DENTAL SERVICES

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).

Dr. Daniel Garner is a compassionate and experienced general dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. With a strong focus on preventive dentistry, Dr. Garner is committed to helping individuals and families maintain lifelong oral health and avoid dental issues before they start.  He earned his Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. Since then, he has brought over two decades of experience to every patient interaction, offering a full range of dental services including preventive care, restorative treatments, and family dentistry.  Dr. Garner brings his extensive clinical experience and strong sense of mission to his role at Community Health Center of Spencer, where he continues his lifelong dedication to delivering quality, accessible dental care to all. 

Dr. Dasari has a strong background in general dentistry, with a particular focus on restorative and community-based care. A 2014 graduate of the Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Dr. Dasari went on to earn an MBA in Healthcare Administration, strengthening his expertise in both clinical care and healthcare operations.  Driven by a deep commitment to community service, Dr. Dasari has worked extensively with underserved populations, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality oral healthcare. Currently, Dr. Dasari is pursuing an Advanced Standing DDS Program at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and has been recognized with multiple awards for excellence in Endodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Oral Diagnostic Sciences, and Academic Research.  With a strong focus on comprehensive care, Dr. Dasari provides a full range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Passionate about patient education and prevention, Dr. Dasari strives to create a positive, comfortable experience for every patient.  Outside of the clinic, Dr. Dasari enjoys gardening, playing cricket, and video gaming as ways to relax and stay connected to personal interests. 

Dr. Samuel Kang brings both clinical excellence and a heart for service to his role at Community Health Center. Originally from Korea, Dr. Kang moved to the United States during middle school and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York.  Before joining CHC, Dr. Kang served as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy for four years, with assignments in San Diego, California, and Great Lakes, Illinois. His time in the Navy strengthened his commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to diverse patient populations.  At CHC, Dr. Kang serves as a general dentist, providing oral health care to patients of all ages.  

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. Kaushik Ragam earned his dental degree overseas in 2011 and brings a diverse background in both clinical dentistry and research. After several years of practicing and conducting research internationally, he moved to the United States in 2015. He completed his U.S. dental residency at A.T. Still University in 2019 and has been practicing dentistry in the U.S. since 2021.  At Community Health Center of Eagle Grove, Dr. Ragam provides a wide range of dental services focused on promoting oral health and overall well-being, including preventive care, restorative treatments, and family dentistry for patients of all ages. His favorite part of working in healthcare is the opportunity to improve people’s quality of life through compassionate, effective care — especially when helping patients find relief from dental pain. 

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.

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!