About Your Dentist

"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."

Education

Dr. Kruyer graduated cum laude from Marquette University School of Dentistry. After dental school she was the honor graduate of her one-year residency during which she received additional training in all areas of dentistry. In 2006, she was granted Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentists. In addition to running her own private practice, Dr. Kruyer is an adjunct professor at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine.

Professional Memberships

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
• Nevada Dental Association (NDA)
• Las Vegas Study Club (Seattle Study Club)

Honors and Awards

• America's Top Dentists Award (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) - Consumers' Research Council of America
• Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), 2006
• 1-800-DENTIST Cares Award, 2005
• Distinguished Honor Graduate, AGDP-1 - Fort Benning, 2002
• Outstanding Dental Officer of the Year - United States Army, 2002
• Junior Officer of the SE Regional Dental Command USA, 2002
• Distinguished Honor Graduate, AMEDD OBC - Ft. Sam Houston, 2001
• Oral Biology Award - American Association of Oral Biologists, 2001
• Jesuit Honor Society - Marquette University, 2000
• Dean's List - Marquette Dental School 1998-2001
• Dean's Honor Roll - University of Alberta, 1991-1994

Proud Service for Her Country

Dr. Kruyer served one year in Kuwait and Iraq. During her stay, she experienced sandstorms, pneumonia, scorpions, camel spiders, IED's, mortar fire, and extreme heat (150° F++... and we thought Vegas was hot!). She practiced dentistry in primitive conditions (including surgical extraction of bony-impacted wisdom teeth) using a portable dental chair. Dr. Kruyer said her most lasting memories of Iraq are of the people, especially the children.

Personal Life

Dr. Kruyer is the mother of six wonderful children: Tynica, Jonathan, Teresia, Anica, Iysha (passed away in 2009), and Tia. She knows firsthand the trials parents face when trying to teach children how to take care of their teeth.
 

“Use your smile to change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.”

My Mission

“My mission is to provide the best possible dental care for patients by doing the right thing extremely well the first time in order for it to last for a long time.”

Education & Continuing Education

Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Utah School of Dentistry – Salt Lake City, Utah

Master of Science in Nutritional Science
Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah

Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry
Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah

Bachelor of Science
University of Ghana – Legon, Ghana

Professional Memberships 

Dr. Darko is an active member of the American Dental Association.

Life & Hobbies 

Dr. Janice Darko made history, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Utah’s School of Dentistry, May 2023. Dr. Darko who moved to America from Ghana in 2008. “This is bigger than me. This is not just about me. This is about representing my community,” she said in an interview with KUTV. “Being a Black woman from Africa, I still have to go home. Cook, clean, be a wife, take care of my children. I have all of those responsibilities”.  

Dr. Darko has a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ghana, and two Masters’ degrees in Nutritional Science and Analytical Chemistry from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Though the University of Utah’s program is relatively new, a spokesperson says it has been a major attraction for students of color.  

Dr. Darko used her time at the University of Utah School of Dentistry to create the Black and Dental Art Student Association. “The mission of the BDSA is to provide a firm and stable policy environment for effective mainstreaming of the African culture into all aspects of University of Utah Dental school life and to ensure strong emergence of a vibrant, creative art environment at the University of Utah campus. To entertain, inform, and inspire people around the globe and the dental community through the power of unparalleled art, reflecting iconic creative minds, and innovative technologies to bring inspiration, and innovation to every dental student, faculty, and staff who has a talent for art.”  

In addition to her commitment to her family and being a General Dentist, Dr. Darko is also a proud member of the United States Navy Reserve for almost 14 years and ongoing.  

Away from the office, Dr. Darko enjoys watching movies, playing tennis, and salsa dancing.