Amy Dettbarn is far more than just the mother of basketball sensation Paige Bueckers. She is a former collegiate athlete, accomplished dental professional, devoted mother, and the quiet force behind one of the most celebrated names in women’s basketball today.
While her daughter dominates headlines with remarkable performances on the court, Amy’s story deserves equal recognition for the values, discipline, and unwavering support she provided throughout Paige’s journey to stardom.
This comprehensive biography explores every aspect of Amy Dettbarn’s life, from her athletic achievements at the University of St.
Thomas to her successful career in dentistry, her role as a co-parent, and the profound influence she continues to have on her children.
Whether you know her as Amy Dettbarn, Amy Fuller, or Amy Bueckers, this is the complete story of an extraordinary woman whose legacy extends far beyond the basketball court.
Amy Dettbarn Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amy Jo Dettbarn |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1976 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 49 years old |
| Place of Birth | Brainerd, Minnesota, USA |
| Parents | Steven Dettbarn, Joann Dettbarn |
| Hometown | Brainerd, Minnesota |
| Nationality | American |
| Childhood Environment | Modest Midwestern town |
| Core Values Developed | Strong family values, hard work, perseverance |
| Early Interests | Education and athletics |
| Community Influence | Learned the importance of community involvement |
Early Life and Minnesota Roots
Amy Jo Dettbarn was born on December 9, 1976, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to parents Steven and Joann Dettbarn. Growing up in a modest Midwestern town, Amy developed strong family values, a commitment to education, and a passion for athletics that would shape her entire life.
Her childhood in Brainerd instilled in her the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community involvement.
From an early age, Amy showed exceptional talent in sports, particularly in endurance events. Her natural athleticism, combined with her competitive spirit, made her stand out among her peers.
She participated in various sports throughout her youth, but it was in cross-country running and track and field where she truly excelled.
The small-town environment of Brainerd provided Amy with a supportive community that valued both academic achievement and athletic excellence.
Her parents, Steven and Joann Dettbarn, encouraged her to pursue her passions while maintaining a balanced approach to life.
These early lessons in discipline and dedication would later become the foundation of the values she passed on to her own children.
Growing up in Minnesota’s lake country, Amy learned the importance of resilience, especially during the harsh winter months when training for track and cross-country required extra determination.
This mental toughness, developed during her formative years, would prove invaluable in her future roles as both an athlete and a mother to a world-class basketball player.
College Athletics and Competitive Discipline
Amy Dettbarn’s athletic prowess earned her a place on the University of St. Thomas track and field team in Minnesota. As a cross-country runner and track athlete, she competed at the collegiate level, demonstrating exceptional endurance, speed, and mental fortitude.
Her time competing for the University of St. Thomas was marked by consistent performance and unwavering dedication to her sport.
At St. Thomas, Amy specialized in middle-distance and long-distance events, where her natural endurance gave her a competitive edge.
She competed in both indoor and outdoor track seasons, as well as cross-country in the fall. Historical records from the University of St.
Thomas athletic program confirm that Amy Dettbarn was listed as a sophomore runner from Brainerd, participating in the women’s track and field program during the late 1990s.
Athletic Achievements and Training Philosophy
During her collegiate athletic career, Amy developed a training philosophy centered on consistency, mental preparation, and pushing through physical barriers.
Cross-country running, in particular, taught her valuable lessons about pacing, strategy, and the importance of finishing strong even when facing adversity.
These were lessons she would later share with her daughter Paige when she faced injuries and setbacks in her own athletic career.
Competing at the Division III level at St. Thomas required balancing rigorous academic requirements with intensive training schedules.
Amy excelled at both, demonstrating the time management skills and discipline that would serve her well in her future career as a dental professional and mother.
The competitive atmosphere at St. Thomas also taught Amy about teamwork, supporting fellow athletes, and maintaining grace under pressure.
Her coaches and teammates remember her as someone who led by example, always putting in the extra work and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
The Impact of Athletic Experience on Motherhood
Amy’s experience as a collegiate athlete profoundly influenced her approach to parenting. She understood firsthand the physical demands of high-level competition, the emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses, and the importance of maintaining perspective when facing setbacks.
