what smile better 
means to us

A Duluth native, Dr. Hammer is extremely proud to be able to create beautiful smiles in her hometown community. She attended Holy Rosary and Marshall School here in Duluth, is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and completed both her dental school education and orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dr. Hammer has practiced orthodontics in Duluth since graduating residency in 2015. She completed the rigorous process of board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, holding herself to the highest standard to be able to provide the best results to her patients.

Dr. Hammer lives in Duluth with her husband, Kyle, and their three children – Ben, Stella and Luke (and their furry Goldendoodle child, Murphy). She enjoys long distance running, days at the cabin and downhill skiing. She can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your best smile at True North Orthodontics!

Tayla graduated from Hibbing Community College in 2013 with her A.A.S. degree in Dental Assisting, and earned her degree in Dental Hygiene from Lake Superior College in 2015. Tayla is thrilled to be joining Dr. Hammer and is proud to work on a team that is dedicated to the Northland and devoted to bringing the most intentional, comfortable, efficient treatment to our patients. We strive to stay current with the latest technology and challenge ourselves everyday to learn and change.

Ever since she was young, Tayla has been interested in orthodontics, and joining the True North team has been a perfect fit for her. Currently, Tayla lives on a farm in Hermantown that has been in her family for more than 120 years! They raise cattle, have baby doll sheep, goats, chickens, honey bees, a donkey and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Ace. She enjoys being outdoors, and spends her summers gardening or at her family cabin. Tayla’s adventurous spirit has led her to many travel destinations, but she’s glad to call Minnesota home.

Shelby graduated from Lake Superior College in 2016 with her A.A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. She then continued her schooling at Metropolitan State University to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and Restorative Functions, graduating in 2018. She comes from a family with a strong dental background and dentistry has a special place in her heart. Shelby started in the orthodontic field in 2018. She not only enjoys meeting patient on their “better smile journeys,” but also loves seeing and experiencing the joy a bright new smile can have on patients. Shelby is honored to join this amazing True North team and can’t wait to see your smiling face.

Shelby is originally from Minong, Wisconsin. She currently lives in Duluth with her 2 children, Evie and Beckett. She also has 2 dogs named Zoey and Miley. In her spare time, you will find Shelby attending concerts, camping, fishing, hunting and gardening.

Molly grew up and graduated from Esko, a small town situated right outside of Duluth. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2013. After spending time in St. Paul and Colorado, Molly is happy to be back in her home community near her family. You will find Molly at our front desk as our scheduling coordinator. Her heart is in caring for people through administrative work. She is beyond excited to be part of your smile journey and serve the wonderful people in Duluth and beyond at True North.

Molly recently moved back to her hometown of Esko and bought her grandparents old farmhouse which she shares with her husband, Ryan and their son, Arlo. She loves reading, hiking, camping, and anything that could fall into the category of “cozy.” More than anything, she loves spending time with her family.

Tirzah graduated from Lake Superior College in 2020 with her A.A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. She had the opportunity to jump straight into orthodontics after school and never looked back. Orthodontics has always been an interest for her in the dental field and she has loved being able to be apart of watching patients’ transformations in confidence and smiles over the years. Tirzah is thrilled to be apart of the True North team and to assist in helping you achieve that beautiful smile you always dreamed of.

Tirzah grew up in Wisconsin but currently lives in Duluth with her husband, three kids and their fur baby Brü. When she’s not working you’ll find her outdoors adventuring with her little family, reading, baking or gardening.