Our Mission

Dr. Eric grew up in Pierre SD.  He attended South Dakota State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science.  After working as a biologist for four years, Dr. Eric changed his career path and attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where, after long commutes, PB&J’s, and three little ones, he earned (with high honors) his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2008. He worked in a group practice from 2008 until establishing Unkenholz Family Dental in 2014. Having a passion for people and his community, Dr. Eric enjoys the opportunity to build a dental practice focusing on a patient’s individual needs, while at the same time, creating a fun and caring environment for all!

Dr. Anthony was raised in Western Kansas, graduating from Kansas State in 2015. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2019. With aspirations of serving his country and furthering his education, Dr. Anthony joined the United States Air Force which led him to completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program at Offutt Air Force base in Omaha, NE. After his residency, Dr. Anthony was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base where he served 3 years active duty as a general dentist. Dr. Anthony and his fiancé, Erika, have enjoyed living in the Black Hills and are excited to establish roots here. Erika is a 3rd grade teacher in Douglas School District. When they are not busy treating patients or teaching, they love hiking, camping, skiing and being outdoors with their 2 dogs.

Dr. Mike was raised in Northeast Ohio, graduating from the College of Wooster in 2016. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Ohio State University in 2020. Dr. Mike had a passion for serving his country and furthering his education leading him to join the United States Air Force following dental school. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Dr. Mike and his wife, Amy, were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base where he served 2 years active duty as a general dentist. Amy received a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and works for Lost Cabin Brewery as a brewer and quality control specialist. Both Dr. Mike and Amy enjoy everything about the outdoors including skiing, traveling, biking, and camping with their dog.

Trish grew up in Spearfish, SD and relocated to Rapid City in 1994.  She has worked in both the orthodontic and general dental fields for 20 years. Trish can claim notoriety as being one of the UFD originals! Trish and her husband, Loren, have 3 children and a goldendoodle named Maisie. She loves living in Rapid City and enjoys taking in all the activities the Black Hills have to offer, especially skiing and hiking/running trails.

Carol is from Flandreau, SD and relocated to Sturgis in 2015.  She has worked as a dental assistant for fourteen years, farmed east river and currently maintains her EMT license.  Carol has been with the UFD family since 2015 and is a master at all things, “front office”! She has three daughters: Chelsea (Jake), Brenna, and Katie (Jaren) and 3 wonderful grandkids: Maverick, Della, and Gunner. Outside of work, she enjoys the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, hunting, reading, boating, and spending time with family and friends.

Lynette arrived in Rapid City to attend college in 1983 and never left. Her career in the dental field began in 1988, which includes experiences in several offices, and finally with UFD in 2021. She knows A LOT of people! Lynette remembers names, phone numbers, has the gift of gab, and the ability to connect with everyone! Lynette and her husband, Troy, have been married for over 35 years and together have two married daughters and two grandchildren. Outside of work, Lynette enjoys finding a good bargain, scrapbooking, and traveling. She and Troy have visited 46 states with only Alaska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virgina left on their bucket list.

Carly was born and raised in Rapid City, and later earned her Dental Hygiene degree from Sheridan College in Sheridan, WY. After practicing dental hygiene for several years, she joined Unkenholz Family Dental in 2019 and has been a part of the family ever since (quite literally, as her mom became the head of UFD’s sterilization team in 2021)! Carly and her husband, Joe, have a young son named Wylee, and a dog named Bella! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, going to concerts, watching movies, reading, and being outside to soak up fresh air and sunshine! Carly is also an accomplished drag racer with over 20 years of experience behind the wheel of a race car, which is why most of her summers are spent at the racetrack with her family!

Amy grew up in Wall, SD.  She received her degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Wyoming in Sheridan. Amy has worked in the dental field for 20 plus years. She loves treating patients and making their dental experiences pleasant and personable.  Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, Dallas, and their children: Jeron, Grant, Mallory, and Paisley.  She also greatly enjoys spending time in the kitchen baking and cooking!  

Hallie was raised in Presho, SD before moving to Rapid City in 2008.  Prior to starting her family, Hallie attended Dakota State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Multi-media Web Development and Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphic Design. She continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of South Dakota. Hallie joins UFD with fifteen years of experience as a hygienist. Away from work, you’ll find Hallie busy watching her four kids (Kohlston, Kullan, Kennan and Ronan) play sports or sitting back and watching movies while cuddling her dog, Hazel.