When Paige began showing exceptional basketball talent, Amy was uniquely equipped to guide her through the challenges of competitive sports.
Unlike parents who push their children into athletics without understanding the demands, Amy provided informed, balanced support.
She knew when to encourage Paige to push harder and when to remind her that there’s more to life than sports.
This balanced approach helped Paige develop into not just an exceptional athlete but also a well-rounded individual with strong character and values.
Education and Career in Dentistry
After completing her undergraduate studies, Amy Dettbarn pursued an ambitious academic path that would lead to a successful career in healthcare
. In 1999, she graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. This strong foundation in the sciences prepared her for the demanding dental education that followed.
Advanced Dental Education
Driven by a passion for healthcare and a desire to help others, Amy continued her education at the prestigious University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
There, she pursued both a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and a specialized Master’s degree in Periodontics. Completing this dual degree program required years of intensive study, clinical training, and dedication.
Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
It’s a demanding specialty that requires precision, extensive knowledge of oral health, and excellent patient care skills.
By 2008, Amy had successfully completed her advanced dental education, emerging as a highly trained periodontist ready to serve patients.
Professional Career in Dentistry
After completing her education, Amy Dettbarn began her professional career working as a periodontist in clinical practice.
She built a reputation for her careful, compassionate approach to patient care, combining her scientific knowledge with a gentle bedside manner that put patients at ease.
Dentistry, particularly periodontics, requires steady hands, deep concentration, and the ability to communicate complex health information in ways patients can understand.
Throughout her years in clinical practice, Amy earned respect from both patients and colleagues for her professionalism and expertise.
She approached every case with thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring that patients received the highest quality care.
Her dedication to continuing education meant she stayed current with the latest advances in periodontal treatment and technology.
Transition to Dental Equipment Specialist
Today, Amy Dettbarn works as a dental equipment specialist at Patterson Dental in Billings, Montana. This role represents an evolution in her career, transitioning from hands-on clinical work to a position that combines her deep understanding of dental procedures with expertise in dental technology and equipment.
As a dental equipment specialist, Amy helps dental practices select, implement, and optimize the tools and technology they use to provide patient care.
Her clinical background gives her unique insight into what dentists and dental hygienists need to work efficiently and provide excellent care.
She trains dental professionals on new equipment, troubleshoots technical issues, and ensures practices have the right tools for their specific needs.
This position allows Amy to leverage her years of clinical experience while taking on more of an advisory and educational role.
It’s a testament to her adaptability and continuous professional growth that she successfully made this career transition while maintaining her expertise in the dental field.
Work-Life Balance and Professional Values
Throughout her career, Amy Dettbarn has demonstrated an remarkable ability to balance her professional ambitions with her responsibilities as a mother.
Even during the demanding years of dental school and her early career as a periodontist, she remained actively involved in her children’s lives.
This commitment to both career and family reflects the values she learned growing up in Minnesota and honed during her years as a student-athlete.
Amy’s professional success stands independent of her daughter’s fame. While many might know her only as “Paige Bueckers’ mom,” within dental and healthcare circles, she’s respected for her own accomplishments, expertise, and contributions to oral health care.
Marriage, Family, and Transition
Amy Dettbarn’s personal life is marked by transitions, challenges, and the continuous commitment to her children’s well-being despite changes in family structure.
First Marriage to Bob Bueckers
On June 5, 1999, shortly after completing her undergraduate degree, Amy married Robert “Bob” Bueckers at St.
Francis Church in Brainerd, Minnesota. Bob brought his own athletic background to the marriage, having played basketball as a point guard in high school. He worked as a software engineer, combining technical expertise with a passion for sports.
The early years of their marriage were filled with shared values centered on education, discipline, sports, faith, and family unity.
Both Amy and Bob believed in the importance of athletics as a tool for teaching life lessons, and they created a home environment that encouraged both academic excellence and physical activity.
On October 20, 2001, their daughter Paige Madison Bueckers was born in Edina, Minnesota. From the moment Paige entered the world, she was surrounded by parents who understood the value of both intellectual and physical development.
