At Southdale Dental Associates, our patients are our top priority. Each of us believes we are here to help and serve you, assisting you in developing great oral health and a smile you love. We place your comfort, concerns, and goals at the forefront. Wed like to form a partnership with you, working toward the shared goal of optimal dental health and a beautiful smile.

Our dentists: Dr. Thomas Telander, Dr. Sachin Mehta, Dr. James Healy, Dr. Kyle Gearhart, and Dr. Lara Bainer have years of experience delivering patient-focused care. They know your needs are as individual as your smile, and will develop a unique treatment plan based on those concerns. Supported by our warm and friendly team members, our doctors will soon have your smile bright and healthy!

Dr. Thomas Telander has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years. He values the relationships hes built with his patients and especially likes hearing about their lives and families. Working one-to-one with each person, Dr. Telander helps them develop optimal dental health and beautiful smiles. He has special interests in implant dentistry and complex aesthetic and restorative dentistry.

Dr. Telander and his wife Sue have been married for more than 30 years. They have four adult children; Dr. Telander likes to point out that, while they are all continuing their education, no one is following in his footsteps! Away from the office, Dr. Telander loves the outdoors. In the winter hes an active cross-country skier and in the summer he loves biking and hiking. He dreams of spending more time fishing, especially from a canoe in the Boundary Waters.

Dr. Sachin Mehta has practiced dentistry for the past 16 years. He is dedicated to helping patients of all ages work towards better health, and doing so with whom he considers the best team in the city. He looks forward to working with you and your family, giving you a dental experience that is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Originally from Minot, North Dakota, Dr. Mehta lives in Edina where his twin boys and family dog keep him busy outside of the office. When hes not at work, Dr. Mehta enjoys playing tennis and golf, running, cooking, and traveling. He is involved in VEAP, the Animal Humane Society, and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. As a contributor to International Medical Relief, Dr. Mehta is traveling for medical/dental missions to Nepal in fall 2022 and Tanzania in 2023.

Dr. James Healy loves helping people. As a dentist, he educates his patients about their oral health, as well as how to keep their teeth and smile healthy and strong for years to come. He enjoys getting to know each of his patients and learning about their lives. For Dr. Healy, hearing about a persons interests and hobbies gives him insight into dental care options that will work for their specific situation. It also fosters a bond between himself and his patient and they often become friends.

A native of Marshall, MN, Dr. Healy now calls Wayzata his home. He and his wife Jessica are happily married and have two young daughters, McKenzie and Peighton. When not working, Dr. Healys favorite times are spent with his family and friends. He also enjoys staying active, whether hes golfing, playing basketball, hiking, or fishing.

For Dr. Kyle Gearhart, dentistry is the perfect combination of science and art. He is passionate about using those two approaches in helping his patients attain and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Working closely with each patient, Dr. Gearhart listens to their goals and then develops a plan for making their smile dreams a reality.

Dr. Gearhart grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona but has called Minnesota home since 2001. He currently lives in south Minneapolis with his wife Jaime and their spirited golden retriever Ari. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Gearhart enjoys golfing, Pilates, cooking, and traveling. Hes also an avid hiker whos trekked the Grand Canyon more than 15 times!

Dr. Bainer enjoys her day, filled with conversations with her patients. She loves learning about their families, travels, jobs, and hobbies. Once shes had several visits with a person, she feels like its catching up with an old friend when they come for a dental visit. Education is the cornerstone of her practice. She takes time to explain procedures in detail and in an understandable way, so her patient is able to make informed decisions about their care. She also knows having information helps to quell dental anxiety.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dr. Bainer moved to Massachusetts for her undergraduate degree and then worked in Chicago before returning to her hometown and dental school. Her home is shared with her husband, her daughter Vivienne, and her son Harvey. Her parents and sister live nearby. On her days off, Dr. Bainer enjoys cooking projects. She also loves time outside, hiking, and biking and kayaking the Minneapolis lakes