Get to Know Dr. Christopher Steele

Welcome to our new regular feature, “Get to Know the Park Dental Doctors”.  Join us as we learn about the Park Dental doctors both as clinicians, and on a personal level. We are kicking off this feature by profiling our President, Dr. Chris Steele.  With over 30 years of service with Park Dental, Dr. Steele tells us what made him choose dentistry and what his treatment philosophy is, along with some fun and interesting facts about himself.  Learn more by checking out Dr. Steele’s profile below!

What made you choose dentistry?
I graduated from college with no ideas for a career path, other than an interest in health sciences. After working as a lab tech and coaching basketball for two years, I figured I’d follow the path of some younger college friends and was fortunate to find the dental profession.

What do you love most about being a dentist or what do you find the most rewarding?
The aspect of diagnosis and treatment skill development is always rewarding, especially when outstanding care is provided to patients. However, the interactions and relationships with my patients have provided me the wonderful opportunities of a remarkable profession.

What’s your care/treatment philosophy?
Develop a “trusting” relationship with your patient first, and the dentistry becomes much easier for the patient to accept and the dentist, to provide.

Is there a particular area of dentistry you enjoy the most or like to focus on?
I’ve always had an interest in comprehensive dentistry. Thus, I’ve continued to provide endodontic, oral surgery and restorative care for my patients. That said, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of changing someone’s smile with anterior esthetics.

When did you start or how many years have you been with Park Dental?
I started with Park Dental in late-summer of 1991, soon after my GPR ended. Just for context, the infamous Halloween snowstorm “hit” a few months later.

What is one thing you love most about Park Dental?
The history and culture of our group is remarkable considering the approach of our doctors and team members is consistent with our beginning in 1972.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a group practice?
Without question, the rewards of group practice have enabled me to create untold numbers of lifelong friendships. I never considered this when I first began my career with Park Dental, but now consider myself very fortunate.

And now for a little fun, let’s get to know Dr. Steele on a personal level.

• What did you want to be when you were a kid?
  Like most youngsters, one always wonders what you’ll end up doing for work as an adult. I suppose my interests transitioned from early youth, dreaming about being a professional sports star to becoming a veterinarian as I approached high school graduation.  
• What was your very first job?
  My first set of jobs; newspaper delivery and lawnmowing were standard fair in the 70’s. I’d consider my first real job, one with a paycheck, was a dishwasher at the local Italian restaurant, the Lido Café.
• What do you like to do on your days off?
  Something active, as I don’t do well sitting around. My simple response is spending with family at our cabin.
• What’s your favorite food or drink?
  A well-crafted “ranchwater” with plenty of fresh lime juice leading to grilled bison burgers/corn on the cobb on a hot summer afternoon. It doesn’t get much better.
• Who is your hero or who inspires you?
  My parents. The way I’ve tried to live my life, is one that represents my parent’s values and hopefully would make them proud.
• What is an interesting fact that people may not know about you?
  I’m a “goofball” at heart.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
  My current desire is somewhere exotic, such as Machu Pichu, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands.
• What’s your favorite movie?
  Two movies resonate from my childhood and still remain #1 and #2 on my list; the Wizard of Oz and the Sound of Music. That said, I’ll never pass on a Tarantino film.
• What’s your favorite genre of music to listen to?
  1970’s Rock and Roll. I’m a huge Springsteen fan!
• What are your hobbies?
  I’m an outdoor enthusiast; anything attached to the outdoors such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and travel which allows further opportunities to explore.
• What’s your favorite holiday?
  With respect to the food and the time with family, Thanksgiving has to be it. Really, it’s the combination of food prep/feasting, celebration and the social engagement which leads to a very, special day. Added bonus…no gift shopping!
• Do you speak any other languages?
  If one considers language classes from forty years ago…very rough German. Guten Tag!
• Are you scared of or have a fear of anything?
  Heights. I had to “crawl” onto the plexiglass lookout at the Willis tower in Chicago. It was an embarrassing scene for my family.
• What’s your favorite thing about living in Minnesota/Wisconsin?
  I do enjoy the seasonal changes, although my tolerance of winter is almost non-existent. The other opportunity living here is the access to woods and water. We’re fortunate to be in a major metropolitan area that’s close to wonderful outdoor opportunities.
• Do you have any hidden talents?
  That’s arguable….one might not consider most “talents”
• What’s your favorite season?
  Summer, early summer, when the June warmth arrives and the days are long.
• What’s your favorite color?
  Blue, of course.
• What’s your favorite animal?
  American buffalo (bison). Beautiful creature with an ability to withstand all climates. Truly remarkable.
• How many different states have you lived in?
  I’m a typical Minnesotan; born, raised and will probably be here my whole life.

Dr. Steele practices at our Ridgepark location in Minnetonka, MN.  To learn more about Dr. Steele and schedule an appointment, click here.