Dr. Jon Ellenbecker
Dr. Jon Ellenbecker graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May 1998. He went on to complete a one-year AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) in the United States Navy. He spent the next three years as a dentist for the Navy stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA.
Dr. Jon is currently a state Trustee for the Southeastern District Dental Society. He has past served as President of the District in 2013 and again in 2016. He is an active member in the American Dental Association, South Dakota Dental Association, and American Academy of General Dentists. He enjoys participation in the state’s Donated Dental program.
Dr. Jon keeps busy with his family, three children, and his better half Jenny. Jon enjoys visiting his childhood home in Pierre, SD, to hunt and fish and camp with his brothers and father. He also enjoys golfing, running, and being a diehard but tortured fan of the Vikings.
Dr. Alicia Hansen
Dr. Alicia Hansen attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls before graduating from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 2006. She served our country as a dentist in the US Army for four years, stationed first in Germany, and then Newport News, VA.
Dr. Hansen truly enjoys dentistry, along with the challenges and learning opportunities it presents. She is especially interested in esthetic dentistry, although there is no aspect of dentistry she does not take pleasure in. She feels a sense of accomplishment when she helps an anxious patient feel comfortable after years of nervousness. Dr. Hansen holds professional memberships with the American Dental Association, SD Dental Association, Southeastern District Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She is a proud participant in South Dakota’s donated dental program.
She loves spending time with Ryan, her husband, and their young children Zachary and Claire. There are few things better than going for a long walk on a Sunday afternoon with her family and their two dogs. Dr. Hansen enjoys cooking and reading cookbooks (which are not necessarily the same thing!), sewing, crocheting, and running. With little ones in the house, finding time for hobbies doesn’t happen as often as it used to!
Dr. Nicole Hartmann
Dr. Nicole Hartmann grew up about 100 miles north of Sioux Falls in Canby, MN. She got her undergraduate degree from Augustana University in 2005 before completing dental school at Creighton University in Omaha in 2009. From there, she and her husband decided to move closer to the mountains, and she spent the next 10 years living and practicing in Colorado Springs, CO.
Dr. Hartmann is a member of the American Dental Association, the South Dakota Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the Southeastern District Dental Society, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society. She has also spent time helping those in need: together with her patients and staff in Colorado Springs she was able to raise enough money to build a well for drinking water through the non-profit organization, Charity:Water, in Ethiopia. She has also participated in the Colorado Mission of Mercy program and both the Colorado and South Dakota donated dental program.
Dr. Hartmann knows that open communication is key to her job. She appreciates and respects each of her patients and works with them to create treatment plans that are specific for each patient’s needs. She specifically loves helping anxious patients to feel more comfortable and able to get their dental needs taken care of. She is also an Invisalign provider and enjoys cosmetic dentistry as well as total patient care.
Dr. Hartmann has two young children, and she and her husband love spending time together with their children and dog as much as they can. She also enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and golfing in her spare time.
Dr. Tyson Ellenbecker
Dr. Tyson Ellenbecker graduated from James Madison University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended Creighton University’s School of Dentistry and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2013.
After dental school, Dr. Tyson followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Camp Pendleton, CA and spent the next two years there as a dentist for the Marines. After his time “green side,” Dr. Tyson was stationed overseas at U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. His six years as a Lieutenant in the Navy, serving our nation’s armed service members was one of the highest honors of Dr. Tyson’s life.
After completing his time on active duty, he started with the practice in August of 2019. His great uncle, Dr. Richard Ellenbecker started SWD in 1971 and his uncle, Dr. Jon Ellenbecker has been a dentist there since 2001. Family is a pillar in Dr. Tyson’s life, and one of the guiding principles of his practice is to treat every patient like a member of his family.
Dr. Tyson and his wife, Nikki, are ecstatic to join the Sioux Falls community. In his spare time, you will find Dr. Tyson in the kitchen as cooking is one of his passions. He is also an avid sports fan. And while Dr. Tyson does not yet have any human children, ask him about his four legged baby, Zara, the English Bulldog!
Dr. Ian Ailts
Dr. Ian Ailts was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, and is excited to return home to serve the community that helped shape him. He graduated from Washington High School before attending Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, where he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry Health Sciences. While at Wayne State, he was honored to serve as a team captain of the football team.
Dr. Ailts earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska. Throughout his education, eh developed a passion for helping patients improve their oral health through education, prevention, and compassionate care. He enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and is committed to providing individualized treatment while helping patients feel comfortable and confident in the dental office.
As a lifelong resident of the Sioux Falls area, Dr. Ailts values building lasting relationships with his patients and giving back to the community. He is a member of the American Dental Association, South Dakota Dental Association, and Southeastern District Dental Society.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ailts enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Chloe, family, and friends. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, golfing, watching sports, and taking frequent walks with Chloe and their dog.