Kathlyn Jean-Kelly Leiviska cADT, MDT, BS

Kathlyn Leiviska is a dedicated Advanced Dental Therapist with over a decade of experience providing high-quality, patient-centered care. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s in Dental Therapy as part of the university’s inaugural dental therapy class. Since becoming a licensed Dental Therapist in 2012 and achieving Advanced Dental Therapist certification in 2015, Kathlyn has remained committed to expanding access to care and advancing the dental therapy profession.

She began her career with HealthPartners, one of the first major organizations to embrace dental therapy, where she worked for eight years focusing on restorative procedures and pediatric care. In 2020, she transitioned to Southside Community Health Services, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Minneapolis. There, she continues to serve underserved populations, helping to reduce barriers to dental care through compassionate, preventive, and restorative services.

Beyond the clinic, Kathlyn is a passionate advocate for the dental therapy field. She has shared her expertise and story at state legislative hearings, press conferences, and professional panels across the country, including in Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Florida. Her ongoing mission is to support the nationwide expansion of dental therapy, championing equitable access to oral health care for all.

• University of Minnesota
• Waldorf University

• Advanced Dental Therapist
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Nitrous Oxide Certificate

• Outstanding Service Award from the Minnesota Dental Therapy Assiciation
• Appreciation award for outstanding and dedication service to Miami Dade Oral Health Network

• Minnesota Dental Therapy Association
• American Dental Therapy Association

• Dental Therapy Admission Commitee
• Feed My Starving Children
• MyChart Committee
• Staff Wellness Committee

Mint Door Podcast – August 29, 2024
Vignette in NACHC Dental Therapy Resource Guide – July 2022
• Article: “Meet the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers”
Dental Therapy Webinar Piece – March 2021
Badger Institute
• Article by Kevyn Burger: “Where Dental Therapy is Longer in the Tooth” – September 30, 2019
• Article by Kevyn Burger: “Taking a Bite out of the Dental Care Access Problem” – October 15, 2019
• Interview Video: Jacob Martin – October 21, 2019
Star Tribune – April 13, 2015
• Article: “My Job: Kathlyn Leiviska, Dental Therapist”
Healthline – April 24, 2014
Minnesota School of Dentistry Alumni Magazine – Fall 2013
• Article: “Katy Can Do It”