Meet the 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.
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!
For more than 20 years, Dr. Hilary Haley has provided her patients with exceptional comprehensive and cosmetic dental care. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Minnesota. Shortly after graduating she moved back to her hometown of Mitchell, SD.
Dr. Haley enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and continues to evolve with the ever-changing dynamics of the field by attending cutting edge courses in dentistry. She loves how every day is different from the procedures she completes to the people she meets!
When she’s not working she busy chasing her 3 busy teenagers around. In her spare time, she enjoys to cook and try new recipes, spend time with family, friends and read about architecture and design.
I was born and raised in Germany; I grew up a proud military child. After having lived in several places my family eventually settled in Sioux Falls, SD where I followed in my mother’s footsteps as a passionate dental assistant. I graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute and have worked for a variety of practices from family dentistry to orthodontics.
Outside of work you can find me spending time with my husband, children, and Siberian Husky or participating as a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). My hobbies include boxing, writing, reading, traveling and hiking.
Dawna was born and raised in the Midwest. She joined Willow Creek Dental as a dental assistant and office administrator. She attended Lake Area Tech for dental assisting and graduated in 2008. She brings 11 years of experience in general, specialized cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Not to add she’s a wiz with accounting! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time at Lake Okoboji with family, friends and her puppy Kujo. When the time will finally allow she’s hoping to join Cross Fit.