Meet the Team

Dr. Robert N. Hanson grew up in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. In 1974, Dr. Hanson moved to Independence, Missouri, where he had the privilege of joining the dental practice of Dr. J. Donald Duensing. They practiced together until 1986, when Dr. Duensing retired.

Dr. Hanson has provided many years of dental service to the community of Independence and eastern Jackson County, Missouri. He is married and has three children. His hobbies include fly fishing, backpacking, traveling, gardening and dining out with his friends and family. He is a member of the following:

• American Dental Association®
• Missouri Dental Association
• Greater Kansas City Dental Society
• Eastern Jackson County Dental Health Association
• And more …

Dr. Hanson believes in providing his patients with the most comfortable and supportive atmosphere possible.

Whether you are visiting for a routine exam or are in need of a more complex procedure, he and his staff will take excellent care of you and your family. We guarantee a friendly atmosphere and our full attention to all your dental needs. Bring your children in for annual checkups and fluoride treatments. Feel free to ask about specialized cosmetic services and more.

We have the training, experience and technology to provide you with the best dental services available.

Dr. Steve Blum grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in exercise and sports science in 2000. From there, he attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and received his dental degree in 2004. Dr. Blum has one son, Christopher, who is currently attending Kansas State University. In October 2023, he will marry his fiance, Taylor, who has two children, Blake and Ryleigh. Dr. Blum’s hobbies include grilling, using his smoker, and watching or going to sporting events. He enjoys all different kinds of food and is always open to suggestions on different restaurants.

In 2005, Dr. Blum purchased a practice in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and eventually moved it to Lenexa, Kansas. In 2015, he sold his practice and helped treat patients in other offices on the Kansas side. In January 2023, he obtained his Missouri dental license and joined Dr. Hanson’s dental office. Dr. Blum believes in making his patients feel at ease and comfortable. He is a conservative dentist and believes in treating his patients the same way as he would his own family. His patients will be given all their options and explanations and, together, a treatment plan will be customized that works best for the patient.

Kaitlin is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has been working in the dental field since 2014 and loves to find ways to help our patients build their confidence by obtaining their best smile! As our Office Manager, Kaitlin oversees all aspects of our practice, allowing our team to focus on what’s important: our patients’ care and smiles. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, attending concerts, shopping, and a good cup of coffee.

Jess joined our team in early 2025 and has quickly become an essential part of our office. With over eight years of experience in the dental field, she brings a calm, solution-focused approach to everything she does. Her strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate clearly make her a go-to resource for both patients and team members alike. Jess’s reliability and professionalism help keep our daily operations running smoothly.

Originally from California, Jess now calls Kansas City, Missouri, home, where she and her husband, Mike, are raising their three children — Jalene, Mila and Valentino. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and winding down with her favorite TV shows.

Verenise is the Treatment Coordinator at Hanson Dentistry, bringing nearly seven years of experience in the dental field. She was born in California and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. In her role, she helps patients navigate their treatment plans with clarity and confidence, putting together personalized options that are both effective and affordable.

Known for her warm personality and attention to detail, Verenise is dedicated to making every patient’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Her approachable nature and commitment to patient care make her an essential member of the Hanson Dentistry team.

Outside the office, Verenise is a proud mom to two energetic boys who bring endless joy to her life. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and relaxing on Sundays — especially when she’s cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kristina is one of our dental hygienists, who joined our practice in May 2020. She began her dental career in 2015 as a dental assistant, where she quickly learned her passion for dentistry. Her passion inspired her to further her education in becoming a dental hygienist. In 2019, she graduated with honors from Concorde College in Kansas City, Missouri, with her associate of applied science in dental hygiene. She loves to help patients improve their oral and systemic health. She is passionate about educating patients and helping them achieve their smile goals.

Kristina is a part of the American Dental Hygiene Association®, Missouri Dental Hygiene Association and the Kansas City Component. Kristina has recently become co-chair and committee member of the Kansas City component of the Missouri Dental Hygiene Association. Kristina is certified in CPR basic life support, OSHA, nitrous oxide and laser therapy. In Kristina’s free time, she enjoys spending it with her family and friends. Some of her hobbies are traveling, cooking and archery.

Jessica graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City Dental School in 2003. Jessica has been practicing dental hygiene for 18 years. She resides in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where she enjoys spending time with her son and their rag doll cat, Sophie. Some of her hobbies include photography, canning, interior decorating and spending time outdoors. Jessica loves connecting with her patients on a personal level and helping them maintain their optimal oral health.

Angela began her career in dentistry after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, initially working as a dental lab technician crafting crowns and bridges for various dental offices across the city. After starting a family, she was inspired to further her education and become a dental hygienist.

Though an uncommon path, this unique combination of artistic, technical and clinical experience allows Angela to connect with patients on a deeper level and support them through a wide range of oral health concerns. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality preventive care, including personalized home care instruction and nutritional counseling, with a special focus on serving individuals who face barriers to accessing care.

Angela’s goal is to ensure every patient feels truly cared for — just as she would want for her own family.

Erika is an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association who graduated from Johnson County Community College in 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. She was presented with the Tenacity Award upon graduation for demonstrating an exceptional drive for progression in clinical skills, academic achievement and professionalism while displaying extraordinary self-direction in reaching planned goals. Erika began her career in the dental field in 2008 as a sterilizing technician later obtaining licensure as an expanded functions dental assistant which propelled her to continue her education and shift her focus to the preventative side of the dental field as a hygienist.

Erika said, “I absolutely love what I do, and patients will most definitely see that come through when they are in the chair with me! I have a tremendous appreciation for dentistry as it gives me the chance to change lives and bring people back to their best, healthy selves. Being fluent in English and Spanish allows me the opportunity to share my passion for oral health to a wider variety of patients and increase patient compliance as I am able to accurately inform patients of their treatment needs and recommendations in the language they understand. My goal as a hygienist is to always provide exceptional patient-focused care so that my patients mouths stay healthy not only today, but for years to come.”

Katy was born and raised in Lee’s Summit, MO. She graduated from Lee’s Summit West and later decided to continue her education at Longview Community College where she earned her associate degree. She later attended Summit Dental Academy and received her certification as a dental assistant. She has been a dental assistant for nine years and is very passionate about dentistry. She loves giving her patients a reason to smile. Katy enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time in the great outdoors with her son, Jake. Katy also recently married her fiancé, whose name is also Jake, in February 2022.

Born and raised in the small town of Wellington, MO, Kelsi has been a dental assistant since May 2023 and completed her training at Summit Dental Assisting Academy. With her upbeat personality and great sense of humor, she brings positive energy to the Hanson Dentistry team and enjoys keeping the atmosphere light with her jokes. Kelsi loves connecting with patients on a personal level, ensuring each visit is comfortable and welcoming. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending concerts.