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 Becks 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 current with cutting edge dental technology and procedures. In fact, Dr. Bauer is often the first dental professional 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 is currently affiliated with the University of NE Dental College mentoring program, Hastings Community Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs and sits on the Nebraska Board of Dentistry.
Dr. Stephanie Svoboda
Dr. Stephanie Cobb Svoboda is our Dentist at our Doniphan location. She grew up in Ainsworth, NE, earned her undergraduate degree at Chadron State College and her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln. Following graduation she moved to Lawrence, NE where her husband’s family ranches. She opened a dental practice in Superior, NE in 2013 called Peak Dentistry. She is a member of the ADA, NDA and AOS. She enjoys being a small town dentist and learning to be a rancher’s wife.
Stephanie is married to Chance and they have a daughter, Leah and a son, Hayes. She enjoys photography, painting and traveling, however most of her time is spent with her children, husband and their chocolate lab. They love their life on their ranch and are busy taking care of cattle and trying not to fall off of the horses that her daughter has no problem with riding! She’s finding that becoming a dentist was much easier than learning to ride a horse!
Dr. Svoboda provides the latest in comprehensive dental services for the entire family. She takes appointments at Doniphan Dental Services on Tuesdays and sometimes Fridays.
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. Her husband, Dr. Raul Franco, is also a dentist and is stationed at McConnell Air Force base in Wichita.
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. She is a member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association.
Dr. Kern enjoys spending her free time traveling and being outdoors. She and Raul have hobbies that include camping, golfing, attending concerts and sporting events.
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 IV and oral sedation, implants, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, wisdom teeth removal, root canals, and a variety of advanced surgical procedures to name a few. 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 and currently practices at Hastings Family Dental. They could not be happier to be working together 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 American Association of Endodontics, 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should my dentist have?
When looking for a new dentist, you should seek a dentist that’s professionally educated through an accredited dental program. You’ll also want to look at your dentist’s further education, accomplishments, and experience. Our dentists pride themselves on high standards and attend a number of continuing education courses each year, ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care.
What questions should I ask a new dentist?
Asking questions before choosing a dentist is essential, and it’s the best way to decide whether they’re a good fit for you. Some questions you should ask your dentist include:
- What dental specialties does your office provide?
- Do you take X-rays for diagnostic purposes?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
Do I really have to visit the dentist regularly?
Yes! It’s important to schedule routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings at least twice a year, or every six months. This allows us to eliminate any plaque and bacteria from building up in places your toothbrush just can’t reach.
We’ll thoroughly clean every area of your mouth and determine if you need any additional treatments. You’re less likely to undergo invasive dental procedures if you keep up with your regular appointments, as well as maintain good oral hygiene habits at home.
What makes your practice stand out from the rest?
At Hastings Family Dental, we’re committed to providing you with the best patient-centered care and effective treatments possible. We offer a list of comprehensive dental services that can help maintain the health and beauty of your smile. With experience and nationwide publications, you can trust our exceptional dentists to complete your procedure with quality, effective results.