Park Dental History

Dental Group Pioneers

After getting to know each other at a dental conference in 1969, Dr. Swenson and Dr. Murn began to discuss forming a group practice, which was a new concept for the dental community at that time. They believed a group practice could best bring consistent, high quality, affordable dental care to a community.

There wasn’t a clear way to set up a group at the time, but in 1972, they successfully opened Brookpark Dental Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, with three dentists, three dental assistants, three hygienists, and five other team members.

This first location was the engine and inspiration for future growth. In 1977, they opened another practice in Fridley, and in 1979, in Blaine. As each practice succeeded, the doctors reinvested resources to start the next practice. Park Dental continued to grow in this manner by providing excellent care for patients.

Standardization of Quality Processes

In 1978, the group was accredited by the American Academy of Dental Group Practice, the second dental practice in the country to do so. This experience helped set the stage for Park Dental to develop the process of standardizing patient records and patient care protocols, facilities, materials, and equipment, which has allowed the group to remain consistent and cohesive while expanding to new practice locations within the Twin Cities metro area.

Steady Growth and Specialization

Park Dental expanded from 3 to 17 locations in the 1980s, and by 1999, grew to over 100 doctors practicing at 27 general dentistry locations and 4 specialty locations. As a convenience to our patients and to provide continuity of care, Park Dental employed specialists so that patients could receive comprehensive care within the group.

In 1999, the specialists formed a unique multi-specialty dental group and continue to collaborate with Park Dental for the specialty needs of our patients. The Dental Specialists now practice out of 9 locations and consist of 5 dental specialties: endodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.

Organizational Structure

Park Dental is a local dental group owned and led by our dentists. This structure has made the group strong – firmly committed to our mission to provide quality, patient-centered care.

We now have over 85 general dentists practicing at 23 locations. Our doctors are an experienced group of leaders who continue to move Park Dental forward, always striving for the highest level of clinical care and personal service for our patients.

Our Values Remain the Same

Our values are the same today as they were when we opened our first practice in 1972. Patient-centered care, clinical excellence and integrity, respect, community, collaboration, education…these values have made us what we have become and will continue to guide us into the future.

We are proud of our history and excited to be a part of your future by providing a lifetime of dental health through quality, patient-centered care.