The Dental Specialists 
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Biology (2007) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (2011) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Certificate in Orthodontics (2013) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Master of Science, Dentistry (2013) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Professional Activities
- American Dental Association
- Minnesota Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontics
- Minnesota Association of Orthodontics
Verified Patient Reviews
4.6 out of 5
(448 Reviews)
(103 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
May 13, 2025
I have been very satisfied with my treatment at TDS and am very confident in my orthodontist's ability to get my smile to the place I'd like it to be!
5 out of 5
May 1, 2025
I would recommend my family members and friends because of their experience and cares
5 out of 5
May 1, 2025
No bad experience at all
5 out of 5
April 24, 2025
The orthodontist, Dr. McCarthy, was very nice! The previous orthodontist practice I went to closed and I was very scared to meet a new orthodontist. But, Dr. McCarthy was kind and explained thoroughly his plan for repairing my retainer. Very appreciative to him and his team in Blaine!
5 out of 5
March 31, 2025
Again listened to concerns about thumb ducking, and explanation of what may happen if continued with braces.
5 out of 5
March 27, 2025
It was very good after my word fumbling. With my doc here and next door I think the goals will be accomplished
5 out of 5
February 26, 2025
Shawn is the best!
5 out of 5
February 19, 2025
We are very happy with TDS. Other clinics were much more aggressive about starting treatment very young.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2025
Always friendly and answers all our questions thoroughly
4 out of 5
January 25, 2025
Dr. McCarthy is efficient and quick,
5 out of 5
January 23, 2025
Very good at explaining to our daughter wants going on before he does anything.
5 out of 5
January 7, 2025
Dr. McCarthy was very thorough in his explanations of my sons ortho conditions and talked through a game plan for this phase and into the future.
5 out of 5
November 29, 2024
Very good
5 out of 5
November 29, 2024
Very good
5 out of 5
November 20, 2024
Dr McCarthy and his staff have ALWAYS been so wonderful and answer all our questions!
5 out of 5
October 21, 2024
The Dr. Took the time to explain the process and why there was some changes
5 out of 5
October 1, 2024
The orthodontist was as pleasant as always. He complimented my daughter on her care of her braces. He explained everything before he did it.
5 out of 5
September 21, 2024
We are just starting but will definitely so far recommend to others.
5 out of 5
September 21, 2024
Jobs that are done are so good that I can recommend them to all who I know
5 out of 5
September 21, 2024
Excellent
5 out of 5
September 17, 2024
My experiences and interactions at the office are always positive.
4 out of 5
August 6, 2024
A greeting to his patient and parents would be nice. Very rare we get a greeting from him.
5 out of 5
July 15, 2024
We love Dr. McCarthy - he's been our orthodontist for 2 of our kids - great guy, respectable and treated all of us with care and kindness.
5 out of 5
May 29, 2024
Excellent service
5 out of 5
May 18, 2024
We have worked with Dr McCarthy for braces for both of our children. We have been so Impressed with his care and treatment and always look forward to seeing him and the great staff. He Is always thorough, kind, and explains the process/progress well, next steps, and recommendations. We wouldn't go anywhere else and feel very fortunate to have been able to work with him all these years.
5 out of 5
May 17, 2024
He is very respectful towards my kid's, I have no reason to worry when they are in his care.
4 out of 5
April 17, 2024
Good
5 out of 5
April 14, 2024
Dr. McCarthy is a top notch Orthodontist! Excellent communication skills with me.
5 out of 5
April 12, 2024
Dr McCarthy is amazing. Great guy. We feel lucky to know him.
5 out of 5
March 27, 2024
It is very good
5 out of 5
March 27, 2024
Very good
4 out of 5
March 20, 2024
Dr. McCarthy was very impressionable and had a great rapport with his patients.
5 out of 5
March 18, 2024
Dr McCarthy and the team of assistants are wonderful!
5 out of 5
March 14, 2024
Dr McCarthy is always very pleasant, helpful and will answer our questions. Hands down would recommend Dr McCarthy.
5 out of 5
March 14, 2024
We made the appt that morning for our son to be seen after losing a back bracket. We were also scheduled for his routine ortho appt the Monday of the following week. Not only were the staff able to get us in to fix the problem, but they also were able to do his routine visit as well. I repeatedly thanked them for fitting us in and they didn't need to do that, but they insisted it was ok and no need to come 2 times in a week. I can't even begin to thank them for that.
