Meet Our Dental Team
At the dental office of Timothy M. Drake, DDS, MAGD our passionate, welcoming staff will treat every patient who walks through our doors like family. We believe it is our mission to assist our local community with excellent general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. We use the highest quality materials, the latest techniques, and advanced technology to offer a wide variety of dental services that can suit patients of all ages. Let us provide the effective procedures that will help you care for your smile, so you can smile with confidence for years to come.
Dr. Timothy M. Drake
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Master Academy of General Dentistry
Dr. Tim Drake, a native of Mitchell, South Dakota, and a proud graduate of Mitchell Senior High, has been dedicated to serving the Mitchell community and surrounding areas for over 40 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota, majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy. In 1981, Dr. Drake completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Loyola University School of Dentistry in Chicago, where he was selected for the Senior Honors Program, receiving advanced training in Endodontics and Periodontal Surgery.
Dr. Drake is a distinguished member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), having achieved the prestigious Mastership Award in 2006. To earn this honor, he completed over 1,100 hours of continuing education and passed numerous exams. Fewer than 2% of all dentists in the United States and Canada attain AGD Master status, and Dr. Drake is the only AGD Master in the Mitchell area. He is also an active member of the American Association of Endodontics, the American Dental Association, and the South Dakota Dental Association. Notably, Dr. Drake is the first dentist to complete more than 500 hours of continuing education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He is certified in Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment and ERA Implant placement and restoration.
Dr. Drake also has extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, completing "Extreme Makeover" programs at the University of Minnesota, the School of Dental Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He was the first dentist from South Dakota to complete the University of Minnesota’s Esthetic Dentistry Program Levels I and II, along with multiple Level III modules.
Outside of his professional achievements, Dr. Drake enjoys a wide range of personal interests. He loves spending time with his family and his beloved 14-year-old dog. An avid landscape photographer, Dr. Drake also enjoys snow skiing, snowboarding, waterskiing, and riding motorcycles. His passion for motorcycles has led him on several rides to Alaska, where he enjoys camping along the way. As an outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Drake is often found on the bike trails around Lake Mitchell, where he volunteers his time maintaining the trails, mowing, trimming, and clearing debris to ensure they remain accessible for the community.
Dr. Drake's commitment to his profession and his community is evident in all he does, and we are proud to have him lead our team!
Sophia G.
Lead Dental Assistant
Sophia, a lifelong resident of Mitchell, has been an outstanding addition to our team. A talented musician, she plays both the drums and piano, skills that have honed her fine dexterity—an essential trait for any dental professional.
Like the rest of us, Sophia is an animal lover and adores her two dogs, Ace, a Golden-Doodle, and Mia, a Lab-Husky mix. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her boyfriend, Cody. Together, they are busy remodeling their new home, taking pride in seeing their hard work come together as they complete each project. Sophia also has a passion for baking and often shares her delicious creations with loved ones—we’re excited to sample her treats ourselves!
We are thrilled to have Sophia on our team and are confident you’ll enjoy her warm and cheerful presence as much as we do. Her dedication to providing ethical, high-quality care is key to our mission of delivering the best service to you and your family. Please join us in welcoming Sophia to our exceptional team!
Sophia P.
Dental Assistant & Front Office Coordinator
Sophia recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a Pre-Dentistry focus and a minor in Interdisciplinary Sciences. She currently resides in Mitchell, SD, and is preparing to apply to dental school next spring. Her strong academic foundation and dedication to the field of dentistry align with her passion for delivering outstanding patient care.
Beyond her professional goals, Sophia enjoys a range of hobbies, including traveling, camping, and attending concerts with friends. She also cherishes time spent with her family and her 13-year-old Schnauzer-Poodle, Lulu. An avid learner, Sophia constantly seeks new experiences to stay active and engaged. She is excited to be part of Dr. Drake's team and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the practice.
Sophia C.
Dental Assistant
Sophia grew up in a small town in Southern Minnesota and joined our team when she moved to Mitchell to pursue her education and career in radiation therapy. Dentistry has always been part of her life, as her grandfather was a dentist and her grandmother a dental assistant. Sophia loves the welcoming atmosphere of the dental field and is excited to continue as a part-time member of our team while attending school.
In her free time, Sophia enjoys staying active by working out and spending time with her beloved dogs, Sarge and Pete. She also has a passion for traveling and enjoys outdoor adventures with her friends and family.
We truly appreciate the days Sophia can join us, despite her busy school schedule. She has been an integral member of our team and a role model for all of us. We are incredibly fortunate to have her here, even on a part-time basis!
Denise
Patient Care Coordinator: Billing & Insurance Verification
COVID has brought many changes to the world of dentistry, but one positive outcome has been the addition of Denise to our team! Denise is our dedicated Patient Care Coordinator, specializing in billing and insurance verification. While you may not see her in the office, as she works remotely from out of state, she plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our Front Office.
If you have any questions regarding billing or insurance, simply press 1 when calling the office to be connected to Denise’s voicemail, and she will return your call as soon as possible. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our dental team. Thank you, Denise, for all that you do!
Cari
Practice Manager
Cari, the daughter of Dr. Tim Drake, has been a valued member of our team since 1998 and has advanced to the role of Practice Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alaska Southeast and initially pursued a career in dentistry at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. However, following an injury and illness, Cari made the difficult decision to shift her focus toward other passions, including her successful art and photography business.
In January 2019, Cari faced a life-threatening battle with complications from an ultra-rare genetic disease, resulting in end-stage kidney and heart failure, along with other severe health challenges. Through incredible strength and resilience, she has fought her way back to health. Now living on the East Coast, she continues to contribute to our team remotely, working full-time.
Outside of her role with us, Cari is a talented, self-taught silversmith, with jewelry clients from around the world. She shares her life with two senior rabbits, a loyal rescue dog who rarely leaves her side, and her newest companions—six beautiful ducks. An avid gardener, Cari also enjoys spending time in nature with her boyfriend, James. When not outdoors, she channels her creativity into mixed media abstract painting, photography, traveling, riding motorcycles, and various board sports. You can explore her artistic work and photography on her website, Drake Explorations.
We are incredibly grateful for Cari's unwavering dedication, strength, and passion, and we are proud to have her as a key member of our team.