Meet the Doctors

The ability to help people using the combination of art and science drew me to dentistry.

I can’t say there is one memory in particular, given the fear of dentistry is so prevalent. Almost daily, I meet someone who “hates the dentist … no offense,” but these are my favorite patients to interact with because my team and I get to show them how much we care, and there’s nothing to fear.

First, rest assured, there will never be any judgment from my team or me. Second, bring a pair of headphones with you to the appointment to listen to your favorite music! If you don’t have headphones or forget, just ask anyone on the team about our FREE comfort menu options.

I like to ensure each patient has a personal experience regarding their care. If you are inquisitive and want pictures and explanations of everything, you got it. If you are more of the ‘just get it over with’ type, I understand entirely, and we will move forward efficiently for you. All we ask is for good communication on what works for you.

My family dominates my free time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! If it is just ‘me time,’ you’ll probably find me on the golf course or in my garage building something.

The biggest advances in dentistry for me in the last 10 years of practicing have been ‘same-day crowns’ and ‘dental implants.’ The ‘same-day crowns’ have been a game changer for patients by avoiding the need for temporary crowns and having to come back multiple times with multiple ‘shots’ each time. As for dental implants, they have changed the game of replacing missing teeth. Everything is so streamlined now that most patients tell me how easy the process was after getting an implant.

“There’s no pain, so there’s no need to fix it.”

The best analogy I’ve heard to answer this is, “High blood pressure doesn’t hurt either until it really hurts, and by then, it might be too late.”

I think the most important thing for me is that patients know that, at my core, I care deeply about them as individuals.

I wanted to be an integral part of the community, connect with patients, and do my best to help them.

I enjoy that each day brings a different challenge. I find great joy in solving people’s problems. An important part of being a dentist is helping all patients feel comfortable. I use a style of patient care customized to each patient’s needs.

I try to use a mixture of humor and empathy to accommodate anxious patients.

Continuing education in dental implants, sleep apnea treatment, and Invisalign®.

People remember how others make them feel. I want them to feel positive about our office, staff, and myself.

Babies cannot steal calcium from your teeth, and cavities are not generally considered genetic.

After shadowing my dentist cousin, I decided that, during my undergraduate years, dentistry looked like a great profession.

Making our patients less fearful and more positive about their dental experiences while improving their health and looks.

I let them know if they ever feel cold or uncomfortable or just need a break, to raise their left hand, as I can always see it while I’m working.

I really try to find out what is most important to each individual about their dental health.

I love to fish and train Labrador retrievers for field trial competitions.

I have always been interested in new technology. I was the 1st dentist in SD to have a laser and Cerec same-day crown-making technology. We now use exclusively digital impressions and AI technology to help us evaluate dental diseases in our X-rays.

They made it through the appointment, which was much easier than anticipated.

The idea that you don’t need to restore baby teeth because they are going to lose them anyway. Also, implants aren’t scary, and they cause minimal discomfort.

Growing up in a family of healthcare workers, I was inspired to find my own plan to help people make a difference in their lives. I love that dentistry can be an art form as well as a science, and I appreciate the craftsmanship and skill involved in creating a happy, healthy smile.

I am very empathetic when it comes to people, and I want them to feel like I have their best interests at heart truly.

I am confident that patients will not feel judged and that from now on, we can only push forward and make each day better.

Chasing our three kids, Cooper, Collins, and Miller. Traveling and cooking.

Always focusing on the latest technology to best treat our patients with quality, comprehensive care.

Growing up in a small town, I was very fortunate to have a dentist nearby who took me under his wing. While shadowing him, I was able to see the relationships he built while caring for his patients. Seeing the impact he had on his community really inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.

I find the most enjoyment in building lasting relationships with patients and their families that go beyond the dental chair. Over the years, I have really enjoyed being a small part of my patients’ lives through exciting events like graduating high school, graduating college, getting married, or having kids or grandkids.

