After hearing Dr. Hiegert’s story of trying to fix some plumbing in the new clinic, I think it’s best if he sticks to dentistry Dr. Aaron Hiegert is fresh out of dental school, and ready to take on a brand new clinic and practice. Quite the feat for a newbie, but if anyone can do it, this passionate and determined dentist can. You only need to spend a few minutes with this man to figure out that he loves what he is doing, and he is very knowledgeable about it.  Enjoy getting to know a little more about him below, and then feel free to schedule an appointment with him at our NEW Mound City Dental Clinic!

AG: What do you practice?
DH: Family Dentistry

AG: Where are you from?
DH: Kansas City, Gladstone/Liberty area

AG: What was your education like? Where did you go to school?
DH: UMKC-Dentistry School. I was in school from 8 am – 5:30 pm and then would work hard to get everything done for the next day.

AG: How long have you been practicing dentistry?
DH: Dental school was 4 yrs and patient care for 2.5 yrs.

AG: Why did you choose to work at a community health center rather than a private practice?
DH: For the opportunity to give back and gain experience.

AG: Describe what your first few months at NHS have been like. Is it was you expected?
DH: The pace was a lot faster from school for starting out, but assistants definitely help and increase that speed factor. You go from seeing 2-3 patients a day to 20+. In Mound City there were challenges with up starting a new clinic, which made things difficult at first, but things have smoothed out.

AG: What things do you like about Mound City?
DH: Everyone has been really friendly and because of the small-town community, everyone seems really tight knit.

AG: What dental concerns do you see with the people of Mound City, MO?
DH: They just haven’t had care for so long and they need more education.

AG: How do you feel the quality of care patients receive at NHS is compared to other places you’ve worked?
DH: Quality is as good as you can get. We have all new equipment (including digital x-ray!) and resources to get what we need.

AG: What dental health topic are you passionate about?
DH: In school I did a lot of periodontics (gum) work, and that interests me a lot, but I don’t get to do too much of that anymore.

AG: What are your hobbies?
DH: hunting, fishing, water sports, anything outdoors, traveling, scuba diving

AG: What would your alternate career choice be?
DH: Right now there wouldn’t be anything else I could imagine doing. I’m doing what I dreamed of doing, and it took me so long to get here.

AG: What is your favorite food?
DH: steak

AG: Where would you like to travel?
DH: Anywhere and everywhere, but I haven’t gotten to do too much of it in the last 5 yrs because of school.  I’ve been through Mexico and Honduras (went on a dental mission trip there).

AG: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
DH: My parents have always been supportive and enabled me to do anything and everything I could ever want.

AG: What embarrassing stories have occurred in your time at NHS?
DH: When we were starting and having all the problems in the new clinic I was trying to fix a hose and it burst and got me completely soaked.  It hit me in the face and was whipping all around the room. I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from or how to turn it off. It was pretty funny!

AG: Do you have a message that you’d like to share with the community?
DH: I’m happy to be here and look forward to meeting everyone and building my practice. If anyone has dental concerns, they can feel free to come ask me. Walk-ins and Emergency visits are always welcome.

Call for an appointment today! 660-442-5507. 1303 State Street, Mound City, MO 64470.

Look for more provider interviews to come!
Anna G.