Our Dental Team

Dental 6:

The dental services are provided by a cadre of KCCDHN staff including:

Dr. Stacy Eastman, DDS

Dr. Eastman’s education began at West Hills and Cabrillo Colleges where she earned her registered dental hygienist degree. After working as a hygienist and having the vision of becoming a dentist, she returned to college at the University of Southern California where she earned her doctorate in dentistry.

In addition to the directorship of the Taft College Dental Hygiene Program, Dr. Eastman directs the Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network, a mobile dental services program for children funded by First 5 Kern (Proposition 10-tobacco tax initiative). The program is in partnership with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office whereby preventive and treatment services are mobilized to preschool and kindergartners, at their school-site. Dr. Eastman is a member of the Kern County Dental Society and also has a private dental practice in Coalinga, CA.

Dr. Daniel Launspach, DDS

Dr. Daniel Launspach graduated from the University of Illinois in 1976, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He attended Loyola University College of Dental Medicine to earn his D.D.S. degree in 1980. He then completed a hospital-based general practice residency at Foster McGaw Hospital – Loyola University. In 1981, he moved to Los Angeles to do his postdoctoral residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Southern California. During his pediatric residency program, he worked at both Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Rancho Los Amigos Hospital. He obtained his certificate in pediatric dentistry in 1983 and has been practicing pediatric dentistry in Bakersfield since completion of his residency program. More...

Dr. Daniel Purdy, DMD

Dr. Daniel Purdy graduated from University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in History. He then continued with his education at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and received his D.M.D. In addition Dr. Daniel Purdy completed two years of post-doctorate training at U.C.L.A. where he received his certificate as a Pediatric Dental Specialist.

Prior to joining his father in their Bakersfield dental practice, Dr. Daniel Purdy spent two years as an associate in a large pediatric practice in Redding , California. Along with practicing in Bakersfield he recently has expanded his expertise and opened a new pediatric dental practice in Santa Barbara , California where he resides with his wife Meg Purdy. More...

Dr. Edward Dove, DDS

Dr. Edward Dove graduated from Marquette University Dental School. He completed his post-doctoral specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at NSU/Miami Childrens Hospital. Dr. Dove has been practicing for more than 17 years and his office accepts most insurance plans. They offer for the comfort of the child Nitrous Oxide, Oral Conscious Sedation, and General Anesthesia.

The philosophy of his practice is that they feel that Pediatric Dentistry is a vital component of the dental field as a whole. Their specialty encompasses all children from early in infancy through adolescence. The focus of the practice is the prevention of dental disease and infection. This is accomplished through professional office visits, good home care and oral hygiene, dietary management, and the use of flourides. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the dental arch so that the child will grow and maintain his/her dentition to its maximum potential.

Dr. Kurt Sturz, DMD

Dr.Sturz grew up in Bakersfield with his brother Shaun and amazing parents Jerry and Kristy. He lived in northeast Bakersfield and went to Eissler, Chipman and Highland schools. Most of his childhood, he was surrounded by family, church, sports, music, and scouting. After graduating from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Dr. Sturz went to dental school at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. After living under cloudy skies for 4 years, he excitedly returned to California where he completed his residency in pediatric dentistry at Loma Linda University in 2006.

Dr. Robert Bang, DDS

4 registered dental hygienists

Harriet Luzinas-Smith, RDHAP

Harriet A. Luzinas- Smith’s interest in a dental career was sparked in 1978 when she began working in the field as a dental assistant. Through the years she has had the privilege of working in a variety of areas within the dental field while traveling with her husband; a career soldier and children. Harriet’s interest in dental hygiene was ignited again when she was given the opportunity work along side an endodontist in an Army Dental Clinic. This prompted her to return to school and later became a Registered Dental Hygienist with a certificate on crown and bridge technology. Most recently she attended West Los Angeles College where she completed the Applied Practices course and earned an RDHAP license. She has enjoyed working beside dentists, specialty dentists, educating her patients on the importance of oral health, and sharing her knowledge while teaching and mentoring others. She currently works with The Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network providing school based dental services for children at preschoolers and kindergartners in eastern Kern County communities.

Robin Shaffer, RDHAP

Robin Shaffer began her career in the dental field over 30 years ago. She began working as a dental assistant and later attended West Los Angeles Community College where she completed her education to become a Registered Dental Hygienist. Robin continues utilizing her skills in private practice; works with The Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network’s school based program and is a part time clinical instructor at Taft College. Robin has ten years of experience in public health. During her spare time she continues to help children have healthy smiles by organizing dental clinics for school aged children at local elementary schools for the Kern County Dental Hygienists Society.

Susie Rodriguez, RDHAP

Susan Mc Cracken, RDHAP

Susan McCracken , RDHAP , worked as a dental assistant prior to becoming a dental hygienist 11 years ago. She worked in private practice as an RDH before coming to KCCDHN five years ago. She holds and AA degree in liberal arts from Taft College and an AS degree with a certificate in Dental Hygiene, also from Taft College. She earned her AP license from West LA College in 2004. In addition to working for KCCDHN, Susan is also a part-time clinical instructor at Taft College.

25 second-year dental hygiene students from Taft College Dental Hygiene Program


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