Park Dental History
A History of Innovation and Quality Care
In 1972, Dr. Greg Swenson and Dr. āBudā Murn formed a group practice with a vision to bring consistent, high-quality, affordable dental care to their community.
Dental Group Pioneers
After meeting 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 wasnāt 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, a third practice 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.
"In 1979, the group became the second dental practice in the country to be accredited by the American Academy of Dental Group Practice."
Standardization of Quality Processes
In 1979, the group became the second dental practice in the country to be accredited by the American Academy of Dental Group Practice. 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, a process that has allowed the group to remain consistent and cohesive while expanding to new practice locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
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 patients could receive comprehensive care within the group.
In 1999, these specialists formed a unique multi-specialty dental group that continues to collaborate with Park Dental for the specialty needs of our patients. The Dental Specialists now practice out of multiple locations and consist of 6 dental specialties: endodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
"We have over 140 general dentists practicing at over 50 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin."
Organizational Structure
As a local dental group owned and led by our dentists, we have remained firmly committed to our mission to provide quality, patient-centered care.
We now have over 140 general dentists practicing at over 50 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin. 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 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, educationā¦"
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, educationā¦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.