Dentists
Kris McKinney, D.D.S.
Dr. Kris McKinney graduated dental school with honors in 1996 from the University of Iowa. Prior to dental school, he completed his undergraduate degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. Since graduating from the University of Iowa, Dr. McKinney has owned and operated his own dental practice in Sioux Falls, SD.
Dr. McKinney’s dental practice includes general dentistry with special interest in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and children’s dentistry. He completed advanced training through the MidAmerican Orthodontic Society, the American Orthodontic Society and the Progressive Orthodontic Society and is a certified Invisalign doctor. In addition to his dental work, Dr. McKinney also offers Botox treatments for both aesthetic enhancement and therapeutic purposes related to TMD and clenching. Dr. McKinney ensures high quality of care for patients by continuing postgraduate courses on new techniques and procedures in both dentistry and orthodontics.
Dr. McKinney and his wife, Melissa, have lived in Sioux Falls for over 20 years with their three sons Gabe, Ethan, and Griffin. In his spare time, Dr. McKinney enjoys fitness activities and spending time with family.
William Schultz, D.D.S
Dr Bill Schultz is originally from Huron, SD, graduating in 1987. He then attended the University of South Dakota where he received a B.S. in Biology in 1991. Dr. Schultz graduated with a Degree in Dentistry from the University of Minnesota in 1995. After graduation, Dr. Schultz completed a one year residency with the United States Army in Ft. Lewis, WA. For the next four years, he held the rank of Captain and served as a general dentist in the US Army, traveling Europe while stationed in Illesheim, Germany. His last duty station with the Army was Ft.Carson, CO.
Dr Schultz then transitioned from the Army to the United States Public Health Service in order to take an assignment to open a Dental Clinic for the City of Sioux Falls. Dr. Schultz held the position of Dental Director at the Sioux River Valley Community Health Center Dental Clinic (now Falls Community Health) for five years before joining the staff at Great Plains Dental in 2006. He is a member of the ADA, SD ADA, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the Siouxland Implant Study Club.
Dr. Schultz provides general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant restorations and has a special interest in treating patients who suffer from Migraines and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. He offers patients the newest techniques and procedures through continued postgraduate courses. His goal is to provide high quality dental care in a relaxed and gentle manner to all of his patients.
Dr. Schultz and his wife Angie moved to Sioux Falls in 2000. They have two children, Emma and Cooper. When Dr. Schultz is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, pheasant and turkey hunting, golfing, reading, traveling. He is an avid Minnesota sports fan (especially the Vikings) and hopes that, in his lifetime, he will see the Vikings play in and actually win a Superbowl!
Brock Nelsen, D.D.S.
Dr. Brock Nelsen was born in Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated from Washington High School. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received a B.S. in Biology with minors in Political Science and Mathematics. Dr. Nelsen graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Since graduation, Dr. Nelsen has been with Great Plains Dental and seeks to use technological innovation to define his practice. Using technological advances in dentistry, he employs a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to dentistry. Dr. Nelsen continually seeks additional dental education courses to refine his approach to dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), South Dakota ADA, and Siouxland Implant Study Club.
In his spare time, Dr. Nelsen can be found running on the Sioux Falls bike path training for his next marathon. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and water skiing.
Jessica Waterbury, D.D.S.
A native of Northwest Iowa, Dr. Jessica Waterbury completed both undergraduate studies and dental school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.
After graduating dental school, Jessica moved to Rochester, MN, where she worked as a general dentist for five years before relocating to Sioux Falls.
She loves seeing families and providing quality dental care to all ages, especially kids.
Jessica and her husband Tom have a son, Wells, and two daughters, Collins and Ellison. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, yoga, and biking.
Rebecca Ryan, D.D.S.
Dr. Rebecca Ryan was born in Rapid City, SD and moved east river to Sioux Falls, SD at a young age. She graduated from Washington High School and went on to attend South Dakota State University where she received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Ryan graduated with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado.
Dr. Ryan enjoys working with state-of-the-art dental technology and is excited to continually grow in the world of digital dentistry. She offers a comprehensive approach to care which includes a custom treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. She likes working with patients of all ages, especially children, and hopes to make the dental office a positive experience for everyone.
Food and music are some of Dr. Ryan’s favorite things. She enjoys spending her summers on the water and her winters in the mountains. Dr. Ryan is excited to be a part of Great Plains Dental and give back to the community that helped shape her.