I feel a lot of dental fear is rooted is rooted is one of three areas:

1. Bad previous experiences
2. The “unknown” about the procedure itself
3. Feeling as they aren’t heard during a procedure if something is wrong

I approach every patient and procedure the same way, keeping these three things in mind. While we cannot change the past, we certainly can work towards making sure every experience you have in our office is as comfortable as we can possibly make it. We work diligently to ensure that there are no “unknowns” about the specifics of a procedure or what is actually going to occur. & Finally, understanding that your care is ultimately in your hands. Understanding that whether it is discussing your goals or during a procedure, you always have a voice, and we are always here to listen.

My wife, Caitlin, met at the University of Iowa. We can watch the Hawkeyes, spend time with our two dogs, or try new local restaurants.

I regularly attend statewide dental association meetings, whether in South Dakota or nearby Minnesota. I’m particularly interested in digital dentistry and workflows that allow impactful results in a short period of time.

I think what I hope most patients take away after a visit is that at the end of the day, we treat people, not just their teeth. There is no “one size fits all” in dentistry and dental work. While I am here to help work on your dental issues and needs, ultimately, my goal is to care for you as a person.

That “bad teeth” run in the family. While genetics can certainly play a role in the development of our teeth, it has a relatively small impact compared to the LARGE impact of routine home/professional care and diet.

My Dad was a dentist, and my brother went into dentistry, so having that support structure ahead of me made it fun and comfortable to share in that with them.

My favorite thing about working with patients is developing ongoing relationships over the years. I love not having to look in a chart to know details about someone I’ve been seeing for many years.

My advice would be to please feel comfortable communicating with us. I don’t want to tell you how to feel comfortable, I want you to tell us how you could feel more comfortable. If a weighted blanket, headphones, no TV noise or more TV noise, less overhead lights, or bringing anything along from home could help you feel more comfortable in our office, we’d love to know and help.

The staff hears me repeat all the time that I really just try to live by “Golden Rule Dentistry”- I only want the patient to be treated like I would want myself or any member of my family treated.

I love to travel, go to concerts, and try new restaurants, but I am also equally happy to stay at home listening to audiobooks or podcasts and playing all board games, card games, or yard games.

Digital scanning has been the most fun change from my time in school to my time in practice. Having the digital dental world expand from crowns to implants to dentures and almost everything else has greatly improved.

I hope patients leave feeling like I care about them, not just their teeth. I want them to feel heard, understood, and taken care of.

“If you don’t get cavities, it means you take better care of your teeth than if you do get cavities.” I see so many kids and adults feel defeated if we tell them they have a cavity because they feel like they brush better or more often than the siblings that didn’t get a cavity. I try to help them understand that some of us are just built with more cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths than the next person, so we do have to work a little harder at brushing, flossing, mouthwash, limiting sugars, and using xylitol products than they do, but that it’s not all their fault and that I’m in the same boat as them ;))

A young patient, the little round-faced brunette clinging to her mother’s skirt, might have been about seven. Her mother pried the tightly gripped hands away as she placed the girl into the stiff dental chair. The dentist instructed the little girl to open wide. Her lip quivered in response as she crossed her arms and nervously shook her head. While her mother attempted to coax her to follow the dentist’s directions, tears filled the little girl’s eyes. Before the tears could spill over, the dentist snatched her attention with an amusing scene in which he tapped his cheek before gaping open like a fish to produce a popping noise. Soon, giggles bubbled out of the young girl’s lips. With her attention redirected, she forgot her worries and opened her mouth for the dental exam. The dentist inspired me with his ability to use his personal touch to turn a situation of fear into one of trust and cooperation. This first dental shadowing experience motivated me to pursue a field where I could offer similar support and healing to people undergoing stressful but necessary procedures.

I enjoy seeing the smiles on my patient’s faces after they have finished treatment and the amazement in their eyes as they realize, “This is my smile now!”

In our office, you are in control of what happens. We will not do anything without your permission, and you can take a break at any time with just a raise of your hand. We will work with you to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Many people fear the dentist, so I prioritize creating a relaxed, judgment-free environment. I use various comfort techniques (such as nitrous oxide, weighted blankets, and stress balls) and thoroughly explain each step to reduce anxiety. My patients are often surprised by how calm, positive, and in control of their dental health they feel after an appointment.

