Southdale Dental Associates
Trusted for years.
Dental services the way it should be.
At Southdale Dental Associates, our patients are our top priority. Each of us believes we are here to help and serve you, assisting you in developing great oral health and a smile you love. We place your comfort, concerns, and goals at the forefront. We’d like to form a partnership with you, working toward the shared goal of optimal dental health and a beautiful smile.
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Our dentists: Dr. Thomas Telander, Dr. Sachin Mehta, Dr. James Healy, Dr. Kyle Gearhart, and Dr. Lara Bainer have years of experience delivering patient-focused care. They know your needs are as individual as your smile, and will develop a unique treatment plan based on those concerns. Supported by our warm and friendly team members, our doctors will soon have your smile bright and healthy!
Our Team
MEET THOMAS P.
TELANDER, DDS
Dr. Thomas Telander has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years. He values the relationships he’s built with his patients and especially likes hearing about their lives and families. Working one-to-one with each person, Dr. Telander helps them develop optimal dental health and beautiful smiles. He has special interests in implant dentistry and complex aesthetic and restorative dentistry.
EDUCATION
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Bachelor of Arts in Biology
St. Olaf College
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Doctorate of Dental Surgery
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
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General Practice Residency
University of Illinois and the West Side Hospitals in Chicago
Committed to delivering the highest level of care to his patients, Dr. Telander takes many hours of continuing education courses each year. He has studied with the Pankey Institute, Misch Implant Institute, Seattle Study Club, and the Spear Study Club.
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
SPECIAL HONORS
Dr. Telander has been recognized as a TOP DENTIST by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine in all issues since the survey’s inception.
PERSONAL LIFE
Dr. Telander and his wife Sue have been married for more than 30 years. They have four adult children; Dr. Telander likes to point out that, while they are all continuing their education, no one is following in his footsteps! Away from the office, Dr. Telander loves the outdoors. In the winter he’s an active cross-country skier and in the summer he loves biking and hiking. He dreams of spending more time fishing, especially from a canoe in the Boundary Waters.
MEET SACHIN R. MEHTA, DDS, FICOI
Dr. Sachin Mehta has practiced dentistry for the past 20 years. He is dedicated to helping patients of all ages work towards better health, and doing so with whom he considers the best team in the city. He looks forward to working with you and your family, giving you a dental experience that is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
EDUCATION
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Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Concordia College
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Doctorate of Dental Surgery
University of Minnesota
Dr. Mehta has continued his education in all aspects of dentistry through participation with the Twin Cities Study Club, Southwest Implant Study Club, and the Bloomington Study Club. Dr Mehta has recently studied at the Misch Implant Institute and is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
SPECIAL HONORS
Dr. Mehta is proud to have been recognized as a TOP DENTIST by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
PERSONAL LIFE
Originally from Minot, North Dakota, Dr. Mehta lives in Edina where his twin boys and family dog keep him busy outside of the office. When he’s not at work, Dr. Mehta enjoys playing tennis and golf, running, cooking, and traveling. He is involved in VEAP, the Animal Humane Society, and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. As a contributor to International Medical Relief, Dr. Mehta is traveling for medical/dental missions to Nepal in fall 2022 and Tanzania in 2023.
MEET JAMES HEALY, DDS
Dr. James Healy loves helping people. As a dentist, he educates his patients about their oral health, as well as how to keep their teeth and smile healthy and strong for years to come. He enjoys getting to know each of his patients and learning about their lives. For Dr. Healy, hearing about a person’s interests and hobbies gives him insight into dental care options that will work for their specific situation. It also fosters a bond between himself and his patient and they often become friends.
EDUCATION
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Undergraduate degree
St. Johns University
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Doctorate of Dental Surgery
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Each year, Dr. Healy takes many hours of continuing dental education. This ensures he remains current on developments in the field, and is able to provide his patients with leading-edge treatments. He’s an active member of the Seattle Study Club and the Spear Study Club.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
SPECIAL HONORS
Dr. Healy is proud to have been recognized as a TOP DENTIST by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
PERSONAL LIFE
A native of Marshall, MN, Dr. Healy now calls Wayzata his home. He and his wife Jessica are happily married and have two young daughters, McKenzie and Peighton. When not working, Dr. Healy’s favorite times are spent with his family and friends. He also enjoys staying active, whether he’s golfing, playing basketball, hiking, or fishing.
MEET KYLE GEARHART, DDS
For Dr. Kyle Gearhart, dentistry is the perfect combination of science and art. He is passionate about using those two approaches in helping his patients attain and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Working closely with each patient, Dr. Gearhart listens to their goals and then develops a plan for making their smile dreams a reality.
EDUCATION
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Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
Northern Arizona University
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Doctorate of Dental Surgery
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
An active member of the Spear Study Club and the American Dental Association, Dr. Gearhart takes many hours of continuing education each year. This keeps him up-to-date on changes and developments in treatments and technology. He’s able to evaluate these developments and expand his skills, to the benefit of his patients and their smiles.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
SPECIAL HONORS
Dr. Gearhart is proud to have been recognized as a TOP DENTIST by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
PERSONAL LIFE
Dr. Gearhart grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona but has called Minnesota home since 2001. He currently lives in south Minneapolis with his wife Jaime and their spirited golden retriever Ari. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Gearhart enjoys golfing, Pilates, cooking, and traveling. He’s also an avid hiker who’s trekked the Grand Canyon more than 15 times!
MEET LARA BAINER, DDS
Dr. Bainer enjoys her day, filled with conversations with her patients. She loves learning about their families, travels, jobs, and hobbies. Once she’s had several visits with a person, she feels like it’s catching up with an old friend when they come for a dental visit. Education is the cornerstone of her practice. She takes time to explain procedures in detail and in an understandable way, so her patient is able to make informed decisions about their care. She also knows having information helps to quell dental anxiety.
EDUCATION
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Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Mount Holyoke College
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Doctorate of Dental Surgery
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Not only is Dr. Bainer an advocate for educating her patients, she is equally as passionate about her own dental education. She strives to continue learning about dentistry, expanding her skills and knowledge, through literature and many continuing education courses. She’s a member of the American Dental Association and has joined the Spear Study Club, as well.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
SPECIAL HONORS
Dr. Bainer is proud to have been recognized as a TOP DENTIST by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
PERSONAL LIFE
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dr. Bainer moved to Massachusetts for her undergraduate degree and then worked in Chicago before returning to her hometown and dental school. Her home is shared with her husband, her daughter Vivienne, and her son Harvey. Her parents and sister live nearby. On her days off, Dr. Bainer enjoys cooking projects. She also loves time outside, hiking, and biking and kayaking the Minneapolis lakes