Dr. Nick Salava grew up in Burlington KS, received his undergraduate degree in human biology from The University of Kansas in 2006 and then worked in dentistry for several years before attending and graduating with his dental degree from A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. While in dental school he also received his graduate certificate in public health, was involved in multiple research projects, and accumulated several service and academic awards. Following dental school, Dr. Salava continued on for a year and a half as a Periodontal Resident at the University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, emphasizing his focus on advanced periodontal disease and dental implant therapy. Dr. Salava practices with a strong foundation in evidence-based dentistry and focuses on making your health and comfort his top priority.
Nick, his wife Kelsi, and their two daughters recently moved to Lawrence and are looking forward to being involved in the community. They enjoy their church, vacationing, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time outdoors.
Im truly excited to join Dr. Gatti and the team at the Lawrence Dental Studio. It is an honor to contribute and work with such an exceptional group. I look forward to continuing the highest level care that you have come to know and love from the Studio.
Dr. Gatti is a graduate of the University of Kansas and received his dental degree, with honors, from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 1983. He is a member of the academic honor societies Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Gatti served as an Associate Clinical Instructor at the UMKC School of Dentistry before starting private practice in Lawrence.
Dr. Gatti strongly believes in continuing education and has averaged well over 100 hours of continuing education per year since graduation, much greater than the required 30 hours yearly. He also believes in continuing education for his team and has chosen to spend the resources of time, effort and finances on the development of each individuals knowledge and abilities as well as his own. Under the leadership of Dr. Gatti, the team has invested heavily in the behavioral aspects of healthcare as well as leading edge clinical dentistry. Dr. Gatti is an active member of several dental organizations, including:
Dr. Gatti is a firm believer in our community as witnessed by serving on a multitude of boards. He is a past president of Leadership Lawrence and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, to name a couple. Most recently he served on The Biological Sciences Advisory Board of The University of Kansas. Dr. Gattis main clinical focus has been directed toward cosmetic and long term restorative dentistry, TMJ and dental sleep medicine, including CPAP intolerance and snoring cessation.
Dr. Gatti and his wife Melody have been married since 1982 and have two sons, John (wife Emily) and Tony (wife Jessica). Dr. Gatti has the knowledge that can only be gained by numerous hours of continuing education combined with over 35 years of clinical dentistry experience is a great teacher! You will find him to be incredibly passionate about dentistry and his unique style of practice.
Marsha became interested in the field of dentistry and dental hygiene through the influence of her childhood orthodontist. She began her career with a part-time dental assisting position when she started college. She subsequently attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Marsha has previous experience in the specialty area of periodontics and has enjoyed, and appreciates, the knowledge she has gained in the area of restorative and esthetic dentistry. She joined the practice in 1999.
In her leisure time, Marsha enjoys reading, running, playing the piano, gardening,gym work outsand activities with family and friends. She and her husband, David, are proud of their two children, Kristen and Greg, and their son-in-law, Jarrod. Grandchildren, Treven and Kendel, bring true joy and pleasure to her life!
At Lawrence Dental Studio, we have a unique and caring environment that supports and encourages life-long learning and personal success and development for each of us. This allows the opportunity to serve our wonderful clients in the best manner possible.
In her spare time, Mona enjoys walking, antiques, cooking, sewing and any activity that involves her large extended family. The Groenes are confirmed home remodelers, always planning the next project.
I have been a dental assistant for over 40 years. I have always been fortunate enough to work with dentists that provide their clients with exceptional dentistry. Drs. Salava, Gatti, Marsha and Bridget are not only great people with whom to spend my day, they are, in my opinion, some of the most talented dental professionals with whom I have ever had the privilege of being associated. The care they provide for their clients is absolutely wonderful and I am thrilled to be a part of the Lawrence Dental Studio team. It is so much fun to be a part of all the great smiles that are created within the walls of this Dental Studio.