Amy and Bob’s combined athletic backgrounds created a natural environment for Paige to explore sports from an early age.
Divorce and Co-Parenting
In 2004, when Paige was just three years old, Amy and Bob made the difficult decision to divorce. While the end of their marriage was undoubtedly challenging, both parents remained committed to providing Paige with love, support, and stability.
The divorce resulted in Paige primarily living with her father Bob in Minnesota, while Amy relocated to pursue new opportunities.
The geographical separation could have been detrimental to Amy’s relationship with Paige, but both parents worked hard to ensure this didn’t happen. They established a co-parenting arrangement that prioritized Paige’s needs above all else.
Amy remained actively involved in Paige’s life, attending important events, maintaining regular communication, and providing emotional support even from a distance.
This co-parenting approach offers a powerful example of how divorced parents can work together for their child’s benefit. Rather than allowing conflict to dominate, Amy and Bob focused on their shared goal: raising a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted daughter.
Their ability to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship undoubtedly contributed to Paige’s emotional stability and success.
Second Marriage and Blended Family
Following her divorce, Amy remarried and relocated to Billings, Montana. Her second husband’s identity has been kept relatively private, though some sources refer to him as Jeff Dettbarn or Brian Scott Fuller.
This marriage brought new chapters to Amy’s life, including two more children: Ryan and Lauren (sometimes referred to as Riley in various reports).
The move to Montana represented a fresh start for Amy. Billings, a city known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and strong sense of community, provided an ideal environment for raising a family. Amy established her dental career in Montana while also creating a nurturing home for her younger children.
Blended Family Dynamics
Amy Dettbarn is the proud mother of three children across her two marriages. Despite the physical distance between Montana and Minnesota, Amy worked hard to maintain close relationships with all her children. Paige, Ryan, and Lauren all benefited from Amy’s commitment to family, even as the family structure evolved over the years.
Paige has spoken positively about her relationships with her half-siblings, demonstrating that the blended family structure was handled with care and maturity by all involved. Amy’s ability to nurture positive sibling relationships, even when children lived in different states, speaks to her emotional intelligence and dedication to family unity.
Maintaining Connection Across Distance
One of the most remarkable aspects of Amy’s story is how she maintained a strong connection with Paige despite living in a different state for most of Paige’s childhood and teenage years.
In an age before widespread video calling and constant connectivity, this required intentional effort, regular phone calls, and strategic planning to attend important events.
Amy made a point of being present for Paige’s significant basketball milestones. She attended high school games when possible, traveled to AAU tournaments, and was there for Paige’s major achievements at Hopkins High School.
Later, as Paige’s career took her to the University of Connecticut, Amy continued to show up for important games, including tournament appearances and championship runs.
This consistent presence, even when not living in the same state, sent a powerful message to Paige about her mother’s unwavering support and love.
It demonstrated that physical distance doesn’t diminish emotional connection when both parties are committed to maintaining the relationship.
Relationship With Paige Bueckers
The relationship between Amy Dettbarn and her daughter Paige Bueckers is characterized by mutual respect, deep emotional connection, and a shared understanding of what it takes to excel at the highest levels of competition.
Early Influence and Values
From Paige’s earliest years, Amy instilled values that would shape her daughter’s character: humility, hard work, education, kindness, and perseverance.
These weren’t just words—Amy modeled these values through her own life, pursuing advanced education while balancing athletic competition, and later juggling a demanding career with motherhood.
When Paige showed early interest in sports, Amy encouraged exploration rather than specialization. She supported Paige’s participation in baseball, football, and soccer before Paige ultimately chose to focus on basketball.
This approach allowed Paige to develop diverse athletic skills and discover her true passion naturally rather than through parental pressure.
The Role of Athletic Understanding
Amy’s background as a collegiate athlete gave her unique insight into what Paige would experience as her basketball career developed.
She understood the physical demands of training at elite levels, having pushed her own body through grueling cross-country and track workouts. She knew about the mental challenges of competition, having faced her own moments of self-doubt and pressure to perform.
