Our Story
Our practice was started by George S. Tate, DDS in 1966 and later joined by his son, Richard H. Tate, DDS in 1983. Their reputation for compassionate and exemplary care was legendary throughout the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Dr. Richard Tate retired in 2018 at which time Christopher S. Hansen, MS, DMD inherited their legacy.
Christopher Hansen
MS, DMD
Dr. Hansen was born in Seattle, completed his dental school at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and an orthodontic residency at Louisiana State University, and is pleased make a home with his wife, Christina, and daughter, Naomi, here where many of his family's roots spring.
He is a board certified orthodontist--a distinction achieved by only about 1 in 3 orthodontists--and keeps up to date with the latest advances and research in the field, but mostly he just enjoys making his patients smile.
Outside of the office, he enjoys the outdoors, golfing, a good book on the beach, and tries to stay active in his church and community. More than anything, however, he simply likes to spend time with his wife, daughter, and their dog Toby.
Deborah deSa
DMD
Dr. Deborah deSa, a distinguished alumna of Cornell University, earned her Bachelor of Science degree with Distinction and later pursued her DMD degree at the University of Pennsylvania, where she excelled as a Dean’s Scholar. Following dental school, Dr. deSa dedicated three additional years to specialized training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Stony Brook University. Post-residency, she practiced orthodontics in New York before relocating to Virginia in 2022.
Currently residing in Blacksburg with her husband Roger and their two children, Kyle and Sophie, Dr. deSa and her family embrace the vibrant community. They find it to be an ideal place to raise a family, appreciating the diverse offerings of the region. In her leisure time, Dr. deSa indulges in her passion for travel, exploring new restaurants, and engaging in various puzzles and games, including her daily dose of Wordle. Always on the lookout for new family games, she welcomes any recommendations.
As a seasoned orthodontics specialist, Dr. deSa takes joy in working with patients of all ages, dedicated to crafting beautiful, healthy smiles. Her commitment to delivering top-notch orthodontic care is matched by the warmth of her practice environment. Dr. deSa is thrilled to be part of the Hansen Orthodontics team and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to meet and connect with you!
