Originally from the small town of Nevis, Minnesota, Dr. Riley Hanson has always combined passion, discipline, and a drive to excel. At Concordia University, St. Paul, she was a standout athlete, helping lead her team to become two-time NCAA Volleyball National Champions. In recognition of her accomplishments both on the court and in the classroom, she was honored in 2018 with the prestigious NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award. Read more here.

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Dr. Hanson earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2021, where she received the Student Award of Merit for Excellence in Esthetic Dentistry and the Delta Sigma Delta Outstanding Senior Award. During dental school, she was active in rural outreach programs and volunteered extensively with children who have special needs and autism—experiences that continue to shape her compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.

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Committed to advancing her expertise, Dr. Hanson completed a 9-month Boston MaxiCourse Implant training program focusing on Straumann implants, giving her advanced skills in implant planning and placement. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Her clinical interests include restorative dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.

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When it comes to patient care, Dr. Hanson is known for her calm and reassuring demeanor, making even the most nervous patients feel comfortable in the dental chair.

 

“I see my patients as a whole—treating them from the inside out and always striving to get to the root of any issue. With a holistic mindset in both my personal life and professional practice, I emphasize how oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness.”

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Outside of dentistry, Dr. Hanson enjoys an active lifestyle. In the summer she can be found on the water, while in winter she loves cross-country skiing and skating. Year-round, she takes advantage of Montana’s hiking trails. A wellness enthusiast, she also emphasizes nutrition as a cornerstone of oral and overall health. Dr. Hanson is excited to call the Flathead Valley home with her fiancé, Jake, who grew up in Columbia Falls, and is passionate about building her career and serving the local community.