Dr. Hettinger was born in Sioux City, attended Catholic grade schools and graduated from Heelan Catholic High School in 1964.
Dr. Hettinger was a dental technician while stationed in Tokyo, Japan with the US Army from 1967 to 1970. After returning to Sioux City he was employed at Tri-State Dental labs and attended Briar Cliff University, graduating in 1974 with a degree in Sociology. Dr. Hettinger received his dental degree from the University of Iowa in 1979 and returned to Sioux City to practice family dentistry and to raise his family. He began his practice in a storefront office in Leeds and in 1992 built the Dental Depot, an office that reflected his love for both dentistry and trains.
Having known Dick and Mary for 30+ years and worked with Dick on local and state dental association committees, I whole heartedly endorse Dick as an organizer, initiator and team player in many facets of organized dentistry.