This experiential knowledge made Amy an invaluable advisor as Paige navigated the increasingly high-pressure world of elite youth basketball.
When Paige faced disappointments, Amy could relate from her own athletic experiences. When Paige achieved victories,
Amy understood the work that went into them. This shared understanding created a bond that went beyond typical parent-child relationships.
Support During Challenges
Some of Amy’s most important contributions to Paige’s development came during difficult times. When Paige suffered significant knee injuries during her college career—missing most of her sophomore season and her entire junior season—Amy’s support was crucial.
She understood the physical pain of injury, having dealt with her own athletic setbacks, but more importantly, she understood the emotional toll of being sidelined.
Amy provided emotional support during Paige’s recovery, reminding her daughter that setbacks are temporary and that patience during rehabilitation is as important as the work itself.
Her presence during this challenging period helped Paige maintain perspective and emotional stability while working through the long, frustrating process of recovering from serious injuries.
Present at Important Moments
Despite living in Montana, Amy Dettbarn made it a priority to attend Paige’s most significant basketball moments. She was there when Paige was honored as the Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player in March 2024.
She attended championship games, milestone achievements, and other important events throughout Paige’s high school and college careers.
Her presence at these moments wasn’t just about watching basketball—it was about showing Paige that her mother believed in her, supported her dreams, and would be there to celebrate successes and provide comfort during losses.
This consistent support, requiring significant time and travel commitment, demonstrated the depth of Amy’s devotion to her daughter.
Mutual Respect and Admiration
The relationship between Amy and Paige is characterized by mutual respect. Paige has spoken about her mother in interviews, acknowledging the influence Amy has had on her character and values. She credits her mother with teaching her important life lessons that extend far beyond basketball.
At the same time, Amy has expressed pride in Paige’s accomplishments while maintaining appropriate boundaries. She hasn’t sought to capitalize on Paige’s fame or insert herself into the spotlight.
This restraint reflects Amy’s character and her understanding that Paige’s success belongs to Paige, not to her parents.
Values That Shaped a Champion
Several key values that Amy instilled in Paige have been evident throughout Paige’s career:
Humility: Despite being recognized as the nation’s top recruit and winning numerous awards, Paige has remained remarkably humble. This trait clearly reflects Amy’s influence and example.
Education: Paige took her academics seriously at UConn, majoring in human development and family sciences. This commitment to education reflects the value Amy placed on intellectual development alongside athletic achievement.
Social Justice: Paige’s advocacy for racial equality and social justice, including her heartfelt public statements about wanting a better world for her brother Drew, reflects the values of empathy and social consciousness that Amy helped instill.
Work Ethic: Paige’s reputation for putting in extra gym time, studying film, and constantly working to improve her game mirrors the work ethic Amy demonstrated throughout her own athletic and professional career.
Resilience: Paige’s ability to bounce back from serious injuries and return to elite-level play reflects the mental toughness that Amy, through her own example and guidance, helped develop.
The “Quiet Influence” Approach
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Amy’s influence on Paige is what might be called the “quiet influence” approach.
Amy never became the stereotypical overbearing sports parent, never sought media attention, and never tried to live vicariously through her daughter’s success. Instead, she provided steady, consistent support from behind the scenes.
This approach allowed Paige to develop her own identity, make her own decisions, and take ownership of her successes and failures. It also meant that Paige’s achievements truly belonged to her, not to a parent pushing from the sidelines.
The independence and self-confidence Paige displays on and off the court are testament to this parenting philosophy.
Amy Dettbarn’s Net Worth
While Amy Dettbarn’s exact net worth is not publicly documented, realistic estimates can be made based on her educational background, professional experience, and career trajectory in the dental field.
Professional Income Sources
As a dental equipment specialist at Patterson Dental in Billings, Montana, Amy earns a professional salary commensurate with her expertise and experience.
Patterson Dental is one of the leading dental equipment and supply companies in North America, and equipment specialists with Amy’s background of clinical experience typically earn competitive salaries.
Industry standards for dental equipment specialists with advanced clinical training typically range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities.
