The Dental Specialists 
Education:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (1989), University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Certificate in Periodontics (1998), Naval Post Graduate School, Bethesda, Maryland
Professional Activities
- American Academy of Periodontology
- Minnesota Association of Periodontists
- American Dental Association
Verified Patient Reviews
4.9 out of 5
(418 Reviews)
(175 Comments)
Overall patient ratings are based on the average score given by The Dental Specialists patients who voluntarily complete a satisfaction survey from Press Ganey, a nationally recognized firm dedicated to improving patient experience. Click to learn more about our patient ratings.
5 out of 5
March 7, 2023
Dr. Petersen is truly a great human being and it helps that he is also a great dentist. I have extreme anxiety in a dentist chair, and I felt as much at ease and relaxed as I could feel in a dentist chair with him. I am a lot less afraid of major dental work after having been his patient.
5 out of 5
March 7, 2023
Dr Peterson is the best!He is kind and understanding. He really listens and gives me all the information I need. I feel at ease. The treatment was as painless as possible. Instructions were very clear. Healing is going really well.
5 out of 5
March 7, 2023
Both understood my nervousness and put me at ease. They made a great team.
5 out of 5
March 2, 2023
Excellent review of the problem and suggestions to prevent further recession. Much appreciated.
5 out of 5
March 1, 2023
Discussed treatment but without triggering my son's anxiety
4.8 out of 5
February 27, 2023
Dr. Petersen (o or e?) was great. Friendly, thorough, clear, explained well.
5 out of 5
February 24, 2023
I think that except for the long wait to see the dentists, everything about the experience, including the care, was EXCEPTIONALLY good.
5 out of 5
February 23, 2023
Dr Peterson did an excellent job of listening to my concerns and explaining the answers.
5 out of 5
February 20, 2023
The dentist made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Clear instructions and information. Talked tome not down at me.
5 out of 5
February 20, 2023
I felt that the office was an "office family" and worked well together.
5 out of 5
February 15, 2023
Everyone was so kind! I was very nervous and they put me at ease. Thank you!
5 out of 5
February 13, 2023
Very good experience!
5 out of 5
January 29, 2023
Dr. Petersen is a wonderful dentist and I feel comfortable to see him.
5 out of 5
January 25, 2023
Dr. Peterson does a great job.
5 out of 5
January 24, 2023
Dr Petersen was excellent!
5 out of 5
January 10, 2023
Dr Peterson was amazing. I've had a real fear of the dentist for as long as I can remember so I've avoided going. He put me right at ease, explained everything he was doing, was not judgmental at all, and even walked me to the checkout counter to get my follow up appointment booked (never had a dentist do that, it's always been the DA).
5 out of 5
January 5, 2023
Dr Petersen was very thorough in all aspects of my tooth extraction.
5 out of 5
January 3, 2023
Dr. Doug Peterson is very thorough and professional, with an excellent "bedside manner."
5 out of 5
December 21, 2022
Dr. Petersen have been very nice and really cares about my dental issues
5 out of 5
December 7, 2022
Dr. Petersen always explains exactly what he is going to do and how I may react. Very thorough.
5 out of 5
December 7, 2022
I am very comfortable with all the safe. Great to find a dentist who is a great technician as well as a great communicator!
5 out of 5
November 23, 2022
Dr. Petersen was fantastic.....personable and nice!!! Liked him a lot!! His assistant was equally wonderful.
5 out of 5
November 21, 2022
The Dr is the best, very knowledgeable and helpful
5 out of 5
November 15, 2022
DR. Peterson and his assistants always patiently explain what procedures they are performing and what's next.
5 out of 5
November 14, 2022
Dr. Peterson has been my periodontist for at least 20 years. My gum health has improved and I have utter confidence in him.
5 out of 5
November 6, 2022
Very professional and explained every detail. Expert in his field
4 out of 5
October 29, 2022
He's very positive, kind, explains things well, listens well.
5 out of 5
October 25, 2022
Dentist did an excellent job explaining why daily cleaning is important to forestall any further deterioration in my gum tissue.
5 out of 5
October 19, 2022
Excellent experience. Doctor and hygienist were just great.
