Meet Our Team
My name is Dr. Christopher Dickes: I graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 2005. Directly following dental school, I served four years in the U.S Navy onboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, CVN 76. I was honorably discharged in 2009 and immediately began practicing dentistry in the metropolitan area of Dayton, OH while my wife was completing her medical school training. After spending two years in Dayton, my wife and I moved back to our home state of South Dakota where I worked for four years at the South Dakota State prison and mental hospital. From there I started my own private practice, which includes providing dental care in a hospital setting for those who struggle with conventional dental care. With the help and support of my family, staff, and dental health partners, I have been able to expand my services to Yankton, Sioux Falls, and the Huron area.
Dentistry has seen dramatic changes over the years. New materials and techniques have given us the means to perform some wonderful transformations to those in need. But most dramatic is the change in our patients and access to care. We are simply reaching out to you as an option for your patients that require special treatment. So, when you struggle with getting patients to sit still in the dental chair – whether it’s the medically complex cases, age, the extent of treatment, and Medicaid – we are here to help in any way we can. Most treatment is completed in-office but when needed the hospital setting is always a great option for those that require it.
I grew up in Hartington, NE. I went to Metropolitan Community College for Medical Coding & Billing. Following my graduation for medical coding and billing, I moved back home because I had the desire to work chair side as a dental assistant to gain more knowledge on the patient care aspect of my future career.
I went to work for Horizon Health Care as a dental assistant/receptionist before I joined Dr. Dickes and his team. I enjoy where I work, and I love the people that I work with. When I’m not at work I like to spend time with my family & attend all of the activities that my nieces and nephews participate in. When I’m not with family I hang out with my friends & travel as much as possible!
My father left his native country of Greece with nothing more than a strong desire to succeed. Once in the United States, he worked in a packinghouse before learning enough English to start and develop a successful restaurant. My parents taught me that through hard work, patience, and perseverance, anything is possible.
I relied on these lessons during my dental hygiene schooling. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of South Dakota in 2002. It was in this capacity that I first experienced the professional satisfaction of being part of a collaborative effort to improve the lives of our patients. While working as a dental hygienist I have gained extensive experience in patient care and how dental offices function.
During my upbringing, my parents would frequently recount to me the hardships they faced in a new country where they were unfamiliar with the customs and the language. This real-world perspective has provided me with a unique insight into the difficulties of those with little access to dental care. My seventeen years of combined professional experience in private, public, education and now administrative work have provided me with countless experiences that have deepened my desire to continue helping all types of demographics. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Dr. Dickes as he shares the same mentality and drive that I do. He truly cares about everyone!
When I’m not practicing dentistry, I can be found spending time with my wife, children & friends. I enjoy archery hunting and coaching/mentoring kids with wrestling and soccer.
I grew up on a farm and attended high school in Wagner, SD. I graduated in May 2015 from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene with a minor in Health Science. I began my career in dentistry working as a dental hygienist while balancing chair-side assisting and front office duties with Dr. Dickes in Yankton, SD. I later obtained hospital privileges at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital to broaden my experiences in the field of dentistry. I quickly realized how demanding certain dental cases were, yet how rewarding at the same time.
I recently moved to Sioux Falls, SD to work as a full-time dental hygienist and assist with dental procedures at other hospital locations including Avera McKennan and Sanford Health. My favorite part of my job is helping patients improve their oral health and boost self-confidence by encouragement and support.
In my spare time, I enjoy visiting Wagner, SD to catch up with family, friends and spend time on the river boating and simply relaxing!