Linda Custis is Dr. Custis’ wife of 37 years.  She is a practicing dental hygienist and helps manage Destination Dentistry (formerly Custis Dentistry).  Linda says that being part of dentistry today is all about positive change, “there is nothing to fear in a dental office that is up to date and current with its delivery of care”.  The technology that she works with today is all about patient comfort and safety.  Linda says that she has experienced, over and over again, the dramatic change a beautiful healthy smile can make in a patient’s life.  “Meeting wonderful people and making a difference, is what makes me happy that I chose this profession”, Linda’s professional accomplishments include:

•         CRDTS  retired examiner-having tested the clinical skills of hygienists making application for licensure in our ten state region for 25 years
•         SD State Board of Dentistry voting member for 8 years
•         SD Dental Hygienist of the Year Award
•         A contributing author for a national dental management magazine
•         A speaker for technologically updating dental practice

 

 

Linda Jo   The legacy of Destination Dentistry (formerly Custis Dentistry) will carry with it the smiling face of Linda Jo. With only a short leave of absence, Linda Jo has been with the dental practice since the doors to the practice were opened. Doctor and Linda Custis believe that Linda Jo's vision for patient care has helped to make the dental practice what it is today. Over the years, Linda Jo has had both clinical and administrative responsibilities. If either patients or staff members have questions, she is the one with answers. Linda Jo is a nationally certified dental assistant and dental radiographer for the State of South Dakota.

Linda Jo and her husband, Ken, love horses, dogs, and snowmobiles, as well as creating arts and crafts in the shop. After long hours at the dental office, there are an abundance of hobbies to keep life balanced.

 

 

 

 

Walter is the Practice Administrator and Clinical Supervisor in our office. Born and raised in San Jacinto, California, he moved to Custer with his wife, Kellie, and their little boys in 2005. An Allied Health Professional, he started his medical/dental career with eight years in the U.S. Army as a Practical Nurse and X-ray Technician. Later as a civilian medical professional, he was involved in family practice/urgent care, research medicine, and orthopedics. Walter's medical knowledge, warm personality and willing nature make him the "go to" guy for the new and challenging procedures of today's technologically advanced dental practice.

Since his employment in Destination Dentistry, Walter graduated from the dental assisting program at Western Dakota Tech in 2006. He now teaches the dental radiography and dental assisting program at Western Dakota Tech.

Outside of the office, Walter enjoys boating, caving, hiking, and is involved with the boy scouts.

 

 

 

 Paula and Dr. Custis are a polished synchronized team. They have worked side by side for 14 years. Intricate dental procedures seem effortless with this team's precision and expertise.

She came to Custer from Wisconsin, where Paula had 10 years of prior dental experience and had accomplished her national certification in dental assisting. Her commitment to her profession, her ability to teach/train, and her daily performance make her skills invaluable to this practice and the patients receiving care.

Paula and her husband, Dean, have two sons. They enjoy gardening, fishing and being outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Raye has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2001. She began her career in Laramie, Wyoming while finishing her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Wyoming. Raye returned to the Back Hills to practice and is proud of her 10 years of experience. Her experience and professionalism is evidenced by the gentle personalized care she delivers. Raye takes great pride in challenging the people in her care to have the best smile they can; she enjoys working with these patients to educate them on proper homecare and advanced treatment options.

Raye’s Distinctions include:

• Associate of Science with Honors in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene University of Wyoming
• Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges
• Member American Dental Hygienist’s Association
• Current President of the South Dakota Dental Hygienist’s Association
• 2006 South Dakota Dental Hygienist of the Year
• Past Treasurer of the South Dakota Dental Hygienists Association

 

 

Suzanne has a Dental Hygiene Degree from the University of South Dakota and a Business Degree from Black Hills State University. She and her husband Travis were born and raised in Lead, South Dakota and are now raising their 3 children in the same beautiful area. Every Friday Suzanne joins our dental team; her 17 years of experience and warm fun personality are just the spark that that our team needs as the workweek comes to a close.

Jett, Justin, and Mackenzi…Suzanne’s children keep her entertained. On the weekends you will find Suzanne and her family at sporting events, walking the family pets-Sammie and Barkley, or skiing (water and snow). Such a busy life, and yet Suzanne finds the time and energy to serve as a member of the Lead-Deadwood School Board.

 

 

 

                                                                                                    

Cindy was born and raised in the Black Hills, where she attended and graduated high school from Custer in 2004. The following fall Cindy attended Mesa State University with a major in Pre-Physical Therapy; in her second year she transferred to Black Hills State University to be closer to home and family. After three years at BHSU, and a change of heart, Cindy attended the Colorado School of Dental Assisting in Fort Collins and earned her CDA. After completing the assisting program, Cindy moved back to the Hills to begin her dental assisting career. Cindy is caring and truly enjoys helping the patients; she is an integral member of our dental team. Cindy enjoys the many different activities the Black Hills have to offer, from relaxing at any one of the lakes on summer days to taking advantage of the numerous hiking trails and snow boarding down the slopes of Terry Peak when the winter months roll around.

 

 

 

 Jessica was born and raised in Southern California, she joined the US Navy after graduating from high school in 1995. After 4 years as a jet engine mechanic in the Navy, she earned an Associate degree in Business from CMC in Joshua, Tree, CA. Jessica and her son recently moved here from California. Walter, a long-term employee of the Custis’, knew Jessica and highly recommended her for a full time position in the dental office. She graduated in May 2009 with an expanded functions dental assisting degree and is now serving as an administrative and dental hygiene assistant.   She learns quickly and has a genuine warmth about her that team members and patients alike can appreciate, we are all thankful to have her on board. She is enjoying the beautiful Black Hills and appreciating a rewarding and challenging career as a Dental Assistant.

 

 

 

 

Iris is another long term employee at the Custis dental office.  After a three year hiatus from dental assisting (brought on by a difficult and-somewhat compromised-rotator cuff surgery) she has returned to the field of Dentistry.  Iris often comments, “Linda Custis always makes sure that I don’t stay away too long”!  We are glad to have her back as a member of our team, though upon her return, her job description has changed.  We are so proud of her because she recently expanded her dental assisting credentials by graduating from Western Area Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting Program.  Nineteen years “in the business”, and there is still so much to learn.  After her short sabbatical, Iris marvels at the fact that “dentistry just continues to improve and advance in every aspect of care delivery  and technology”.   All of Destination Dentistry's staff appreciates the fact that professional growth never stops.  As you might guess, we believe our patients deserve the BEST that dentistry has to offer.

Iris and her husband Ski are blessed and have seven grown children, with the added gift of grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her faith and church involvement are a guiding light to all they know.  Iris has made her home in the Black Hills of South Dakota for the last 25 years, but looks forward to yearly trips back to Montana to see her mother and siblings.

 

 

 Kim has recently rejoined our office, after spending some  away time with her two young children and husband, Brian.  Kim is from the Sioux Falls, SD area, but now calls the Black Hills her home.  She graduated as a Surgical Tech.. but, given the opportunity, quickly realized that she enjoyed dental assisting. The fact that there is a  direct correlation between the two careers made the transition an easy one for her.  She has  now had 4years of experience in dentistry and continues to brighten the lives of her coworkers and Destination Dentistry patients with her quick smile and bubbly personality.

Kim has also expanded her dental assisting credentials by graduating from Western Area Vocational Technical Institute’s Dental Assisting Program. 

Kim and Brian keep very entertained with their little girls, and they all look forward to moving into their new home some time this year.