Meet Our Team

Dr. Dawn Baker

Dr. Dawn Baker’s dream has been to create an office that gives each patient a positive, unique, relaxing and ethical experience. In 2016, she introduced PURE Dental, where patients find a comfortable, no-pressure environment focused on their needs and oral health.

Dr. Dawn Baker is a fun-loving, kind and thorough doctor who has the ability to make patients feel welcome, comfortable and well-cared for. Her personalized attention along with her high-quality clinical training allow her to deliver exceptional patient care and experiences.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL

BS – Education – The Ohio State University
DDS – The Ohio State University
ODA Foundation Scholarship
Member, American Dental Association
President, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
Member, Ohio Dental Association
Member, Columbus Dental Society
Former Board Member, Stonybrook Early Learning Center
Former Board Member for various local community organizations
Advanced training – pediatrics, sleep apnea and non-invasive treatment such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Healthy Start Appliances and Invisalign
Hundreds of hours of continued education and training with many leaders in the dental industry
Mentor and Leader for many other dentists and guest on podcasts
Volunteer for local Charities
Leadership training

Dr. Baker’s dental career started as a dental assistant in 2004 and progressed to an EFDA while in Dental School. She has worked all positions in an office and had amazing mentors. In 2015, her youngest son fell extremely ill to side effects from his chemo while treating his pediatric cancer. Dr. Baker chose to step away from the profession and stay by his side. During this time, she learned more about being a patient than being a doctor.

Those experiences, good and bad, have helped her develop a goal to always maintain the patient’s best interest and to advocate for her patients. These unique experiences have allowed her to become a detailed and compassionate dentist and also are the inspiration behind “Frankie’s Gift,” our internal charity program designed to support our community. Through Frankie’s Gift, we have donated over $40,000 to local charitable organizations through this inspired program.

When she is away from the office, Dr. Baker enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and dog, Piper. She enjoys all of their activities as well as spending time with her baseball friends & neighbors, visiting old friends, travel planning for fun vacations, and misses her horses from her childhood. Spending time with and helping people is what makes her heart happiest.

Ben Baker - Chief Financial Officer

Ben is from Centerville, Ohio and currently resides in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife, Dr. Dawn Baker, sons Patrick, Simon, and Frankie, as well as their dog, Piper. Ben enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with family.

Ben received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Ohio State University and has worked in accounting and finance for over fifteen years. His favorite part about dentistry is witnessing the ever-changing technology used to benefit the patients. His favorite part about Pure Dental is the welcoming atmosphere. Ben’s favorite food is pizza, favorite music is 90s alternative, and favorite place to visit is Key West, Florida.

Something unique about Ben is that his lifelong goal is to visit all 50 states…he has currently been to 38!

Ashley Parker – Dental Assistant

Ashley Parker is originally from Gahanna, but currently resides in Ashville with her husband and two children. She has been in dentistry for 16 years and soon to go back to school to become an EFDA.

Ashley's favorite food is mashed potatoes. She enjoys watching any action-packed Marvel or DC movie or show. Ashley would love to visit Australia and anywhere there has clear blue water and sand.

A unique fact about Ashley is in her down time she enjoys drinking a glass of wine while creating fun crafts for holidays or friends.

Brittany Byers – Hygienist

Brittany is originally from Owosso, Michigan and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her wife, Megan, dog, Marshall and 2 cats, Luna and Boots.

She has worked in the dental field for almost ten years and received her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Detroit Mercy.

Brittany’s favorite part of dentistry is being able to help create a healthy, beautiful smile for the years to come. Her favorite part of Pure Dental is everyone is treated like family, whether you are a co-worker or a patient.

Brittany’s favorite foods are nachos or anything with potatoes! Her favorite movies are “Jurassic Park” and “The Goonies." Her favorite places to visit are family in Northern Michigan as well as family in Oregon. Some unique facts about Brittany are that she loves a good craft beer and has an unhealthy obsession with dinosaurs.

Zoe Johnson – Hygienist

Zoe is from Portales, New Mexico and currently resides in Gahanna with her boyfriend Alex and their collection of plants and succulents. She enjoys being outdoors, brewing beer and kombucha, and making soap. Zoe has been in the dental field for over 5 years and received her associates degree from Eastern New Mexico University and is currently getting her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.