Given Amy’s advanced education (DDS and Master’s in Periodontics) and years of professional experience, she likely falls toward the higher end of this range.
Previous Clinical Income
During her years working as a periodontist in clinical practice, Amy would have earned considerably more.
Periodontists are among the higher-earning dental specialists, with average incomes typically ranging from $150,000 to over $250,000 annually.
Her years in clinical practice would have provided opportunities to build substantial savings and investments.
Estimated Net Worth Range
Based on these income sources, professional trajectory, and years of work, realistic estimates place Amy Dettbarn’s net worth between $500,000 and $1.5 million. This estimate accounts for:
- Years of clinical income as a periodontist
- Current income as a dental equipment specialist
- Retirement savings and investments
- Real estate and other assets accumulated over a 20+ year career
- Living expenses and family responsibilities
It’s important to note that Amy’s financial situation is entirely independent of Paige’s basketball earnings and endorsement deals.
As a private citizen who values modesty and financial responsibility, Amy has built her own financial stability through education, hard work, and professional dedication.
Financial Independence and Values
Amy’s financial independence reflects the values she has demonstrated throughout her life: self-sufficiency, professional dedication, and responsible financial planning.
She didn’t rely on her daughter’s fame or athletic success to build financial security. Instead, she pursued her own career, made her own way, and maintained financial independence—providing yet another powerful example for her children.
Personal Life and Family
Amy Dettbarn’s personal life reflects her core values of family, privacy, education, and community involvement.
Current Life in Montana
Today, Amy lives in Billings, Montana, where she has built a life centered on her career, her younger children, and her community.
Billings, Montana’s largest city, offers a blend of small-town values and big-city amenities. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in nearby mountains, Billings provides an ideal environment for Amy’s active lifestyle.
Amy has established deep roots in the Billings community through her work in the dental field and her children’s activities.
While she maintains a private life, those who know her describe her as warm, professional, and deeply committed to her family.
Parenting Philosophy
Amy’s parenting philosophy centers on several key principles:
Education First: Amy has always emphasized the importance of education alongside any other pursuits. This value is reflected in all her children’s academic achievements.
Support Without Pressure: Rather than pushing her children into specific paths, Amy provides support for their chosen interests while encouraging them to pursue excellence.
Character Over Achievement: While proud of Paige’s basketball accomplishments, Amy has always prioritized character development and personal values over trophies and accolades.
Resilience Through Challenges: Amy teaches her children that setbacks and failures are opportunities for growth rather than reasons for despair.
Privacy and Normalcy: Despite Paige’s fame, Amy works to maintain normalcy and privacy for all her children, allowing them to develop their own identities.
Family Relationships
Amy maintains strong relationships with all three of her children. With Paige, the bond has been strengthened through shared understanding of athletics and the challenges of high-level competition.
With Ryan and Lauren, Amy provides the day-to-day parenting that helps them grow into their own unique individuals.
The family structure, though geographically separated between Montana and Minnesota, remains connected through regular communication, visits, and family gatherings.
Amy has successfully navigated the challenges of blended family dynamics, ensuring all her children feel loved, supported, and connected to each other.
Relationship With Extended Family
Amy maintains close ties with her parents, Steven and Joann Dettbarn, who still reside in Minnesota. These relationships provide continuity and connection to her Minnesota roots, even as she has built her life in Montana.
Her parents’ support during her own upbringing undoubtedly influences how she approaches parenting her own children.
Physical Appearance and Body Measurements
Amy Dettbarn possesses physical characteristics that reflect her athletic background and healthy lifestyle.
General Appearance
Amy has blonde hair and green eyes, giving her a classic Midwestern appearance. Her athletic build, maintained from her years as a competitive runner and continued active lifestyle, reflects her ongoing commitment to health and fitness.
Those who know her describe her as having a warm, approachable presence that combines professional competence with personal warmth.
Height and Build
While exact measurements aren’t publicly available, Amy’s background as a cross-country runner typically suggests a lean, athletic build optimized for endurance events. Cross-country runners generally maintain lower body weight with strong cardiovascular conditioning—characteristics Amy likely maintains through continued physical activity.