Administrative Team
Lynsey
Lynsey was born and raised near Mt. Vernon, SD. She holds a B.S degree in Dental Hygiene and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of South Dakota. She also holds the SHRM-CP human resource credential. Lynsey joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2012, where her blend of clinical expertise and administrative skills have contributed to the team’s success. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys fitness activities, kayaking, volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and two young daughters. A fun fact about Lynsey is that she has completed over 20 half marathons!
Bridget
Bridget’s role as our business office manager is integral to the smooth operation of Great Plains Dental. Originally from Dante, SD, she attended Colorado Technical University where she completed a degree in criminal justice. Since joining our team in 2010, Bridget has played a crucial role in managing the administrative aspects of our practice.
Outside of work, Bridget enjoys family time with her husband and two children. Her interests include savoring iced coffee and tuning into 90’s music.
Heather
Heather joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2017 as a patient representative and later transitioned to the role of treatment coordinator. She has been an integral part of the administrative team, bringing a strong commitment to patient care and education. Her passion lies in guiding patients through their dental insurance details and helping them understand their treatment options with compassion and clarity.
Outside of work, Heather loves to spend time with her two puppies, whom she enjoys teaching new tricks. She also enjoys decorating, crafting, and watching college volleyball. Heather loves to cheer for teams like the Huskers and the Gophers.
Pat
Pat grew up on a farm near Arlington, SD and began her career by enrolling in the dental assisting program at Lake Area Technical College. She spent many years as a dental assistant before transitioning to the business office as an insurance specialist. Pat’s extensive background in dentistry has laid a strong foundation for her current role, where she manages insurance matters with proficiency and insight.
Pat has an identical twin sister which has led to occasional cases of mistaken identity, even prompting a few playful pranks at Great Plains Dental. Outside of work, Pat enjoys pursuing her hobby of quilting. She has been a valued member of the Great Plains Dental Team since 2012.
Jourdan
Jourdan is originally from Freeman, SD and graduated from Southeast Technical College with an Associate degree in Business. She joined our team in 2015 as an insurance specialist, bringing valuable skills to handle the complexities of insurance processes with precision and care. In her free time, she enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and three kids. Her perfect day consists of grabbing an iced coffee and strolling through some antique shops.
Cas
Cas is originally from Redfield, SD. She earned an Associate degree in Marketing with a focus on Advertising and Design from Southeast Technical College. Her career path has encompassed broadcasting and healthcare marketing before she discovered her passion for dentistry and joined our team in 2019.
Outside of work, Cas spends her free time with friends and family, traveling, enjoying fitness activities, and even indulging in adventurous activities like skydiving. Cas also leads a Bible study group and is an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeyes football. An interesting fact about Cas is that she is related to Jesse James the Outlaw!
Courtney
Courtney is our newest addition to the administrative team at Great Plains Dental, bringing with her a unique background and enthusiastic energy. Originally from Iowa, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Natural Resources. Despite being new to the dental industry, Courtney has fully embraced her role with us. We are delighted to have her on board as she begins her dental career journey. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring hiking trails with her dog, and discovering local breweries. A fun fact about Courtney is that she is currently learning to speak French!
Dental Assisting
Tanya
Tanya is originally from Sioux Falls, but her and her family now reside on a farm near Brandon, SD. Tanya serves as our sterilization technician and is known as our office multitool, ensuring that all our providers have everything they need to create seamless appointments. Her dedication and support for her teammates make her a highly valued member of our team. In her free time, she enjoys tending to her flower beds, refurbishing furniture and taking care of the family farm cats.
Paige
Paige was born in Sioux Falls, but spent most of her childhood near Cambridge, MN. She began her journey with Great Plains Dental in 2019 as an internship through the Southeast Technical College Dental Assisting program. Although dentistry was new to her, she quickly earned her reputation as a “dental rockstar.” Over the past five years, Paige has gained valuable experience assisting various doctors at our practice. For the last three years, she has been an indispensable member of Dr. McKinney’s team, contributing significantly to both the general and orthodontic aspects of our practice. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, vacationing, and photography. A fun fact about Paige is that she went to school for Anoka Ramsey Community College for photography before starting her career in dentistry.
Madie
Madison was born and raised on a farm near Inwood, IA. After graduating from high school, she pursued her education at Western Iowa Tech Community College, where she completed her dental assistant training. Madison became a valued member of the Great Plains Dental team in 2020, where she has since expanded her skills and knowledge in the field. In her spare time, Madison enjoys walking, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Mackenzie
Mackenzie is originally from a small town in Iowa and is a graduate of West Lyon High School. Her pursuit of a career in dental care led her to Lake Area Technical Institute, where she completed the dental assisting program. Mackenzie joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2020 and has been assisting alongside Dr. Schultz ever since. When she is not at work, She enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughter and her dog, Opie the corgi. Together, they enjoy time outdoors and going on adventures.