By keeping up with the latest dental research articles and staying active in groups like the American Academy of Clear Aligners to continue to learn about the technology and methods used to provide straighter and more functional bites for my patient’s smiles. We will soon be offering iTero scans for Invisalign treatment that only take 5 minutes per scan as opposed to the 40-minute scanner we used before. We also offer same-day crowns with our in-office milling CEREC unit.

I hope my patients leave their appointments feeling like their concerns were genuinely heard and addressed. Every patient is unique, and their treatment plan was tailored just for them and their concerns instead of a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all plan.

When a tooth starts to hurt, it usually means the issue has progressed beyond a simple filling and requires more extensive treatment. That’s why regular exams are so important- they allow us to catch cavities early before they start causing pain and need more involved procedures.

Growing up with a father who was a dentist provided me with a unique perspective on the profession. Watching him work and help people on a daily basis made a lasting impression on me. Having the ability to improve people’s health, restore their smiles, and provide relief from pain showed me the profound impact that a dentist can have.

Sarah, a patient in her 30s, avoided dentists due to childhood trauma. Fearful and anxious, she had a serious cavity. I patiently listened to her fears, offered nitrous oxide, and started with a small procedure, ensuring her comfort throughout.

She was amazed by how much easier it was than expected and eventually overcame her anxiety. The most rewarding moment was when she expressed gratitude for making dental visits possible.

If I could give one piece of advice to help patients feel comfortable during their visit, it would be to communicate openly and honestly with us. Let us know if you’re feeling anxious or nervous— we do our best to help people feel at ease, and we can adjust our approach to make you more comfortable.

To help anxious patients relax, I try to create a calm, reassuring environment. I use techniques like explaining procedures step-by-step in a way that’s easy to understand, giving patients control where possible (e.g., letting them signal if they need a break), and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to soothing music during treatment. I also make sure to offer options for light sedation if needed, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The goal is always to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with my patients. It’s not just about fixing teeth; it’s about understanding their concerns and creating personalized treatment plans. I prioritize compassion, integrity, and patient-centered care. I want every patient to feel heard, respected, and empowered, confident in the care they receive.

When I’m not at the clinic, I love spending time with my family—it’s the foundation of my life and a great way to recharge. Whether it’s a family dinner, a weekend getaway, or just hanging out at home, those moments give me a sense of balance and remind me of the importance of connection and support.

I also have a deep passion for motorcycles and bicycles. There’s something about the freedom of the open road and two wheels (motorized or not) that gives me a sense of clarity and peace. It’s not just about the thrill; riding helps me clear my mind, and I often find that some of my best ideas or solutions to challenges come during those rides. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and enjoy nature, which leads me to my next passion—exercise. I try to stay fit by cycling or doing regular workouts. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a long ride, or just stretching out after a busy day, staying active helps me manage stress and keeps my energy levels up.

Having these hobbies and interests definitely influences my work-life balance. They give me an outlet to unwind and disconnect from the demands of dentistry, which is a mentally and physically demanding profession. By making time for things I enjoy—whether it’s family, riding, or exercise—I’m able to return to work feeling recharged and more focused. The balance is key to being the best version of myself both professionally and personally.

Staying updated with the latest advancements in dentistry is crucial to providing the best care possible for my patients. I make it a priority to continually educate myself by attending continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops. These are great opportunities to learn from experts in the field and explore emerging technologies and techniques. I also subscribe to reputable dental journals and online platforms to stay informed about the latest research and innovations. Networking with colleagues and sharing insights with fellow professionals also helps me keep my skills sharp and my knowledge current.

One of the most exciting advancements I’ve incorporated into my practice recently is guided implant surgery. This technology has really transformed the way I approach dental implants. Using 3D imaging and computer-guided planning, we can map out the most precise implant placement, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. It allows for a much less invasive procedure with greater accuracy and significantly reduces the risk of complications. The ability to plan and execute an implant with such precision is incredibly rewarding for both the patient and me as a clinician. It’s also less traumatic for patients, with a faster recovery time and more predictable results.

