At Prairie Rose, our team is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the best patient experiences start with a strong, supportive, and passionate team—people who bring positivity, hustle, and heart into the practice every single day. That’s why we created the Heart of the Practice recognition program—to spotlight team members who go above and beyond, not just in their roles, but in the way they lift others up, bring smiles to the office, and truly represent what makes Prairie Rose special.
This quarter, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Mindi Acker, our Heart of the Practice winner from the South office location!
Meet Mindi
If you’ve ever met Mindi, you know she’s so much more than just a dental assistant—though she’s an exceptional one at that! When asked to describe her role, Mindi gave us a list that captures her energy perfectly: prep squad, organizer, counselor, mentor, cheerleader, translator, anticipator, spit suctioner, note taker, smile maker, picture taker, team player, dishwasher, laundry lady, and cleanup crew—aka a true dental MVP.
With nearly a year on the Prairie Rose team and over 25 years in dentistry, Mindi brings a wealth of experience, a huge heart, and a lot of laughs to our team. Originally from Warren, MN, and a long-time Grand Forks resident, she made the move to beautiful Bismarck with her family in the fall of 2019—and we’re so glad she did!
What Makes Mindi Shine
When we asked Mindi what she loves most about her work, she lit up talking about the variety and “her people.” She never has a typical day, and that’s part of what keeps things exciting. Her adaptability and positivity make a huge impact on everyone around her.
Mindi also gave us a peek behind the curtain of the dental assistant life, sharing that it’s a physically demanding role—and one that requires constant movement and multitasking. When asked which dental tool represents her best: “The mouth mirror represents me,” she said. “You get back the vibe you put out there—I want everyone to shine!”
A True Team Player
To Mindi, being named the Heart of the Practice meant feeling appreciated for all the “little things” that help the big things go well. Her coworkers recognize her for the behind-the-scenes work, her willingness to help in any situation, and her consistent positivity. When asked how it felt to be recognized, she said: “HAPPY! WONDERFUL!! GRATEFUL!!!”
We also had a little fun and asked what she’d be in a Prairie Rose sitcom—her response? “Definitely a comedy or variety show. As for my character's name, I’d leave that to the dentists… they’re the writers!”
Outside the Office
When she’s not making smiles in the office, Mindi’s favorite place to be is at the lake with her family. It’s her "happy place"—full of sunshine, laughter, and recharge time. It’s also where she feels closest to God and is reminded to treat each day as a blessing by His grace.
She loves spending time with her husband, Rick, who has been her rock for over 25 years. Mindi says her biggest accomplishment is their son, Hunter. They moved to Bismarck at the start of his sophomore year of high school, and he took it in full stride—calm, super chill (seriously, who does that?!). She’s incredibly proud of the young man he’s become.
They're a dog family through and through—labs, to be specific. Their newest addition—Daisy—is fully convinced she’s human and has earned the nickname "Crazy Daisy."
When asked if she ever got the chance to swap jobs for a day? She chose, “The dentist, of course! I’ve been watching them for years… what could go wrong?” (We love that confidence Mindi!)
Why We’re Grateful for Mindi
Mindi is the kind of teammate who reminds you why you love what you do. She keeps things light, makes people feel seen and supported, and brings an energy that’s both calming and uplifting. In her own words, Prairie Rose is “a large family to be a part of,” and she plays a big part in making it feel that way.
Mindi, thank you for being the mirror that reflects positivity, joy, and excellence back into our practice. You truly are the Heart of the Practice!