Exciting News: Struve Unveils New Paullina Dentistry Office!

PAULLINA—Imagine turning a lifelong dream into a vibrant reality! That’s exactly what 26-year-old Dr. Krayton Struve has accomplished this year as she opened the doors to her very own dental practice.

Originally hailing from rural Granville, and a proud graduate of Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars, Dr. Struve has spent the last eight years honing her skills at the prestigious University of South Dakota and the University of Iowa.

As she searched for the perfect opportunity to return to her roots in dentistry, her husband, Damon, reminded her of the one person she admired throughout her childhood—Dr. Thomas Roed, her family dentist in Paullina.

Two years ago, while still completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Struve reached out to Dr. Roed with a hopeful heart. “I’d love to come back to N’West Iowa after graduation,” she told him. His enthusiastic response lit a spark of excitement that would shape her future.

After a warm tour of the office and some heartfelt conversations, it became clear—the practice felt like home. As graduation approached, the Struve family made the decision to settle down in N’West Iowa, ready to build their future.

Dr. Roed graciously retired on August 31, but stayed on to guide Dr. Struve through the initial stages of her new chapter until she officially took the reins on September 16.

Juggling the complexities of starting a new practice while navigating the joys of being a new mom—her son, Crosby, was born on July 30—has been a whirlwind for Dr. Struve. “Each day is a fresh adventure,” she shares. “With my husband and his family behind me, plus the amazing support from the staff who have been here for years, the transition has been seamless.”

Dr. Struve is making her mark on the practice with an eye for creativity. Inspired by Dr. Roed’s beloved fishing theme, she has introduced some chic feminine touches to the décor, much to the delight of patients. “They love the changes!” she beams.

One of the highlights of her new role? Coordinating matching scrubs with her all-female team. Just this past Tuesday, the staff sported lovely lilac purple scrubs, adding a splash of fun to their day-to-day duties.

Dr. Struve quickly realized that her team brings more than just professional expertise; they share the joys and challenges of motherhood. “We’re all in this together, juggling our kids and our careers,” she explains, creating a warm and relatable atmosphere in the office.

Inheriting a loyal patient base, some of whom have been with Dr. Roed for over three decades, has presented both a challenge and an opportunity for Dr. Struve. Many patients have embraced her modern techniques—a wonderful testament to their trust. For example, instead of traditional molds for dentures, Dr. Struve now employs digital scanning technology, making the process quicker and more comfortable.

“I’m genuinely grateful for how open everyone has been to new ideas,” she shares. “Change can be daunting, especially after so many years with Dr. Roed, but the community’s support has been incredible.”

From a young age, Dr. Struve always envisioned herself as a dentist. This passion ignited when she was just four years old—after a visit to the dentist revealed that she was born without enamel on her baby teeth. Growing up with partial dentures and multiple braces, her personal dental journey fueled her desire to make a positive impact on others.

A plaque detailing her story adorns the reception area, a constant reminder of her journey from patient to practitioner. Dr. Struve is committed to giving back to the community that shaped her, aiming to provide the same comforting experience that her childhood dentist offered her.

“I had an amazing dentist growing up who made every visit a breeze,” she reflects. “I just want to pay that kindness forward to my patients.”