The foundation of our dental tradition began in 1939 when Walter Bunce, DDS graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School and opened his dental practice on Grand Ave in St. Paul, MN. Wally, as he was affectionately known, practiced for a year and a half in St. Paul and then moved the practice to historic downtown Stillwater in 1941. He married and enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served in WWII. The practice was temporarily closed during his service. He resumed practice in downtown Stillwater upon returning from WWII in 1946.
Brian Bunce, DDS joined his Father in the dental practice on October 1, 1975 after graduating from the University of Minnesota Dental School. He practiced dentistry for 43 years until his retirement in September, 2018. Ann Bunce was his long-time office manager/front desk and dental assistant for most of those years and the couple retired together after Ann hinted to Brian that the time was right.
Sara Cody DDS purchased the practice from Brian in September, 2018, renaming it Lift Dental. She expanded the 1 chair operatory to 3 operatories adding dental hygiene services and moved to a larger new clinic at the current location 1 block to the south on 2nd Street in February, 2019. Grand Opening of the new clinic and a Retirement Celebration for Brian and Ann Bunce was held April 5, 2019. Sara is a 2006 graduate of Marquette University Dental School and 2007 graduate of the Milwaukee Veterans Affairs Medical Center Advanced General Dentistry Residency Program. She has been in private practice in Milwaukee, WI, and Cleveland, OH, from 2007-2010 and in Hudson, WI, since the family returned home to the Stillwater area in 2010.
Dr Cody and Lift Dental cherishes and continues the legacy of Bunce Dentistry in downtown Stillwater going into its 80th year overall and 78th year since Wally Bunce DDS saw his first patient in Stillwater in 1941. We honor our founders, the Bunce Family, with a mural on the front wall in the clinic of Wally examining Brian when he was 5 years old. You can see the mural and Wallys original dental chair on display in the front of Lift Dental.
This LIFT dental leader, Dr. Sara Cody, is passionate to surround herself with an exceptional, BIG-Hearted and humble team. She strives for personal and professional greatness and is motivated to encourage all to DREAM BIG and to be the positive change in this world! Her great drive and ambition allow her to accomplish all the daily tasks of a mom, wife, and business owner but watch her get caught in the moment of fun, laughter and good times!
Looking for an individual to push you to be better? Well, we found her! Tania, our dental hygienist, can motivate you to live a life of balance while focusing on what matters most. She values a healthy lifestyle, has great morals and provides exemplary compassionate care for our patients. Love her burst of energy and positivity especially at 7am! She is such a fun loving, cheerful person who brings out the best in everyone. Tania is a proud mama to 2 adorable, talented daughters. Just like their mama, these ladies will touch many lives and do great things to make this world a better place. You ROCK it!
We are thrilled to have this hardworking, attention-detailed, super assistant join our Lift Dental Family.With over 10 years of dental assisting experience and a love for organization, you can find Alisha keeping Lift Dental on track behind the scenes. Love her focus and determination in keeping our systems going while never skipping a detail. This kind, down to earth mom of 2 is on the go outside of work.Always fun to hear the outdoor activities she enjoys with her husband and kids. Youre a rock star!
That warm, welcoming voice behind the phone is our very own Mary Jo! Her calming demeanor and friendly smile will put you at ease as you are greeted. This awesome, humble lady has more gifts and talents than she will acknowledge. She is very creative, has an eye for fashion and dcor, and has great attention to detail. Her wisdom and experience is unparalleled and her calming voice of reason resonates. Ask her sometime about her fishes. You da best MJ!