Bridget is a Nebraska native, but has called Lawrence home since 2005. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. She comes to the Studio with nearly 30 years of dental hygiene experience.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 108 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestYukon Jimijon
2 years ago
Excellent, professional, and friendly service! My teeth are in good hands with this crew!
Steve Vogel
2 years ago
Just went in for my 6 month checkup and cleaning. Bridget did an excellent job cleaning my teeth, providing recommendations for best tooth care and making me feel comfortable. Dr. Salava completed an oral exam and continued on in the tradition of Joe Gatti with good communication and practical recommendations. Overall an excellent experience
Midge Clark
2 years ago
I chose this Dental Studio because Bridget, the Hygienist, had been my hygienist 20+ years ago when we both lived in another city. I recalled she was the best hygienist I had ever been to. So, because of her,, I chose this studio. I just received my first visit with Dr. Nick Salava. I was impressed. In all of my years of receiving dental care, this was the most complete exam I have ever received.. He was professional, kind, and very patient with my questions. This Dental Studio is not only physically beautiful but the staff is obviously of the highest caliber.
Steve Vogel
3 years ago
Just went in for my 6 month checkup and cleaning. Bridget did an excellent job cleaning my teeth, providing recommendations for best tooth care and making me feel comfortable. Dr. Salava completed an oral exam and continued on in the tradition of Joe Gatti with good communication and practical recommendations. Overall an excellent experience
Midge Clark
3 years ago
I chose this Dental Studio because Bridget, the Hygienist, had been my hygienist 20+ years ago when we both lived in another city. I recalled she was the best hygienist I had ever been to. So, because of her,, I chose this studio. I just received my first visit with Dr. Nick Salava. I was impressed. In all of my years of receiving dental care, this was the most complete exam I have ever received.. He was professional, kind, and very patient with my questions. This Dental Studio is not only physically beautiful but the staff is obviously of the highest caliber.
tammy valencia
3 years ago
I have always loved Joe for making me feel so less stressed at the dentist. I miss him but I know and trust that the people that he would hire in his place would continue with his kindness and patience. I felt that today, but mss him!
Yukon Jimijon
3 years ago
Excellent, professional, and friendly service! My teeth are in good hands with this crew!
Stefano Pogany
3 years ago
These are the greatest dentists in the world! I highly recommend the whole staff.
Cort Buffington
3 years ago
I started going to The Lawrence Dental Studio back when it was Joe Gatti's practice. There's no real way to describe how different (better) the practice was than any other I'd ever been to. For this reason, I was a bit apprehensive when Dr. Nick Salava took the helm. I am happy to say that Nick is a worthy heir to the practice that changed my mind about dental care. I thought Dr. Gatti and RDH Marsha Jones were a once-in-a-lifetime find. As it turns out, lightning can strike twice in the same place. I'm updating my review: Today Nick (personally) with his assistant, Becky took my X-Rays and got 4, perfectly clean films without me gagging once. Yes, it's embarrassing to admit; I'm a gagger. Always have been. What's more important than my vanity is to share with others what The Lawrence Dental Studio and Dr. Nick Salava did for me that nobody else ever has!
Robin Kofford
3 years ago
I have used Dr. Gatti the last 25 + years for all dental care. He has addressed my tmj and applied bridges that last way past the expectancy. The care that everyone gives at the studio is above and beyond normal dentistry. I was introduced to Dr. Salava by my bridge work falling out 15 minutes til closing. He and his team addressed my issue by staying late and repairing it within 30 mins time. They saved my dignity from being with out 5 bottom front teeth. Thank You all! Dr. Gatti will be trully missed when he finally retires. But I am completely rest assured I will be taken care of just as well with Dr. Salava & his Team! I recommend 10 stars!
Tammy Krebs
3 years ago
Once again my experience at the Lawrence Dental Studio was 5 star. My first cleaning by Bridget the hygienist, couldn't have been any better. Thank you Bridget and Dr. Nick Salava!
