Dr. David Hamel was presented with the 2017 Harry M. Klenda Award for outstanding council and committee service at the KDA Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 8, 2017. 

While he was born a Cornhusker in Falls City, NE, Dr. David (Dave) Hamel did not stay one for long! At a year old, he and his family moved to Horton, KS. Dave is the youngest of five siblings, all raised by their parents, Joe and Jean. The days were spent playing with friends, mowing lawns, and running paper routes. Many life lessons were learned while working for the family clothing stores, and community service ideals were embedded while attending the Methodist Church.

While in high school, Dave met and fell in love with his future wife, Cheri, at a church camp. As Dave and Cheri’s relationship continued to blossom throughout high school and into college at Washburn University, they married prior to Dave entering UMKC School of Dentistry. They dreamed of one day living in a small community, raising a family, and starting a dental practice. After Dave graduated from UMKC in 1977, they set their sights on Greenleaf, KS. It was a small town with a population of 400, exactly what they had been looking for.

With a desire to continue expanding his expertise and striving for higher levels of dentistry, Dave moved his practice to Marysville, KS in 1991. Larger than Greenleaf, but still a small town, Marysville gave him the opportunity to be deeply involved, both professionally and within the community. Today, he continues to practice dentistry in Marysville.

Right out of dental school, Dave became active in the American Dental Association (ADA), Kansas Dental Association (KDA), his local district dental society, and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). In 1993, he was elected State President of the AGD. In 2010, he became President of the KDA. Dave currently serves on the Council on Dental Benefits Programs for both the ADA and the KDA.

Later in his career, Dave was asked to be a participant in an AD HOC committee with the Kansas Insurance Department. He became a strong advocate for patient’s rights, and speaks to the Kansas legislature each year to fight for patient’s dental health and well-being.

Dave always felt the need to be progressive in the dental field. He takes pride in providing and encouraging a high level of patient care. Dave strives to maintain a solid partnership with each of his patients, which he finds to be the best pathway for improving and maintaining their dental health. Helping patients to develop an oral health plan and make informed choices is a personal and intimate process that Dave is passionate about and blessed to be a part of. 

Through the years, Dave has found joy in assisting those less fortunate. He has volunteered and participated in 11 Kansas Mission of Mercy (KMOM) annual free dental projects, including the very first KMOM in Garden City, KS. Dave has also enjoyed practicing dentistry on a mission trip to Belize. He regularly treats patients through Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program, providing free care to disabled, elderly, and medically fragile individuals.

During their time together, Dave and Cheri have welcomed two daughters. Their oldest, Brooke, now lives near Grain Valley, in the Kansas City area, and youngest, Alison, lives in St. Joseph, MO. Ali is mom to the Hamels’ newest bundle of joy, their 2-year-old grandson, Ben. They are loving the fun and excitement that comes with being grandparents.

Congratulations, Dave! We thank you for your service to the KDA!