Dr CJ Specht grew up on the Iron Range and attended high school at Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. Her love for the dental field started when she attended the dental hygiene program at Lake Superior College from 1997-1999 where she graduated as a licensed Dental Hygienist. Dr CJ worked fulltime as a dental hygienist in Grand Rapids, MN for 4 years. During those years, she realized she wanted to further her career in the dental profession. She left the hygiene field and began prerequisites for dental school. Dr CJ was accepted to the University of Minnesota Dental School in 2005 where she then graduated from in 2009 with her D.D.S. degree. Dr CJ returned back to rural northern Minnesota to provide care to her community.
Dr CJ joined Hibbing Dental Service in June 2009 as an associate. In Dec 2009 Dr CJ opened her own office in Nashwauk. June 2012 Dr CJ decided to leave Hibbing Dental Service and focus her attention on her sole practitioner office in Nashwauk. Dr CJ met her husband, Matt in 2014, who she married in May 2016. In 2016 CJ and Matt decided to expand the office and add another office in an area in need of dentists. They bought a building in Virginia, MN that they completely renovated into a modern and eclectic dental office. They started off by opening for two days a week with the hope to open the office fulltime in the future. Her husband Matt operates a small resort in the Side Lake area where Matt, CJ and her two stepsons, Charlie (11) and Anthony(10) enjoy spending their time on the lake. Fishing, 4-wheeling, tubing and pontooning are among the many things Dr CJ Specht and her family love to do.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 37 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCasey Stukey
a year ago
I made an appointment to be seen however I needed an emergency visit so I called a the emergency number and she told me to call the front desk because they were closed that day. I called left a message and got seen, I was told to come to my next appointment so when I went they couldn't find me on the schedule but somebody canceled and to come back in an hour. I come back in an hour and they wanted to clean my teeth when my appointment was to get a tooth extracted. They told me that they had told me on the phone they wouldn't have time to pull my tooth but I never received a phone call. I walked out they told me they won't be-able to see me again. Why clean teeth when I have an infection spreading to my jaw and cheek bone?
Cassandra Leen
a year ago
The people that work here are amazing. I called every dentist to get my husband in for emergency . They were booked full today but got him in.
Stacia Rom
2 years ago
Cj and her assistants are some of the best people around. Me and my five year old son wouldn't go anywhere else. They are kind and make sure you are good with every bit of the cleaning or process. I feel like we get right in and are done quickly. Even walking in you are always greeted with a smile!! Hands down a place to go for the whole family!
Dave Sorensen
2 years ago
Dr Specht and her staff are the best! I have never had such great service and I always enjoy their wonderful way of making me feel like I'm more than just a patient. I know my wife and kids feel the same way too. Thanks for all you do for my family!
Madison Maroste
3 years ago
Just had my first visit at Up North Dental and I can honestly say that it was the best experience I've had at a dental office! The staff is incredibly friendly and hard working, and CJ has the most awesome and bubbly personality that lights up the room and makes you feel like you're right at home when you're sitting in the dental chair. She gives the most thorough exams, and I wouldn't recommend any other dentist in town!
Gloria Bush
3 years ago
I had two teeth pulled at up north dental. That I believe were unecessary to pull because they did not stop the pain I was experiencing. When I returned three times complaining of pain. They said it was probably just my wisdom tooth trying to push through. Since I did not receive help for the continued pain. I sought out another dentist. Who by exam said there appeared to be an infection in my wisdom tooth ( at additional expense) I was referred to an oral surgeon who determined that surgery was necessary. At more expense. After surgery the pain was gone, This was the problem all along. I sent a letter to CJ expressing my opinion that the two teeth pulled was unnecessary and I should not be required to continue payments for them. It was ignored and I was threatened with sending my outstanding bill to collections. Therefore I would not recommend this dentist to anyone.
Kim Nagler
3 years ago
What a fantastic staff. We just transferred over and now we do everything we need in Nashwauk. Dr. CJ Spect is a gem. What a great role model as well being a hometown Grad. All around wonderful treatment from front desk to chair.
Madison Maroste
4 years ago
Just had my first visit at Up North Dental and I can honestly say that it was the best experience I've had at a dental office! The staff is incredibly friendly and hard working, and CJ has the most awesome and bubbly personality that lights up the room and makes you feel like you're right at home when you're sitting in the dental chair. She gives the most thorough exams, and I wouldn't recommend any other dentist in town!
Dustin Summer
4 years ago
They were super knowledgeable and friendly.
Gloria Bush
4 years ago
I had two teeth pulled at up north dental. That I believe were unecessary to pull because they did not stop the pain I was experiencing. When I returned three times complaining of pain. They said it was probably just my wisdom tooth trying to push through. Since I did not receive help for the continued pain. I sought out another dentist. Who by exam said there appeared to be an infection in my wisdom tooth ( at additional expense) I was referred to an oral surgeon who determined that surgery was necessary. At more expense. After surgery the pain was gone, This was the problem all along. I sent a letter to CJ expressing my opinion that the two teeth pulled was unnecessary and I should not be required to continue payments for them. It was ignored and I was threatened with sending my outstanding bill to collections. Therefore I would not recommend this dentist to anyone.
Kim Nagler
4 years ago
What a fantastic staff. We just transferred over and now we do everything we need in Nashwauk. Dr. CJ Spect is a gem. What a great role model as well being a hometown Grad. All around wonderful treatment from front desk to chair.
Brian Hibbing
4 years ago
I love the open layout of the office. It is super clean and comfortable. Shannon, the receptionist, was very polite and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. CJ and her staff in back work together like a well oiled machine. Edit: I broke a tooth on Sunday and Dr. CJ and her staff were able to Squeeze me in right away to fix it. I absolutely love her laugh and how up beat and professional her staff is!
Pamela Anderson
4 years ago
Excellent!!
Sarah Remus
4 years ago
So I just came back from up north dental, the dentist was amazing she had my tooth out in less than a minute. I ended up going into shock and I vomited into a trash can then proceeded to faint in the lobby. These ladies were amazing! They made sure I wasn't standing when I fainted then got me off the floor and onto a chair with a cold wash rag on my forehead while one of them fanned me to get me to cool down. They wouldn't let me leave without knowing I was absolutely ok! I have never had better service or a more caring group of ladies! I would do it all over again if I had to because it was a safe and caring environment to have something scary happen to you. Thank you so much for caring for me!
Gary Bettcher
4 years ago
Best Dentist Ever
Dustin Summer
4 years ago
They were super knowledgeable and friendly.
Pamela Anderson
5 years ago
Excellent!!
Brian Hibbing
5 years ago
I love the open layout of the office. It is super clean and comfortable. Shannon, the receptionist, was very polite and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. CJ and her staff in back work together like a well oiled machine. Edit: I broke a tooth on Sunday and Dr. CJ and her staff were able to Squeeze me in right away to fix it. I absolutely love her laugh and how up beat and professional her staff is!
Sarah Remus
5 years ago
So I just came back from up north dental, the dentist was amazing she had my tooth out in less than a minute. I ended up going into shock and I vomited into a trash can then proceeded to faint in the lobby. These ladies were amazing! They made sure I wasn't standing when I fainted then got me off the floor and onto a chair with a cold wash rag on my forehead while one of them fanned me to get me to cool down. They wouldn't let me leave without knowing I was absolutely ok! I have never had better service or a more caring group of ladies! I would do it all over again if I had to because it was a safe and caring environment to have something scary happen to you. Thank you so much for caring for me!
Gary Bettcher
5 years ago
Best Dentist Ever
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