Community Wide Effort Ensures Dentist Office Will Remain Open in Faulkton!

A community-wide effort, led by the Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation will ensure that Faulkton’s dental practice will continue to serve patients as a satellite office of Aberdeen Dental.

“Supporting rural areas with high-quality dental care is important because it helps close a real and persistent gap in access to healthcare. Many rural residents face long travel distances, limited provider availability, and fewer opportunities for preventative care. When those barriers exist, small issues can quickly become serious health problems,” said Aberdeen Dental owner Dr. Kristin Teigen. 

Improving Rural Healthcare Access

Making sure dental services remain in Faulkton included participation in the South Dakota Department of Health’s Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP).

Designed to attract talented physicians to communities with populations of 10,000 or less, RAP offers healthcare professionals financial incentives in return for a three-year commitment to practice in designated rural areas. These incentives are essential to breaking down barriers that draw health care providers to larger urban areas. The state will cover 75% of the incentive—$192,630—while the community will fund the remainder.

The Faulkton Area Economic Development Board, through their 501(c)(3) Snake Creek Development Corporation has launched the “Give a Little, Smile a Lot” campaign with a goal of raising the remaining 25%, $64,210, through grants, corporate contributions, and individual donations.

The effort wholly embraces the economic development corporation's motto, "We Believe In Possible!”

Incredibly Meaningful Rewards

Operating a dental practice in a rural area comes with a unique set of challenges: recruiting and retaining qualified staff, managing higher operating costs, and having limited access to nearby specialists for referrals can be tough to overcome.

“These factors can make it more difficult to provide care efficiently and require thoughtful planning to ensure patients still receive comprehensive treatment close to home,” said Dr. Teigen.

After more than 30 years of caring for patients in Aberdeen, she never imagined expanding beyond a single practice. But when the opportunity arose to mentor the next generation of dentists—while also helping to ensure a small rural community could retain its local dental office—she saw it as an opportunity to give back.

“Rural dentistry allows for strong personal connections with patients and the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with families over generations,” said Dr. Teigen. “There is a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in serving a local population and making a tangible difference in their overall health.” 

Meet Our New Dentist, Dr. Katherine Erickson!

The Faulkton office will be run by RAP recipient Dr. Katherine Erickson.

Dr. Erickson graduated from South Dakota State University with a BS in Human Biology, with additional distinction from the Fishback Honors College.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry, where she was recognized for scholarship, character, and professionalism. During her time there, she was inducted into the prestigious national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU).

When not in the office, Dr. Erickson enjoys hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, spending time at the lake, and any activities involving her two golden retrievers Finn and Bart. She is currently looking for housing in Faulkton and is excited to join our community this summer.

“I’m thrilled to serve the Faulkton community and am dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. My goal is to build long-lasting relationships with patients and help people of all ages achieve their dental goals,” said Dr. Erickson. 

A Full Range of Dental Services

Dr. Erickson will begin seeing patients this summer, providing a full range of services:

• Preventative care such as routine exams and cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants to help maintain long-term oral health
• Fillings, crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures
• Periodontal (gum) therapy
• Digital X-rays and intraoral scanning

Cosmetic services such as clear aligners, teeth whitening, aesthetic composite bonding, and veneers will also be available.

“By investing in rural dental care, we're not just treating teeth, we're improving overall health, supporting families, and strengthening the Faulkton community,” said Dr. Teigen.

The dentist will be located at 102 8th Avenue in Faulkton.