Clay Center, KS
Meet the Team
Dr. Dustin KruseDDS
AliciaRegistered Dental Hygienist
KelliRegistered Dental Hygienist
NickyScaling Assistant
ElanaBusiness Assistant
VictoriaDental Assistant
GracielaDental Assistant
TerraOffice Manager
Dr. Dustin Kruse
Dr. Dustin Kruse was born in Oakley, Kansas and moved to Salina early in his childhood. He graduated from Southeast of Saline High School in 2001, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from Kansas State University in 2005. While attending Kansas State University, he was very involved on campus and was an active leader in organizations such as American Red Cross, Mortar Board, and Phi Gamma Delta. He was also an active research associate in the Terry C. Johnson Cancer Center, and his research was published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
After graduating from K-State, Dr. Kruse attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2010, Dr. Kruse was a recipient of numerous scholastic awards as well as the Martin Dewey Award for Outstanding Volunteerism within the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. Along with fulfilling his degree requirements, he volunteered in numerous community and rural health settings, and pursued his passion for research. He presented his research at a number of conferences in the Midwest, and some of his work was published in the American Journal of Dentistry.
In his free time, Dr. Kruse enjoys tournament walleye fishing across the United States, all kinds of hunting, camping, helping children in the community, cheering on K-State athletics, and spending time with friends and family. He has been blessed to become part of Clay Center Family Dental Care, and looks forward to serving our patients and community for many years to come.
Professional Organizations:
DDS awarded from UMKC Dental School
Attended Kansas State University and graduated from Southeast of Saline High School
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
Alicia
Alicia is a registered dental hygienist with over 24 years of experience. She joined our practice in September of 1999. She enjoys building relationships with her patients and helping them achieve optimal dental wellness. Alicia lives in Riley with her husband John, daughters Lela and Mina and her 3 dogs Roxy, Rocket, and Bogie. Alicia enjoys gardening, spending time with friends and family and playing the piano in her spare time.
Kelli
Kelli was born and raised in Garden City, KS. In addition to her dental hygiene degree, she also has a degree in Biology from Kansas State University and Colby Community College dental hygiene program. Kelli joined our team in July 2007. Kelli, along with her husband Jason, live on their family farm south of Greenleaf. Together they have two daughters Grace and Norah. She enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with family.
Nicky
Nicky, a Clay Center, KS native, became part of our team in 1999. She furthered her expertise at Flint Hills Technical College, earning a scaling assistant certificate. Married with a daughter, she embodies dedication and proficiency.
Elana
Elana is originally from Clay Center, KS, and graduated from CCCHS in 2018. Shortly after graduating, she crossed paths with her husband Trustin and eventually moved to their first home in Victoria, KS. Recently, they relocated back to Clay Center for new opportunities. Outside of her work life, Elana enjoys moments spent with her loved ones and her three furry children: Stella, Bean, and Tito.
Victoria
Victoria, originally from Victorville, CA, was raised in the Grand Junction, CO/Denver area. She pursued dental assisting at Warren Technical School in 2014. A proud mother to her daughter Maci, Victoria enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and swimming in her free time.
Graciela
Graciela’s bio is coming soon.
Terra
Terra is from Minneapolis, KS, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University. Since joining our team in 2011, Terra, along with her husband Casey and their three boys, have made Palmer, KS their beloved home. They enjoy outdoor adventures, sports, and hobby farming.