I’d love for my patients to remember their experience with me as one where they felt cared for, understood, and respected. I want them to feel like they were not just another appointment but an individual whose needs and concerns were truly heard. Dentistry can be intimidating for many, so I strive to create an environment that feels welcoming and relaxed. If they leave my office feeling at ease and confident in the care they receive, that’s a win in my book.

If a patient were to tell a friend about their visit, I’d hope they’d say something like, “I felt so comfortable there—they really took the time to explain everything and made sure I was okay throughout the whole process.” Or even better, “I didn’t feel rushed, and they made sure I knew all my options before we moved forward.” Above all, I’d want them to feel like they were part of a collaborative process where their input was valued, and they were empowered to make decisions about their own dental health.

Ultimately, it’s about more than just the treatment itself—it’s about how the experience makes them feel. If patients leave my office feeling confident in their smiles and that they’ve been treated with care and respect, that’s the best feedback I could hope for.

One dental myth I wish more patients knew the truth about is the idea that “you only need to see a dentist when you’re in pain” or that “if nothing hurts, everything must be fine.” This myth can have serious consequences for a patient’s long-term oral health.

The reality is that many dental problems, like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, often develop silently and may not cause any pain until they’ve progressed to a more serious stage. By the time pain sets in, the issue could be much harder to treat, and the treatment could be more invasive, expensive, or require more recovery time. For example, a small cavity left unchecked can lead to a much larger, more complicated issue like an abscess or the need for a root canal.

To help patients understand this, I emphasize the importance of preventive care—regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months. These visits allow us to catch potential issues early when they’re easier and less costly to treat. I also explain that oral health is connected to overall health. Conditions like gum disease have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke, so routine visits are an important part of maintaining not just a healthy smile but overall well-being.

I encourage my patients to think of dental visits the same way they think about other forms of preventive care, like regular checkups with their general physician. Just because you’re not experiencing pain doesn’t mean everything is fine. By maintaining a proactive approach to dental care, we can prevent bigger issues from arising down the road.

I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare and dentistry was the perfect fit for me with the artistic aspect of it.

Patients appreciate it when you give them a life-changing smile or get out of pain.

I constantly check in with patients during their appointments to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.

I know that when I have any type of appointment, it is important for me to feel valued and heard, and I really strive to do the same for my own patients.

I enjoy working out, playing volleyball, watching Nebraska volleyball, and spending time with my little dog, Peaches.

I am involved in a Spear Study Club with other members of the dental community in Sioux Falls, which allows me to stay up to date with advancements in dentistry, as well as learn from others.

I want patients to leave our office feeling heard, valued, and satisfied with the treatment they received.

“You don’t need to floss” Yes, you do, to prevent gum disease.

I always wanted to be in a profession where I could help people. There is also a certain artistic aspect of dentistry that drew me in.

So many people come in with anxiety. I try to be a calming presence, and the best thing I can hear after the appointment is, “ Wow! That was easy.”

I believe in getting people out of pain and do everything I can to accommodate same day treatment. I also value others’ time and do everything I can to make good use of their time as well as mine.

I enjoy cooking, traveling, golf, skiing, and just spending time with my wife and kids.

I pride myself on staying up on technology. Digital scans, cone beam, Cerec, and 3d printing.

I would want them to say how quick and easy it was.

The need for dental work does not directly correlate to pain. Once there is pain, the resolution becomes significantly more expensive.

When I was younger, I had an appreciation for the sciences and medicine. I had an orthodontist who positively impacted my dental journey, and I knew that dentistry would be a good career to help improve people’s lives.

One of my favorite things to do for people is to get them out of pain or to perform a procedure that they can feel a noticeable difference in a tooth or their smile. I’ll never forget a patient who needed dentures and was extremely nervous to get his teeth taken out. When we got to the final appointment of the dentures he was so happy with how they looked and happy he had functioning teeth again.

