Dr. Laura and Dr. Kasia met at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. They became very good friends but never expected that life and serendipity will bring them to the same dental office in beautiful Sonoma County.
After graduating dental school, Dr. Laura, a native of Santa Rosa, moved to Colorado with her husband. Dr. Kasia, an East Coaster, moved to California to complete a residency program in Palo Alto. When a few years later her husband's job brought them to Sonoma County, Dr. Kasia found an associate position with Dr. Greg. Little did she know, Dr. Greg was Dr. Laura's family dentist and the second person Dr. Laura called when she decided to move back home (she called Dr. Kasia first).
My story starts right here in Santa Rosa. I was born and raised here and now have a family of my own. I graduated from Bates College in Maine in 2005 with a degree in Biology. I then returned to Santa Rosa for 3 years working as a research associate with a cell biology team at Medtronic Vascular. During that time, I met my husband, Tom, as we both trained for triathlons together. Tom continues to work for Medtronic to this day. Even though cellular biology still fascinates me,my passion was to have direct interaction with patients and helping people feel better.
Tom and I moved to Boston so I could study dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. I graduated in 2012, and that same year Tom and I were married. After a few years in Boulder, Colorado, we finally found ourselves home again in Santa Rosa, and me working alongside none other than Dr. Kasia Marelich, my Tufts Dental School classmate and friend! We were both associates and we worked so well together we bought the practice in 2017 as Santa Rosa Dentistry.
I love to spend time outdoors, whether thats hiking, skiing, swimming or scuba diving. Despite my years on the east coast and Colorado Ive remained a loyal Bay Area sports fan, especially of the Giants. Tom and I have a toddler, Andrew, and we love going on family hikes on our local trails. My focus in dentistry is prevention for all, but especially children. I really enjoy volunteering with the Sonoma County Health Department by providing oral screenings to T-K and Kindergarteners every year in Santa Rosa public schools. I strive to make my patients happy and it is my honor to help you with your dental needs. I very much look forward to meeting you!
I am originally from Poland where I was born and spent most of my childhood. I immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was 15 years old. I was extremely lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people who helped my family start a new life and guided me towards higher education. I graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in mathematics and a minor in studio art. Dentistry turned out to be the perfect way to blend the analytical and detailed part of my personality with my eye for beauty and balance.
After two years of working at a small dental practice in Cambridge, MA, I enrolled at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. These were very eventful four years: I made friendships that later would become crucial in my career as a dentist (Dr. Laura!) and I met my husband, Nate. After graduation in 2012, I entered a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, providing dental services for our veterans and expanding my clinical skills. While living in the South Bay, Nate and I visited Dr. Laura in Santa Rosa and we fell in love with Sonoma County. We moved here soon after our son was born in 2015. Serendipitously, Dr. Laura and I worked as associates at the same dental practice, which we then purchased and named Santa Rosa Dentistry.
When I am not a dentist I am a mother to my two beautiful children, Jacob and Julia. I love watching them grow and become more independent every day. I enjoy bike riding with them, going on hikes, reading an enormous number of books and watching Disney movies with them. When alone, I love running on the beautiful Sonoma County paths and doing yoga, both of which serve me as a way to center and refocus. I am also an avid reader and you can always ask me what I am reading right now.
I am passionate about dentistry and education. I attend over 75 hours of Continuing Education each year. My focus is prevention of disease and I want every person to be empowered in their dental health. I love creating beautiful, natural looking smiles and giving people confidence to conquer their world. I am very excited to be a part of your journey!
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 77 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKlemo
a year ago
These people are amazing, I don't plan on going on anywhere else. The dentists here are very gentle but still very diligent. They kept notes on certain parts of my teeth to keep an eye on and took the time to talk to me about how to get the most out of maintaining my teeth. These folks are fully attentive and on top of it.
Ali Samii
2 years ago
Humble dentists and caring hygienists ! They take pride in their work so it's always top quality I leave with :)
Carl Bowers
2 years ago
I'm a long-time customer/patient of Santa Rosa Dentistry and have consistently received what I believe to be the best dental care by the most skilled and up-to-date professionals in the industry. Everyone at every level of this office is at their best and always kind and courteous too. The offices are inviting and clean and the equipment is state-of-the-art and innovative. There is no expense spared by this office to stay current. My most recent experience was with Dr. Kasia, assisted by Rachel. While "going to the dentist" or any doctor might not rank up there in the top 10 things to do for most, as I was leaving I commented that my time in the chair under their care was the most pleasant and relaxing part of my day. And it truly was, which considering the complexity of this particular procedure was really quite amazing. I can not say enough good about the team at Santa Rosa Dentistry and can not imagine going anywhere else for my dental care. I recommend them and without hesitation and look forward to every visit.
