'We don 't just work here,' says this mother of two grown daughters and grandchildren, 'we really like the kids.' Dr. Sally Schuette received her undergraduate and dental education at the University of Minnesota. She practiced public health dentistry before returning to the University of Minnesota to specialize in pediatric dentistry. There, she completed her master 's thesis on dental decay in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Schuette is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, International College of Dentists and National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped. She is also a past-president of the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. When not fighting tooth decay in the office, she consults for Children 's Hospitals & Clinics and has traveled to provide dental care to HIV-positive children in Romania and Uganda. In addition, Dr. Schuette enjoys gardening, cycling, downhill skiing and playing with her grandchildren!

'I am extremely pleased and impressed with Dr. Sally and her team. My 5yo daughter was terrified of going to the dentist and had several unsuccessful visits at other offices. At Dentistry for Children & Adolescents she had her first cleaning and said getting her cavities fixed was 'easy peasy.' I am very thankful for this office and the gentle care they provide with the specific needs of my child in mind.' - Jennifer Blanck

Dr. Gayathri Sambasivan received her dental degree from the University of Madras, India in 1991. After completing a general dentistry residency and two years in private practice, she moved to Minnesota to specialize in pediatric dentistry. She received a certificate in pediatric dentistry and a master's degree at the University of Minnesota. She then completed a fellowship at Kosair Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky. Following the fellowship, she joined the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry as a full -time faculty member. During her career as a faculty member, she served as the Undergraduate Program Director in Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic. She was especially involved in the care of children with special needs and medically compromising conditions. She worked with the university's Community Clinic providing care for underprivileged children. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is board certified in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Sambasivan consults for Children's Hospitals & Clinics and was a member of their Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic. She enjoys traveling, music, reading and spending time with her husband, Sriram, and their two sons.

'Dr. Gayathri Sambasivan is absolutely amazing. She has a wonderful way with children and is so kind and positive. I appreciate that she does not shame you but works with you to help improve your child 's dental health. We have always had great experience with the dental hygienists as well. This is a wonderful place to go for kids ' dental care.' - Katie McKee

Dr. Thekla Swanson graduated from the School of Dentistry and received a certificate in pediatric dentistry and a master's degree at the University of Minnesota. She grew up in Minneapolis and attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where she enjoyed playing on the women's soccer team. After college, she worked as an emergency medical technician at Minneapolis Children's Hospital. She enjoys working with children and has volunteered at local preschools, taught downhill skiing classes and served as a mentor to disadvantaged children. Dr. Swanson worked for several years at an inner-city dental clinic, primarily serving underprivileged children. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing and spending time with her husband, Justin, and their children.

Dr. Lisa Abadeer graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and completed her general practice residency at the University of Minnesota as well. She completed her pediatric dental specialty training at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She is a member of the Craniofacial Team at Children's Hospitals & Clinics and has a special interest in infant oral health, cavity prevention, and role of diet in dental disease. Dr. Abadeer is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association. She is involved in humanitarian dental care and has provided care to children in China, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Egypt. Dr. Abadeer enjoys spending time with her 11 nieces and nephews, reading, cooking, skiing and traveling.

'Amazing staff! Dr. Lisa and the rest of the staff are great with my special needs son. He has been seeing her for at least 12 years. He gets very anxious and is non-verbal. He requires a restraint system while doing a check-up. They are very compassionate and caring for him and myself. I am going to be very sad as my son will be ageing out of their care.' - Erik Norass

Dr. Daniel Fallon was born and raised in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he enjoyed participating in a variety of sports, particularly hockey. Following high school, he attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where he studied biology. Dr. Fallon gained early admission to dental school based on his outstanding GPA and early completion of his dental prerequisites. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2009. Dr. Fallon began his dental career in the public health sector, practicing at Marshfield Clinic in Neillsville, Wisconsin. After working there for almost two years, he returned to the University of Minnesota for his residency in pediatric dentistry. While completing specialty training, he conducted research on novel caries detection systems involving quantitative light-induced fluorescence. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies, kayaking, running, being at the cabin and spending time with his wife, Rachel, and their daughters.

