Submitted Photo Dr. Colleen Hofer, left, was recently awarded the Lifetime Learning and Service Recognition award by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) at its convention in Minneapolis. Dr. Brad Anderson, right, is a longtime friend and Fargo-based dentist.

VELVA – Dr. Colleen Hofer has earned the prestigious Lifetime Learning and Service Recognition award for her dedication to going above and beyond serving Velva and the surrounding area.

She keeps up with the ever-changing advancements in patient care and technology and uses the latest techniques. Her eagerness to further her education past the biannual licensure requirements has earned this award, presented by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD.) AGD is a professional association of general dentists from Canada and the United States to which Hofer belongs.

Originally from Minot, Hofer attended the University of Jamestown with the intent to apply for medical school. Through her studies, she found a passion for dentistry as she learned it was the perfect merriment of science and artistry. She applied for the dental program at the University of Minnesota and upon graduation, worked for the Indian Health Service in Trenton for seven years. After she paid off her student loans, she decided it was the perfect time to buy her own practice. She set up her own practice in Velva in 2008.

She became involved with the AGD after a senior dentist encouraged her to – initially helping with the legislative functions of the association which focuses on various topics. One such topic is the fight to keep dentists separate from medical doctors so instead of working for big clinics, dentists can be independent and keep care affordable.

AGD was also involved when the American government was attempting to add an additional tax on dental crowns by reclassifying them as medical equipment about 10 years ago. Hofer said more goes on in the background than what the general public is aware of.

Hofer received her Fellowship award from AGD in 2007 followed by her Mastership award in June 2015 – her most recent accolade was presented in July 2024. To date, only 511 members of AGD have earned the Lifetime Learning and Service Recognition award which is less than 1% of the total members. Hofer has also served as president for the North Dakota Academy of General Dentistry for 10 years on and off.

“She’s good at what she does, it’s really nice to put that smile back on a patient’s face and for them to say, ‘I can’t believe that you did this – this is nice, you can’t even tell’ … There’s always some sort of puzzle to do – everyone brings something different,” said Sandy Hofer, Dr. Hofer’s dental assistant at Velva Dental Center.

Dr. Hofer goes above and beyond to provide for veterans, an often underserved demographic. She practices for the Department of Veterans Affairs VA and offers free dental care on Veterans Day. Her practice is also opted into QTC, which is care for veterans on disability. Many areas don’t have dentists participating in this program which leads to veterans traveling across the state, and sometimes out of state, to receive dental care.

“We work really hard to continue because the need is so great,” Sandy Hofer said.

Colleen Hofer’s ambition is driven by striving to meet and raise her expectations, “It’s nice to have that goal. If you have a spare minute – you’re always working towards something and so you have a place to focus on.”

Hofer keeps busy. Outside of her career she acts as the secretary for the Velva Community Development Committee, is secretary of the Velva Wildlife Club, is active at Oak Valley Church, is on a trap team and coaches a trap team. She also renovates houses and earned her pilot’s license.

Hofer said she is one lucky lady. Outside of doing what she loves everyday, she won an airplane in 2020 from the Oklahoma Flying Club. After a friend’s hanger burned down she purchased $250 worth of raffle tickets and was able to give him a new plane.

Everyday is something new at Velva Dental Center, which Hofer said is why she loves it. “That’s why our job is fun. You get to focus really hard for an hour and then you get up to do something else. You’re constantly changing what you’re thinking about so it really helps because then it’s never the same. It’s never boring. That’s why I enjoy my job,” she said.