Meet the Team

Front Office

Becky Cotant – Patient Coordinator / Office Administrator

I feel blessed to be working with my best friend, my husband, Dr. Cotant. My appreciation for what he does continues to grow each day. He carries all the great qualities that make him a wonderful father and husband into the dental office. His passion for his profession, desire to continue to learn, dedication to his patients, and his pursuance for excellence in everything he does, makes me proud to be his wife. As a couple, we pray that everyone we encounter can see Christ’s love in and through us.

I was born and raised on a farm north of Norfolk, Nebraska. I learned many qualities from being raised on the farm- my desire to serve God, work ethic, value of relationships and ability to multi-task I owe to the experience I gained on the farm and the values instilled in me from my parents.

I am blessed to be able to continue my career in occupational therapy, while also utilizing my healthcare administration degree to perform administrative and operating duties for Cotant Family Dentistry. I enjoy building relationships with patients, building rapport with staff and being able to take on the business aspect of the practice for Dr. Cotant.

Kimmy Merritt – Financial/Insurance Coordinator

My name is Kimmy, and I am the Financial Coordinator for Cotant Family Dentistry. My start date was November 11, 2020. I moved here from Washington State in September 2020. I have been in the dental field since 2010. I went to school for Medical Administrative Assisting in 2009. I started my first job in the dental field, working for Skyway Dental in 2010, as Front Office Administrator and Scheduling. Soon after, I became the Office Manager and worked at that office until 2018. I then worked at Woodland Dental Center from 2018 to 2020 as the Insurance Coordinator before I moved here to Buffalo, Wyoming. Before going to school and working in the medical/dental industry, I was in customer service for 7 years.

I look forward to working with the community to help patients with their financial needs; to help them achieve the best care and dental treatment. I am happy to go over your insurance with you or to send out pre-authorizations to your insurance to ensure coverage of any upcoming procedures. If you should have any questions or concerns, I’m always here to help. In my free time I like to be outdoors hiking, fishing, and camping. I also like to do arts and crafts in the wintertime to keep myself busy. I have been married since 2018, and enjoy our two dogs Ozwald and Motley, who bring me great joy.

Dental Hygienist

Joyce Brown-Benedickt – Hygienist

I am enjoying dental hygiene as a second career. I was employed by the University of Wyoming Bookstore in retail management prior to returning to school for a degree in dental hygiene. I had been a dental assistant in the late 70’s and became interested in oral health care. When the opportunity was presented, I returned to school.

I worked for Dr. Cotant as a temporary dental assistant in 2006-2007, while attending hygiene school. I graduated from Sheridan College in 2007 and started my career as a dental hygienist.

I have 3 married daughters and I have 6 grandchildren who I do not get to see often enough, but when I retire they will be my main focus. I enjoy a western lifestyle, with riding horses and many closely related outdoor activities. I also enjoy woodworking and leather creations when the Wyoming weather keeps me inside.

Each day is a new learning experience and my skills continue to advance. I am fortunate to be able to see patients from 1 year of age and beyond, giving me the opportunity to become a more knowledgeable health care provider.

Kaylee Long – Dental Hygienist

I was born in Gillette, Wyoming but grew up in Buffalo on our family ranch 15 miles south of town. I attended Casper College on a rodeo scholarship while studying health science. I was then accepted into Sheridan College’s Dental Hygiene program where I spent the next two years living and continued to rodeo for Sheridan College.

I married my husband in 2019 and we welcomed our son, Wyatt in 2021. My husband and I run our own cow/calf operation and are so incredibly thankful to live and raise our son in Buffalo. I am a country girl and always will be at heart. I enjoy helping with livestock on the ranch, spending time in the Big Horns (camping and hunting), hitting rodeos when I can, and of course spending time with my family.

Being able to promote dental and overall health to each patient, through quality dental care is a passion of mine. I enjoy forming new relationships with my patients each day. I truly enjoy being a hygienist; it is such a rewarding job. Working at Cotant Family Dentistry is a true blessing. I work among a team who all strive for quality patient care every day. Our office is very welcoming and I have always believed if you love your job you will never have to work a day in your life.

Kinzi Hepp – Dental Hygienist

I’ve lived in Buffalo since middle school, and Buffalo is definitely the place I will always call home. I went to dental hygiene school in Sheridan, WY. I graduated in 2017 and after that my husband, James and I moved to South Dakota so I could practice dental hygiene. When a position opened up at Cotant Family Dentistry, I quickly applied with the hope to move home and do the job I love and provide for my community. We are so grateful to be able to raise our beautiful daughter Kamryn (we also have two fur babies) in Buffalo!

