South Dakota GOP Gov. Kristi Noem’s Promotional Dental Video Sparks Inquiry

South Dakota State Sen. Reynold Nesiba (D) has called for an inquiry into Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R) recent trip to Texas for dental work, coupled with a promotional video she released that praised the dental practice.

Nesiba questioned whether public funds or state resources were used and whether any potential discounts or favors were exchanged due to the promotional video.

In the video, which was posted on Noem’s personal account, Noem thanks Smile Texas, a cosmetic dental practice in the Houston area, for “a smile I can be proud of and confident in.” Noem identified herself as the governor of South Dakota and included clips of her speech at a Republican Party event with Trump signs in the background.

Noem is a strong ally of former President Donald Trump. He recently named her as among the finalist for his running mate this year.

When contacted, a representative from Smile Texas cited privacy regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and declined to comment on the matter. South Dakota law prohibits public officials and their immediate families from any gifts over $100 from lobbyists and violations carry potential misdemeanor charges.

The promotion comes at a time when South Dakota invested $5 million in a workforce recruitment ad campaign that featured Noem in various professional roles, such as a plumber, electrician and nurse. Nesiba expressed concern that the dental promotion undermined the substantial investment made in Noem as a spokesperson for the state.

Paul Miskimins, a Republican former state legislator and dentist, responded to the controversy to defend Noem’s decision to seek dental care out of state. He compared it to his own experience when he sought care from a friend in Canada and noted that testimonials from celebrities who have dental work are common – he saw no issue with a public official doing the same.

Noem has faced previous ethics questions, such as the 2019 investigation into her use of a state plane for political events outside of South Dakota. The state ethics board ultimately dismissed the complaint and cited the lack of a clear definition of “state business” in state law.

However, the board suggested that Noem may have engaged in misconduct when she intervened in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license.

The controversy has reignited discussions about ethics in public office and the appropriate use of government resources.

Noem was recently banned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s reservation in her state for her anti-migrant rhetoric.