Finding a dentist that doesn't make you want to sprint in the opposite direction is a tall order. Honestly, most of us treat a dental checkup like a chore we'd rather swap for a tax audit. But if you’re living in the southern metro, Park Dental Savage MN is usually the name that pops up first when you ask your neighbors where they go.
It’s located right on Highway 13, which is basically the main artery of Savage. You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times between runs to Target or Hy-Vee. It isn't some tiny, one-room operation where the equipment looks like it’s from the 80s. It’s part of a massive, doctor-owned network that’s been around the Twin Cities for decades.
People around here are busy. Park Dental seems to get that. They open as early as 7:00 am some days, which is a lifesaver if you're trying to get a cleaning in before your first Zoom call or before dropping the kids at school.
Why Park Dental Savage MN is different from a typical "Chain"
A lot of people assume any dental office with more than three locations is some corporate-owned machine. You know the type—where you’re just a number on a spreadsheet and the "dentist" is a revolving door of new grads.
But Park Dental is actually dentist-owned and led. This matters. Decisions about your teeth are made by people who actually went to dental school, not a board of directors in another state looking at a bottom line. In Savage, you’re usually seeing guys like Dr. Gunnar Vraa or Dr. Michael Schlaefer. These aren't temporary contractors. They’ve got deep roots in the Minnesota dental community.
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Dr. Schlaefer, for instance, is a University of Minnesota alum. Go Gophers. He’s been practicing for years and has a rating that stays consistently near the 5-star mark. It’s that weird mix of big-group resources and small-town familiarity that makes this specific branch work.
The Services People Actually Care About
Most of us just want a cleaning and to be told we don't have cavities. But life happens. Here’s a quick look at what they actually do inside those walls:
- Preventive stuff: The bread and butter. Exams, X-rays, and those cleanings that leave your mouth feeling weirdly smooth.
- Fixing things: Crowns, bridges, and fillings. They use modern materials, so you don't end up with a mouth full of dark metal.
- The "Fancy" Dental Work: Things like Invisalign, veneers, or dental implants. If your case is super complex, they’re hooked into a network of specialists (The Dental Specialists) so you don't have to hunt for a new office.
- Kids: They have a specific Children’s Care Program. It’s not just "we see kids," it’s a designed approach to make sure your toddler doesn't grow up terrified of the dentist.
What it’s actually like to be a patient there
Walk in, and it feels... professional. Not cold, just efficient. They use an online registration system, so you aren't stuck balancing a clipboard on your knee for twenty minutes while trying to remember when your last tetanus shot was.
The clinical hours vary, but they’re generally open Monday through Friday. Some days they stay as late as 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm. It depends on the day, so you’ve gotta check the schedule, but they are way more flexible than those old-school offices that close at 3:00 pm every Friday.
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One thing that surprises people is their "Care Packages." If you don't have insurance, dentistry is expensive. Like, "should I buy a used car or get this crown?" expensive. Park Dental offers these internal plans that basically act like insurance. You pay a flat fee for the year, and it covers your cleanings, X-rays, and gives you a discount on the bigger stuff. It's a solid workaround for the self-employed or retirees.
Location and Logistics
They are at 14170 Highway 13 S. If you’re coming from Prior Lake or Shakopee, it’s a straight shot. The parking is easy—it’s a suburban lot, so no parallel parking nightmares like you'd find in Uptown or Downtown.
One bit of "insider" info: if you have Medicaid (Medical Assistance), you can’t just book online. You have to call the office directly to set those up. It’s a bit of a hurdle, but at least they take it, which isn't true for every private practice in the area.
The Reality of Reviews
Is it perfect? Nothing is. If you go digging through Press Ganey or Google reviews, you’ll see the Savage location pulls about a 4.9 out of 5. That’s high.
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Most people rave about how gentle the hygienists are. That’s the real secret to a good dental office, isn't it? The dentist is only in the room for five minutes, but the hygienist is the one "in the trenches" with you.
Occasionally, you'll see a comment about a wait time or a billing mix-up, which is bound to happen when you have a practice this busy. But the sheer volume of long-term patients who have been going there for ten-plus years says a lot about the consistency.
Navigating the Cost
Let’s be real—dentistry is an investment. They are "preferred providers" for most insurance plans. This is a huge plus because it keeps your out-of-pocket costs predictable. They also offer a 5% discount if you pay in full with cash or check on the day of your service. If you’re over 60, that discount bumps up to 10%. It’s worth asking about if you’re looking to shave a bit off the bill.
Actionable Next Steps for New Patients
If you’re thinking about making the switch or haven't seen a dentist since the world changed in 2020, here is the most efficient way to handle it:
- Check your insurance first. Call your provider or check the Park Dental website to ensure the Savage location is in-network. This avoids "sticker shock" later.
- Use the online booking. It’s significantly faster than waiting on hold, especially during the morning rush.
- Request your records. If you’re coming from another office, have them email your most recent X-rays to the Savage branch. This can save you from having to pay for a new set of "full mouth" films if yours are still current.
- Inquire about the Care Package. If you are uninsured, ask for the brochure on their internal savings plan before your first exam.
- Plan for the "New Patient" exam. Your first visit will be longer than a standard cleaning. They do a full assessment, including a periodontal (gum) check and oral cancer screening.
Skipping the dentist is easy until a tooth starts throbbing at 2:00 am on a Saturday. Having a "home base" like the Savage office means you have someone to call when things go sideways. It’s just one of those adulting things that feels better once it's checked off the list.