Dr. Clark Hunstad

Dr. Clark Hunstad was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD.  His interest in dentistry was sparked when he began shadowing his family dentist and experienced firsthand the overwhelmingly positive impact that quality dentistry has on individuals and the community.  His curiosity eventually became a passion and he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Dentistry.

Dr. Hunstad believes that the foundation of exceptional care is the doctor-patient relationship. He has extensive training and experience in numerous facets of General Dentistry, from orthodontics and implants to digital dentistry. Dr. Hunstad is the only dentist in South Dakota to have earned Diplomate status with the American Orthodontic Society – a testament to his 550 hours of his specialized orthodontic training.  Dr. Hunstad’s lifelong love of learning drives him to participate in over 200 hours of continuing education each year to stay current with the ever expanding and changing field of dentistry.

“Yeah, my dentist is an F-16 Fighter Pilot.”

A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Dr. Hunstad served as a F-16 fighter pilot for the United States Air Force where he flew countless missions worldwide.  Dr. Hunstad also excelled as a member of the USAF Wings of Blue Parachute Team. While he wasn’t piloting F-16s and parachuting out of planes, Dr. Hunstad went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  After 10 years on active duty, Dr. Hunstad’s family moved back to the Midwest, which allowed him to attend dental school, open his own practice, and work part-time as a dentist for the South Dakota National Guard.  We are grateful to Dr. Hunstad for his 27 years of military service.

Dr. Hunstad has two grown children – Lauren and Eric. Lauren, pursuing her lifelong passion, has started her own photography business. And Eric, continuing the family tradition and becoming a dentist himself, has  recently joined our practice.

Dr. Eric Hunstad

Dr. Eric Hunstad, a second-generation dentist, who graduated from Parker, South Dakota, carries on a family legacy in oral healthcare. Dr. Eric has been a part of the Top Gum Dental team since 2015 after graduating high school. During this time, he witnessed the transformative power of dentistry. In 2023, he joined our team as a dentist, upon graduating from Creighton University School of Dentistry with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.

Prior to dental school, Dr. Eric attended South Dakota State University. During this time, Dr. Eric also served in the South Dakota Air National Guard as an avionics technician on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the same airplane that his father flew during his time in the Air Force. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Eric enjoys putting his Private Pilot License to use and takes to the skies..

Known for his warm, compassionate approach, Dr. Eric ensures that even the most anxious patients feel at ease. With his expertise and use of technology, Dr. Eric is devoted to preserving your natural smile.

Choosing Top Gum Dental means becoming part of a family tradition dedicated to your oral health. Dr. Eric Hunstad and his devoted team are passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles and ensuring your dental experience is truly exceptional.

Teresa

Teresa has been a registered dental hygienist for nearly 30 years and takes great pride in providing thorough but exceptionally gentle care to our patients. Her favorite part of the dental hygiene appointment is building rapport and getting to know our patients on a personal level, which allows her to customize their care according to their needs and desires. She also enjoys educating her patients on their overall oral health, and guiding them in their journey to a bright, confident smile. Along with spending time with her two grown children, Teresa can often be found in the kitchen cooking for family and friends (and we are oh-so-grateful!). A farm girl at heart, Teresa loves spending time exploring the outdoors with family and friends.

Yelena

Yelena will be one of the first to greet you when you arrive at our office.  Her warm smile and incredibly caring nature help our patients to feel welcome and comfortable.  Yelena grew up in Harrisburg, SD.  She moved to South Carolina for a short time after graduation.  While the weather isn’t always warm in South Dakota, the people always are – and so Yelena found herself drawn back to the quiet lifestyle and friendly folks here.  Yelena takes great pride in answering our patients’ questions about treatment plans, insurance, and their financial needs. Family and faith are Yelena’s driving forces. She is passionate about drawing and cooking (and makes the best coffee you’ve ever tasted!).  In her spare time, Yelena enjoys taking camping trips with family or going on hikes.

Nataliya

Nataliya is the welcoming source of comfort you encounter when you walk through our front doors. Her warm smile, infectious positivity, and multi-tasking abilities are among the many qualities making her such an invaluable member of our Top Gum team. Born in beautiful Ukraine, and raised in Harrisburg, South Dakota, she brings a unique blend of international charm and small–town warmth to our office. Nataliya effortlessly manages everything from answering phones to coordinating patient care and financial matters with precision.  Nataliya’s passion for education and outlining treatment options showcases her commitment to our patients’ well-being.  Patients adore her kind and compassionate nature. When she is not helping our patients, you’ll find Nataliya laughing surrounded by friends and family, embodying the true spirit of our dental family.

Oksana

You are in great hands with Oksana – she is a registered dental assistant and also a nurse (whew!).  Oksana has a heart of gold and genuinely enjoys seeing patients smile with bright, new confidence.  She grew up in beautiful Ukraine and joined the Top Gum Dental team in 2018.  Oksana strives to make sure that every patient is not only informed about their dental health, but also has a comfortable and wonderful experience while in our office. Oksana enjoys reading the Bible and singing. In her free time, she likes going to church, traveling, playing volleyball and spending time with family & friends.

Lika

Lika joined our Top Gum Dental team in 2016 and has been using her unique artistic ability and skills to help create beautiful smiles ever since. She loves dentistry and  is exceptional at helping our  patients achieve their optimal dental health in a relaxed, judgement-free environment. Lika grew up in beautiful Ukraine and loves jet setting the Earth, exploring new places every chance she gets. When she isn’t showering our patients with kindness, she loves spending time crocheting toys and spending time with family and friends.

Jamison

Meet Jamison, our skilled dental assistant from Marion, SD. As bright as he is kind and down-to-earth, Jamison has quickly become a favorite of our patients. Currently pursuing a Health Sciences degree at USD (Go Yotes!), Jamison seamlessly combines his passion for learning with precision in patient care. Beyond crafting perfect smiles, he loves shooting hoops and poolside moments with family and friends. Jamison’s commitment to education and dental excellence ensures each patient visit is a comfortable and refreshing experience.

Hannah

Meet Hannah. Armed with an incredibly warm smile, a welcoming personality, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from SDSU (Go Jacks!) and Dental Assisting Certification, she will make your dental-visits stress free. When she’s not helping our patients feel comfortable at the office, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs and cats.  In free time, Hannah loves getting lost in a good book, reading, walking her furry friends, and sewing.

Sonia