Meet the Team at Starboard Dental
Get to Know Us
Jess Ward, Dental Assistant
Jess Ward is a dental assistant at Starboard Dental in Kennebunk. She has worked alongside Kennebunk dentist Dr. Alex Kerbaugh since March 2024, and her goal is simple: help every patient relax and leave with a smile.
For 23 years, Jess was a stay-at-home mom. Once her kids no longer needed her home all day, she decided it was time to do something for herself. She enrolled in the accelerated dental assistant program at York County Community College (YCCC) in Wells, graduated in March 2024, and began assisting Dr. Kerbaugh that same month. Just two weeks after graduation, she passed the required dental radiography exam and earned her Maine dental radiographer license.
Let’s be honest: a trip to the dentist makes plenty of people nervous. Jess gets it. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know each patient who walks through the door and helping them feel comfortable and relaxed. She wants every visit to be as easy as possible, and nothing makes her day like seeing a patient head home smiling.
Family comes first for Jess. She loves spending time with her husband and their three children, especially when everyone is back under one roof, sharing meals and playing games together. She’s also an avid distance runner (a passion since high school) and competes in road races of all lengths, from 5Ks to full marathons. Her favorite? The half marathon. When she’s not out on a run, you might find Jess at her sewing machine. She makes and sells her own bags, most of them sewn from cork.
Feeling a little uneasy about your next dental visit? You’re in good company, and Jess would love to help make it a calmer one. Call Starboard Dental at (207) 999-7245 to schedule, and look for her friendly smile when you arrive.
My Tien Hartford, Registered Dental Hygienist
My Tien Hartford is a registered dental hygienist at [PRACTICE NAME] in Kennebunk. She chose this career because she wanted to make a real difference in health care. In her chair, every patient gets her full attention and someone in their corner. She looks at the whole picture of each person’s oral health and speaks up for what’s truly in their best interest.
My Tien earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New England in 2015. Today, she puts that training to work for patients from Kennebunk and across York County, one cleaning at a time.
For My Tien, the best moments happen when a patient’s outlook shifts. Maybe someone walked in nervous about their visit. Maybe they’ve felt shy about their smile for a long time. When she helps that person see their teeth (or the whole dental experience) in a more positive light, that’s the part of the job she finds most rewarding. It’s a great match for our office, too. With weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and a relaxed, friendly team, Starboard Dental is all about helping patients feel at ease. My Tien’s thoughtful, thorough approach to care fits right in.
When she’s off the clock, My Tien spends as much time as she can with friends and family. You might find her on a bike ride, taking a road trip to find a great meal, or settling in to watch a Korean drama. Need a new show to watch? It never hurts to ask her at your next cleaning.
Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last cleaning, My Tien looks forward to welcoming you and helping you feel at ease. Call Starboard Dental at (207) 999-7245 to set up your appointment in Kennebunk.
