About Us - Knutson Family Dentistry

Dentist

Matthew Knutson, DDS

Dr. Matthew Knutson is a Vermillion native and graduated from Vermillion High School; go Tanagers! After high school, Dr. Matt was awarded the Presidential Alumni scholarship to attend the University of South Dakota and graduated in 1999 with honors as a University Scholar.

Dr. Matt then went on to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and upon graduation in 2003, joined his father's dental practice. He officially took over the practice in 2017 as Dr. Richard Knutson transitioned into retirement. Dr. Matt enjoys all aspects of dentistry and looks forward to the challenges each new day presents. With years of advanced continuing education, Dr. Matt brings implant, endodontic, orthodontic, botox and dermal filler services to the community.

When not at work, Dr. Matt can be found with his three boys; Wyatt, Max and Emmett. They enjoy being outdoors hunting, fishing, and spending time on the Missouri River.

Dentist

Katie Lee, DDS

Dr. Katie Lee graduated with dual degrees in biology and piano at Northwestern University, where she found dentistry a fitting career to merge both art and science interests. Born and raised in Iowa, Dr. Lee completed her dental degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2016.

She has practiced dentistry in both Iowa and western Pennsylvania before moving to South Dakota in the sumer of 2024.

Dr. Lee highly values continuing education and earned her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry to stay current in her commitment to deliver the highest quality of care that everyone deserves.
When she is not in the office, she enjoys reading, learning new music/arts/crafts, and spending time with her husband, family and friends.

Lead Dental Assistant

Amanda M

Amanda is originally from Sioux City, IA. In 2014 she earned her Dental Assisting degree, joined the practice and moved to Vermillion, SD. Recently she moved to rural Elk Point, SD with her husband Cody and two sons.

With over a decade of experience in our practice she takes great pride in the relationships she has built with her patients. She loves the versatility that comes with assisting doctors in a wide scope of procedures. You can always count on her warm personality to make you feel welcome and comfortable while in her care. Outside of the office she enjoys watching her boys in their activities and loves living in the country. She finds abundant joy in all the things that come along with farm life including their animals, gardening, homesteading, crafting, and baking.

Dental Assistant

Kaylie B

Kaylie is from Anchorage, Alaska, but has called SD her home for the past 25 years. Kaylie has been a Dental Assistant for 7 years, and joined Knutson Family Dentistry in November of 2022. Her favorite part of assisting is the interactions she has with her patients.

Dental Assistant

Avery J

Avery is from Sioux Falls, SD and started working at Knutson Family Dentistry in April of 2025. She is currently attending the University of South Dakota to become a Dental Hygienist.

Her favorite part of being a Dental Assistant is having the ability to connect with patients on a deeper level to make their experience personable instead of clinical. When she is not at work or at school, she enjoys organizing and deep cleaning.

Avery values accessible treatment for all, and will always advocate for her patients. After graduation, she aspires to open her own Dental Hygiene focused clinic in Colorado to provide dental care to underserved communities.

Dental Assistant

Laura B

Laura is originally from Pierre, SD and has been a dental assistant for six years. With her education at Lake Area Technical College, She combines technical experience with a genuine heart for people.

Whether a routine or complex procedure, Laura is committed to providing a compassionate and stress-free experience for everyone who walks through the door. When she is not at work, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys. She is an avid runner and enjoys getting outdoors. Laura is currently attending the University of South Dakota and is pursuing a major in Dental Hygiene.

Lead Dental Hygienist

Tracey H

Tracey has worked for Knutson Family Dentistry since completing Dental Hygiene school in 1997. She has been a patient of the clinic since she was just 7 years old.

She graduated from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a bachelor's degree majoring in dental hygiene with a minor in biology.

What she likes most about her job is getting to know the patients at their appointments and helping them meet their dental needs. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Todd, three now grown daughters and her mom. She also loves flower gardening, traveling, and playing outdoors.

Dental Hygienist

Carrie H

Carrie grew up in Newcastle, NE and graduated in 1999 from Newcastle Public School. She attended the University of South Dakota and graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program in 2006.

Carrie joined the practice in October of 2021. She loves getting to know the patients and strives to make them feel comfortable and relaxed while providing excellent patient care. Carrie, her husband Corey, and her daughter Taylor are currently live in Ponca, NE with their energetic beagles, Mollie and Mabel. In her free time Carrie enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her family and walking with her dogs.

Dental Hygienist

Tylar K

Tylar grew up in Ponca, NE and graduated in 2012 from Ponca Public School. She attended the University of South Dakota and graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program in 2018.

Dental Hygienist

Jaida G

Jaida has grown up in Vermillion most of her life. She attended Vermillion High School and then USD where she graduated from the Dental Hygiene program. Jaida has been part of our KFD team since 2021.

Treatment and Financial Coordinator

Krista C

Krista has called Vermillion home for over 25 years. She joined Knutson Family Dentistry in the summer of 2024 after many years of property management.

Krista loves the Vermillion Community and is very grateful to continue to serve it as part of the KFD team. Her positivity is contagious and she is dedicated to helping patients have an exceptional experience each and every time they call or visit the office.

Krista and her family also love traveling, camping, and live music. In their free time they often explore the surrounding state parks and rec areas. They also enjoy concerts and music festivals any chance they get.

Insurance Coordinator

Kelsey W

Kelsey joined our practice in November 2023 as our Insurance Coordinator. She enjoys helping our patients understand their insurance plans and providing exceptional patient centered care. In her free time Kelsey enjoys watching her children play sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and spending time with her family.

Patient Coordinator

Hannah S

Hannah was born and raised in Northern Illinois but moved to South Dakota in 2025 and is proud to call Vermillion home. As Patient Coordinator, Hannah is dedicated to helping patients feel welcome and confident in their decision to come to KFD.

Meet The Team

Matthew Knutson, DDS

Katie Lee, DDS

Amanda M

Kaylie B

Avery J

Laura B

Tracey H

Carrie H

Tylar K

Jaida G

Krista C

Kelsey W

Hannah S