I began working here in 2018 and I get to practice dental hygiene, as well as assist Dr. Cotant. I truly have a passion for the dental field and my position here allows me to be versatile and I love it. I enjoy being able to help my patients learn and understand their oral health needs and concerns. I am proud to work with a team of individuals who truly care for our patients, and strive to provide the best quality of care.

Christy Zezas​ – Hygienist

I was born in New Mexico and moved to Buffalo with my family in the 80’s when my dad was transferred here for work. Buffalo is a beautiful place to live. I enjoy hiking and paddle boarding in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. I have two grown children, a son and a daughter, and I am proud of each of them. I love spending time with them, whether on an adventure or just hanging out together.

After working in banking for 14 years, I chose to go back to school to become a dental hygienist. I worked for Dr. Cotant as a dental assistant while I went to school. I graduated from dental hygiene school in 2018. I began my second career as a hygienist in Lander and Gillette, before returning to Buffalo. I appreciate and enjoy the interaction with patients, building relationships, and positively impacting their oral and overall health.

I am blessed to work with the Cotant’s and the rest of the team here at Cotant Family Dentistry. I am blessed to be back in this wonderful community that I call home.

Bailey Crosswait – Hygienist

Hey I’m Bailey Crosswait, a dental hygienist who is very excited to join the Cotant Family Dentistry team! In the office, you will see me as a hygienist helping patients with their overall health by providing tools to keep their oral health in check. You will also see me assisting Dr. Cotant as needed.

I have always had a passion to be a dental hygienist. With the dental field always changing and becoming more advanced, I strive to learn the best techniques to better help my patients. There is always more to learn!

A bit about me- I graduated from Sheridan College in 2014 and moved back to my hometown Belle Fourche, SD. I married my husband Ben in 2016 and moved to Williston, ND. We have the sweetest little two year old daughter, Briar.
We are excited to raise our family here in Buffalo and be closer to our SD family. And who wouldn’t want to live near these beautiful mountains! So many adventures ahead!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Allison Joyce – Hygienist

I was raised in Mandan, North Dakota and moved to Minnesota to attend college for dental hygiene. After graduating dental hygiene school in 2012, I was ready for a change so I moved to Denver, Colorado where I met my husband. We lived there for 10 Years until the Wyoming boy I fell in love with wanted to get back to Wyoming. We couldn’t be happier to have found the great town of Buffalo. I have longed for raising my 3 kids in a small community, and we hit the jackpot with moving to Buffalo.

We love to camp, boat, and “try” to catch fish out at Lake Desmet, where we live, but normally we just catch sticks. Maybe some day we will catch one of those Kokanee Salmon that you all talk about . We love enjoying time as a family on the water.

One of my favorite parts of being a dental hygienist is the relationships I build with patients. I enjoy connecting with each patient on a personal level while still educating them about their oral and overall health.

I am so thankful to have found Cotant Family Dentistry as my home away from home, and I cannot wait to meet you in my chair.

Dental Assistant

Kaylan Lamm – Dental Assistant

I was born and raised in southern Texas and moved to Casper, Wyoming (the windiest city) in 2006.

I spent time working on my education in early childhood and psychology while exploring the new world of outdoor activities, which ended up as some of my favorite pastimes.

I worked in the mental health field for several years and began my career in dentistry in 2017 as an assistant. I joined Cotant Family Dentistry in April of 2019 where I started as the Financial Coordinator. The beginning of 2020 I transitioned to the familiar role of a Dental Assistant and Patient Coordinator where I enjoy helping all of our patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental experience.

My family and I love the wonderful community of Buffalo. We cannot say enough amazing things about this state and love living here. We thoroughly enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Big Horns and the vast array of outdoor adventures to experience. I love hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, ice skating, snow showing, cross country skiing and basically any excuse to be outdoors. Buffalo has welcomed us with open arms and I am proud to be apart of such a charming community and amazing dental team.

Sara Tenneson – Dental Assistant

I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Northwest Washington State, where a love for animals grew into a passion for horses. My parents homeschooled me from second grade on so I could chase my rodeo dream. That dream landed us in beautiful Buffalo in 2022. We love our little community and everything it has to offer. I enjoy exploring our Bighorn Mountains, both on foot and on skis, being on horseback as much as I can, and teaching riding lessons to the children in the community.

I have greatly enjoyed being an assistant at Cotant Family Dentistry! I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful team of doctors and staff, as well as getting to know everyone in the Buffalo area. I have always had a passion for learning new skills and I am excited to continue to learn about dentistry and all it has to offer.