Meet the Team

Doctors

Leading the way in technology and quality care

Our doctors are proud to serve Hastings, Doniphan, and the surrounding communities throughout Nebraska and Kansas. We are dedicated to giving you personalized care and making you feel at ease every time you visit us. We are always happy to answer all of your questions. We pride ourselves on staying diligent with the latest technologies and procedures to give you the highest quality care possible.


Meet Our Doctors

About Dr. Chuck Bauer

Charles Bauer, DDS, is a Hastings native and life-long Nebraska resident. He is a graduate of The University of Nebraska at Lincoln and earned his Doctor of Dentistry from the University of Nebraska, College of Dentistry in 1977. Following Dental College, he moved back to Hastings, purchased Dr. Loren Beck’s dental practice, and became partners with Dr. Robert Howard. Dr. Jeff Howard joined the practice in 1982, to establish “Howard, Bauer and Howard Dental Practice.”

Dr. Bauer has always been very diligent in staying on top of the most current dental technology and procedures. In fact, Dr. Bauer is often one of the first dental professionals in the state to introduce the most advanced dental technologies. For example, he was one of the first dentists in Nebraska to computerize his office in the early 1990’s, he also brought in Laser Dentistry, CAD CAM Crown and Bridge, minimal oral conscious sedation for anxious patients and more recently 3-D Cone-Beam X-rays and digital full mouth scanning. Dr. Bauer not only provides General Dentistry but also offers Orthodontics, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Root Canals and Invisalign Clear Aligners.

Dr. Bauer served on the Nebraska Board of Dentistry for 10 years and was elected to the Nebraska Dental Hall of Fame. He is currently affiliated with the University of Nebraska Dental College mentoring program and Hastings Community College Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs.

Dr. Bauer and his wife Jane have two children, Ryan and Jessica, two granddaughters and one grandson. They have both volunteered their services to many local organizations and continue to do so.

About Dr. Allison Kern

Dr. Allison Kern grew up in Hastings and completed her undergraduate degree at Hastings College. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree at University of Nebraska Medical Center.

After graduating, Dr. Kern practiced dentistry in Wichita, KS. She is married to Dr. Raul Franco who is also a member of the Hastings Family Dental team.

Dr. Kern is very excited to be back to her hometown and join a relationship based practice that prides itself on understanding patient needs and exceeding expectations. She is committed to providing comprehensive dental care in a safe and reassuring environment. Dr. Kern takes pride in providing a variety of services to her patients, including restorative dentistry, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry and invisalign. She is a member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association.

Dr. Kern and Dr. Franco have two sons, Connor and Ben. Dr. Kern enjoys spending her free time with her family, traveling and being outdoors.

About Dr. Raul Franco

Raul O. Franco, DDS grew up in Colorado Springs and earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He earned his Doctor of Dentistry from the University of Nebraska Medicine – College of Dentistry. During dental school Dr. Franco commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

After graduating from dental school he was promoted to the rank of Captain and proceeded to serve 4 years on active duty. Dr. Franco completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency with the United States Air Force at Offutt, AFB in Omaha, NE. During his residency Dr. Franco completed over 150 hours of advanced education expanding his skill set to include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, wisdom teeth removal, root canals, and a variety of advanced surgical procedures. After residency he was stationed at McConnell, AFB in Wichita, KS for three years. Serving his country remains one of his proudest accomplishments.

Dr. Franco is married to Allison Kern, DDS who grew up in Hastings. They recently had a baby boy! They could not be happier to be working together and starting a family in Hastings. It is an exciting time for both of them and they feel blessed to be part of this great community. They are excited to become involved and support the community.

Dr. Franco is a member of the American Dental Association, the Nebraska Dental Association, and the Southeast District Dental Society. He is committed to providing the highest quality of care to his patients and believes building a relationship based on trust with his patients and their families is essential. “Integrity First” is an Air Force core value that he is committed to upholding at all times and under all circumstances for his patients and the community.

During their downtime Dr. Franco and Dr. Kern both enjoy outdoor activities especially boating, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Dr. Franco loves bowhunting, grilling, camping, and spending quality time with friends and family. They live an active lifestyle of biking, running, golfing and hiking. And of course they are both Husker fans! GO BIG RED!

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