5 out of 5
March 13, 2024
I really appreciate the measured course of treatment. Others wanted to put our daughter in braces at 6 years of age. The monitoring approach until she is older seems a more reasonable course of action.
4 out of 5
February 28, 2024
We like Dr McCarthy. He is a good Orthodontist. We will keep coming back to see him, but the one dental assistant made us not want to come back.
4 out of 5
February 20, 2024
Dr McCarthy is very detail oriented and I appreciate his candid approach.
5 out of 5
February 15, 2024
Ell knowledgeable and caring
5 out of 5
February 2, 2024
He is professional and great with explaining the plan
5 out of 5
January 25, 2024
I recommend Dr. McCarthy to everyone I hear needing ortho work. I have so much respect for him!
1 out of 5
January 16, 2024
I didn't even get a chance to speak to an ortho Dr. No time was spent discussing what if braces weren't an option than what would be.
5 out of 5
December 3, 2023
My whole family has gone to Shawn. He is amazing!
3 out of 5
November 28, 2023
Overall process to completion going much longer than originally anticipated. While I'm happy with what looks like a final outcome in 16 weeks, I expected to be done months ago. I don't think I was well informed about how long this would actually take (vs. What the payment schedule was).
4 out of 5
October 24, 2023
No major concerns. He was very rough frequently. And our personalities didn't mesh well but he was knowledgeable and good at what he does!!!
5 out of 5
October 17, 2023
McCarthy is awesome and the services we get is always great. From the front desk to the back you all are appreciated.
5 out of 5
October 17, 2023
I love this place so much that I referred my husband to this place and he now sees doctor McCarthy too. All staff is friendly,caring and simply amazing. :)
5 out of 5
October 16, 2023
My child for this visit is special needs and on the spectrum. The staff did an excellent job of keeping him informed of the expectations throughout the visit. He's had anxiety with previous visits with his regular dentist. He left this with very little anxiety. I credit each staff member he encountered for this. Great job! Highly recommend!
5 out of 5
September 26, 2023
Shawn spent time discussing next steps in the plan and answered all my questions about the treatmenr
3.5 out of 5
September 23, 2023
I know the doctors are busy but I had hoped he would have taken a few more minutes to explain what he would be doing and how long it would take to complete the procedure.
5 out of 5
September 13, 2023
Dr. McCarthy always did a great job at asking my opinion on my teeth. He always did a great job explaining himself. Lastly, his excitement for me when I got my braces off was sweet.
3.5 out of 5
September 6, 2023
Was not gentle with my daughters mouth this visit and she complained about it.
3 out of 5
August 28, 2023
He does the exam and immediately walks away. I am not given an opportunity to ask questions. I have had questions every time and I am always asking the assistant instead of the Dr because he doesn't make himself available for questions.
5 out of 5
August 25, 2023
Such a good experience my Mom just may get braces next year, she's 50!
5 out of 5
August 23, 2023
I am happy about the results. I am getting verygoodservice here, I can recommend this orthodontist someone I know
5 out of 5
August 23, 2023
I am happy about they are good service here
1 out of 5
August 9, 2023
Orthodontist actually didn't talk to either client or parent. No greetings, just sat down and started working. Talked to the assistant the entire time about tick scare and outing with his daughter. Client reported to parent that this is not the first time and that he finds this very rude behavior, unfortunately.
1 out of 5
August 9, 2023
Client is 15 and has mild case of stranger anxiety. Reassurance would have been great. He also dreams about becoming an orthodontist so any kind of positive connection would have been great.
5 out of 5
July 26, 2023
Dr. McCarthy is the best! I have referred him many times. Whether people go or not from those referrals, I'm not sure. But I think he's very genuine and doesn't seem to push extreme treatment plans like other orthodontists do. I appreciate that very much.
5 out of 5
July 12, 2023
Dr.McCarthy is great.
5 out of 5
July 11, 2023
He was excellent!
3 out of 5
July 3, 2023
Dr. McCarthy came in and did not introduce himself or say hi. He was literally with me for 2 minutes, didn't say one word to me and when I looked up was gone. I wouldn't say it was a poor experience, but kind of strange to walk in and not at least introduce yourself and say hello. He also did not provide me with any information about my invisilign or tell me what to expect. It was my technician who was excellent. She explained everything to a tee and let me ask questions and showed great care.
