By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
For Dr. Justin Pfeifer, returning to Hays was always part of the plan.
A Hays native and Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, Pfeifer recently joined the team at Leiker Smiles after spending several years in Nebraska and Colorado building his career. Although he enjoyed his time away, home was never far from his mind.
"I always knew that I wanted to make it back to Hays," Pfeifer said. "My wife and I knew we wanted to start our family here, be close to our parents and be part of the community again."
Pfeifer earned his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Omaha, spending eight years in Nebraska before moving to Colorado Springs. There, he practiced alongside his older brother, Ryan, who is also a dentist.
Working with his brother gave Pfeifer a unique opportunity early in his career.
"He kind of mentored me through everything," Pfeifer said. "I had the huge benefit of learning from someone I trusted every day."
Dentistry has become something of a family tradition. One brother is a dentist, another is an emergency room physician in Hays and another works as a physical therapist. Despite growing up in a family with several health care professionals, Pfeifer said his path was driven by a simple goal.
"I've always liked helping people," he said. "If you do something every day where you're helping people, you're going to be happy with whatever you choose."
That mindset has made dentistry a rewarding profession.
"I absolutely love going into work every day," Pfeifer said. "Being able to help someone who comes in hurting and get them out of pain makes the job worthwhile."
As a general dentist, Pfeifer provides a wide range of services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures and tooth extractions. While he enjoys every aspect of general dentistry, extractions are among his favorite procedures because they often provide immediate relief for patients experiencing severe pain.
Outside the office, Pfeifer enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Tyra, and their four-month-old son. Whether golfing, boating at Wilson Lake, or relaxing around a campfire with family and friends, he said western Kansas has always felt like home.
Pfeifer said becoming a parent has made this move even more meaningful. He said he is excited to raise his family in a community that values relationships, kindness and looking out for one another.
Pfeifer’s philosophy is simple: every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and comfortable.
After years away from Hays, Pfeifer said he is excited to care for patients at Leiker Smiles in the same community where he grew up.
"I think the small community is where we thrive," Pfeifer said. "It's great to be back."