I love orthodontics because of the affect I can have on my patients’ self-esteem and overall wellbeing. There is nothing quite so special as seeing my patients’ excitement as their smile is transformed right before their eyes. It has been consistently shown that a beautiful and healthy smile is key to self-confidence and ultimately a chance at a successful, happy life. I feel honored to be able to serve others in this way.

Commitment to Education

I began my education at the University of Minnesota, majoring in engineering. During the summer of my sophomore year while selling books door-to-door to earn tuition money, I called on a dentist who was home for the morning.  He described to me what I thought was the ideal profession.  That fall I changed my major to pre-dentistry.  Ironically, though my grandfather was a dentist in Japan, I hadn’t thought about dentistry as a career before that encounter.

After completing my undergraduate education, I was accepted into the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.  Four years later, I graduated from dental school near the top of my class and as a result decided to pursue the very selective specialty of orthodontics. I was accepted into the University of Minnesota orthodontic program and completed my residency in 1991.

Continuing Education and Affiliations

For more than 28 years, I have been continuously honing my skills and studying the latest research in order to provide my patients with the very best care possible. Continuing education benefits my patients by allowing me to apply the most recent research and developments in the field of orthodontics to their treatment. I believe that constant learning is necessary to provide the best treatment possible at the current state of the art and I feel I owe that to my patients who entrust me with their orthodontic care.

In addition to continuing my education, I have also gone through the very rigorous testing to become a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. I am also a member of the following professional organizations:

• American Dental Association
• Minnesota Dental Association
• American Association of Orthodontists
• Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
• Minnesota Association of Orthodontists
• College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics

In the Practice

What sets my team apart is not just what they know, as I have one of the most experienced teams anywhere, but how they treat patients like family. They make sure all of our patients feel welcome and valued.

While we utilize the latest technology to create amazing smiles, the most unique aspect of my practice is the experience we give our patients. We are a premium practice that won’t compromise on our patients’ care and experience.

Family and Community

A native Minnesotan from Anoka, I followed my wife Lisa to the east metro and have lived in Maplewood, Woodbury and Afton for the past 23 years. Lisa and I have four children, all at various stages of leaving the nest, two grandchildren and a dog named Lou.

Fitness is a passion of mine, as I try to fend off the march of time and its effects on the body. I’ve participated in the worldwide CrossFit Games twice, whose intent is to find “the fittest on earth.” I am currently being trained by my kinesiologist son Ralph at Opex Woodbury.  I also participate in various outdoor activities including hiking, biking, camping, and hobby farming.

In addition to helping patients smile in the office, I take my commitment to smiles into the community as well. I am a provider for Smiles Change Lives, through which I provide free orthodontic treatment for deserving patients in my area. I also donate a free treatment to a worthy patient each year during the holidays through my “Gift of a Smile” program.