Alexis N. Rickel, DDS
“I connect with patients by being down-to-earth, talking to them in a friendly manner and describing procedures in understandable terms.”
Unique among eight-year-olds of any era, Alexis N. Rickel, DDS, knew early that a career in dentistry was her calling—and she’s never wavered.
Growing up in Pleasant Hill, Mo., she was fascinated by childhood trips to the dentist and by braces, in particular. While her peers played with dolls or toys, she occupied herself at home by “treating” make-believe dental patients, much to her father’s amusement.
That sense of dedication, along with a dose of compassion, has brought Dr. Rickel to Health Partnership Clinic after eight years of private, corporate and public health dentistry, the last three in community health. By providing routine exams, fillings and extractions she’s helping to remedy or enhance the dental experiences of patients whose oral care has often been limited, inconsistent or compromised by poor nutritional habits. Working with an underserved population, she gladly says, “I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Dr. Rickel has complemented her hands-on experience by serving as an appointed adjunctive clinical instructor for dental students who rotate through community health centers as part of their graduation requirements. She has also given back to the community through involvement with Give Kids a Smile, Smile Academy and Team Smile, all providing oral health services and education to area youth.
Dr. Rickel earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2016. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012 and in 2009 completed her associate degree at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley, in Kansas City, Mo. She has professional licenses in both Kansas and Missouri and is a member of the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry.
When she’s not working, Dr. Rickel is an adventurous traveler, with Bora Bora, Banff National Park and Ireland among her favorite destinations. She makes her home in Lenexa, Kan.
Dr. Rickel serves people of all ages at our Olathe clinic.