Her athletic background is evident in her posture and the way she carries herself, reflecting years of physical training and an understanding of body mechanics from both her athletic career and her work in healthcare.
Lifestyle and Health
Now in her late 40s (born December 9, 1976), Amy maintains an active lifestyle appropriate for someone with her athletic background.
Living in Montana provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, which she likely incorporates into her routine.
Her career in healthcare also means she understands the importance of preventive health measures and maintaining overall wellness.
Amy’s approach to health and fitness reflects the balanced philosophy she brought to parenting: consistent effort, sustainable habits, and a focus on long-term wellness rather than extreme measures or quick fixes.
Age and Aging Gracefully
At approximately 48 years old, Amy Dettbarn represents someone who has aged gracefully while maintaining the vitality and energy that came from her athletic background.
Her continued professional work in a demanding field demonstrates sustained mental sharpness and physical capability.
Social Media Presence
Amy Dettbarn maintains a notably absent social media presence, a deliberate choice that reflects her values and priorities.
Privacy in the Digital Age
Unlike many parents of famous athletes who leverage their children’s fame for their own social media followings, Amy has chosen to remain largely offline.
She does not maintain active public accounts on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), or TikTok.
This choice is particularly remarkable in an era when social media presence is often considered essential, especially for those connected to celebrities.
Amy’s decision to avoid social media demonstrates her commitment to privacy, authenticity, and living life away from the public eye.
Reasons for Limited Online Presence
Several factors likely contribute to Amy’s limited social media presence:
Professional Focus: As a healthcare professional, Amy understands the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and privacy. Many healthcare workers maintain limited social media presence to protect patient confidentiality and professional reputation.
Family Privacy: By staying off social media, Amy protects not only her own privacy but also that of her younger children, allowing them to grow up away from public scrutiny.
Avoiding Exploitation: Amy’s absence from social media demonstrates she has no interest in capitalizing on Paige’s fame or using her daughter’s success for personal attention or financial gain.
Authenticity Over Performance: Social media often requires curating a public persona. Amy’s choice to avoid this suggests she values authentic, private relationships over public performance.
Mental Health and Well-being: Research increasingly shows the potential negative mental health impacts of heavy social media use. Amy’s choice to limit her online presence may reflect awareness of these issues.
Impact of This Choice
Amy’s limited social media presence has several positive effects:
Paige’s Independence: By not maintaining a public social media presence focused on Paige’s career, Amy allows her daughter to control her own narrative and public image.
Genuine Relationships: Amy’s relationships are built on real-world interactions rather than online connections, likely leading to deeper, more meaningful bonds.
Reduced Pressure: Without a public social media presence, Amy avoids the pressure to constantly update, respond to comments, or manage a public persona.
Protection from Negativity: Social media can be toxic, especially for those associated with famous athletes. By staying offline, Amy protects herself from trolls, critics, and the general negativity that often plagues social media.
Occasional Public Mentions
While Amy doesn’t maintain her own social media presence, she occasionally appears in content shared by family members or in media coverage of Paige’s career.
These rare glimpses into Amy’s life are always in the context of supporting her daughter rather than seeking attention for herself.
Her approach to social media stands in stark contrast to many sports parents who maintain highly active profiles, constantly posting about their children’s achievements, and building their own followings based on their children’s success. Amy’s restraint in this area is another example of her character and priorities.
Awards and Recognition
While Amy Dettbarn has not actively sought or received major public awards or recognition, her achievements deserve acknowledgment.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences: Earned from University of St. Thomas (1999) with strong academic performance while competing as a collegiate athlete.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): Successfully completed dental school at the prestigious University of Minnesota, one of the nation’s top dental programs.
Master’s in Periodontics: Achieved advanced specialization in periodontics, demonstrating commitment to expertise in a demanding dental specialty.
Successful Clinical Career: Built a respected career as a practicing periodontist before transitioning to her current role in dental equipment.
Athletic Recognition
While specific athletic awards from her time at University of St. Thomas aren’t widely documented, competing at the collegiate level in track and cross-country is itself an achievement.
