About Dr. Krista Kukarans
December 12, 2018
Midwest Dental is introducing Dr. Krista Kukarans to the Waukon community. Dr. Kukarans joined the Midwest Dental office located at 22 E. Main St. in September of this year.
Dr. Kukarans was born and raised in DeWitt, IA. Growing up in the small Midwestern town, she aspired to find something that tapped into her creative side and fulfilled her desire to help people. Dr. Kukarans’ path to finding dentistry as her lifetime career truly is a unique one.
At a young age, Dr. Kukarans discovered her love for baking. “I was in junior high when I started cake decorating as a hobby,” she said. After high school, she decided to take courses in Marketing and Management to help her learn about business. She studied at Clinton Community College as well as Scott Community College. She then decided to start her own bakery called Krista’s Creations, where she baked and created wedding cakes.
“Baking is an art and I really enjoyed it. The attention to detail is something that I thrive off of,” Dr. Kukarans shared. Now she has been able to apply this artistic talent and attention to detail to dentistry as well.
She and her husband began to scale back the baking business when they decided to build a home together. They did most of the construction of the house themselves. She then decided to make a career switch and took a part-time job as a Dental Assistant at a local dentist office. The dental assisting position gave her the opportunity to help people as well as work with small details and her new objective began to form.
“I was that person who asked a million questions about what the doctor did and why. It was intriguing to me and I really liked the interactions with patients,” she said. From this newfound love for dentistry, Dr. Kukarans decided she would do whatever it took to become a dentist. She took the College of Dentistry prerequisites at the University of Iowa. She then was accepted into the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where she earned her dental degree in 2007.
Since receiving her dental degree, Dr. Kukarans has worked in a variety of patient care settings, which has provided her with a wealth of experience in dental care. She is licensed to provide dental care in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. She has also owned and operated her own practice as well as provided care as a locum dentist for numerous offices at one time.
In her spare time, you may find Dr. Kukarans enjoying anything and everything outdoors. She is one of those rare people that love winter. The winter gives them the opportunity to participate in some of her favorite activities like snow shoeing and dog sledding. “I hate sweating and bugs, but love hiking,” she said. “Snowshoeing allows me the opportunity for amazing hiking without the bugs! Being out in the snow is so beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing.” She and her husband, Archie also enjoy canoeing and kayaking whenever they get the chance.
Dr. Kukarans is very excited to be in the Waukon area because it really makes her feel at home. “Growing up in a small town, I have developed a love for everything that comes along with a small community. From local shops to festivals and parades, I love being able to just simply go to the grocery store and see friends and familiar faces. I am very eager to get to know the community and become a part of it,” she said.