Meet Our Team
Dr. David C. Eckart, DDS
David C. Eckart, D.D.S. earned his High School diploma from Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1973. He studied at the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Dr. Eckart was active in research in several disciplines, including nuclear radiobiology, zoology, pharmacology, astronomy, nuclear medicine, and anatomy. He taught anatomy at the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa for several years.
In 1983, Dr. Eckart earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He worked briefly in Wayzata, MN. He purchased a dental practice in Shakopee from Dr. Don Maxwell. Dr. Eckart operates this practice today.
Dr. Eckart is a member of the Minneapolis District Dental Society, Minnesota Dental Association, and the American Dental Association and has been in good standing since earning his D.D.S. in 1983. He sits on The Advisory Board for Dental Assisting for Hennepin County Vocational and Technical Schools. He has also been a Rotary member since 1989 and served on their board for eight years.
As a Shakopee resident, Dr. Eckart is active in the community. For many years he supported Shakopee Derby Days Business Expo. He continues to support dental education in the Shakopee schools and other school activities. Dr. Eckart and his family are involved in church activities and have participated in mission trips, Unidos en Cristo (Cursillo) where he was the lead Rector in 2015, and United Teens Encounter Christ (T.E.C.).
He married Cathy right after graduating from dental school. Cathy and Dave raised two children, Jeffrey and Jennifer. Both of them graduated from Loyola University in Chicago. Jeffrey and Jennifer now live in the greater Los Angeles area, where they have worked since 2013.
Dr. Eckart’s hobbies include bicycling, scuba diving, woodworking, snowshoeing, and competitive pistol shooting.
Jamie, Registered Dental Hygienist
I graduated from Argosy University in 2017 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. I have been working at Eckart Dental since July 2020. Before becoming a hygienist, I wore many hats, from being a Heavy Vehicle Operator in the MN Army National Guard to working as a veterinarian technician at an animal shelter.
I grew up in South Minneapolis but have been living in Burnsville for the last 8 yrs. My goal is to move away from the cities and be able to have a small hobby farm and raise a family of my own! In my spare time, I am usually with friends and family. My dog Charlie is always up for any adventure, so we spend lots of time exploring new places to hike and enjoy our beautiful Minnesota seasons.
Amy, Registered Dental Hygienist
I graduated with a college degree in Dental Hygiene in 2013. I have two teenage boys that keep me busy. We like doing local activities, hiking, and traveling around the states and Caribbean together. l also have a fluffy ragdoll cat named Bella and a feisty farm cat named Stella.
Outside of work and mom life, I enjoy traveling and cruises (19 islands visited so far). Kayaking, snorkeling (also new to scuba diving!) Summer fairs/events and anything that involves a lake or ocean.
I absolutely love learning new things, whether discovering a new skill or learning about developments in the dental field. I spend a lot of my free time doing independent research and attending lectures and courses to stay on top of the latest information in oral healthcare. It makes me so happy to apply this knowledge daily so I can deliver the best care to my patients.
Holly, Registered Dental Hygienist
I have been a hygienist since 2002. I love my job! I find my job rewarding as I help people maintain a healthy mouth. I enjoy getting to know my patients and building relationships with them.
I am a mother of teenagers who keep me very busy! In my spare time, I enjoy attending row classes, sport curling with my husband, and traveling to warm destinations in the winter months.
Julie, Licensed Dental Assistant
I obtained my Dental Assisting Degree in Brainerd, MN in 1985. In November of 2022, I joined Eckart Dental Center. Currently residing in New Prague, I am a proud parent to two sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living independently. Additionally, I cherish the role of being a grandmother to a wonderful grandson. During my free time, I indulge in activities such as spending quality moments with my family, traveling, working on home projects, tending to my flower garden, exploring new restaurants and wineries, and attending various outdoor events.
I am passionate about my career in Dentistry and always seek to enhance my skills and knowledge. Presently, I am participating in the practical restorative functions (RF) training and credentialing program at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, which will open up exciting new opportunities upon completion. Dentistry truly brings me joy!
Lisa, Licensed Dental Assistant/Restorative Expanded Function
I started in the dental field during my junior year of high school in my hometown of Northfield. Patients and the doctor strongly encouraged me to become a dental assistant. In 1993, I graduated from Hennepin Technical College, and I have enjoyed helping patients feel a part of their care team.
In 1995, I became a part of the Eckart Dental Family. I share my time between assisting patients with clinical care and their scheduling and insurance needs. I recently completed REF, restorative expanded functions, which allows me to place fillings after Dr. Eckart prepares the tooth.
I live on a farm near New Prague with my husband and two children. l enjoy spending time with my family and a good book in my spare time.
Tonia, Office Manager
I am a lifelong member of the Shakopee community. Happily married to my best friend, we are blessed with three beautiful children and seven wonderful grandchildren. In my spare time, you can find me spending time with family/friends, bicycling, teaching yoga, reading, working out, and traveling the world.
I am proud to say Eckart Dental has been my work family since 1999. I enjoy greeting patients, helping with insurance and billing questions, making financial arrangements, and scheduling appointments. As office manager, I handle bookkeeping and human resource matters.
Jessica, Patient Coordinator
I recently moved to Minnesota from Florida. Living independently, I love Minnesota and consider it to be my home. Keeping busy after hours, you will find me attending and leading Bible studies and planning parties for my church. l grew up in a Russian family, so I am bilingual and also have basic ASL knowledge. If you need a quick interpreter, just ask for me. I love the medical field and studied basic medical training, and I am CPR certified.
Meeting and interacting with patients is what I love most about my job. So, don’t be shy and please
tell me about your day! Being very persistent in problem-solving, I will work hard to get you the answers you seek.
Lori, Patient Coordinator
I became a team member of Eckart Dental in March of 2022. I have over 25 years of dental experience. I look forward to getting to know our patients and help with appointments, insurance claims and questions patients may have.
I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Carver. My husband and I live not far from the family farm. We have three grown sons, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. When I’m not at the office, I love spending time with family and friends, catching a movie, a little bit of gardening, and traveling.