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My reason for getting into dentistry was it was the easiest thing that would allow me to really help people definitively. My mother was a dental assistant for several decades. It gave me a window into that type of health care. And one of the most rewarding aspects of doing dentistry is being able to connect the diagnosis with a resolution, and do so in a way in which you can really offer definitive answers to people. It's just a tremendously fulfilling thing on a daily basis.
I did go to the University of Minnesota for my professional training. I've always had an interest in comprehensive care, being as well-rounded as possible. So because of the comprehensive background, I've been involved with organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry, and because there are nine different specialty disciplines, it affords someone an opportunity to be really diversely involved, and kind of always sampling different areas to continue to strengthen your clinical foundations so that you can relate to people's problems and find solutions for them that kind of cover all your bases.
The biggest benefit that patients have in that situation is because it allows you to be able to look at the totality of what it is that's going on, to be able to educate them and provide them with an opportunity to set a destination, to set a goal. Then at that point, you get to be the one to kind of help build the route a little bit. The more well-rounded you are, the more comprehensively minded you are, you can fill in almost all the gaps to be able to really navigate to what it is that definitively that patient has been educated to know where they would like to be, and you can be a partner in that.
Dr. Eric Thiede graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2013 and has been with our practice since 2020. He became a dentist because he wanted to offer solutions for common problems using his hands and his mind in a primary health care setting. Dr. Thiede’s patients love his treatment because he communicates well with them and educates them so they can advocate for their own health goals on their terms. His favorite part of his job is being responsible for his patients’ smiles after he helps improve them.
Away from the office, Dr. Thiede enjoys traveling (anywhere and everywhere), strength training, being outdoors (hiking, backpacking, and fishing), and golfing.