Amy earned her place on the team through talent and dedication, representing her university in intercollegiate competition.
Maternal Recognition
Perhaps Amy’s greatest recognition comes in the form of Paige’s success and character. While this isn’t a formal award, the fact that Paige frequently credits her family’s support and displays values clearly instilled by her mother represents a powerful testament to Amy’s parenting.
Paige’s accomplishments include:
- Gatorade National Player of the Year
- Naismith Prep Player of the Year
- Morgan Wootten Player of the Year
- McDonald’s All-American
- Minnesota Miss Basketball
- USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2019)
- FIBA U-19 World Cup MVP
- John R. Wooden Award (2021) – First freshman to win
- AP Player of the Year
- National Championship with UConn (2025)
- NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2025)
- Number 1 overall pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
- Named to Marie Claire’s 2025 Changemakers list
- Named to The New York Times’ 67 Most Stylish People of 2025
Each of these accomplishments reflects not just Paige’s talent and hard work, but also the foundation Amy helped provide.
Professional Respect
Within dental professional circles in Montana and beyond, Amy has earned respect for her expertise, professionalism, and contributions to dental health.
While these accolades may not come with trophies or public ceremonies, they represent meaningful recognition from peers in her field.
The “Unsung Hero” Recognition
In a broader sense, Amy represents thousands of parents—particularly mothers—who support their children’s dreams while maintaining their own careers and identities.
She deserves recognition as an example of how to parent a gifted child without losing oneself in the process, how to support without smothering, and how to celebrate success while maintaining perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amy Dettbarn?
Amy Dettbarn (also known as Amy Fuller) is a former collegiate athlete, trained periodontist, and dental equipment specialist best known as the mother of WNBA star Paige Bueckers.
Born December 9, 1976, in Brainerd, Minnesota, Amy competed in cross-country and track at the University of St.
Thomas before earning advanced degrees in dentistry. She currently works at Patterson Dental in Billings, Montana, and is the mother of three children.
What does Amy Dettbarn do?
Amy works as a dental equipment specialist at Patterson Dental in Billings, Montana. In this role, she combines her extensive clinical background with expertise in dental technology, helping dental practices select and optimize their equipment.
Previously, she worked as a practicing periodontist after earning her DDS and Master’s in Periodontics from the University of Minnesota.
Is Amy Dettbarn married?
Amy was first married to Bob Bueckers from 1999 to 2004, with whom she had daughter Paige. After their divorce, Amy remarried and relocated to Billings, Montana.
Her current marital status is kept relatively private, though she has two additional children, Ryan and Lauren, from her second marriage.
How many children does Amy Dettbarn have?
Amy is the mother of three children: Paige Bueckers (born 2001, with Bob Bueckers), and two younger children, Ryan and Lauren (sometimes called Riley), from her second marriage.
Despite the geographical distance between Montana and Minnesota, Amy maintains strong relationships with all three children.
Where does Amy Dettbarn live?
Amy currently resides in Billings, Montana, where she has lived since remarrying following her divorce from Bob Bueckers.
Billings is Montana’s largest city, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and strong sense of community. Amy works in the dental field there while raising her younger children.
What was Amy Dettbarn’s athletic background?
Amy was a collegiate athlete who competed in cross-country and track and field at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota during the late 1990s.
She specialized in middle-distance and long-distance events, developing the discipline, mental toughness, and competitive spirit that she later passed on to her daughter Paige.
How did Amy Dettbarn influence Paige Bueckers’ career?
Amy influenced Paige through emotional support, strong values, athletic understanding, and constant encouragement.
Her own experience as a collegiate athlete gave her unique insight into the demands of high-level competition.
She instilled values of humility, hard work, education, and resilience in Paige while supporting her basketball dreams without pressure or exploitation.
What is Amy Dettbarn’s net worth?
While exact figures aren’t public, Amy’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1.5 million based on her career as a periodontist and current role as a dental equipment specialist.
Her financial stability is independent of Paige’s basketball earnings, reflecting her own professional success and financial responsibility.
Why is Amy Dettbarn also called Amy Fuller?
