MEET THE STAFF
Dr. Jay Kappenman
Dr. Jay Kappenman was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri -Columbia. From there, he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University. In 1987 he joined his father and other family members in practice back in Sioux Falls.
Along with his wife Caryn, Dr. Jay cherishes time with family especially their three children Jim, Will, and Elizabeth. Inspired by his passion for dentistry, Dr. Jay lives by his mission statement: To develop long lasting relationships through quality dentistry.
Dr. Tami Kappenman
Dr. Tami was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. She attended O’Gorman High School and continued her undergraduate studies at The University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Dr. Tami received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University in 1993. She then joined Dr. Jay, her brother, at the Kappenman Dental Clinic.
Her love for dentistry and compassion for people stems from her long family history of dental professionals. Dr. Tami looks forward to welcoming new people into the practice with the same commitment she offers her established patients to help enhance their dental health.
Dr. Will Kappenman
Dr. Will grew up in Sioux Falls surrounded by family dedicated to the dental profession. He attended Creighton University for both Undergraduate and Dental School. Dr. Will received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton in 2012. After spending a few years in Omaha working in private practice and teaching at Creighton’s Dental School, he and his family returned to Sioux Falls where they have enjoyed becoming reacquainted with his hometown. He joined the Kappenman Dental Team in September 2014.
Since returning to Sioux Falls, Dr. Will and his wife Amanda can be found running after their four children; Jay, Maddy, Mo & Owen. Hew enjoys spending time outdoors attending kids’ sporting events and playing golf when he has free time. Dr. Will is proud to be a third generation dentist serving his hometown community providing quality care for families in the Sioux Falls area.
Dr. Zach Berg
Dr. Zach was born and raised in Rapid City, SD. Upon graduation from Rapid City Central, he attended South Dakota State University and majored in Human Biology. From there, Dr. Zach along with his wife Paige, moved to Lincoln, NE where he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry receiving his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
In 2023, Dr. Zach joined the Kappenman Dental Team where he too cherishes the opportunity to create long lasting relationships with his patients. Dr. Zach is passionate about helping people of all ages and strives to make a positive impact in their lives.
When not with his patients, Dr. Zach enjoys spending time with his wife Paige and their son Bentley traveling, golfing and working on house projects. He looks forward to the memories that he and his family will make in their new home here in Sioux Falls.
Dawn – Office Manager & Dental Assistant
Dawn is the veteran member of the Kappenman Dental team serving as an office manager and dental assistant. She joined the office in 1993 after graduating from Lake Area Technical Institute with a dental assistant degree.
Dawn has enjoyed building relationships with families the office has served for over 19 years. Her welcome smile and history with the office helps old and new families feel welcome.
Gina – Office Assistant
Gina had been a long time patient at Kappenman Dental when she joined the staff in 2004. “I appreciated the compassionate quality care I had received and jumped at the opportunity to join this winning team.” She graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute with an associate degree in business.
Gina takes pride in making you feel welcome and comfortable as well as assist you with any insurance or financial questions you may have.
Rhonda – Office Assistant
Rhonda graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute. She joined the Kappenman Team in 2018 bringing her knowledge and education in Human Services as well as 5 years prior dental experience.
A greeting from Rhonda will certainly brighten any dental experience. She is eager to help with the financial and scheduling portion of your dental visit.
Emily – Dental Assistant
Emily has been a part of the Kappenman Dental Team since 2009. She received her degree in Dental Assisting from Southeast Technical Institute with additional accreditation in sedation monitoring.
Emily’s fun loving personality helps calm fears and anxiety. “Keeping my patients relaxed and comfortable is a priority to me.”
Teresa – Dental Assistant
Teresa graduated in 1998 from Lake Area Technical Institute with a degree in Dental Assisting and joined the staff upon graduation. Her advanced dental assistant skills help to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
Teresa takes great care to keep you informed and comfortable during your dental procedure as well as offering you that subtle reassuring smile. “I find it very gratifying to follow patients from start to finish and share in their joy with the end results.”
Linda – Dental Assistant
Linda graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute in 1986 with a degree in Dental Assisting and has been a member of Kappenman Dental since it opened. After taking time to raise her family, we are glad to welcome her back to our practice.
Linda’s compassionate personality will immediately put you at ease. “I take pride in ensuring that my patients have a positive dental experience.”
Allie – Dental Assistant
Allie is a 2017 dental assistant graduate from Lake Area Technical Institute. Kappenman Dental was delighted to welcome her beautiful, energetic smile to our clinic.
“A beautiful smile boosts confidence”, declares Allie which was her inspiration for entering the dental field. Allie’s confident smile will be there to calm any fears and provide answers to any questions you may have with your dental procedures.
Melissa – Hygienist
Melissa has been with the Kappenman Dental team since graduating from the University of South Dakota in 2003. There she obtained a bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene with a minor in biology. She is also accredited in nitrous oxide and local anesthesia.
Melissa has a strong rapport with patients and helps work with them to achieve their optimum dental health.
Missy – Hygienist
Missy graduated in 1992 from the University of South Dakota with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene and was immediately employed at Kappenman Dental. She is accredited in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
Missy takes time to listen to concerns and helps educate her patients regarding their oral hygiene. “I enjoy partnering with my patients to restore and maintain their dental health.”
Sharon – Hygienist
Sharon is a 1987 graduate of the Dental Hygiene program at the University of South Dakota. She brings over 25 years of dental hygiene excellence to our clinic and is accredited in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. She has been a part of Kappenman Dental for over 14 years.
Sharon’s love for her patients and ability to communicate and educate them has made her a valuable part of our practice. She has a gift to make her patients feel at ease and enjoys working with all ages! She loves all aspects of the dental field and you will find that her main goal is to take care of you and your smile!
Amethyst – Hygienist
Amethyst graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2012 with a bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene. She is accredited in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide as well.
“It is my goal to support and encourage each patient in achieving the most optimal oral hygiene. I also pride myself in creating a calm environment and trusting relationship with every patient.
Randa – Hygienist
Randa received her business degree from Northwestern College. She went on to the University of South Dakota graduating in 2013 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She joined Kappenman dental team in November of 2016.
A positive patient experience is foremost for Randa. “I enjoy building a relationship with my patients to ensure they have a positive and comfortable dental experience”.
Sydney – Hygienist
Kappenman Dental welcomed Sydney to our team in 2023 upon her graduation from the University of South Dakota. Sydney graduated with a bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene. She is accredited in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
“I am passionate about educating and empowering my patients to maintain superb oral health to ensure that they have confident smiles at any age.”