'We have had the most positive experiences in this office!! I highly recommend them for all children, especially if you have kids with anxiety about the dentist! Dr. Dan and his staff are truly the best!' - Jessica Melson

Dr. Lindsay Bedeaux is a native Minnesotan. She began her career at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota studying biology. Due to her avid involvement and outstanding GPA, Dr. Bedeaux earned early admission to dental school at the University of Minnesota. She graduated with high distinction and went on to complete her pediatric specialty training at the University of Minnesota Pediatric Dental Residency. She is a board certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is an adjunct professor at HCMC's Pediatric Residency Program where she helps train other dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry, as well as lecturing at the University of Minnesota's Dental School. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She loves helping kids succeed in trying new things and learning to care for their oral health. Outside of the office, she loves reading fiction, skiing, traveling and spending time with her husband and friends.

Dr. Michele Tafoya earned her dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2003. Prior to specializing in Pediatrics, she practiced general dentistry for 8 years. She served in the United States Air Force as Captain treating military active duty and their dependents.Following her military service, she served as lead dentist at Enterprise Community Healthcare Center, an affiliate of University of Nevada Las Vegas. In 2009, Dr. Michele began her training at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Pediatric Residency Program and served as Chief Resident her senior year. Upon moving to Minnesota after a two-year stint in Boulder, Colorado, Dr. Michele taught as adjunct faculty at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry pediatric pre-dental and post-graduate residency department.Dr. Michele is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and board certified with Diplomate status with American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Michele is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Minnesota Dental Association. She has privileges to treat children at Childrens Minnesota Hospital.Dr. Michele resides in Edina, MN with her husband Chris, and two boys. When she is not practicing dentistry, she can be found walking her pup, Ginsburg, at a local dog park. During her downtime, she likes to spend time with friends and family. Her hobbies include: learning about cultures and foods, reading, cooking, traveling, skiing, running and riding her stationary bike.

The individuals, who are listed below, are former partners of Dentistry for Children & Adolescents and have retired from the practice. Although they are no longer associated with Dentistry for Children & Adolescents, they will always be part of our legacy as they have helped to shape the practice we are today. We celebrate their contributions, dedication, and quality of care they have provided to so many children throughout the years. o Dr. Kurt J. King o Dr. Robert J. Feigal o Dr. Daniel W. Shaw o Dr. David S. Elgethun o Dr. Mark E. Greenwood o Dr. Pamela R. Erickson

Founded in 1968, Dentistry for Children & Adolescents has six pediatric dentists in three offices. Each office is staffed with licensed and certified dental assistants, educators and dedicated support personnel.

The members of our team are carefully chosen for their training, experience, knowledge and special interest in children. They are dedicated to staying current with the newest and most effective techniques to maintain our high standard of care.

Our team work closely with your child's pediatrician and other medical specialists. We have longstanding professional relationships with the University of Minnesota and Children's Hospitals & Clinics. Our doctors and team have more than a century of combined experience!

A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the rate of preschoolers with cavities has spiked to an alarming 28%, which translates into more than one in every four children between the ages of 2 and 5. It is the leading childhood disease five times more common than asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes, however dental disease is preventable.

'You are a natural with little kids. Thank you so very much for coming to my classroom for all three classes. Hope to see you next year.' message from Marcia at Kids Count/Bright Beginnings Preschools

'Thank you so much for taking the time to share your professional wisdom with our outreach class at Briarhill this morning! You were able to engage the parents and your patience was appreciated with the translation process. It is so evident that you love your work, and parents always value that kind of commitment!' message from Charmayne at Eden Prairie Early Childhood Education

'Thank you for taking the time to visit our outreach class at the Preserve Center. Your ability to share your professional wisdom and love of your work is very genuine. For some parents, this was their first opportunity to hear your message. For others, the reminders of things to look for were very helpful. The parents thanked me for asking you to visit with them again this year. They said that they always learn something new!' message from Preserve Center Early Childhood Education