5 out of 5
October 10, 2022
Dr. Peterson was very nice and I felt like he was taking the time to establish an initial doctor/patient relationship.
5 out of 5
September 21, 2022
Dr Peterson is very professional and an excellent communicator. I would highly recommend him
5 out of 5
September 20, 2022
Everyone and everything about this practice is excellent!
5 out of 5
September 19, 2022
Dr. Petersen is awesome! Empathetic, calming, excellent at explaining procedures in detail. Very knowledgeable and his technique is exceptional in mitigating the amount of pain I experienced for both tooth extractions and implant.
5 out of 5
September 16, 2022
Doc's a great guy took the time to carefully explain everything
5 out of 5
September 16, 2022
The staff was very reassuring
5 out of 5
September 9, 2022
I was so thankful that Dr. Peterson took me in so fast and got that horrible broken tooth out!! He did a great job getting out the tooth and starting the implant process.
5 out of 5
September 9, 2022
Dr. Petersen listened to ALL my questions and answered them fully. He presented the possible options for treatment.
5 out of 5
September 9, 2022
Dr. Petersen was very empathetic.
5 out of 5
September 9, 2022
All was calm and everything was explained so well.
5 out of 5
September 2, 2022
Dr. Peterson was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain all my teeth and gum issues! He showed me the best way to floss and brush to keep my tears healthy! Thank you
5 out of 5
September 2, 2022
Overall this was a good experience! Thank you
5 out of 5
August 18, 2022
Felt well informed when I left.
5 out of 5
August 10, 2022
Dr Peterson is very thorough in explaining the procedure & including me on the opinion if needed & after the procedure is done, I appreciate how he explains the caring part that I need to do, so there won't be any issues.
5 out of 5
August 7, 2022
Dr. Petersen was extremely candid and helpful. I was impressed with his professionalism.
5 out of 5
August 7, 2022
This is a well-organized dental practice. It was a good experience.
5 out of 5
August 4, 2022
Dr Peterson and the entire staff at TDS do an outstanding job. From the time I made the appointment to walking out the door everyone was helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Thanks!
5 out of 5
August 3, 2022
Dr. Petersen and Team explained my treatment options thoroughly and provided great care before, during and after my procedure.
5 out of 5
July 27, 2022
Dr Peterson was fantastic. He really took time to explain the procedure and answer any questions
5 out of 5
July 26, 2022
Dr Petersen was very talkative about what he was going to do and was very informative while he proceeded through his work. It went very nicely. Personally I enjoyed the whole process. Incase I'm not asked later in this survey, the dental assistant was very good.
5 out of 5
July 18, 2022
I recommended Dr. Petersen to a co-worker.
5 out of 5
July 11, 2022
The dentist did an excellent job of explaining the "two shot process" for numbing before extraction and it worked very well.
5 out of 5
June 16, 2022
Super listening skills! After I told him that my stitches from the extraction poked my cheek he used a finer gauge "thread" on the new stitches, which is much less annoying.
5 out of 5
June 13, 2022
All went very well
5 out of 5
June 13, 2022
Very well explained
5 out of 5
June 12, 2022
Dr. Petersen is one of the best dentists ever
5 out of 5
June 12, 2022
I don't ever think about the cost. If I owe something, I pay it. It is worth every $ I spend to finally be over my fear of the whole dental experience!
5 out of 5
May 25, 2022
Dr. Peterson was amazing and explained everything throughout the process. I would recommend him to anyone I know. He was kind and responsive to me being very nervous.
5 out of 5
May 17, 2022
He was great. I learned more from him on the best way to use my home equipment than all my previous dentists.
5 out of 5
May 16, 2022
Dr Petersen was very nice and explained things very well. He wanted me to ask questions and be clear on all dental options and recomendations.
5 out of 5
May 9, 2022
Dr. Peterson and his assistant were both awesome.
5 out of 5
May 9, 2022
I believe that my own attitude toward my dental health was changed for the better.
5 out of 5
May 4, 2022
Dr Doug Peterson is great!
5 out of 5
May 4, 2022
He explained things extremely well. Good solid advice on preventative care and future treatment. Obviously a real pro at what he does.
5 out of 5
April 22, 2022
Dr. Petersen is very good. Provided clear evaluation of my current status and recommendations for future treatment.
