Dr. Craig A. Kinzer
Practicing Advanced Dentistry, Orthodontics, Implants, and More
A 1985 graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Dr. Kinzer received advanced post-graduate orthodontic training from well renowned educator, Dr. Skip Truitt and through the American Association of Functional Orthodontics. He has most recently been working to add Botox and dermal fillers, as well as oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring, to the broad range of services offered at Jackson Creek Dental Group.
During the course of his dental training, Dr. Kinzer received numerous awards including the Omnicron Kappa Upsilon award, which is the highest award a dental student can attain. He also received an Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the Stomatologic Surgical Award for advances in oral surgery and the coveted Gold Medal from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Kinzer joined the Jackson Creek Dental Group in 1988 and has been providing state-of-the-art comprehensive dentistry and transforming smiles here ever since. He enjoys building long-term relationships with his patients, and being able to practice in a rural, country atmosphere.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Association of Orthodontics, the Loma Linda University Century Club, and the Sacramento District Dental Society.
Dr. Kinzer enjoys spending his free time with his family and can often be found wake boarding, snow skiing, golfing, fishing or hiking.
Dena, Registered Dental Hygienist
Dena was raised in Amador County and has moved around always stayed close to home. Dena went to school for Dental Hygiene at Fresno City and went back to complete the courses to become an Alternative Practice Hygienist in 2002. Dena joined the practice in 2013 and has loved getting to know her patients needs and wants with their smiles. Dena connects with the patients to assist them in achieving their oral health goals.
Dena always strives to have the attitude to be happy, and have fun! When you meet her to see it radiate from her personality. Dena loves her patients, coworkers and all the Dentists here at Jackson Creek Dental Group. She feels every staff member has the same end goal for our patients. To give them a healthy smile free from disease to have a smile for life. Dena gives her time as much as she can in her community and in other countries. Dena has gone to Kenya, Dominican Republic, participated in Smiles for Kids, Celebrate our Children, etc.
Dena is a very active individual. She very rarely has a free moment outside of work. Dena is adventurous and loves to travel with her husband and dogs, hiking, biking, reading, playing with her dogs, getting her passport stamped at all the national parks she is at 45 so far, and hanging out with her family and friends creating memories.
Laura, Registered Dental Hygienist (Photo coming soon)
Laura is an eat and breathe Amador county girl, she was born and raised in Jackson. We are so very excited to have Laura as part of our Jackson Creek Dental Group family! Laura started off as a Temp in our office and come to find out she was our missing piece and joined the practice in February of 2025.
Laura graduated from Carrington College in 2012 as a Registered Dental Hygienist and has her certification for the Diode Laser to treat gum disease, decrease bacteria, and promote healing. Laura has been practicing Dental Hygiene ever since. She always finds ways to learn more about current studies on treatment and devices that assist in oral care to encourage a healthy mouth. Laura loves that she can expand her knowledge to benefit her patients in her direct services. Laura is loving the fast paced environment at Jackson Creek Dental Group where she can advocate for oral health and address her patients needs, while assisting in the growth of their confidence with their smiles.
Laura has a very sweet natured personality about her that brings comfort to those around her. Laura is a HUGE supporter of her family; husband and three daughters. When she is not improving dental health in our community she is spending it outside, with her kids doing cheer or shopping. Laura has many things on her bucket list such as flying a plane, but the biggest is her wanting to travel more.
Susan, Patient Coordinator
A graduate of Heald’s Business College, Susan joined Jackson Creek in 1993. Susan is celebrating 30 years with Jackson Creek Dental Group! She finds the dental field to be an exciting and ever-changing challenge, and loves working at a practice that keeps up on the latest technology and where the doctors are constantly striving to improve patient services and the quality of their care.
Susan also loves the fact that over the years her patients have become her friends, and this brings a family atmosphere to the practice. “Our dentists see our family members, our neighbors, and our staff members. That’s what is so nice about being in a small community.”
In her free time Susan enjoys water and snow skiing, camping, gardening, travel, going to live music, being with friends and family.
Julie, Registered Dental Assistant with Extended Functions, Orthodontic Assistant
Julie graduated from Galen College as a Registered Dental Assistant and then went on to the University of California at San Francisco to get her Extended Functions certification. She started with us as an intern back in 1987 and then came on staff in January 1988. Her goal is to always be the best that she can be for both her patients and for the rest of the staff. No wonder her fellow team members have given her the “Going the Extra Mile” award. Julie’s greatest pleasure at work is seeing a patient happy and confident about his or her new smile.
When not at work Julie enjoys spending time with her family, her friends and her cat. She also enjoys camping, traveling, photography, and gardening.
Julie still is passionate to provide world class dentistry along side of Dr. Kinzer. Julie is celebrating 35 years with the practice and is looking to retire within a few years to begin a new chapter in her life. She will always have a heart for her patients that is why she can’t just give it up.
Gabbey, Registered Dental Assistant, Extended Functions 2, Orthodontic Assistant
Gabbey joined Jackson Creek Dental Group in 2016, after completing the Dental Assisting Program at Carrington College in Sacramento. She plans to continue her education and become a hygienist in the future. Gabbey previously worked several jobs concurrently: Assistant General Manager at Jamba Juice in Martell and Beverage Server at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort.
Many of Gabbey’s family and friends are patients here at our office so she was very familiar with our practice. When she found out there was an opening she asked her instructor if she could complete her externship with us because she thought it would be a good fit for her. “Everyone here is so nice, very welcoming, and the doctors are amazing,” said Gabbey. “It’s been a wonderful experience for me.”
Born and raised right here in Jackson, Gabbey and her family are long term residents of Amador County. She is a graduate of Amador High School where she played basketball, softball and volleyball, and continues to be quite the athlete.
When Gabbey is not at work you can find her working with other businesses in the community. Gabbey has a passion for animals but loves her dog Echo the most. She also loves anything Disney and her favorite in the Disney family is Minnie Mouse, of course.
Andrea, Registered Dental Assistant
Andrea joined the team in November of 2024. She graduated from UEI 2023, in Stockton with her Dental Assistant license. She did not wait and took the test becoming a Registered Dental Assistant in February 2024. Andrea has been practicing dentistry since the spring of 2023. She has been eager to learn new procedures every chance she gets. She wants to take all her knowledge and return to school to become a Dental Hygienist. Andrea is constantly putting her knowledge to work and continues to advance her training and skills. Andrea is moving forward with her Orthodontic Assistant Permit and will be looking forward to receiving that license by the end of the year. 
Andrea loves her sleep, church, tattoos, crime shows, and documentaries. Andrea would love to volunteer in the community and lives by “teamwork makes the dream work”.
