Dr. Nichole Cauwels 
Dr Nichole was born and raised right here in Sioux Falls.  After graduating from Washington High School, she moved to Lincoln, NE to begin her college education.  She graduated, with honors, from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 2000.  She furthered her education by completing a Dental residency Program at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, where she gained a tremendous amount of experience in all areas of specialty dentistry.  She was asked to stay on and teach at the program while starting her career in a cosmetic practice.
After the birth of her second daughter, Dr Nichole wanted to move closer to home.  She spent a couple of years in Dakota Dunes area before opening her own practice on the west side of Sioux Falls.  Dr. Nichole has continued to improve her skill and knowledge through hundreds of hours of continuing education courses all over the United States. 

When designing her own office, Dr Nichole made every decision based on making the dental experience as comfortable as possible.

• Member of the ADA
• Member of the South Dakota Dental Association
• Member of the Academy of General Dentistry
• Former member of the Sioux City Dental Association
• Former member of the WI Dental Association
• Former member of the Association of the Hospital Dentists
• Former member of Siouxland Professional Women’s network

In her spare time, Dr. Nichole enjoys traveling with her husband Tom and children Andrea, Cassidy, and Cooper.   The family loves animals and has assembled quite the petting zoo.  They have everything on the farm from calves to chickens, cats, dogs, and a tortoise too.

Dr. Kendra Zuercher is originally from Pierre, South Dakota, where she graduated from Riggs High School. After graduation, she furthered her education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, studying biology and was a member of the synchronized swimming team. Following her studies at UNL, Dr. Zuercher attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in Iowa City, Iowa, where she graduated in June, 2008.

Dr. Zuercher has had many experiences as a dental patient which led to her interest in the profession in high school. She has been interested in and passionate about dentistry ever since. Dr. Zuercher is a member of the South Dakota Dental Association and the ADA. She loves getting to know her patients and making them feel comfortable even when thay may have reservations about coming to the dentist.

In the summer of 2011, Dr. Zuercher gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Allison who has completely replaced most of her former hobbies. When Dr. Zuercher and her husband Michael aren't playing with their new bundle of joy they enjoy going to movies, traveling and eating out. When Allison gets a little older, Dr. Zuercher plans to take back up knitting and other crafts which she enjoys.

Melissa - Patient Care Coordinator

Melissa was born in Worthington, MN and raised here in Sioux Falls. She attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 2002. Melissa graduated in 2005 with an associate degree in Child Development.

Melissa enjoys shopping, taking trips with her husband family, sporting events, being outdoors, and spending time with their son Lucas. She wants to make sure your dental visit is pleasant and looks forward to meeting each of you.

Jill grew up in Mitchell, SD and now resides in Hartford.  She attended the University of SD where she graduated in 2002 with her degree in dental hygiene.  She has been working in the dental field ever since.

Jill and her husband Matt have 2 boys. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.  Jill’s goal is to make you feel comfortable in the dental chair and help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Sam moved to Sioux Falls a few years ago from western Nebraska and joined Designer Dentistry and Smiles in June 2009. She recently graduated from Southeast Tech for dental assisting in May 2010.

Sam loves spending time with family and new husband Wade, their dog Sadie and ferret Bueller. When the weather is nice the newlyweds enjoy taking the Harley out for a spin.

Sam looks forward to meeting each patient and is dedicated to making each visit a pleasant one!

Jenn - Dental Assistant

Jenn is from Luverne, MN where she still resides today.  Jenn went to cosmotology school and worked in a salon for 2 years. While working in the salon she also went back to school to become a Surgical Tech. Jenn worked at Sanford for 3 years before coming to work with Designer Dentistry and Smiles.

Jenn has been married to her husband Joey for 3.5 years and then have a one year old daughter Tenlee.  In her spare time Jenn enjoys shopping, baking and being with her family.

Kalee - Dental Hygienist 

Kalee was born in Ft. Lewis, WA, and grew up moving all around the country as an Army brat. She has lived in the Sioux Falls area for the past 15 years and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2006. For college, Kalee attended the University of South Dakota. She graduated with honors in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.

Kalee is a member of the American Dental Hygienist Association and the South Dakota Dental Association; and joined the DDS team in October 2011. Kalee loves to getting to know her patients and is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their individual dental wellness goals.

In her spare time, Kalee enjoys shopping and spending time with family, friends, and her fiesty one year old puppy, India.