From our dentists and hygienists to our technicians and front-office support people, youll feel confident and comfortable in bringing the whole family to Rhode Island Dental. Our staff is a great team of professionals, many of whom have been with us for more than 20 years.
Dr. Talus is a 1983 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and a 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He also completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Washington.
Upon returning to Minnesota, Dr. Talus joined the practice of Dr. Robert Nelson. When Dr. Nelson retired in 1989, Dr. Talus purchased the practice and has been serving patients at the same location ever since.
Dr. Talus also was a clinical instructor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry from 1990-1999. He is a member of the Minneapolis District Dental Society, Minnesota Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Talus and his wife Carol, have two adult sons, Bryan and Eric. In his spare time Dr. Talus enjoys reading, playing trumpet, golfing, participating in activities at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church and spending time with family.
Dr. Michael Hammon grew up in Simi Valley, California and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in 2012. During his undergraduate degree he served a religious mission in Toronto, Canada for two years. He later worked as an elementary school physical education teacher and substitute teacher for three years before attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating dental school, Dr. Hammon completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency on the Navajo Reservation in Winslow, Arizona.
At the core of our dental practice is a friendly team of professionals that are dedicated to your utmost comfort and optimal oral health. We view each patient as a unique individual, and tailor each treatment to your specific needs. As part of our commitment to providing close, personalized attention to every patient, we want to encourage patient communication. Please know that we are here to provide outstanding patient care, and that we value the trust you have placed in us.
I have been in the dental field for 13 years, the last year has been spent with Rhode Island Dental and I love it! I work primarily with Dr. Hammon and we make a great team! My favorite part is working with the patientsand making their visits stress free.
I have 4 children and 7 grandkids. I have fun getting to take care of them and kidnapping them for the weekend. In my spare time I enjoy reading, knitting, cooking, painting,stained glass, and most needle crafts. In the summer I spend time working on my koi pond and gardens.
Dina started her dental career in 1996. She attended the dental assisting program in Watertown, SD before enrolling in the dental hygiene program at North Dakota State College of Science. She then receivedher Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygieneat Metropolitan State University.
Dina prides herself on staying on top of the most current techniques, products used in dental hygieneand learning nutritional and systemic connections to oral health. It gives her great joy to be a part of such a great dental team at Rhode Island Dental.
Jody received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. She has been our 'permanent temporary' hygienist since 2001. Jody is committed to providing the best possible care to all of our patients at Rhode Island Dental.
Jody lives with her 14 year old Papillon puppy, Oscar Meyer. In her spare time, Jody works for a non-profit organization. When possible, she will take an occasional professional ballet, Pilates or yoga class, design jewelry, knit, and write.
Syrina is from the beautiful island of Jamaica. She moved away from her family over 10 years ago to study and become a Hygienist. She worked as a Dental Assistant for four plus years (2 plus at Rhode Island Dental) while waiting to get into theDental Hygiene program at the University of MN, where she obtained her Bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene.
Syrina and her family live in Apple Valley. She has 2 children with a 3rd on theway. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking authentic Jamaican food, and visiting her favorite city, Stillwater. In the winter sheloves going home to Jamaica to visit family and escapethe MN cold.