CENTRAL MINNESOTA ORTHODONTICS - Key Persons

Originally from southwestern Minnesota, Dr. Knudsen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2008 from North Dakota State University. He went on to earn a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2013 from the University of Minnesota, finishing first in his class. Upon graduation, Dr. Knudsen was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. In 2015, he received a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree, also from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Knudsen was drawn to the profession of orthodontics because of its unique combination of art and science, and he finds great satisfaction in achieving beautiful smiles through orthodontic treatment. To provide the very best care for his patients, Dr. Knudsen places emphasis on obtaining continuing education in the latest orthodontic techniques and technologies. Dr. Knudsen is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the highest level of professional achievement in orthodontics. He also volunteers his time for the CentraCare Cleft Palate Team, has served in the Minnesota Dental Association House of Delegates and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Great River Study Club and St. Cloud Dental Society. Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Knudsen has varied interests. Growing up on a farm, he raised and showed purebred Hampshire sheep. However, he also appreciates experiencing new places and cultures and is an avid traveler. Dr. Knudsen is a slalom and barefoot water skier, and is a past member of the Little Crow Water Ski Team in New London, Minnesota. Additionally, he enjoys music and is an accomplished saxophonist and pianist.

Dr. Rebecca Hanson grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, graduating from Tech High School in 1990. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota for her undergraduate training, where she majored in art history and minored in biology and chemistry. Dr. Hanson was then granted early acceptance to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1997 and graduating in the top ten percent of her class. After dental school, Dr. Hanson opted to practice general dentistry in Colorado. She then turned her focus to orthodontics and attended Saint Louis University, where she was Vice President of her class and earned her Certificate and Masters of Science degree in Orthodontics in 2002. Committed to offering a variety of treatment options, Dr. Hanson stays current with the latest in technology and treatment modalities to increase comfort, reduce treatment times and produce more predictable outcomes. She is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the highest level of professional achievement in orthodontics. Additionally, Dr. Hanson is diligent in her search for ways to improve the overall orthodontic experience, exceed patient expectations and deliver smiles that patients are proud to share! She is both a published author and public lecturer, and maintains memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Great River Study Club and St. Cloud Dental Society. Dr. Hanson is married and has two golden retrievers, Finn and Murphy. She and her husband, Tony, stay active with a variety of hobbies, including fishing, wake surfing, golfing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. They also love to travel and are always looking for unique adventures, especially by exploring new places and different cultures.