Zoe’s favorite part about dentistry is building relationships with patients and educating them on the best possible health for their teeth and gums. Her favorite part about Pure Dental is the teamwork that every staff member displays to ensure we make each day positive for the entire team and the patients.

Zoe’s favorite food is alfredo, favorite movie is “The Breakfast Club”, and favorite place to visit is Colorado where her parents live and Sweden where her sister lives. A unique fact about Zoe is that she collects eyeshadow palettes but wears the same gold eyeshadow every day.

Brigit Kowalczyk – Hygienist

Brigit is from Pennsylvania and currently lives in Delaware Ohio with her husband Brett and their kids and dogs! She has been a hygienist for 24 years and is a graduate of The Ohio State University for her bachelor’s degree and University of Louisville for her master’s degree.

Her favorite part of working at Pure Dental is that it is "patient centered" and she is able to really take time with her patients and get to know them during appointments. She prides herself on getting nervous patients to feel comfortable during their dental appointments!

She loves to travel, especially to any place with a beach and warm weather! A unique fact about Brigit is that she is a dog lover and has 3 pooches at home and will gladly show you photos of her pups!

Simon Van Weerdenburg - Patient Care Coordinator

Simon is from Chester, United Kingdom. He currently lives in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife Nicki, daughter Poppy, son William, and dogs Buddy and Luna. Simon enjoys soccer, watching movies, and collecting vinyl records.

Simon’s favorite part about Pure Dental is meeting a wide variety of people and the positive environment. His favorite food is pizza, favorite band is Led Zeppelin, favorite movie is “Die Hard” (which IS a Christmas movie!!), and favorite place to visit is Anna Maria Island in Florida. A unique fact about Simon is that he is on the cover, pictured in the crowd of an AC/DC DVD, “Live at Donnington.”

Nicole Shannon - Patient Care Coordinator

Nicole has been in the dental field for almost 8 years and feels she has finally found her dental home!! She moved around a lot when she was younger, but spent a majority of her childhood in Pennsylvania. After high school, she attended Penn State and majored in English. In 2017, she moved to Columbus after her daughter was born to be closer to family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction novels and spending time with her daughter, Molly.

Some fun facts about Nicole: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is her favorite movie and she loves the color pink! She has become an avid baker since the pandemic, specializing in carrot cake and banana bread.

Taylor Carter – Dental Assistant

Taylor is from Vancouver, Washington and currently lives in Westerville. She has 2 cats, Momo and Crockpot. She enjoys working out and exploring all types of new things. She has been in dentistry for three years and her favorite part of dentistry is being able to help patients and she enjoys the friendly staff at Pure Dental.

Taylor’s favorite food is fettucine alfredo and her favorite movie is “The Greatest Showman.” Her favorite place to visit is Disney World and Universal Studios.

A unique fact about Taylor is that she is also a certified personal trainer!

Danielle King – Hygienist

Danielle was born in Minnesota, raised in North Carolina, and just recently moved from Virginia. She currently resides in Canal Winchester with her husband and two children and their many pets. Danielle has worked in the dental field since 2015. Her favorite part of dentistry is getting to know her patients and making a positive impact in their oral health. Her favorite part of Pure Dental is the team and how welcoming and friendly they are.

Danielle’s favorite food is anything cheesecake. Her favorite author is Stephanie Meyer and one of her favorite book series is Twilight. Her favorite place to visit is the mountains in Virginia.

A unique fact about Danielle is that she has rode horses all of her life and she was on the Equestrian Team at The University of North Carolina!

Madison Cochran – Hygienist

Madison is from Centerburg, Ohio and currently resides in Gahanna with her cat, Quincy. She enjoys spending fee time with the people she loves, cooking, watching television and traveling.

She has worked in the dental field for four years and her favorite part of dentistry is connecting with and getting to know the patients. Madison’s favorite part of Pure Dental is the positive environment and great teamwork.

Madison’s favorite movies are Scream and the Harry Potter series and her favorite place to visit is Jamaica.