Trish Rooney
2 years ago
I have been coming to this office for 45 years and everyone is wonderful and i never feel any discomfort after any visit! Very caring entire staff.
Rob Sanville
2 years ago
excellent consistent service
alma boardman
2 years ago
My family,been with Santa Rosa dentistry for years, everyone is nice and friendly,and today I was help by Victoria,and she is very gentle and the front lady is very nice and helpful.
Agent of Hydra
2 years ago
Amazing staff. Great work. The patient chairs have massage settings!
jessie v
2 years ago
Everyone was very kind and attentive. I felt well cared for and comfortable. Thank you!
Art Jahnsen
2 years ago
Santa Rosa Dentistry has been my family's dentist for over 20 years. In addition to providing the best dental care and trust in the business they go above and beyond in this state of Covid safety concerns. No people in waiting rooms, hygienists are double masked plus shields and goggles, no touch surfaces and super clean. Don't let fear keep you from that super clean feeling you get after a scheduled dental cleaning. This place treats you like are the most important patient of the day Keep smiling!! Art J
Anarcho V
2 years ago
They're exceptional
David E
2 years ago
I'd hit a dead end with a previous dentist, and a hygienist who damaged my teeth, when I gave SRD a chance. I couldn't have made a better choice, as Dr. Ellefson quickly had me in good shape again and restored my confidence in the dental profession. When we moved on to the other issues, she would typically propose creative solutions requiring the least intervention and cost, with excellent results. Whenever I needed a specialist, her referrals were top quality as well. Dr. Ellefson and the entire staff are consistently friendly, professional, and practice excellent communication. Unfortunately I no longer live in Sonoma County and once again I'm searching...
Joelle Hoffman
2 years ago
I have been going to Santa Rosa Dentistry since they purchased the practice a few years ago and I couldn't be happier. They have a caring and professional team with state of the art equipment. I would highly recommend them, especially for folks who may hesitant about going to the dentist.
phil zeidman
2 years ago
I actually enjoyed the entire time, but I adore Sara & she can do no wrong! You & your staff are a delight making everything pleasant. Keep up the good work. Regards, Phil
Diane Redalia
2 years ago
Kind and thoughtful, professional and thorough. Easy to trust and informative. I would advise anyone who needs another dentist to go to Santa Rosa Dentistry.
Susan
2 years ago
The entire team at Santa Rosa Dentistry is just wonderful. The office staff are friendly, professional and work together like a smooth well oiled engine. The hygienists are terrific - gentle but very thorough. Drs. Laura Ellefson and Kasia Marelich are so nice, and will take the time to explain a procedure, make you comfortable and then do an exceptional job. I could not recommend Santa Rosa Dentistry more highly.
Carol Zeidman
2 years ago
I am always pleased with this office and enjoy everyone who works there. Sarah keeps my teeth clean and is delightful. Dr. Kasia and Dr. Laura are so efficient and kind.
Jon H
2 years ago
Professional staff that was friendly and made going to dentist as comfortable as one could be while also getting expert insights into tooth and gum health and maintenance.
Kathryn Handwerker
2 years ago
Dr. Kasia and Rachel were AMAZING! By far the best dentist I've ever been to. Dr. Kasia is so knowledgeable and thorough. Rachel was caring and personable. The whole office's COVID precautions made us feel very safe. My husband and I both highly recommend Santa Rosa Dentistry.
Elyssia Atkins
2 years ago
Even in these Covid times, I felt the entire staff was going above and beyond to ensure safety for all their patients AND staff. Everyone was very friendly and Victoria did a great job on my cleaning. She was very gentle and took note of areas of sensitivity. Dr. Laura Ellefson was also very knowledgeable and friendly. Not being to a dentist in over 10 years, this experience left me with all smiles! Bravo!
Michael Richter
2 years ago
Dr. Kasia is awesome. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her patients. She aspires for all of her patients to be in excellent health, and if you are lacking in any areas, she will set you on the right path (with baby steps, if necessary). She will give you all of the tools necessary to help yourself be in excellent dental shape as long as you are willing and open to helping yourself!
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