New dentist joins Truka’s staff

RED OAK — A local dentist has expanded her practice again, bringing a second doctor to her staff.

Dr. Jennifer Black started seeing patients in July at Dental Care PC, which was first opened by Dr. Kimberly Truka in Red Oak in the summer of 1993.

“Dentists are really needed in rural Iowa. There is really a shortage in nearly every county and I wanted to help fill that need,” Black said. “After seeing Dr. Truka’s practice, I thought it was really nice and all the people are really nice and I thought I would fit in well.”

Black was born and raised in Council Bluffs, graduating from Lewis Central in 2004. In 2007, she graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. She immediately enrolled in dental school at the University of Iowa, and graduated in June.

She is married to Daniel Black, who just started as the middle school band teacher in Nebraska City.

“I’ve felt really welcome since coming here, and everyone is really glad Dr. Truka has found someone to help her out,” Black said. “You can tell everyone likes Dr. Truka because they are genuinely happy she has found someone to help take the load off.”

Truka has been the lone dentist since 2009, saying she welcomes Black’s arrival.

“This allows us to spend more time with our patients,” Truka said. “When we had two dentists before and one leaves, you have to take on all those patients, and its hard to take all that on. Plus, this lets you discuss things with another dentist.”

Dental Care PC features digital x-rays, computerized  harting, laser technology and whitening.

Truka built the current office in 2003, and it has 10 operatories.