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Advanced Dentistry, Rooted in Harlan Since 1990.
At Markham Family Dental Associates, advanced training, in-house technology, and a commitment to honest care come together to create a higher standard of dentistry in western Iowa.
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Our Story
Our Legacy of Precision and Care
Markham Family Dental Associates has been part of Harlan since 1990, when Dr. Phillip Markham co-founded the practice with Dr. Earl Boltinghouse. Over 35 years, the practice grew into the only group dental practice in Harlan, built on a foundation of honest recommendations, long-term relationships, and a commitment to staying current with the best dentistry had to offer. In February 2025, Dr. Markham transitioned ownership of the practice to his associate of seven years, Dr. Roy Burkhalter, who continues that same standard.
Today the practice brings together three dentists, a full hygiene team, and in-house surgical capabilities that allow many advanced cases to be planned and treated locally. Patients from Harlan, Avoca, Atlantic, Minden, and Shelby come here because they do not have to choose between small-town care and advanced treatment. They get both.
1990
The Foundation
Dr. Markham and Dr. Boltinghouse open the practice on Pine Street in Harlan, establishing the first group dental practice in Shelby County.
2018
Expanded Capability
Dr. Roy Burkhalter joins as an associate, bringing Oral Surgery Fellowship training, advanced implant capability, and IV sedation to the practice.
2025
A New Chapter
Dr. Markham sells the practice to Dr. Burkhalter after 35 years. Dr. Emma Ahrenholtz joins the team, bringing fresh clinical training from the University of Iowa.
Present
Same Address, Higher Standard
The same Pine Street office, now fully equipped with CBCT imaging, in-house milling, 3D printing, and a complete surgical suite serving all of western Iowa.
Clinical Philosophy
What dentistry looks like here
Most dental offices treat what is in front of them. We treat the whole picture, with the imaging, training, and time to look closely at the full picture and build a plan designed to solve the problem properly.
Evidence-Based Care
Every recommendation is backed by clinical evidence, not habit. We use the best available research to guide treatment decisions and we tell you honestly when watchful waiting is the right call.
Minimally Invasive
We use the most conservative approach that achieves a durable result. In-house imaging and digital scanning let us intervene precisely, preserving healthy tooth structure wherever possible.
Personalized Planning
No two patients have the same history, priorities, or budget. We build a treatment plan around your specific situation and discuss the options and costs before any work is scheduled.
Long-term Outcomes
A quick fix that creates a bigger problem in three years is not a good outcome. We plan for how a tooth will hold up over a decade and recommend the approach most likely to last.
Dr. Roy Burkhalter, DDS
Dr. Burkhalter grew up in Rome, Georgia and served 15 months in Iraq before pursuing a career in dentistry. He attended Kansas State University for his undergraduate studies, then the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry for his DDS. Following dental school, he completed an Oral Surgery Fellowship at UNMC, where he trained in implant placement, bone grafting, IV moderate sedation, and biopsy services.
He joined Markham Family Dental Associates in 2018 and purchased the practice from Dr. Markham in February 2025. He serves as the practice's lead dentist and primary oral surgery provider, and continues as an adjunct instructor at UNMC. Outside the office, he is married to Samantha and has three children: Eva, Cooper, and Landon.
DDS, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Oral Surgery Fellowship, UNMC — implants, bone grafting, IV sedation, biopsy
Adjunct Faculty, UNMC College of Dentistry
Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
Member, Academy of General Dentistry and Iowa Dental Association
Advanced training in full-arch restoration and guided implant surgery
Dr. Emma Ahrenholtz, DDS
Dr. Ahrenholtz grew up on a farm outside Defiance, Iowa and attended Harlan Community Schools. She went on to Iowa State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology in 2020, then enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, graduating in 2025. Joining Markham Family Dental Associates brought her back to the community she grew up near.
She is focused on comprehensive general and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages and is passionate about building long-term relationships with the patients and families she serves. Outside the office, she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
DDS, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 2025
BS in Kinesiology, Iowa State University, 2020
Harlan Community Schools graduate
General and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages
Member, Iowa Dental Association
Dr. Phillip Markham, DDS
Dr. Markham was born and raised in Harlan, Iowa. He attended Creighton University and received his Bachelor of Science in 1984, followed by his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1988. After practicing in Okey, Wyoming, and Perry, Iowa, he returned to Harlan and co-founded Markham Family Dental Associates in 1990. He sold the practice to Dr. Burkhalter in February 2025 and continues to practice alongside the team he built.
Over 35 years, Dr. Markham served the Harlan community far beyond the dental chair. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Shelby County Board of Health for over 30 years, the Knights of Columbus, and the Harlan Volunteer Fire Department. He is a member of the Iowa Dental Association, and has held every district office in the Southwest District.
DDS, Creighton University, 1988
Founded Markham Family Dental Associates in Harlan, 1990
35 years of service to the Harlan and Shelby County community
Member, Iowa Dental Association and Southwest Iowa District Dental Society
Former Shelby County Board of Health member, 30+ years
Tamie Madsen
Dental Assistant
Jody Mahlberg
Dental Assistant
Madison Kelly
Dental Assistant
Tristin Frame
Dental Assistant
Paula Kenkel
Front Office
Chantel Lytle
Front Office
Natalie Sullivan
Hygienist
Ana Mages
Hygienist
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Katie Farver
Hygienist
Nichole Fromm
Office Manager
Where Clinical Precision meets Hospitality
Environment
A clean, modern office on Pine Street, newly remodeled and fully accessible. Designed to feel calm and professional from the moment you walk in.
Comfort
Sedation options from nitrous oxide to IV sedation for patients who need more than local anesthetic. We do not proceed until you are comfortable.
Clarity
Digital X-rays and CBCT imaging reviewed chair-side with every patient. You see what we see, and you understand what it means before any treatment is discussed.
Education
We take the time to explain what we find and why we recommend what we recommend. You leave every appointment knowing the full picture, not just the treatment plan.
Words From Our Patients
Contact Us
Start the Conversation
Address
2105 Pine St
Harlan, IA 51537, US
Harlan, IA 51537, US
Hours
Mon - Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 7:00am - 12:00pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
(712) 755-5342
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