AboutBuffalo Prairie Dental
Buffalo Prairie Dental is a Keokuk based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dental office that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, veneers and more.
We also perform emergency dentist services that include bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. As a local dentist, we create lifelong relationships with our patients and their families and work to ensure that they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Dr. Shy McElroy and Dr. Wright invite you to schedule an appointment by calling 319-313-7220 and experience why our patients think Buffalo Prairie Dental is the best dentist in Keokuk.
Dentist
Shy McElroy, DMD
Shy was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Striving to be the first person in his family to go to college, Shy decided to attend the University of Iowa. After completing under-grad, and being indecisive as to what field of medicine to go into, he attended a conference for pre-med. That is where he learned about dentistry and the true impact it makes in someone's overall health. In hopes of helping others take pride in their oral health, he chose to attend the University of Louisville for dental school and graduated in May of 2021.
Shy joined Buffalo Prairie in 2021. He now co-owns the practices with K.J. Sturhahn, DMD, and Rick Wright, DDS. He is a member of the Illinois and Iowa Academy of General Dentistry. Shy currently resides in Quincy, IL with his dog, Cash. Outside of work he enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
Dentist
Richard J Wright, DDS
Rick was born and raised in the Quincy area and has over 35 years of experience in the dental field. He worked as a dental technician making crowns and bridges before attending dental school. After graduating from Culver-Stockton College cum laude, he attended Loyola University School of Dentistry. He began practicing dentistry with his father, William D. Wright, in Camp Point, Illinois after graduating from dental school in 1982. Upon his father's retirement in 1995, Dr. Wright established his own practice in Quincy, IL. In 2019, he merged with Buffalo Prairie Dental and now co-owns the practices with K.J. Sturhahn, DMD and Shyheme McElroy, DMD.
He has advanced training focusing on oral surgery, implants, microdentistry, TMJ, occlusal studies and orthodontics, including Invisalign. He is also licensed by the States of Illinois and Iowa to provide conscious sedation to his patients. Rick is on staff at Blessing Hospital and has served on the Adams County Health Department Board of Directors since 2005 and is currently serving as President.
Rick has been married to his wife, Ann, since 1984. They have three children, Laura (son in-law Chase), Andrew (daughter-in-law Andrea) and Graham. Outside of work he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, grilling, skiing, flying and playing chess.
Founder
K.J. Sturhahn, DMD
K.J. founded Buffalo Prairie Dental in 1996 in Pittsfield, Il. with current locations in Quincy, IL and Keokuk, IA. He is now partners with Richard J Wright, DDS and Shyheme T. McElroy, DMD. K.J. graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL in 1996. He has had advanced training and Continuing Education at Pacific Aesthetic Continuum, Rondeau Functional Orthodontics, Invisalign, Osteo Ready Implantology, Dr. Michael Tischler's Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge Course and International Academy of Sleep.
K.J. is married with three wonderful children, 2 daughters and 1 son. He enjoys hunting, skiing, boating and spending time outdoors. Even though KJ no longer practices clinical dentistry he still enjoys supporting the practices and helping others grow in dentistry.
Maggie
Hygienist
Maggie joined Buffalo Prairie in 2004 as a hygiene assistant before graduating from Carl Sandburg as a Dental Hygienist. She currently resides in Warsaw with her husband, Casey, daughter, Sydni, and son, Hugh. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys shopping, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.
Tressa
Scheduling Coordinator
Tressa was born and raised in Keokuk, IA where she currently resides with her husband and 3 kids. Tressa joined the Buffalo Prairie team in August of 2018 as scheduling coordinator. Outside of work her kids keep her busy with their extracurricular activities and she also enjoys being outdoors, shopping and spending time with friends and family.
Kelsey
Dental Assistant
Kelsey was born in Sedalia MO. She currently resides in Keokuk IA with her husband Jerry and their 4 children. Kelsey joined Buffalo Prairie in 2020 as a Hygiene Assistant. Outside of work, she enjoys doing hair, being outside riding UTVs ,and building their home inspection business.
Alanna
Dental Assistant
Alanna was born in Fort Kent, ME and currently resides in Warsaw, IL with her husband Justin and their six kids. Alanna joined the Buffalo Prairie team in 2023 as a Dental Assistant. Outside of work she likes to spend time hanging out with her family and friends and being outdoors. She is very busy with all her kids and the different sports they play. She enjoys watching her favorite college football team, the Auburn Tigers, every Saturday during football season.
Stacey
Financial Operations Manager
Stacey was born in St. Louis, MO. She currently resides in Quincy, IL with her two daughters, Gracie and Stella. Stacey joined Buffalo Prairie in 2018 as an insurance coordinator. Before joining us she spent 10 years in the Army followed by full time employment at Blessing Hospital. In her spare time, Stacey likes baking, scrapbooking, traveling and spending time with family.
Roni
Business Operations Manager
Roni was born and raised in Kahoka, Mo. She currently resides in Fort Madison, IA with her husband Cole, and 2 dogs, Koda and Ginger. She joined Buffalo Prairie in January of 2020. Outside of work Roni enjoys gardening, painting and spending time with family.