5 out of 5
April 22, 2022
I recommend this practice to my friends as the best solution to any current problems they have and the best source to prevent dental problems in the future.
5 out of 5
April 18, 2022
Very good at explaining each step, felt had excellent care an experience overall with Dr. Peterson in charge
5 out of 5
April 18, 2022
All was excellent!
5 out of 5
April 16, 2022
Very personable and explained everything very well in terms we could understand.
5 out of 5
April 16, 2022
Friendly staff!
5 out of 5
April 15, 2022
Excellent
5 out of 5
April 13, 2022
Dr.Peterson is excellent. I would recommend him to everyone I know.
5 out of 5
April 11, 2022
As I stated Dr Peterson work past his normal hours to ensure I was seen and that I was comfortable over the weekend. Because of this there was no need for a follow up visit.
5 out of 5
April 6, 2022
Dr. Petersen has been my dentist for some time and I totally trust his care, he is knowledgeable, caring and very professional
5 out of 5
April 4, 2022
Took the time to explain and listen.. Great experience..
5 out of 5
April 4, 2022
Meets expectations
5 out of 5
April 1, 2022
Dr Peterson let me know of things that could happen and what I was to do if they did. I was also told how I could call with any questions.
5 out of 5
March 15, 2022
I'm always impressed with my dentist. Very friendly, encouraging, and trustworthy. In short, they are amazing!
5 out of 5
March 12, 2022
Very friendly and helpful.
5 out of 5
March 11, 2022
Both were most professional
5 out of 5
March 6, 2022
Great service! Thank you!
5 out of 5
February 18, 2022
Dr. Peter did a great job in laying out a plan to get my oral health on track and included me in the decision-making process as well. I felt empowered to manage my oral health with his guidance.
5 out of 5
February 18, 2022
I was a nervous wreck but Dr. Peter and his assistant professional care and service helped me to relax. I was properly informed of treatment cost and provided paperwork with cost breakdown. I would highly recommend Dr. Peter and his staff to others.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2022
This is my second time seeing Dr. Peterson. He is terrific!
5 out of 5
February 11, 2022
The Dentist and Assistant provided detail throughout the entire treatment of what they were doing and the progression of where they were at and what still remained. The Dentist was very concerned that I did not experience pain and asked often how I was doing.
5 out of 5
January 27, 2022
Doctor Petersen is very professional and friendly.
4.7 out of 5
January 22, 2022
Based on this consultation, I'd recommend this office to others, but can't yet make a recommendation etc based on any treatment or outcome at this time.
5 out of 5
January 20, 2022
Dr.Petersen explained the implant process thoroughly and effectively. He made me feel at ease and confident that I was getting excellent care.
5 out of 5
January 20, 2022
Everyone at Dental Specialists, at every visit, is attentive, compassionate and friendly.
5 out of 5
January 19, 2022
I am very impressed by the care from Dr Peterson.
5 out of 5
January 17, 2022
Dr Peterson was proactive, thoughtful, thorough, informative, he discussed with me that we were moving ahead not looking back.
5 out of 5
January 11, 2022
All good very friendly and helpful
5 out of 5
January 3, 2022
Dr. Petersen is amazing! His explanation of everything throughout the procedure was so helpful to keep my anxiety at bay.
5 out of 5
January 3, 2022
Dr. Petersen's staff was able to accommodate my urgent, front-tooth, need for an appointment quickly & thoughtfully. I am so thankful!
5 out of 5
December 31, 2021
I've never had a bad experience. But the doctors are the reason I stay.
5 out of 5
December 31, 2021
Very pleased
5 out of 5
December 31, 2021
All good thanks
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
Always a great experience with Dr. Peterson
5 out of 5
December 15, 2021
Dr Peterson is a true gem. Patient, kind, empathetic
5 out of 5
December 15, 2021
Dr Peterson and staff stayed after to accommodate my needs
5 out of 5
December 13, 2021
Everything has been going great! I love this place!
5 out of 5
December 10, 2021
Great people. I have been going for over 12 years
5 out of 5
December 6, 2021
Excellent treatment. Everything was very well explained.
