Dakota Speech and Swallow Center

07/08/2025

Our phone lines and Internet are down for the day- we apologize and hope to have things up and running by tomorrow!

01/08/2025

August 1st-7th is World Breastfeeding Week! And we are in full swing over here getting ready to celebrate! We are pumped to kick the week off with our first breastfeeding support group (with a big announcement being made to those who attend). We have some other some other big things this World Breastfeeding week, so stay tuned! 😉

30/07/2025

Happy happy birthday to Kelli! She is one of the smiling faces you see when you check in. Kelli has a kindness that radiates. She became a part of our business when we needed her most. We are so grateful for Kelli and her ability to handle what comes her way. We adore you, Kelli! 🩷

03/06/2025

Happy Birthday to our very own Maggie! We are so grateful for the heart she brings to her patients and her coworkers every day.
Hope you feel all the birthday love today, Maggie! 🎂🐓

16/05/2025

So important!

Did you know that a lack of spacing between baby teeth is a clear sign of severe dental crowding of adult teeth ahead? It reflects that the palate hasn’t grown properly.

The palate is the floor of the nose and the housing for our tongue. An underdeveloped palate means there will be some degree of airflow limitation, which can affect sleep quality. A narrow palate is a well-recognised risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Traditionally, early orthodontics with palate expansion begins around age 7–8 years, after the first adult teeth have come in. However, eight years ago I took the leap and expanded my youngest daughter at age 6. She had persistent night-time symptoms of disturbed breathing after removal of her adenoids and tonsils, and after seeing so many breathing improvements in my older patients, I decided I didn’t want to wait.

The functional, structural, and facial results were much better than waiting for the adult teeth to come through. Although it’s not always avoidable, she never required braces, and she has a broad and beautiful smile.

I have since done expansion for children as young as 3.5 years, but my favourite age is 5.5 to 6 years if there are no major functional concerns warranting earlier treatment. At this age, we can often create more bone for the adult teeth to come through better, optimise sleep and breathing, and improve tongue space — restoring more normal tongue posture, function, and a better direction of facial development.

Disclaimer:
Any orthodontic procedure carries risk, and individual results may vary.
Before proceeding with treatment, you should seek a second opinion from a specialist orthodontist.

15/05/2025

Happiest of birthdays to Molli! Molli has worked in various settings, which makes her such an asset to our community. Her laid back nature is an absolute gift to her colleagues. Molli's compassion sets her apart and she cares so deeply about every patient she works with. We are so proud to have her on our team! 🩷

14/05/2025

Thank you Governor Rhoden and Mayor Salamun for these Executive Proclamations for . I am beyond grateful for the training I have had and the therapy we are now able to provide here in South Dakota. Thank you to those who continue to educate and advocate - your efforts are making a difference🩷. - Maggie

08/05/2025

Rapid City Regional Airport will host "Wings of Wonder" on May 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM, a free, guided airport tour designed for individuals with accessibility needs and their families.

The event offers a low-stress preview of the airport travel experience, helping participants gain confidence and comfort before a future flight.

Attendees will walk through key steps in the travel journey—including check-in, TSA security screening, and the gate area—while receiving guidance in a calm, supportive environment. The experience is designed for individuals with autism or other sensory processing differences as well as first-time travelers who may benefit from additional preparation.

In addition to the airport team, local organizations will be onsite to offer resources and support. Representatives from Wondermakers Travel, a South Dakota-based accessible travel agency, will be available to answer questions and share helpful information.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet the airport’s therapy dogs. The tour will conclude with an optional bus ride around the airfield, providing a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations.

29/04/2025

Last week was Administrative Professionals Day (and the post we intended never got posted as everyone is always working so hard here and social media takes a back seat😉). Our patient coordinators, Kelli and Rhonda, are the best 🙌. They have helped us create a clinic that is unlike any other clinic in our region. Their compassion is unmatched. We have seen them with tears in their eyes when a patient says something for the first time or regains a skill. They work so hard each and every day to help us build this dream.🩷 We are so grateful for the two of you. 🫶🏻

21/04/2025

Happiest of birthdays to Mallory!! She is an absolute gift at Dakota Speech and Swallow Center and we are beyond grateful to have her on our team. Mallory is one of the sweetest humans on earth. She works so hard each and every session, every day. She is everything wonderful about the field of speech pathology. Mallory, you bring so much happiness to everyone around you. Thank you for the energy and dedication you pour into your patients and our community! Happy birthday!

24/03/2025

It's back!
🌲Join Mallory for a language and literacy hour! We’ll complete themed activities based around the specifically selected book of the week. This camp will be beneficial for all preschool-aged friends, but will target receptive and expressive language skills, turn-taking and social skills, following a routine, and more! ⁣
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🌲$18 per session per camper ($60 for all 4 sessions), all snacks and materials will be provided. ⁣
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🌲Join us the first four Mondays in June from 9-10 AM

**CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED**
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Register using the link in our bio or by e-mailing or calling our office ⁣(605-443-6164)

03/03/2025

💫We agree - Ms. Mallory is the best!