Anna Swann
3 years ago
I have a lot of fear of the dentist, but Lawrence Dental Studio has helped me be more comfortable. I debated about going for a procedure during the covid outbreak, but the hygienist and dentist were super careful. They screened me, carefully explained the extra precautions they were taking to prevent any virus transmission, and helped me feel at ease. They have been great to work with.
Carey MM
3 years ago
The layout and generous size of the beautiful dental "studio" adds to my confidence around safety during the COVID pandemic. The studio has staff that are working unscheduled hours to accomodate the backlog of patient cases that piled up during the COVID closure at the beginning of the outbreak. The staff takes extra time to explain procedures and educate the patient in dental self care. Although I miss Dr. Gatti since his retirement in April, many of his technical staff are still practicing in the studio with the new dentists. Dr. Gatti's spirit is still to be found in many endearing ways in the studio, including the music! I look forward to my visits and I go in confidence.
tammy valencia
3 years ago
I have always loved Joe for making me feel so less stressed at the dentist. I miss him but I know and trust that the people that he would hire in his place would continue with his kindness and patience. I felt that today, but mss him!
Stefano Pogany
4 years ago
These are the greatest dentists in the world! I highly recommend the whole staff.
Robin Kofford
4 years ago
I have used Dr. Gatti the last 25 + years for all dental care. He has addressed my tmj and applied bridges that last way past the expectancy. The care that everyone gives at the studio is above and beyond normal dentistry. I was introduced to Dr. Salava by my bridge work falling out 15 minutes til closing. He and his team addressed my issue by staying late and repairing it within 30 mins time. They saved my dignity from being with out 5 bottom front teeth. Thank You all! Dr. Gatti will be trully missed when he finally retires. But I am completely rest assured I will be taken care of just as well with Dr. Salava & his Team! I recommend 10 stars!
Anna Swann
4 years ago
I have a lot of fear of the dentist, but Lawrence Dental Studio has helped me be more comfortable. I debated about going for a procedure during the covid outbreak, but the hygienist and dentist were super careful. They screened me, carefully explained the extra precautions they were taking to prevent any virus transmission, and helped me feel at ease. They have been great to work with.
Carey MM
4 years ago
The layout and generous size of the beautiful dental "studio" adds to my confidence around safety during the COVID pandemic. The studio has staff that are working unscheduled hours to accomodate the backlog of patient cases that piled up during the COVID closure at the beginning of the outbreak. The staff takes extra time to explain procedures and educate the patient in dental self care. Although I miss Dr. Gatti since his retirement in April, many of his technical staff are still practicing in the studio with the new dentists. Dr. Gatti's spirit is still to be found in many endearing ways in the studio, including the music! I look forward to my visits and I go in confidence.
Beverly Morey
4 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Joe Gatti for at least 10 years. He was able to alleviate my fear of dentists for the first time ever, and is a fellow Corvette owner!! Still need to get with him for photo opportunities with the cars. Marsha is the greatest hygienist EVER!!! I am so comfortable in the Dental Studio. That means a lot!!
Cort Buffington
4 years ago
I started going to The Lawrence Dental Studio back when it was Joe Gatti's practice. There's no real way to describe how different (better) the practice was than any other I'd ever been to. For this reason, I was a bit apprehensive when Dr. Nick Salava took the helm. I am happy to say that Nick is a worthy heir to the practice that changed my mind about dental care. I thought Dr. Gatti and RDH Marsha Jones were a once-in-a-lifetime find. As it turns out, lightning can strike twice in the same place. I'm updating my review: Today Nick (personally) with his assistant, Becky took my X-Rays and got 4, perfectly clean films without me gagging once. Yes, it's embarrassing to admit; I'm a gagger. Always have been. What's more important than my vanity is to share with others what The Lawrence Dental Studio and Dr. Nick Salava did for me that nobody else ever has!
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