Dentistry has progressed rapidly from 20 years ago to a point where almost all appointments do not take a long time. I always make a point to tell patients to let us know if they need anything during an appointment to help them feel more comfortable.

I try to provide the best possible care for our patients by implementing new technologies to reduce the number of visits a patient needs to come in or to help make the appointment time shorter for patients.

I enjoy watching sports, exercising, golfing, or spending time with family and friends.

Over the past year, we have implemented more digital dentures in our office. This method takes fewer visits than a traditional denture, and we don’t have to take impressions.

I hope that patients feel relaxed when they come to our office and that we truly care about them.

If I ever mention to a patient that they need a root canal, they assume it will be painful when almost always it is not.

My brother had a bike and baseball accident when we were young and fractured the majority of his upper front teeth. He was able to finally have his smile reconstructed when he was a senior in high school and the transformation in his confidence was incredible. I wanted to provide the same life-changing experience for my patients someday.

One of my favorite parts of working with patients is when you finish working on an esthetic area, and you have them look in the mirror, and they go, “Oh my goodness, THANK YOU, it looks amazing,” and you see them continue to smile at themselves in the mirror.

Some of my other favorite experiences are when patients have a lot of anxiety around an anesthetic or a procedure, whether it is an adult or child, and through different techniques or with Tenner, we can get through what they were anxious about, and the patient is so surprised with how quick and easy it all was. It makes you feel so good as a provider that you were able to keep your patients comfortable while getting what they needed to be completed.

We promise we are here to help you!

My therapy dog, Tenner! I believe everyone should walk in the doors of a dental clinic and feel relaxed instead of anxious, and that is my goal with Tenner being part of the dental experience!

As far as a clinical standpoint, I strongly believe in trying to be proactive to maintain proper function of the teeth for long-term health and stability, all while prioritizing esthetics.

Spend time with my husband, Adam, our son, Cade, and Tenner! I especially love to be outside – in the summer on a lake or walking and in the winter skiing or hunting. I also love to cook/bake, read, watch a good movie, and stay active with Pilates. Prioritizing time with family and friends is important to me and fills up my cup!

Continuous CE and collaboration with other dentists. There’s always something new to learn and improve!

I love utilizing our Cerecs and enjoy learning how to achieve a super esthetic product for our patients through custom designs and staining.

They had a comfortable experience that exceeded their expectations!

We no longer use actual novocaine in the dental world; what we use now is more effective and lasts longer. Our goal as dental providers is to try and keep the experience as pain-free as possible, and with newer anesthetics and techniques we are trained in, there are fewer “traumatic” experiences for patients in the dental chair.

I knew I wanted to help people in some capacity. I shadowed all different kinds of jobs in healthcare but ultimately fell in love with dentistry. I love the artistry of dentistry.

I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families. I love forming connections with my patients while providing quality dental care. Building a child’s confidence in the dental chair is the most rewarding part of my job.

I just recently had a filling and was nervous about my dental appointment, so I completely understand how my patient feels in the chair! I try to explain the procedure to patients if they are anxious and answer any questions they may have.

My approach to dentistry is patient-centered. I am focused on the teeth and the patient as a whole person. Everyone has unique needs and wants, and my approach to dentistry considers that.

I spend time with my family in my free time: my husband (Drew) and three kids (Elin, Johanna, and Thomas).

I always knew I wanted to work with my hands and help people in pain. Dentistry allowed me to do both of those things.

I love helping someone who is hurting feel better or making someone unhappy with their smile so that they can regain confidence.

Explaining things in easily understandable language and empathizing with the experience helps everyone feel better.

I think the patient experience is the most important thing. I strive to make sure everyone has the best experience and feels heard and valued.

I enjoy golfing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

I enjoy continuing education and learning about what is possible. There are great resources, both online and in person, to collaborate and learn from our peers.

I hope they feel like their dentist was just a “regular guy, ” making them feel at ease.

That “bad teeth” are genetic. Typically, the bacteria and habits can be genetic, but the enamel quality is rarely the difference maker.