Meet The Team

Call (605) 224-7774
  • Pierre, South Dakota - 465 S Pierre St 57501-4507
  • Gettysburg, SD - 105 E Blaine Ave 57442
  • (605) 224-7774 | Pierre, South Dakota - 465 S Pierre St
  • (605)224-7774 | Gettysburg, SD - 105 E Blaine Ave

At the core of our dental practice is a friendly team of professionals that are dedicated to your utmost comfort and optimal oral health. We view each patient as a unique individual, and tailor each treatment to your specific needs. As part of our commitment to providing close, personalized attention to every patient, we want to encourage patient communication. Please know that we are here to provide outstanding patient care, and that we value the trust you have placed in us. The staff here at Family Dental of Pierre and Gettysburg will always greet you with a smile!

Kara Jensen

Registered Dental Assistant, Office Manager

Kara was born and raised on a farm in Blackfoot, Idaho. She met Ryan Jensen and the two got married in 2004. Kara attended Brigham University in Idaho and graduated with an associate degree in Professional Preschool Education. She joined the practice in 2020 to help Dr. Jensen during the pandemic. She became a Registered Dental Assistant in the summer of 2022.


Chesney May

Receptionist

Chesney May grew up around Chamberlain, SD. She relocated to Gettysburg in 2013. She has two beautiful children, Daylee (10) and Olive (4). She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. She works in our Gettysburg location as the receptionist on Tuesday’s, she also owns her own cleaning business.


Jennifer Larson

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jennifer was born and raised in Gettysburg. She graduated with a Dental Hygiene degree from USD in 2002. She is married with two sons, Connor, and Landon.


April Sterk

Dental Assistant

My name is April Sterk. I've been a resident of Pierre since 2001. I love spending time with my family and our house full of fur babies. If I have some free time, you can usually find me knitting, or spinning wool into yarn.  
I was terrified of the dentist for many years. My teeth were in terrible condition, and I would only go if there was an emergency. Then I met Dr Jensen and his staff. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and they were understanding of my fears. Together we spent two years remaking my smile. Along with my smile, I gained so much confidence. When I was invited by Family Dental of Pierre to come onto the team as a dental assistant, I couldn't resist the offer. I care deeply for the patients that visit our office. My goal is to ensure that every patient, feels comfortable, safe, and to leave our office with a smile that they can be proud of.


Hailey Ludwig

Asspiring Dental Assistant

Hailey was born and raised in the Pierre area. She graduated a year early from high school in 2024. Hailey joined our office in January as a part time front desk receptionist and has aspirations to attend Lake Area Tech and become a Certified Dental Assistant.  Hailey enjoys spending time outside with her family, her dog Benji, and boating. We are excited for Hailey to turn 18 and be able to help more in the office.


Mariana Verdes

Dental Assistant

Mariana was born in Moldova and moved to the United States in 2015. She graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in May of 2024.  Mariana started shadowing in our office thinking that she might want to become a registered dental hygienist. Mariana is currently attending USD where she is taking her prerequisites for their dental hygiene program.  In her spare time Mariana enjoys figure skating and working with horses.  


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