Cynthia is married to Dr. Anderson. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and went on to obtain her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Iowa in 1997. She worked as a Physician Assistant for 15 years before obtaining training in Dental Radiography and Office Management. Devren and Cynthia opened the doors of Dental Wellness in September of 2010, and over the past few years, Cynthia has transitioned to working full time in the business office. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, being with family, and outdoor activities. They are all happy to have settled in Sioux Falls and are enjoying being a part of the community.
Erika graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelors degree of Science in Dental Hygiene. Erika enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and spending time outdoors. Erika looks forward to meeting new people and helping them with their dental health.
Shannon was born in Hessen, Germany, and spent her childhood travelling as a dependent with the USAF. She is a graduate of the University of South Dakota with a Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. In her free time she likes to garden and enjoy other outdoor activities with her fiance, Matt. She also has the joy of keeping her golden retriever, Griffin, from destroying her home.
Shannon began her career in the dental field in Omaha, NE and is a Dental Assistant as well as a Dental Hygienist. She looks forward to getting to know each patient and helping maintain their dental health.
Katie has been with Dental Wellness since 2014! She grew up with her parents and eleven siblings in Vermillion South Dakota (GO YOTES!). She attended Western Dakota Technical School in Rapid City for her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant training. She enjoys spending time with her family, her boyfriend Nick, and their yellow lab, Winston. Katie has a nurturing personality. With a big heart and her warm smile she will do her best to make your dental experiences relaxing and comfortable.
Cassie is originally from Coon Rapids Minnesotaa town 30 minutes north of the Twin Cities. After receiving her Dental Assistant training at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji Minnesota she worked in dental offices in Blaine Minnesota. In January of 2020 she moved to Sioux Falls with her fianc who works for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. She loves to spend free time playing with and walking their shepherd-husky mix dog, Dexter. They are adjusting to Sioux Falls life quickly and loving it!
Philosophy of CareThe team at Dental Wellness believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.
It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.
Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the staff at Dental Wellness work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Sioux Falls area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.
Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, the team at Dental Wellness can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.
Q: Are baby teeth really that important to my child?A: Primary, or baby, teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.
Q: What should I do if my child has a toothache?A: First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Q: How do dental sealants work?A: Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
Q: How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?A: Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your childs primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
Q: What can I do to protect my teeth during sporting events?A: Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Q: How safe are dental X-rays?A: There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.