about us
our legacy
Our family founded Valley Dental Arts in 1974 to create a new standard of aesthetic dentistry: one of exceptional craftsmanship, artistry and premier technology that results in teeth that look and feel like natural teeth.
Our commitment to excellence also extends to education. Valley Dental Art’s Amara Institute is a nationally recognized resource for learning and collaboration, drawing industry thought leaders and innovators from all over the world.
Valley Dental Arts has been raising the bar for excellence in aesthetic dentistry for more than 40 years. We look forward to creating a bright future, and bright smiles, for many more years to come.
our team
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Chairman of the Board & CEO
Mr. Maragos founded Valley Dental Arts in 1974 to create a new standard of excellence in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. By combining exceptional craftsmanship with an artist’s eye, he has developed an industry-leading process for creating teeth that look and feel natural.
But product perfection wasn’t the only standard Mr. Maragos envisioned for his business.
Mr. Maragos’ heritage is family-centric. Whatever the need or concern, it has always been “family first,” and he was determined to extend “family status” to every one of his dentist clients. His relationship-focused model of doing business worked as he grew Valley Dental Arts to become a national leader in delivering uncompromising quality, not only in craftsmanship but also in customer service.
Known as "The Father of Contemporary Diagnostics", Mr. Maragos is one of only three dental artisans in the nation to be accredited through membership in the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA), where he also serves on the board. A member of the internationally renowned Oral Design Group, Mr. Maragos has lectured globally on laboratory communication, aesthetics, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. He received the best design award and a letter of appreciation from the Leading Dentist Association (LDA) in Japan. He is co-author of “Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry: Material Selection Technique” (1st ed.), and has served as a clinical instructor at Baylor University.
Mr. Maragos has lived his vision for aesthetic excellence every day for more than 40 years. His team of like-minded professionals treats dentists like family and provides unequaled quality to dentists and their patients every day.
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Executive Leadership Team
For more than 35 years, Mr. Hemstock has delivered on Valley Dental Arts’ promise to provide everything dentists need under one roof. An award-winning technician, widely published author, and sought-after lecturer, Mr. Hemstock shares his passion for state-of-the-art techniques with clients, colleagues, and students alike.
Mr. Hemstock's impressive career path includes extensive dental technology training and advanced course work in precision removable, combination crown and bridge, laser welding, and dental attachments and implants. He participated in the occlusion program at Pankey Institute and has a background in guided surgery using cone-beam, diagnostic design, and manufacturing. Mr. Hemstock received his Certified Dental Technician licenses in dental crown and bridge, as well as partial dentures. He has lectured and taught hands-on courses in Level 1 trauma centers and in clinical and laboratory settings. In his spare time, Mr. Hemstock has facilitated new product development with several implant manufacturers nationally and internationally.
Like all of the technicians at Valley Dental Arts, Mr. Hemstock embraces the importance of what he does, knowing what he and his fellow craftspeople create will dramatically impact the quality of a patient’s life.
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Executive Leadership Team
Ms. Halfen is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of Valley Dental Arts in Stillwater, Minnesota. Her dedication to providing a first-class healthcare experience for patients, doctors, and employees is evident in her refined and outstanding leadership at the company. Creating long-term relationships is at the heart of what she does at Valley Dental Arts, with over 20 years of executive leadership expertise. Whether it is partnering with senior management and team leaders to bring the Valley Dental Arts vision to life, or cultivating and nurturing powerful relationships with clients and vendors, Ms. Halfen delivers the highest level of business leadership skills in the industry.
As a key member of the executive team, it is Ms. Halfen’s attention to detail and passion for the procedure that drives advancements throughout the company. Her focus on integrating best practices helps achieve compliance with existing policies while embracing innovation rooted in continual improvement.
Alongside her executive leadership responsibilities, she also organizes all continuing education events delivered both nationally, within Valley Dental Arts Amara Institute and Live Surgery Center, and internationally with German, French and Swiss partnerships including the International Oral Design Symphony of Synergy Symposium held in Minneapolis.
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Advisor to Valley Dental Arts
Mr. Mathiesen is a 42-year veteran of Valley Dental Arts and shares the Maragos' family vision for unprecedented excellence in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry. During his three decades of experience in all phases of dental laboratory technology, Mr. Mathiesen has traveled the world, studying advanced laboratory techniques in Germany, Switzerland, and France. He participated in the occlusion program Pankey Institute, has co-authored papers on dental diagnostics, and has given lectures and hands-on courses to dentists and technicians all over the world.
Innovation is a hallmark of Mr. Mathiesen's career. With extensive training in innovative dentistry in Europe, Mr. Mathiesen invented and patented the Master Diagnostic Model®. He is the editor of "Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry: Material Selection Technique" (1st ed.), and an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
As an advisor to Valley Dental Arts, Mr. Mathiesen is always thinking about what’s next for the industry, and how Valley Dental Arts can provide the leadership and resources necessary to help dentists achieve the best possible results for every patient, every time.
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Digital Technologies Specialist
Mr. Jansen grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota, and joined the Valley Dental Arts team as a Removable Prosthetics apprentice. He quickly advanced from there into our Implant Department where he excelled in digital crown and abutment design.
Cody is an invaluable member of Valley Dental Arts, and now heads our Digital Team. Here, he is at the forefront of incorporating new digital technologies into our daily workflow to ensure each client achieves the best possible results for every patient.
From designing cases in Exocad and 3Shape to printing models and milling crowns, he is able to facilitate all digital arenas. Cody enjoys working with clients in all aspects, from case planning to those just getting started on the digital dentistry path.
