Thanks to a superb staff of dental assistants, hygienists and office support, Dr. Timothy Drake is privileged to serve your dental care needs. Together we stand ready to assist you in maintaining dental wholeness and health. Members of our dental team are selected for their training, dental experience, skills, and ability to be considerate care givers. We individualize our care to each patient’s specific needs and all participate in extensive continuing education to provide our patients with the ethical quality care!
KARLA
Karla was born and raised in Mitchell, and has over 25 years of dental experience at our office. She can be seen helping out in all positions of the office. By getting to know each patient personally, Karla can focus on the needs of each individual since every patient requires something different. You can always count on her to sort out your insurance needs since she is an expert! As treatment coordinator Karla will put together an individualized plan for you. We value her dedication and loyalty to her work. Karla has a son and daughter who make her very proud. In her free time she and her husband Tracy enjoy following their kid’s activities and spending time with friends and family. They also enjoy motorcycling and 4-wheeling in the Black Hills. Karla says, “I love dentistry! The patients I meet and the relationships I develop are what make my career so fulfilling! I invite you to come and meet our dental family; you will certainly want to be a part of it!”
TAMMY
An essential component to a successful dental team is a well trained assistant. Tammy is certified as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and has been a member of our team for over 8 years! She received her training at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, South Dakota. In addition to assisting, Tammy is also in responsibilities for designing customized night guards, bleaching trays and athletic mouthguards. Outside of work, Tammy enjoys spending time with her husband, Jediah, and her two daughters. Tammy’s girls love helping her bake, which is one of her many talents! They also enjoy going to the movies or sitting down with a good book! Family and friends are important for Tammy and her family, and they do their best to stay in touch! Tammy said, “I take a lot of pride in being both efficient and proficient while assisting Dr. Drake in providing outstanding care for our patients! I look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Please come and see for yourself what makes our family, cosmetic, and restorative dental practice so exceptional!”
CAYLA
Cayla is one of our Registered Dental Hygienists, and is an integral part of our dental team. She is passionate about helping people achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Cayla is bilingual in English and Spanish. She earned her Associate of Science degree from the Ivy Tech State College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and is the recipient of the Golden Scaler Award. The Golden Scaler Award is presented annually by faculty of participating dental hygiene schools to students who have demonstrated remarkable skills and talent throughout their education. Golden Scaler Students have the special “golden touch” that will serve them well during their career in dental hygiene, and is a testament to all of their achievements! Cayla has been a part of our team since June 2010. She is originally from Michigan and moved to South Dakota after marrying her husband, Colton. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and their German Shepherd, Cola. Some of her other interests include doing volunteer work, walking, hiking, snowboarding , horseback riding, and visiting the shores of Lake Michigan. A good book is usually with her wherever she goes! Cayla looks forward to teaching you how to be healthy through a healthy smile!
KIM
Kim joined our team as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2008. She grew up in Wakonda, South Dakota, and graduated from the University of South Dakota. Kim focuses on helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through patient education. By knowing how to improve your oral health care routine, one can achieve beautiful and lasting teeth, which always leaves our patients smiling. In her free time, Kim enjoys working out and plays both indoor and sand volleyball. Spending time with her husband, Tyler, family, and friends has always been important to her. Kim says, “I am excited to be a part of a growing practice and do my best to contribute to the success and happiness of our patients! I am happy to be part of a team that strives for excellence and customer service. It is wonderful having a job where I can serve others one smile at a time.”