Meet The Doctors
Pediatric dentistry is a distinct field that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of infants, children and young adults with special needs. Pediatric dentists complete a standard four-year degree in dentistry followed by an additional two to three years of rigorous, specialized training in pediatric dentistry. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to treat their patients and start them on a path to a life of healthy teeth and happy smiles.
Dr. Susan Tiede
Degree: DDS Creighton University School of Dentistry
General Practice Dentistry Certificate, U.S. Navy, Naval Hospital Oakland, CA
Pediatric Dental Certificate, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Experience: 30+ years
Phone: (406) 541-7337
E-mail: info@missoulapediatricdentristry.com
“I love treating kids. They’re energetic, resilient and endlessly imaginative. We try to create an experience that taps into those qualities and makes a trip to the dentist something to look forward to.”
Dr. Tiede is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist. She completed her undergraduate college education at St. Louis University in St. Louis in 1986 receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Tiede attended Dental School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated in 1991. She then joined the United States Navy and completed a General Practice Residency in Oakland, California. After six years in the Navy, Dr. Tiede joined the Public Health Service/Indian Health Service where she provided dental care to Native Americans on the Pine Ridge and Blackfeet Indian reservations. In 2001, she was selected for training as a pediatric dentist at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dr. Tiede graduated from the program in May 2003 and returned to work as the pediatric dentist on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
In November 2004 Dr. Tiede decided to leave federal service and open Missoula Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Tiede is a board-certified member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a fellow of the American Orthodontic Society. In addition, she is a member of the Montana Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr Tiede has lobbied Congress – and statewide – on behalf of pediatric dental patients. Dr. Tiede serves as the ADA’s national representative for fluoride, and as a board member of both the American Orthodontic Society and the Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Tiede is also a part-time professor in the department of Pediatric Dentistry at Creighton University.
In 2023, Dr. Tiede was awarded both the Part-Time Clinical Instructor of the Year as well as the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Merit Award from Creighton University. She also won the Montana Dental Association’s Clinician of the Year Award.
Dr. Tiede has two amazing daughters, Sierra and Sam. Treating children and being a part of their lives is a gift for which she is grateful.
Dr. Samantha Clark
Degree: DDS University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Certificate, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Samantha Clark is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Clark graduated from dental school through the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2013 and attended Indiana University for her pediatric residency. After graduating residency in 2015, she took a job with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai, working in Polson and St. Ignatius, MT. She worked with the Flathead reservation until 2019. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Clark took a job contracting with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany for one year. Upon returning to the United States, Dr. Clark joined Missoula Pediatric Dentistry full time. She now works part time with the MPD team. Dr. Clark is a member of The American Dental Association, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Clark lives in Kalispell with her husband, her son and daughter, and their two dogs. When she’s not working, you can find her backcountry skiing, running (now with a stroller), perfecting her sourdough recipe, or learning to silversmith.
Dr. Elizabeth Katz
Degree: DMD Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Boston, MA
Pediatric Dental Certificate: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Boston, MA
Dr. Elizabeth Katz is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Katz is originally from Pennsylvania. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in 2000. In 2004, Dr. Katz received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA with Honors in Pediatric Dentistry. Then in 2007, Dr. Katz completed a three year residency specializing in Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. Since 2007, Dr. Katz has practiced in Tucson, AZ. In 2018, Dr. Katz decided to combine dentistry and travel by becoming a locum tenens dentist, a dentist that periodically travels to other states to provide dental care. You can find Dr. Katz in Arizona, South Carolina, and now in Missoula. Dr. Katz strives to deliver compassionate, personalized, and specialized care to her patients. She has a passion for good old fashioned care by establishing good relationships with her patients and their families. When Dr. Katz is not caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their son. She has two dogs named Luna and Chino and one very chubby cat named Leo. Dr. Katz also enjoys traveling, skiing, making ice cream, running, restorative/yin yoga, open water swimming, and spinning.
Dr. Katz is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is the Dental Hygiene Program Instructor at Pima Community College.
Dr. Katz is very excited to join the team at Missoula Pediatric Dentistry and looks forward to meeting all the families and caring for the kids in beautiful Missoula.
Dr. Elif Pryor
Degree: DDS, University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry
General Practice Dentistry Certificate, Idaho State University
“I am drawn to pediatric dentistry because it allows me to play a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of children’s oral health. My motivation stems from the opportunity to instill good oral health habits at an early age and to set children on a path for success in their future dental journeys.”
Dr. Pryor earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Montana and then continued her education at the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry, graduating in 2017. The following year, she finished a residency program at Idaho State University with a focus on oral surgery. Dr. Pryor has been with Missoula Pediatric Dentistry on a part-time basis since 2019. She is committed to continuing pursuing dental education in order to provide excellent service to all of her patients. Her approach to dentistry goes beyond routine check-ups and procedures; she believes in building strong relationships with children and their parents so that they can achieve long-term success in maintaining their oral health. Dr. Pryor is a member of the American Dental Association, Montana Dental Association and online Spear education.
Dr. Pryor speaks four languages. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. They can be found doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and using their camper. She is thrilled to be back serving the Missoula community where she calls home.
Dr. Kendra Hackman
Degree: DMD, Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Hackman is a board-certified general dentist. She completed her undergraduate education in Edmonton, AB, Canada receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended Boston University to receive her DMD in 2021. Dr. Hackman moved to Wisconsin where she practiced on adults as well as a lot of children, and decided kids are a lot of fun to work with. Dr. Hackman works at MPD part time and is a member of The American Dental Association and The Montana Dental Association.
Dr. Hackman lives in Missoula and keeps busy with her golden retriever, Millie, and her weekend drives back to Canada to visit family.