5 out of 5
December 2, 2021
Dr Peterson was very good at explaining the whole process.
5 out of 5
November 28, 2021
This was a really positive experience. In a time when service is at an all time low due to covid this was a really great experience. Thank you! Everyone is under additional stress, but I did not sense any here.
5 out of 5
November 13, 2021
Dr. Peterson was amazing. Very kind. Liked his minimalist mentality. Didn't jump Into expensive and unnecessary procedures.
5 out of 5
November 13, 2021
Everyone was super, nice and professional.
5 out of 5
November 12, 2021
Dr. Peterson was the best!
5 out of 5
October 28, 2021
I have been here before and know the people and. They know me!
5 out of 5
October 26, 2021
Dr. Peterson is great!
5 out of 5
October 25, 2021
I could not expected anything better. Dr Peterson, in my opinion, is the best
5 out of 5
October 25, 2021
Would recommend this practice to everyone
5 out of 5
October 1, 2021
My experience was positive! I felt confident and comfortable in the care I was given.
5 out of 5
October 1, 2021
The staff was amazing, and so was my care! Thank you!
5 out of 5
September 23, 2021
Very pleasant and professional
5 out of 5
September 23, 2021
Good
5 out of 5
September 20, 2021
Always a treat to have Dr. Peterson checking on my teeth and answering any questions I have
5 out of 5
September 20, 2021
Im very pleased with the staff and dentist and the overall clinic. So glad to have made the change in my later years!
5 out of 5
September 20, 2021
Dr Peterson is amazing, very calm with the challenges of my nerves in my mouth
5 out of 5
September 20, 2021
The procedure with Dr. Peterson went very well. I was pain free and comfortable and had clear guidance on post operation.
5 out of 5
September 17, 2021
He was excellent! Really helped me understand everything. And a great personality!
5 out of 5
September 13, 2021
Dr Peterson is awesome! I get compliments on the implants from my other dentist!!
5 out of 5
September 1, 2021
Dr Doug was quite personable and informative
5 out of 5
August 18, 2021
Excellent!
5 out of 5
August 11, 2021
EXCELLENT bedside manner & comprehensive explanations & guidance! A+
5 out of 5
August 11, 2021
A+
5 out of 5
August 6, 2021
My wife and I had an excellent experience. She was welcomed and included in all discussions. Dr Peterson was wonderful and we would be happy to recommend him!!
3.3 out of 5
July 31, 2021
Dentist explained Cleaning with electric brush by a different method.
5 out of 5
July 27, 2021
Dr. Petersen was fantastic. He made the procedure very easy to go through by including me in on every decision and explaining what he was doing. He made the effort to make me feel at easy and as comfortable as possible. Even the numbing shots were the easiest that I have ever had. I would definitely recommend him.
5 out of 5
July 19, 2021
Dr. Petersen is fabulous. Great work and a good time was had by all,
5 out of 5
July 15, 2021
Dr. Petersen did an excellent job in explaining my dental care and future regime . I felt special and not rushed.
5 out of 5
June 30, 2021
Dr Peterson was great!
5 out of 5
June 30, 2021
Your business is well run. Dental care is insanely expensive.
5 out of 5
June 9, 2021
I love Dr Peterson, he listened to what I wanted and didn't oversell. He gave thorough details on the future process
5 out of 5
April 21, 2021
Dr. Pedersen and his hygienist have shown me how to care for my teeth and gums. They inspire and encourage me to keep up my home care.
5 out of 5
April 14, 2021
Doctor very nice and informative
5 out of 5
April 9, 2021
Dr. Peterson takes exceptional care to make me comfortable. He is the best dentist ever.
5 out of 5
April 8, 2021
One of the best patient, dentist experiences i have had.
4.6 out of 5
March 25, 2021
excellent explanation of the process, pain meds, and time needed for extraction
5 out of 5
March 24, 2021
Dr. Petersen is very caring and I like him.
2.5 out of 5
March 22, 2021
The doctor and hygienist didn't agree on next steps. The doctor told me to come back "whenever."
5 out of 5
March 19, 2021
I was extremely pleased with Dr. Peterson. He really calmed alot of anxiety I had about my situation after seeing a different endodontist.
