Dakota Smiles was founded in 2008, by the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Charles Duchsherer and Dr. Julie Kennedy. We were joined by Dr. Lisa Kyllo.Our family and cosmetic dentistry office is housed in a brand-new, beautiful facility that was built with your comfort in mind.
We deliver personalized, gentle dental care thatstailored to your situation. We focus a lot of time on patient education. Its important for you to understand your unique oral health and how it affects overall body health. Well teach you and give you the tools and information needed to make positive changes in your life.
Dr. Kennedy sees and cares for the children andteensin our practice. She has extensive continuing education in pediatric dental care and, being a mother herself, excels at connecting with younger patients.
Knowing that a childs first dental visits set the tone forfuture feelings about dentistry, Dr. Kennedy and our team ensure that every visit is enjoyed. We encourage childrens natural curiosity and desire for independence, and teachthem how to take great care of their teeth and smile.
I became a dentist because I wanted to help people. As a dentist, I find satisfaction in helping a patient out of pain, restoring someones ability to chew properly and comfortably, and improving a persons smile.
Being a dentist is about connecting with people. I enjoy getting to know multiple generations of the same family, and sharing in their lives and happiness. I love hearing about the exciting things that are happening with them, and look forward to their visits as a chance to catch up with friends.
Committed to remaining current on changes in dentistry, I complete many hours of continuing education each year. This ensures that I stay uptodate on the latest techniques and new technology. Advanced continuing education gives me the ability to handle complex treatment plans, and allows me to offer a range of care options that fit my patients needs and goals.
When Im not working, I can often be found spending time with my wife and children. I also like to golfand enjoy time at the lake during the summer, as well as hunting during the fall. In the winter, Im always trying to find an excuse to travel to somewhere warm!
I love helping my young patients develop great dental care habits. I know how important it is to have a childs earliest dental visits be positive experiences. If childrenlearnthat seeing the dentist is nothing to worry about, they dont develop dental-related anxiety. Instead, they look forward to visits as a chance to see people they like, who are warm, friendly, and connect with them on their level.
I take my time with my patients and talk with each one about what is going to happen during his or her visit. I show them the instruments Ill be using, how each works, and what they do. Overcoming childrens fear of the unknown is one of the keys to helping them not worry about visits.
I also teach each child about themouth, demonstratehow to brush and floss properly,and encourageeveryoneto take control of their dental health. It is my goal to instill in each patient a desire to keep their smile healthy and beautifulfor the rest of their life. When a child smiles and hugs me at the end of a visit, it really makes my day.
I received my undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Then I attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where I was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. After practicing general dentistry for several years, I decided to pursue my passion for treating children. NowI care solely for children and teens.
Every year, I complete many continuing education courses. New technologies and treatments, as well as dental materials, all lead to better care options and results for patients. I am committed to providing the highest level of leading-edge care to my young patients. Continuing education allows me to do that, becauseI learn from the leaders in pediatric dentistry.
I grew up here in Fargo and love practicing in my hometown. My husband, Dr. Charles Duchsherer, and I have three children. When Im not caring for my patients, I can usually be found with my husband and daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, losing myself in a book, and spending time at the lake.
I really enjoy getting to know each of my patients and understanding what their goals are for their oral health. Everyone is an individual and deserves individual care; I always strive to make sure I know what each patient is hoping to achieve by having their treatment completed so that we can be sure the end result will make them smile.
We realize here at Dakota Smiles that a visit to the dental office is not the highlight of most peoples day. My hope is that our office can become a place our patients are able to relax and feel comfortable at. I aim to achieve this by walking patients through each procedure we do and taking the time to answer any and all questions that may come up along the way.
I attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. I then went on to attend and graduate with distinction from the University of Minnesota, where I received by Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
Since finishing my formal education, I have continued to expand my knowledge by regularly attending continuing education classes in my spare time. These classes have helped me to stay up to date on the always evolving field of dentistry. I have been very fortunate to attend classes by Spear Education that have enabled me to view dentistry comprehensively, so that I can provide the best individual care for every patient. I truly enjoy the opportunity to be a life-long learner and having the chance to take what Ive learned and share it with my staff and patients.
I grew up just north of Fargo, ND, and after attending school in the Twin Cities, naturally returned to the Red River Valley to pursue my passion. I married my husband, Ethan, in 2017 and we welcomed our first child in March of 2019.
When Im not at the office, you can find me at our lake cabin, regardless of the time of year. My husband and I enjoy spending time in the ice house in the winter and time out in the boat during the summer. We also enjoy cheering on the Bison football team in the fall and traveling to Minneapolis to catch a game by any of the Minnesota sports teams.