meet our staff
William L. Koch, DDS
William L. Koch, DDS, graduated Cum Laude from Dartmouth College in three years, took a year off to help build his parents’ house, and then received his dental training at the University of Iowa. During his career he has taken over 2000 hours of continuing education, focusing on the restoration of severely debilitated mouths, periodontics, implants, and the treatment of dental-related facial pain. He is a Pankey Scholar, a former Teaching Assistant and Advisor at the Pankey Institute, and one of approximately 3,500 dentists worldwide to have been awarded Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. His areas of professional interest are porcelain veneers, dental implants, periodontal surgery, complex oral reconstruction, and the time-honored technique of cast gold restorations. He is member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. He is also the current Vice-Chair of the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners. A decent chef, and the father of two young adults, Dr. Koch spends his spare time singing and acting, flying, water skiing, snow skiing, cycling, and keeping active in the community. He is a Gideon and a volunteer with several local organizations.
Dr. Riley Hanson
Originally from the small town of Nevis, Minnesota, Dr. Riley Hanson fell in love with Vermont. In college at Concordia St. Paul, she was a two-time NCAA Volleyball National Champion and was honored in 2018 with the NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award. https://cspbears.com/news/2017/12/7/volleyball-riley-hanson-named-to-ncaa-todays-top-10.aspx
Dr. Hanson graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2021, having been awarded the Student Award of Merit for Excellence in Esthetic Dentistry and the Delta Sigma Delta Outstanding Senior Award. During her tenure she was active in rural outreach, and she was particularly busy with volunteering on behalf of special needs and autistic children.
She joined George & Koch Dental upon the retirement of Dr. George. She is a member of the Vermont State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Her professional interests are restorative dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery. She considers her approach to dentistry to be holistic in the ongoing discovery of how oral health affects overall physical health.
In her spare time she enjoys water sports in summer, cross-country skiing and skating in winter, and hiking year round. She is a wellness enthusiast and an authority on proper diet as one of the keys to oral and overall health.
Nancy A. Dessureau, RDH
Nancy A. Dessureau, RDH, graduated from the University of Vermont School of Dental Hygiene in 1988 and has been a team member at George & Koch for over 30 years. She has never missed a day of work due to illness. She is certified to provide local anesthesia to patients with sensitive teeth or soft tissues so as to enhance their comfort during cleanings and periodontal procedures. Chances are if your children are in need of sealants, Nancy will be the professional placing them. She lives in Barre Town with her husband Mark, where they raised their son and daughter. She enjoys reading, snowshoeing, and Jazzercise. She looks forward to helping you keep your teeth in optimal health.
Sarah P. Gardner, RDH
Sarah P. Gardner, RDH, grew up in Barre Town and graduated from Spaulding High School in 2010. She went on to graduate from Norwich University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree before pursuing a career in dentistry. Sarah graduated in 2017 from MCPHS University, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, the longest continually running dental hygiene program in the country. Sarah is licensed to administer local anesthesia to enhance patient comfort during cleanings for those who have sensitive teeth and gums, or during periodontal procedures. Sarah enjoys working with patients of all ages and making interpersonal connections with her patients. Sarah loves the outdoors. In the summer you can find her working in her garden, kayaking, or hiking with friends. In the winter she enjoys skiing or snowshoeing in the fresh powder. Sarah lives in Barre Town with her fiancé, Tyler.
Holly E. Hoyt, RDH
Holly E. Hoyt, RDH, grew up in Barre and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1999. She then went on to the University of Vermont’s Dental Hygiene program, graduating in 2001. Holly enjoys meeting and getting to know her patients, and she loves working with young children. Holly is licensed to administer local anesthesia to her patients enabling her to make treatment more comfortable for patients who have sensitive teeth and gums. In her spare time, Holly enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her husband Derrick and their two sons, Brady and Ethan.
Susan C. Jorgensen, RDH
Susan C. Jorgensen, RDH, grew up in Barre, graduating from Spaulding High School in 1984. Her skill set is unique, in that she is qualified both as a Dental Assistant and as a Dental Hygienist. She has been a faithful team member at Currier Park Dental/George & Koch for over 30 years and is totally dedicated to her patients and their care. Outgoing and fun, her patients think of her as family. She enjoys ice-skating and spending time at her camp on Lake Elmore. Sue lives in Barre Town with her longtime boyfriend Gordie and their two dogs.
Nicole D. Moran, RDH
Nicole D. Moran, RDH, grew up and resides in Barre Town. She graduated from Spaulding High School in 1996 and went on to attend the University of Vermont’s Dental Hygiene program, graduating in 1998. She has been a dental hygienist for 23 years and provides compassionate care to her dental patients. She is anesthesia certified and skilled in periodontal care. Nicole enjoys traveling, Jazzercise, and being active outdoors in Vermont’s warmer months. She is devoted to her husband, Rob, and their daughter, Mollie.
OUR EMERITI DENTISTS
RALPH M. CACCAVO, DMD
Some words about our founder and mentor--
Barre native Ralph Caccavo received his undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont. After graduating from Tufts University Dental School in 1944 he was commissioned in the US Navy Dental Corps. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Barre and opened his dental practice on South Main St. He met and married Margaret Polli, and together they raised Michael and Mary. In the 1950’s he received orthodontic training and moved his office to 46 Washington Street, offering both general dentistry and orthodontics. In 1968 he moved to a new building at 85 Washington Street. His practice grew, adding Dr. George in 1979 and Dr. Koch in 1984. Dr. Caccavo practiced at the current 6 North Street location until his retirement at the end of 1992. He was active in the Vermont Dental Society, the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners, the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners, the Spaulding High School Board, and the First Presbyterian Church. He was an avid skier and tennis player. Dr. Caccavo passed away on May 24, 1993. An example to all, he left behind a loving family and a legacy of service to God, Country, and the citizens of Barre.
We miss him every single day.
MARK S. GEORGE, DMD
Mark S. George, DMD, is a graduate of Tufts University and a 1979 graduate of Tufts School of Dental Medicine, where he earned the top award for clinical excellence in the senior class. After graduation he entered private practice with his dentist, Dr. Ralph Caccavo. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Vermont State Dental Association, and local professional groups. Dr. George has particular interests in the exciting fields of cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry. His hobbies include hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. Dr. George has two married daughters and lives in Barre Town with his wife Bonnie.