About Us

Meet Dr. James M. Skaalen, DDS, a highly experienced and accomplished dental professional. Having graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California in 2002 with a specialization in Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Dr. Skaalen’s passion for dental care and patient well-being has remained undiminished over the past two decades.

Before his extensive dental training, Dr. Skaalen laid a robust foundation in the sciences with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego. This educational background infused in him a critical understanding of the biochemical processes that underlie various dental conditions.

Reinforcing his early academic accomplishments, Dr. Skaalen has remained committed to staying on the frontier of dental practices and technologies. He continually engages in advanced dental education every year and has garnered particular expertise in CEREC and digital scanning technology. This commitment underscores his dedication to bringing optimal dental solutions to his patients.

Having been a pillar of the local dental healthcare community for over 20 years, Dr. Skaalen strongly believes in the power of listening to patients and creating a serene atmosphere for their dental treatment. His goal is to effectively address the dental needs of patients by engaging in a collaborative process.

Away from the professional space, Dr. Skaalen is a devoted family man. He is happily married and a doting father of three children—an adult who’s married, one in college, and another in high school. His love for family is also evident in his pastime activities. Dr. Skaalen enjoys hiking and golfing as they afford him quality bonding time with his family.

Dr. Skaalen’s early exposure to dental healthcare can be traced back to his upbringing. His mother was a dental hygienist and his father, a dentist. His exposure to the dental world started at the young age of 13 when he began helping out in his dad’s dental office. This early immersion importantly shaped his professional path and gave him an appreciation for the transformative impact dental care can have on people’s lives.

Valerie, our dedicated and experienced Office Manager, joined our dental team in February 2023. With an impressive 33 years of expertise in the dental field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for patient care to our practice. Valerie thrives in a team that prioritizes patient well-being above all else, and her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care contributes greatly to our practice’s success. Beyond her professional achievements, Valerie cherishes her 12-year marriage to her best friend. In her free time, she indulges in hobbies such as rock hounding and gold prospecting with her husband, as well as diamond dotting and collecting rocks and crystals. She is also a proud owner of a health and wellness business that she manages in her spare time. With such a multifaceted background, Valerie is an invaluable asset to our practice, ensuring that our patients receive the utmost care and attention they deserve.

Jamie joined our practice as a Dental Hygienist in December 2023. Graduating from the University of Vermont in 2002 with a degree in Dental Hygiene and Allied Health, Jamie brings over two decades of expertise to our team. Her effort in making a positive impact in the lives of her patients is reflected in her compassionate approach, aiming to ease any dental anxiety and provide a friendly and collaborative environment. Outside of work, Jamie, alongside her husband Rick, enjoys a bustling family life with six kids, four of whom are avid players in travel hockey. As a proud “hockey mom,” she finds joy in supporting her young athletes and cherishes the balance of family and professional life.