Our Team
Derek Hauser, D.D.S.
Dr Hauser graduated from USC school of dentistry in 1993. He was accepted into ADAPT Program (Advanced Dental Aptitude Program Tract) while still in high school. The program consisted of a fast-track curriculum that prepared him to start dental school after only two years of undergraduate courses. Dr Hauser was an outstanding dental student who ran his own business making gold crowns for other dentists, teaching under classmen in various courses prior to graduation, and upon graduation, earned the prestigious Fixed Prosthodontic Award. He remained on the faculty on a part-time basis during his first few years of private practice.
After gaining experience in several different practices Dr Hauser built his first office in Canyon Lake in 1998. After a devastating fire in 2009, Dr Hauser built a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Lake Elsinore in 2010.
Our Staff
We believe our patients deserve the best, and it’s precisely this commitment to the highest quality that sets us apart. You can count on our caring, friendly staff to get to know you and recognize your individual needs. And we always take the time to listen and answer your questions.
Erin - Registered Dental Hygienist
Erin has been involved in Dentistry since 1993 when she became a Registered Dental Assistant at Loma Linda University. She worked along side the examiners for the Dental board of California and realized she wanted to continue her education. Erin earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda School of Dentistry in 2000.
Erin joined Dr. Hauser’s team in 2001. She has dedicated herself to her patients’ dental health, education, and comfort. You can count on Erin to treat you like family. She is truly committed to your lifelong care.
With two young sons, Erin stays busy! She also has developed a Dental Health Program for children. She travels to elementary schools every February educating kids about proper brushing, flossing, and how our overall health begins with a healthy mouth.
Jennifer - Office Manager/Treatment Coordinator
Jennifer has been with Dr. Hauser “since the beginning”. He recognized her potential and hired her in 1998...even before he had opened the doors for business! Jennifer was a Registered Dental Assistant and was hired as Dr. Hauser’s primary Chair-side Dental Assistant. In 2000 she took over as Office Manager.
Jennifer’s knowledge and experience as a Dental Assistant and a Treatment Coordinator makes her uniquely qualified, but that wasn’t enough for her. So in 2004 she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Taking exceptional care of our family of patients is a challenge, but Jennifer makes it look easy.
Her ability to build relationships is obvious when you see her interact with her daughter, the staff, and our family of patients.
Jodi - Insurance Specialist
Jodi has been with Dr. Hauser since 2000. Dr. Hauser hired her immediately even though she had no prior experience in a dental practice. Jodi was such a natural fit in our practice and is responsible for much of our communication with patients. Jodi is likely the friendly voice that will greet you when you contact our office.
With dental insurance changing daily, every practice needs an “expert”. Jodi is our Insurance Specialist. She has adapted to and mastered the “art and science” of dental insurance. While balancing her family and work, Jodi also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005.
A wife and mother of two, Jodi certainly understands the time and financial challenges of a modern family. She will do everything at her disposal to make the most of your time and insurance benefits. I assure you, Jodi will make you feel like family.
Melanie - Registered Dental Hygenist
Melanie has been in the dental field since 1989. She became a Registered Dental Assistant through ROP while completing her senior year in High School. While working full time, she finished her education earning a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene in Amarillo, Tx in 1995.
Melanie joined Dr. Hauser in 2006 and has proven to be a tremendous asset. She is good communicator and loves to educate her patients. Melanie is married and has two grade school children who keep her very active. Her love of family spills over onto our patients every day.
Patti - Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Function Level 2
Patti has been a highly skilled dental assistant since 1993. By 1997 she was licensed in Dental Radiography, Coronal Polishing, and finally as a Registered Dental Assistant.
She has been a key member of Dr. Hauser’s team since 2002. Already an exceptional Chair-side Dental Assistant, Patti challenged herself to achieve more. She completed an extensive two year program at UCLA School of Dentistry to become a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions Level 2. She is one of a select few in Southern California to have this license. She is qualified to perform procedures that would normally be completed by the Doctor only. Patti is the “Dental version of a Physicians Assistant”.
When she’s not expertly treating patients in Dr. Hauser’s office, she is probably spending time with her two teenage boys, friends, or other staff members. It is truly a family atmosphere at Dr. Hauser’s office. Not only does the staff treat each other like sisters, but our patients are our “extended family”.
Suzi aka "The Mama" - Dental Assitant
Suzi has been working with the public for over thirty years as a waitress. She has an amazing personality and energy and she “brings it” to work every day! She has an uncanny ability to relate to people. Dentistry can be a source of anxiety for some patients, but rest assured that Suzi can lighten up any mood.
She was “discovered” in Coco’s in Lake Elsinore by Dr. Hauser and staff over ten years ago. It took Dr. Hauser years of persuasion to talk Suzi into joining our family. Once the decision was made she took courses necessary to become a Dental Assistant, including Dental Radiography, CPR, and Hands-on Dental Assistant Training, and Dental Terminology.
Since 2007 Suzi’s assisting skills, personality, laughter, singing and dancing have been a tremendous asset to the practice. Don’t be surprised if you catch her dancing up and down the hallway during your visit.
Our patients are our family. Married for 25 years with three grown children, Suzi know’s how to treat family...
Holly - Registered Dental Hygienist
Holly graduated from the RCC Dental Hygiene Program with honors in 2006. After graduation she acquired additional training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Hygiene. She had hands-on training and experience using different types of dental lasers for advanced periodontal procedures. She prides herself in keeping up-to-date with all of dentistry’s newest technology.
Holly joined Dr. Hauser’s team in 2008. She has been able to improve the health of so many of our patients. She loves the fact that our entire team has the same commitment to ideal dental health for every patient. She will insure that every visit is a positive experience.
Being a wife and a mother helps Holly bring a “caring for family” approach to the practice.