Kelly
Kelly was born and raised in Alaska and spent much of her childhood fishing and crabbing. Her interest in dentistry was cultivated early on by her father, who practiced dentistry for many years.
Her genuine kindness and compassion make her particularly effective in working with children. Our pediatric patients greatly appreciate and enjoy her caring approach. Kelly joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2021 and has been assisting Dr. Ryan ever since. When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.
Jenny
Jenny is originally from Madison, SD and completed the dental assisting program at Lake Area Technical College. Jenny’s dedication and experience are invaluable to our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge in dental assisting and orthodontics, having worked closely with Dr. McKinney for over two decades. Her tenure with us reflects her commitment to patient care, professional excellence and her contribution to our practice’s growth and evolution. When Jenny isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her grown children and undertaking DIY house projects.
Jenna
Jenna began her journey in dentistry by attending Lake Area Technical College in her hometown of Watertown, SD. She initially joined us at Great Plains Dental as an intern, where her exceptional work ethic and talent were immediately apparent to our team. Jenna officially joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2021 and has since been assisting Dr. Ryan ever since. When Jenna isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends and her dog, Mocha.
Bailey
Bailey hails from Beresford, SD. After high school, she continued her education at Lake Area Technical College, where she enrolled in their dental assisting program. In 2018, she completed an internship with us, during which her exceptional talent became evident to our team. Impressed by her abilities, we invited Bailey to join our practice. Over the past six years, Bailey has worked with Dr. Nelsen and has continued to grow her skillset. She has become an integral part of our team, continually expanding her expertise in dental assisting. In her spare time, Bailey enjoys working out, reading, camping/boating, walking her dog, Henry and enjoying her morning coffee.
Myranda
Bio Coming Soon
Mesa
Originally from Freeman, SD, Mesa graduated from Lake Area Technical College with a degree in dental assisting. She joined us as an intern in 2023, and we were so impressed with her skills and dedication that we knew we had to add her to the Great Plains Dental Family.
Mesa has been a valued member of Dr. Nelsen’s team for over a year now. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and helping her parents on the farm. We’re lucky to have her with us!
Kaite
Katie is originally from Miller, SD. Following high school, Katie enrolled in the dental assisting program at Lake Area Technical College. Her journey with Great Plains Dental began in 2020 with an internship, during which her dedication and skills impressed the team so much that she was offered a permanent position assisting Dr. Waterbury. She demonstrates exceptional skill and compassion when assisting during our pediatric appointments, creating a comfortable and positive experience for them. Outside of work, Katie enjoys taking her dog on walks and hikes, exploring new travel destinations, and diving into a good book.
Lydia
Lydia is a Sioux Falls native and a graduate of Washington High School. She joined our team in June of 2024. Lydia is currently enrolled at the University of South Dakota where she has been accepted into the dental hygiene program for the fall of 2024. She has spent her summer immersed in learning about “all things dental.” We are incredibly excited for her as she embarks on her journey into dentistry, and we are privileged to support her along the way. Lydia describes herself as adventurous, caring, and creative: qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to a successful future in dentistry.
Dental Hygiene
Kaylynn
Kaylynn grew up in Sioux Falls and is a graduate of Washington High School. Throughout her youth, she was always interested in dental hygiene. Following high school, Kaylynn worked as a board-certified pharmacy technician while taking prerequisites for the University of South Dakota Dental Hygiene program. She was accepted into the program and graduated with a B.S. in 2020 and joined the Great Plains Dental team in June of 2020. In her leisure time she can be found doing everything outdoors. She also enjoys DIY home projects, reading, and cozying up to re-watch (for the millionth time) Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, New Girl, and Outlander. A fun fact about Kaylynn; she enjoys scuba dives with her husband!
Ali
Originally from Beresford, Ali pursued her education at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. Joining the team in 2021, Ali brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to patient care.
Outside of her professional role, Ali is a passionate baker, running a part-time custom bakery business called “Sweet Tooth Creations by Ali.” Her love for baking reflects her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. A remarkable aspect of Ali’s life is her family’s involvement in foster care since 2006, which has given her over 13 siblings, many of whom played special roles in her wedding as flower girls and ring bearers.
Sarah
Sarah was born and raised in rural South Dakota and began her journey in dental hygiene at the University of South Dakota. She joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2002 and has been an integral part of our practice for over two decades.