Name variation occurs because Amy remarried after divorcing Bob Bueckers. In many recent sources, especially those related to Paige’s athletic career, she is referred to as Amy Fuller.
Earlier records and some sources use Amy Dettbarn or Amy Bueckers. All these names refer to the same person—Paige’s mother.
Is Amy Dettbarn on social media?
No, Amy maintains a very limited social media presence, choosing to live privately and avoid the public attention that often comes with being the parent of a famous athlete.
This decision reflects her values of privacy, authenticity, and allowing Paige to control her own public narrative without parental interference.
How did Amy and Bob Bueckers co-parent after divorce?
Despite divorcing when Paige was three years old, Amy and Bob maintained a positive co-parenting relationship focused on Paige’s well-being.
While Paige primarily lived with Bob in Minnesota, Amy remained actively involved from Montana, attending important games and events while providing emotional support. Their successful co-parenting helped Paige develop into a well-adjusted, confident individual.
What education does Amy Dettbarn have?
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of St. Thomas (1999), a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics, both from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (completed by 2008). This extensive education reflects her commitment to academic excellence and professional expertise.
What values did Amy instill in Paige?
Key values Amy instilled in Paige include humility, work ethic, education, social justice awareness, resilience, and perspective.
These values are evident in how Paige conducts herself on and off the court, including her advocacy for racial equality, commitment to academics, graciousness in victory and defeat, and ability to bounce back from serious injuries.
Conclusion
Amy Dettbarn represents much more than a supporting character in her daughter’s story. She is a accomplished professional, former athlete, devoted mother, and example of how to balance personal ambition with family responsibilities.
Her journey from Brainerd, Minnesota, through collegiate athletics at the University of St. Thomas, advanced dental education at the University of Minnesota, and ultimately to a successful career in the dental field demonstrates remarkable perseverance and achievement.
As the mother of Paige Bueckers, Amy’s influence cannot be overstated. The values she instilled—humility, hard work, education, resilience, and kindness—are evident in everything Paige does, both on and off the basketball court.
Amy’s understanding of athletic competition, gained through her own experiences as a collegiate runner, provided invaluable perspective as Paige navigated the pressures of becoming one of the nation’s top basketball players.
What makes Amy’s story particularly compelling is what she chose not to do. She didn’t exploit her daughter’s fame for personal gain.
She didn’t insert herself into the spotlight or try to live vicariously through Paige’s success. She didn’t become the overbearing sports parent who damages their child’s development. Instead, she provided quiet, steady support while maintaining her own identity and career.
The success of the co-parenting relationship between Amy and Bob Bueckers offers a hopeful model for divorced parents.
Despite their separation and geographical distance, they prioritized Paige’s needs and maintained a functional partnership focused on their daughter’s well-being. This mature approach undoubtedly contributed to Paige’s emotional stability and success.
Amy’s decision to maintain privacy, avoid social media, and live a life focused on her work and family rather than public attention reflects admirable character. In an age when many seek fame by association, Amy chose authenticity and privacy.
This choice has allowed her younger children to grow up away from the spotlight and has given Paige the freedom to control her own narrative.
Today, as Paige begins her WNBA career as the number one overall draft pick for the Dallas Wings, Amy’s influence continues.
The mental toughness Paige displays, her grace under pressure, her commitment to education and personal growth, and her advocacy for social justice all bear the fingerprints of her mother’s influence and example.
Whether you know her as Amy Dettbarn, Amy Fuller, or Amy Bueckers, this remarkable woman deserves recognition not just as “Paige Bueckers’ mother” but as an accomplished professional, former athlete, and example of how to parent with wisdom, love, and restraint.
Her legacy is already secure—not just in her daughter’s trophies and accolades, but in the values, character, and strength she helped develop.
As Paige continues to make history in women’s basketball, Amy Dettbarn remains the quiet force behind it all: supporting, guiding, and loving from the background, exactly as she has always done.
That is her story—one of strength, sacrifice, achievement, and the profound impact a mother can have when she prioritizes character over fame, substance over spotlight, and her children’s well-being over everything else.
