Rapid City Smiles: Implant & Family Dentistry prides themselves on being a one-stop approach to dentistry.

“Our practice is designed to provide a fullspectrum of dental services under one roof,” said owner Dr. Dan Graves.

Their mission is to provide transformative dentistry that enhances lives, preserves health, and builds confident smiles. Dental health is extremely important, says Graves, because the mouth is truly the gateway to the entire body.

“Unfortunately, what happens in the mouth doesn’t just stay in the mouth,” he said. “Inflammation, infection, and bacteria associated with gum disease have been linked to serious health conditions such as– but not limited to–heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease.”

Oral health is often an indication of someone’s overall health, which is why taking care of the mouth is so much more than “having a pretty smile.”

“When people feel good about their smile, they tend to smile more often, communicate more confidently, and blossom in both their personal and professional lives.”

DR. DAN GRAVES

At the same time, though, even a healthy smile can have a major impact on confidence and a person’s overall quality of life if they’re not happy with it, says Graves. He himself is an example of how dental procedures can change a person’s self-assurance and positivity, which is why he got into the business.

“Both my dentist and orthodontists had a personal touch and compassion with their patients, which gave me the motivation to become that type of provider,” said Graves.

After attending dental school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, he worked the first half of his career as a rural dentist in Valentine, NE. Graves was able to receive additional training in orthodontics, implant dentistry, All-on-X/ full arch restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontic dentistry, and IV sedation dentistry.

The business owner moved to Rapid City and opened Family Smiles Dental with two partners in 2018 on Mt Rushmore Road.

“All three of us originated our dental careers in rural Nebraska and South Dakota,” said Graves. “Our goal was to provide advanced dental services with small town hospitality.”

After becoming the sole dental provider in 2020, he rebranded to Rapid City Smiles Implant & Family Dentistry. Since its inception, the team has aimed to offer “world class dental services” with the most advanced technologies, procedures, and equipment.

Some of that includes clear diagnostic digital x-rays and 3D x-rays (Cone Beam CT), AI x-ray diagnosis for aiding in more accurate diagnosis, more comfortable and accurate dentistry through digital impressions, next-day crowns with state of the art in-office CNC crown milling technology, dental 3D printing, and moderate IV sedation.

Rapid City Smiles recently introduced Carifree—a scientifically proven dental decay prevention system.

“Carifree helps reduce a patient’s cavity risk by restoring optimal oral acidity/ PH and decreasing the amount of harmful oral bacteria,” said Graves.

The staff ’s top mission is to give patients optimal preventative care and oral restoration.

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“We treat patients like family and create lifelong patients who trust us enough to invite their friends and loved ones to be part of our office.”

DR. DAN GRAVES

One of their favorite things to perform as an office are smile makeovers, whether it’s through orthodontics, esthetic crowns, implants, or All-on-X (full-mouth dental implant).

“The impact of a restored smile positively changes the lives of everyone involved,” said Graves. “Often this transformation comes with strong impactful emotions, tears, high fives, and hugs.”

And that type of care starts the moment a patient walks through the door, making sure they understand their experience, health, and goals are the team’s main priority.

“The patients are my favorite thing for me as a dentist,” said Graves. “I love being able to help and make a difference.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT FAMILYSMILESDENTALRC.COM+