Name: Community Health Center of Fort Dodge
Address: United States

DENTAL STAFF

Aparnaa Upadhyaya

Dental Director

Fort Dodge

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Aparnaa Upadhyaya

Dental Director

Fort Dodge

Dr. Aparnaa Upadhyaya, DDS, MPA, BDS, is an accomplished dental clinician, public health advocate, and healthcare executive with more than a decade of experience improving access to high-quality oral healthcare for underserved and medically complex populations. As Dental Director at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge (CHCFD), she leads clinical operations, provider development, quality and safety initiatives, and strategic efforts to expand access to comprehensive dental care throughout North Central Iowa.

Prior to joining CHCFD, Dr. Upadhyaya served for over eleven years at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the nation's highest-need Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). During her tenure, she oversaw rotating dental students, led quality improvement initiatives, strengthened interdisciplinary medical-dental collaboration, and contributed to the advancement of patient-centered care within a Level I trauma center and academic health system. Her work consistently emphasized clinical excellence, operational effectiveness, equitable access to care, and the education and mentorship of future dental professionals.

A recognized leader in community health, Dr. Upadhyaya is passionate about building innovative, patient-centered systems that elevate both the patient and provider experience. Her leadership at CHCFD includes expanding preventive and restorative services, optimizing clinical workflows, leveraging technology to improve care coordination, and fostering strategic partnerships with schools, public health agencies, and community organizations.

Dr. Upadhyaya earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University College of Dentistry, graduating with Omicron Kappa Upsilon honors. She also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Healthcare Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from King George's University of Dental Sciences, where she was awarded the University Gold Medal. In addition to her clinical leadership, she has served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and contributes to the profession as a peer reviewer for multiple international scientific journals.

Driven by a commitment to health equity and community well-being, Dr. Upadhyaya believes oral health is an essential component of overall health. She is dedicated to creating sustainable systems of care that improve long-term health outcomes while ensuring every patient feels seen, respected, and empowered. For her, dentistry is more than a profession. It is an opportunity to restore comfort, dignity, confidence, and hope in the communities she serves.

Glory Ogunyinka

DMD

Fort Dodge

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Glory Ogunyinka

DMD

Fort Dodge

Dr. Glory Ogunyinka (Oh-Goon-Ying-Kaah) is a general dentist who joined Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in August 2026. After graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2025, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency through NYU Langone Health to further strengthen her clinical skills and knowledge. Dr. Ogunyinka was drawn to dentistry because she sees it as a treasured and rewarding field where there is almost always a solution to a presented problem. Whether relieving pain, restoring masticatory function, improving confidence, or preventing future concerns through patient education, she appreciates the opportunity to provide meaningful solutions that can improve a patient’s health and quality of life. She is passionate about expanding access to quality dental care, emphasizing patient education, and helping patients from all backgrounds feel valued, comfortable, and understood.

Kumari Saswati Kar

DDS

Mason City

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Kumari Saswati Kar

DDS

Mason City

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.

Nicholas Rashleigh

DMD

Mason City

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Nicholas Rashleigh

DMD

Mason City

Dr. Nicholas Rashleigh, DMD, is a general dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care to patients of all backgrounds. He joined Community Health Center of Mason City with a commitment to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through accessible, high-quality care. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Rashleigh earned his undergraduate degree in bioengineering from Clemson University before completing a master’s degree in biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University. He went on to earn his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina’s James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. During dental school, he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and received the Huynh/Huynh-Le Outstanding Senior Clinician Award. Following dental school, Dr. Rashleigh completed a hospital-based general practice residency at University of Iowa Health Care. His residency provided extensive experience caring for patients with complex medical histories, as well as treating dental trauma and emergencies. Dr. Rashleigh brings a strong foundation in science, research, and clinical dentistry to his practice. He enjoys providing comprehensive dental evaluations and individualized treatment while building trusting relationships with his patients. His goal is to make every patient feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their dental care.

Kaushik Ragam

DDS

Eagle Grove

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Kaushik Ragam

DDS

Eagle Grove

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.

Daniel S Garner

DMD

Spencer

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Daniel S Garner

DMD

Spencer

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.

Kelsey Christensen

RDH

Fort Dodge

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Kelsey Christensen

RDH

Fort Dodge

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.

Macy Atwood

RDH

Fort Dodge

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Macy Atwood

RDH

Fort Dodge

Macy joined Community Health Center in the fall of 2025, bringing with her over four years of experience as a dental hygienist. Originally from Humboldt, she now lives in Fort Dodge with her family, and two energetic dogs. With 4.5 years in the dental field, she values the variety that each day brings—no two patients are ever the same, and she enjoys the opportunity to tailor care to each person’s unique needs. Her passion for hygiene comes from building strong relationships with patients and helping them feel comfortable, educated, and empowered about their oral health. Outside of work, she loves to travel internationally and makes spending quality time with friends and family a top priority.

McKenna Anderson

RDH

Fort Dodge

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McKenna Anderson

RDH

Fort Dodge

McKenna Anderson joined Community Health Center of Fort Dodge in the fall of 2025. McKenna moved to the Fort Dodge area in 2015 and completed the Dental Hygiene program at Iowa Central Community College in 2017. McKenna has 3 children with 1 on the way; her and her family enjoy spending time outdoors and going on bike rides.

Sydney Hensley

RDH

Fort Dodge

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Sydney Hensley

RDH

Fort Dodge

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.

Nicole Swanson

RDH

Spencer

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Nicole Swanson

RDH

Spencer

Nicole Swanson joined Community Health Center of Spencer in the fall 0f 2025, she is a dedicated Dental Hygienist with over 35 years of experience in the field. She earned her degree from Mankato State University, and since then has been committed to promoting oral health through gentle, thorough care and patient education. She believes that dental visits should be positive and empowering, not intimidating. Nicole takes pride in building trust with her patients by listening, explaining procedures clearly, and always striving to make them feel comfortable; she loves helping people feel confident in their smiles! Outside of work, Nicole enjoys being outdoors in the sunshine, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

Emilie Higgins

RDH

Spencer

Abby Timmerman

RDH

Clarion

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Abby Timmerman

RDH

Clarion

Abby joined Community Health Center of Clarion in the summer of 2026 after graduating from the Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Program. Abby has had many years of experience in the dental field as a Dental Assistant in three different states before becoming a Dental Hygienist. Abby has had a passion for dental hygiene since middle school and is eager to serve the community. Originally from Illinois, Abby and her husband moved to Iowa in 2021. They enjoy traveling around the U.S. visiting new cities and spending time with family.

Marissa Merrill

RDH

Mason City

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Marissa Merrill

RDH

Mason City

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!

ABOUT US

SERVICES

PATIENT INFORMATION

DENTAL SERVICES

Dental Services at Community Health Center

Preventative

Procedures

Specialty

DENTAL STAFF

Aparnaa Upadhyaya

Glory Ogunyinka

Kumari Saswati Kar

Nicholas Rashleigh

Kaushik Ragam

Daniel S Garner

Kelsey Christensen

Macy Atwood

McKenna Anderson

Sydney Hensley

Nicole Swanson

Emilie Higgins

Abby Timmerman

Marissa Merrill