt welcome and comfortable and I felt they were concerned about my pain and were gonna do whatever they could to help me. Dr. Kate also said she'd do some of the root canal proceedure at no extra cost to me if I go back there to have the surgery (I have to have some bone removed). Needless to say I will be calling this afternoon to set up the next appointment to finish my root canal with Dr. Kate. I also really hope they accept my insurance once I get it in October as I'd love to have them be my family dentist. This dentist was amazing I have no complaints whatso ever. Thanks so much Dr. Kate for helping to relieve some of my pain and to you and your staff mememe Saturday night I really appreciate you guys staying to help me out.
Charley Buckingham
6 years ago
I had a dental emergency this Saturday 9/1. Called 15 minutes before they were getting ready to leave and they stayed to treat me. Dr. Kate was wonderful! I don't have insurance but was in a ton of pain and they didn't charge out the wazoo for the start of my root canal. Dr. Kate noticed how much pain I was in and numbed me a little more so I'd be more comfortable for the rest of the night. I don't remember the hygienist's name but she was also just as nice and comforting. The dentist can cause me a lot of anxiety especially when I'm by myself but I didn't have any issues there. I felt welcome and comfortable and I felt they were concerned about my pain and were gonna do whatever they could to help me. Dr. Kate also said she'd do some of the root canal proceedure at no extra cost to me if I go back there to have the surgery (I have to have some bone removed). Needless to say I will be calling this afternoon to set up the next appointment to finish my root canal with Dr. Kate. I also really hope they accept my insurance once I get it in October as I'd love to have them be my family dentist. This dentist was amazing I have no complaints whatso ever. Thanks so much Dr. Kate for helping to relieve some of my pain and to you and your staff mememe Saturday night I really appreciate you guys staying to help me out.
Elizabeth Skii
6 years ago
They do a wonderful job, I recommend them to all of my friends.
Lindsay Schweitzer
6 years ago
My husband and I love Dr. Hakala's office! Such a nice and accommodating staff!
Debo
6 years ago
New patient with Dr Kate, who addressed my minimal concerns. Very friendly, relaxed office. Nicki was very pleasant at the front desk; Sandy was quick, efficient and attentive. I LOVE that I don't have to drive through traffic to get there; easy in-and-out parking with no problems. I will be going back in 6 months. I found out about this group by looking at ad on neighborhood paper. Good reviews.
Kenneth Qing Hammel Li
6 years ago
I had an dental emergency this last weekend and went to see Dr. Hakala on Sunday. She was very detailed, patient, and experienced. She explained my condition and offered different options. She was able to conduct a very difficult operation smoothly. I was very happy that I could find a dental service (and a very good one) on Sunday to solve my excruciating toothache.
Debo
7 years ago
New patient with Dr Kate, who addressed my minimal concerns. Very friendly, relaxed office. Nicki was very pleasant at the front desk; Sandy was quick, efficient and attentive. I LOVE that I don't have to drive through traffic to get there; easy in-and-out parking with no problems. I will be going back in 6 months. I found out about this group by looking at ad on neighborhood paper. Good reviews.
Elizabeth Skii
7 years ago
They do a wonderful job, I recommend them to all of my friends.
Kenneth Qing Hammel Li
7 years ago
I had an dental emergency this last weekend and went to see Dr. Hakala on Sunday. She was very detailed, patient, and experienced. She explained my condition and offered different options. She was able to conduct a very difficult operation smoothly. I was very happy that I could find a dental service (and a very good one) on Sunday to solve my excruciating toothache.
Lindsay Schweitzer
7 years ago
My husband and I love Dr. Hakala's office! Such a nice and accommodating staff!
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