Jennie grew up in Washington state and then moved with her husband, Caleb, to the Black Hills in 2008. Jennie completed her prerequisite coursework at Eastern Washington University and earned her Dental Hygiene degree at Laramie County Community College in Wyoming. Jennie has been a vibrant member of the UFD team and has enjoyed caring for patients and making them smile since 2020. She loves camping and playing outside with her two kids, Bryan and Molly and their chocolate lab, Remmington. While in the hills, you may find Jennie foraging for her dinner to later enjoy by a warm fire. 

Hannah was born and raised in Rapid City. After attending Stevens High School, she graduated from the University of Wyoming with an associate degree in dental hygiene. Hannah and her husband, Sam, have a son named Brooks. She enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, kayaking, and camping with her family and dog Milo. 

Olivia grew up in the beautiful Black Hills near Rockerville! She achieved her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in Minneapolis, MN. Olivia met her husband, Johnny, in Minneapolis, who is a MN native. When not caring for your smiles, you’ll find her whipping up delicious dishes in the kitchen, exploring nature’s wonders, spending time with family, and pampering their Maine Coon, Banks. 

Codi grew up in North Dakota and moved to the Black Hills in 2000. She received her hygiene degree from North Dakota State College of Science in 2000. She brings a wealth of experience, is a master organizer, and is 100% task-oriented.  We are so fortunate to have her join the UFD team!  When she’s not caring for her patient’s dental needs, Codi enjoys hiking with her daughter, Carlie, and watching her son, Trevor play baseball. 

Holly is originally from Mullen, NE, but has lived in Rapid City for over 30 years. She earned her Dental Assisting degree from National American University in Rapid City. Holly has worked in the orthodontic field and in general dentistry culminating in 30 plus years of experience. She enjoys caring for patients, which is evident in the bright smile on her face every single day! Holly enjoys camping and spending time with her husband, Pete, and 3 kids: Dylan, Allie, Kayden, and son-in-law Tucker. After work, Holly enjoys playing fetch or cuddling up with her dog Murphy. 

Kaity is from Rapid City and earned her Dental Assisting license from Western Dakota Tech. Five of Kaity’s eleven years of work experience have been at UFD. Her hard work ethic and dedication are admirable as she balances life with her 2 kids, Paityn and Raien. When she has spare time, Kaity enjoys movies, baking, and hiking with her family. 

Emily grew up in Crawford, NE. She attended college in Greeley, Colorado for radiology and then graduated from the dental assisting program at Western Dakota Tech in 2007. She’s been working in the dental field ever since. When Emily was young, she worked at her family’s restaurant in Nebraska; subsequently, she developed an incredible work ethic and amazing customer service skills which both staff and patients are privileged to experience. Emily wholeheartedly enjoys getting to know patients and making them feel comfortable. She also loves hiking, fishing, and camping with her husband and two boys.

Beth grew up in Rapid City and currently lives in Black Hawk, SD. Beth has been an assistant for 11 years. She enjoys caring for people and uses her many years of knowledge to create solid strategies for both patients and staff! When Beth isn’t working, you might catch her attending a yoga class, going on long hikes, and watching her daughter, Riley, play basketball.

Kai is a Rapid City native, born and raised! She attended Stevens High School and earned her Dental Assisting license from Western Dakota Tech. After gaining two years of experience, we’re delighted to have Kai join the UFD team.  She enjoys snowboarding at Terry Peak and watching movies. When you visit us, be sure to ask her about her love for “Lord of the Rings”! 

Jo is originally from Woonsocket, SD, but has called Rapid City home for most of her life.  She’s been in the dental field for over 25 years, with experience in: dental assisting, front office, and sterilization.  After taking time off to focus on family and her and her husband’s business, Jo joined the UFD team by way of recruitment per her daughter, (hygienist) Carly!  She is affectionately called, “Mama Jo” around the office and by friends. Jo enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and sweet grandson.  She also loves cooking, hanging out at racetracks (where her family drag races), cruising through the hills with her husband on either a motorcycle or in a classic car, and jamming out at concerts! 

Katrina grew up in Rapid City, SD and graduated from Stevens High School in 2022. We’re so happy to have Katrina join the team. She works part time sterilizing instruments, however; due to her great work ethic, she willingly jumps in to help in so many other ways! When she’s not working, she enjoys yoga, running, downhill skiing, hiking and crafts.