Meet Us
Dentist
Dr. Stephen Koza was born and raised in Union County, attending Island City Elementary School and graduating from La Grande High School in 1995. Dr. Koza was active in the La Grande Swim Club and received his Eagle Scout Award from Troop 514. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in 1999, graduating cum laude, and went on to obtain his DMD from Oregon Health and Science University in 2003, graduating 6th in his class and as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society. He then completed a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Dr. Koza opened Koza Family Dental Care in 2007. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and member of the American Dental Association, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association.
His family has been active in the community for over 100 years, including owning a century farm. In his free time he enjoys being outdoors, providing dental services on medical mission teams, and spending time with his kids.
Business Manager
Dr. Koza’s wife, Beth, is also a graduate of Oregon State University, with degrees in Accounting and Agricultural Business Management. She is the business manager for the practice. They have four children — Tim, Sarah, Becca and Amelia.
Front Office Manager
Shandy grew up in Union, Oregon. She graduated from the Oregon Health and Science University dental hygiene program in 2001. Shandy began working for Dr. Koza in 2007 as a hygienist. After 18 years of serving Dr. Koza’s patients in the hygiene department, she has retired from hygiene and is now the front office manager. In her spare time, Shandy enjoys spending time with her husband Odin and daughters Paisley and Millie.
Registered Dental Hygienists
Jessie grew up in Jamieson, Oregon, went to Eastern Oregon University and graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology dental hygiene program in 2014. She has worked and lived in Bend and Ontario, Oregon before returning to La Grande to put down roots. Outside of work Jessie enjoys antler shed hunting, BBQing, and spending time with her husband Jared, daughter Jaycee, son Bodie, and dog Boo.
Lauren grew up in Amity, Oregon. She graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology Dental Hygiene Program here in La Grande in 2015. In her spare time, Lauren loves spending time at the ranch riding her horses and roping with her husband. Lauren loves being a mom and sharing her passion for horses and the outdoors with her son Wesley and daughter Polly.
Dental Assistants
Emily grew up in Union & Baker Counties. She attended Eastern Oregon State College and graduated from Blue Mountain Community College in dental assisting in 1997. She had ten years of experience in dentistry in Hermiston and Hood River. She and her husband moved back to this area in 2007 to be near family, and she has continued in dentistry since then. She and her husband Jason have been happily married for almost 30 years. They enjoy traveling and spending spare time with their children, Connor and Bella, as well as extended family.
Elizabeth grew up in Elgin and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Eastern Oregon University. She then attended Blue Mountain Community College, where she received her certification in Dental Assisting in 2008. Elizabeth enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and supporting her kids’ multiple sports and activities.