Sarah’s tenure with us has been marked by her exceptional ability to form strong connections with our long-term patients. As a member of the original practice, McKinney Family Dentistry, she has witnessed and contributed to our practice’s growth and evolution over the years. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her new puppy, Phoebe and hanging out at the lake with her family.
Missy
Missy grew up in Hartford, SD. After graduating from high school, she pursued her education at the University of South Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Since joining our team in 2016, Missy has brought her expertise and dedication to her role. Outside of work, much of her time is devoted to her three young children, who are actively involved in various sports activities. She spends much of her time shuttling them to practices and games. Missy and her family love to spend their time together outdoors, with Lake Madison being a favorite destination for weekend getaways.
Kamille
Kamille hails from Howard, SD and now resides in Canton with her husband and two daughters. Working with the Great Plains Dental hygiene team since 2018, Kamille brings nearly two decades of valuable experience to her patients, ensuring they receive top-notch dental care. Outside of work, Kamille enjoys watching her daughters’ in their various activities. Known for her incredible sense of humor, she brings joy and laughter to the team, creating a positive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.
Jessica
Jessica was born and raised right here in Sioux Falls and is a graduate of Washington High School. She started her dental career at Lake Area Technical College where she completed the dental assisting program. Her commitment to advancing her skills led her to the University of South Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene in 2021. Following her graduation from USD, Jessica joined the team at Great Plains Dental.
Beyond her professional life, Jessica enjoys a variety of interests including fitness activities, playing volleyball, soaking up the sun, riding motorcycles, solving puzzles, and indulging in binge-worthy TV series.
Hayley
Hayley, a Sioux Falls native and graduate of Washington High School, earned her B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota in 2020. Shortly after graduating, she joined our team at Great Plains Dental and has been a valued member since then. Hayley is known for her calm demeanor and fun personality, qualities that have garnered numerous positive reviews from our patient! Her ability to create a welcoming and comfortable environment contributes to the positive experiences of those under her care at our practice. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends
Amy
Amy’s journey with Great Plains Dental is a testament to her dedication and long-standing commitment to dental care. Originally from Parker, SD, she now resides in Beresford with her family. Amy’s tenure with the practice dates back to 2000 when she joined as one of the original employees at McKinney Family Dentistry.
Throughout her time at Great Plains Dental, Amy has witnessed significant growth, starting from a small team with one doctor and two treatment rooms to a thriving practice with five doctors and 19 treatment rooms. Her deep-rooted passion for patient care is evident in her work ethic and dedication to providing quality dental hygiene services.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of South Dakota. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors.
Allison
Alli is originally from Sioux Falls. She graduated from Roosevelt High School before venturing to Boulder, CO, where she pursued her passion for track at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Later, Allison transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology and later a B.S. in Dental Hygiene. She joined the Great Plains Dental team in 2017 and has been an instrumental part of the team.
A fun fact about Allison is that she has an identical twin sister. Don’t worry about mixing them up…her twin lives in a different state! In her free time, Allison enjoys tennis, hunting, reading, and quality time with her family and her dog, Kota. Her infectious sense of humor is a cornerstone of her popularity among both patients and her dental team.
Brianna
Originally from Milbank, SD, Brianna began her post-secondary education at South Dakota State University, earning a B.S. degree in Human Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2018. She continued her studies at the University of South Dakota, graduating with a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene in 2022. Brianna became part of the Great Plains Dental team in 2023.
In her free time, Brianna enjoys hunting, hiking, spending time with her family, and practicing hot yoga. Brianna has dedicated 13 years to the South Dakota Army National Guard, serving as a Motor Transport Operator for 9 years before transitioning to a Dental Specialist role, which she has held for the past 3 years.
Brianna and her husband are parents to a son. A fun detail about Brianna is her active-duty deployment at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, where she served for nearly a full year.
Molly
Molly graduated from The University of South Dakota in 2023 with a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene and joined our practice shortly thereafter. Born and raised in Sioux Falls and a proud alumna of Washington High School, Molly has deep roots in our community.
Outside of work, She enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. Her favorite activities are visiting the lake, attending concerts, going on walks, practicing yoga, and browsing online shopping sites. A fun tidbit about Molly is her fondness for sweets; she thoroughly enjoys indulging in desserts!
Katie
Katie was born and raised on a farm near Viborg, SD. She developed an early interest in dentistry, which ultimately guided her career path following high school. She attended The University of South Dakota and graduated in May of 2024 with a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. Following graduation, Katie started the next chapter of her career at Great Plains Dental, where she continues to apply her expertise and enthusiasm for improving oral health. Katie’s favorite things include listening to Megan Moroney, going to street dances, camping, and spending time relaxing at the lake.