5 out of 5
February 18, 2021
Dr. Peterson is great. I feel very comfortable with his explanations, treatment plans and concern for my comfort.
5 out of 5
January 18, 2021
I highly recommend Dr. Petersen and I am very pleased with the treatments and improvements in my dental health since going to the clinic
5 out of 5
December 24, 2020
Dr Peterson is very friendly and caring besides being very competent. The hygienist, is too.
5 out of 5
December 14, 2020
Dr. Peterson was very caring, made sure I was not in pain and explained aftercare very thoroughly.
4.6 out of 5
December 7, 2020
Dr. Petersen was thorough and concise. He'd obviously done my type of procedure many times before. Even so, I felt no pain at all. He knows what he's doing.
5 out of 5
October 28, 2020
Great appointment. All questions answered. Doctor took the time I needed to address my concerns. I never felt rushed or pressured by any of the staff.
5 out of 5
October 26, 2020
Excellent communication, compassionate and sincere care delivered.
5 out of 5
October 7, 2020
Dr. Petersen provided exceptional patient care. I was extremely nervous and Dr. Petersen immediately made me feel at ease. The prognosis and treatment plan are not what I was hoping for and I am overwhelmed, however; Dr. Petersen provided excellent explanations and provided me all the information I could ask in order to make a decision. Although I do not want to have to deal with dental issues, I am hopeful and willing to deal with them thanks to Dr.Petersen.
5 out of 5
October 5, 2020
a perfect dental cleaning and visit !
5 out of 5
August 24, 2020
Dr Petersen was very good at explaining the situation and what to expect.
5 out of 5
August 6, 2020
it was determined that I didn't need treatment. However, Dr. Peterson still took time to explain a care routine that could prevent me from having future problems and having to come back. I may not ever be a patient again, but I will whole heartedly refer friends and family to him.
5 out of 5
July 16, 2020
Dr.Petersen explained all treatments and did a complete and thorough exam. I have complete confidence in Dr. Petersen.
5 out of 5
July 13, 2020
Excellent care and explanations by the doctor.
5 out of 5
March 16, 2020
very pleased no discomfort at all.nice staff
5 out of 5
March 12, 2020
explained everything well
5 out of 5
January 15, 2020
Dr Peterson spent a lot of time detailing what would be done, explained as he was doing, and then follow up instructions
3.8 out of 5
December 13, 2019
Flies in and out of the room, don't remember questions being asked of me. It was a dental cleaning visit.
5 out of 5
November 19, 2019
It was so reassuring to be told that I had options....! I think we sometimes feel that our dental care is sort of beyond our control, but I found that I have partners in health...with Dr. Petersen in particular...and the staff in general.
5 out of 5
November 11, 2019
Dr Doug Peterson is exceptional. One of his staff had a family emergency the night before my schedule appointment and Dr Peterson personally texted my late evening to ensure I do not show up next morning. CLass act.
5 out of 5
November 5, 2019
Loved Dr. Peterson. Since he was so thorough with what to expect and what I may hear it made the process easy for me.
5 out of 5
October 31, 2019
This was a smooth process from start to finish.
5 out of 5
October 7, 2019
great team!
5 out of 5
September 18, 2019
l I've dr Petersen
5 out of 5
September 7, 2019
Dr.Peterson is amazing, has changed my phobia!
5 out of 5
August 29, 2019
EXCELLENT
5 out of 5
June 13, 2019
Because I was able to get in from a cancelled app ointment, Dr. Petersen gave me the option to come back for procedure or just have it done at this time. He made me feel at ease and he was very sociable.
5 out of 5
April 25, 2019
Dr Peterson is extremely professional, and sociable - easy to connect with and understand. the hygienists are also very good.
4.2 out of 5
April 23, 2019
kind doctor
5 out of 5
April 10, 2019
the doctor I had was very helpful
5 out of 5
March 29, 2019
he explained everything he was doing and were very concern about any pain I felt.
4.2 out of 5
March 29, 2019
I received good care
5 out of 5
March 6, 2019
Dr. Doug Petersen is very professional, yet caring and understanding and easy to communicate with.
5 out of 5
February 27, 2019
dr Petersen is top notch
5 out of 5
January 26, 2019
Excellent!