Dr. Derek M. Van Dyke

About Me

Dr. Derek Van Dyke’s respect for dentistry began early in life, rooted in a deeply personal experience. During a routine dental visit, his family dentist noticed something concerning and referred his father to a specialist. That early detection led to a life-saving cancer diagnosis. Today, Dr. Derek credits that moment as a defining reason his father is alive and well—and as the inspiration behind his own journey into dentistry. While earning his Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Arizona (2009), Dr. Derek spent school breaks shadowing his hometown dentist in Springfield, Nebraska. He quickly fell in love with the profession—especially the opportunity to help patients feel at ease. Known for his quick wit and warm chairside manner, Dr. Derek brings humor and empathy into every patient interaction. Patients often cite his ability to make them feel comfortable and informed as what sets him apart. Dr. Derek believes that every patient should be a partner in their dental care. He takes the time to ensure each person understands their oral health and treatment options, working collaboratively to choose the best path forward. For him, there is no greater reward than seeing a patient’s self-confidence grow throughout their treatment journey. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2013. It was there that he met his wife, Dr. Katherine Finney, with whom he shares a passion for dentistry, movies, music, and helping others. The two were married in June 2013. Dr. Van Dyke has received advanced surgical implant training through the Midwest Implant Institute in Columbus. He is now able to both place and restore dental implants, expanding on the restorative services he has long provided. This means that the entire implant process—from the initial 3D CT scan for diagnosis and planning, to surgical placement, to final restoration—can now be completed entirely in-house. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless coordination of care and convenience for patients. Outside of the office, Dr. Derek enjoys spending time with family and friends. Though he now resides in Ohio, he visits his hometown of Springfield, Nebraska often. When with family, you’ll often find him enjoying and sharing great food. He’s also a dedicated college sports fan and can usually be found catching a game on the weekends. Dr. Van Dyke is dedicated to giving back to the Marion community and regularly invests his time in local service and outreach efforts.

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