3 out of 5
July 3, 2023
The consultation session was excellent from everyone I met with. They explained everything to me and answered all of my questions. I was impressed.
5 out of 5
June 30, 2023
Outstanding customer service!
3 out of 5
June 15, 2023
They can work on their bedside manners a little bit
4 out of 5
June 8, 2023
Dr. McCarthy was very professional and explained what is the next step of my Invisalign treatment.
4 out of 5
June 8, 2023
I always feel nervous when I have to visit the dentist's office, but when I visited this place the first time and start talking with the dentist, and explained to her my concern about my buccal health, she listened very carefully to me and tell me what's the best step to achieve my goal, I'm happy with this team.
5 out of 5
June 5, 2023
Was never nervous and they provided great detail about the cost of treatment
5 out of 5
May 31, 2023
Well explained and understood
5 out of 5
May 31, 2023
Good experience ever
5 out of 5
May 2, 2023
Love Dr.McCarthy!!!
4 out of 5
April 29, 2023
I didn't feel nervous
3 out of 5
April 27, 2023
Dr. McCarthy was very down to business. That was nice, but it was a little surprising when he came in and recommended jaw surgery with hardly a hello. I've had braces in the past and visit the dentist twice a year, and jaw surgery has never been mentioned before. It was surprising and hard to wrap my head around upon an initial consultation.
5 out of 5
April 13, 2023
Outstanding
5 out of 5
April 12, 2023
Dr. Shawn is good at what he does but doesn't really take time to talk to his patients. He looks at your teeth and walks away. Kind of a bummer.
4.5 out of 5
April 10, 2023
Like my orthodontist
4.5 out of 5
April 10, 2023
Like the Orthodontist and dental staff -
3.5 out of 5
March 31, 2023
Orthodontist normally does not directly tell me what they're doing ; instead they will just talk to their assistant. I would rather that they explain what they are doing directly to me . After all I am the one who is being serviced
5 out of 5
March 21, 2023
Always an exceptional experience! The staff makes the process so smooth and easy
5 out of 5
March 21, 2023
Great visit. The consultation went well. Everything was explained to me in great detail, along with a treatment plan. I would recommend others.
5 out of 5
March 2, 2023
Dr McCarthy did a great job of explaining prognosis and outcomes and listened before recommending
5 out of 5
March 2, 2023
Staff were great. We were not expecting to get the braces this day but it was the best thing for the treatment and were very appreciative of being squeezed in to get this done. Great job team. Thank you!
5 out of 5
February 27, 2023
Dr McCarthy is always very pleasant and explains things well.
5 out of 5
February 16, 2023
I was very pleased.
5 out of 5
February 16, 2023
This was a very pleasant experience.
5 out of 5
December 8, 2022
Very knowledgeable and was able to make it easy for my daughter to understand her course of treatment.
5 out of 5
December 7, 2022
Good experience
5 out of 5
December 7, 2022
Fair experience
5 out of 5
December 4, 2022
Dr. McCarthy is very personable and I trust him completely. I refer anyone I know in need of Ortho treatment to him. He's great!
5 out of 5
November 21, 2022
Very much appreciate the free consultations prior to starting treatment!
5 out of 5
November 1, 2022
They made sure to not only speak to us but also my daughter. Even though she is a minor, age 9, I'm very happy they involved her in the process as well. They're her teeth, she has a right to know what the plan is.
5 out of 5
October 23, 2022
The experience we received was excellent all went well
5 out of 5
October 23, 2022
Support and cares were very good and cost was well explained and understood
3.5 out of 5
October 23, 2022
The Orthodontist was nice, but the staffs were not very friendly.
5 out of 5
October 20, 2022
Dr. McCarthy explained everything very well and made me feel comfortable with our decision to continue on under his care over the years to come with both my kids
1.5 out of 5
September 22, 2022
The first time braces are done, information is well provided and it gives confidence to the patient. But, ive realized during my routine adjustments, literally ill have zero knowledge or explanation on what will happen and they just jump in my mouth without knowing what is being done. The Ortho in charge seems to be a great guy but he checks after the assistants are done and says nothing. I just think its odd to just jump into touching someones mouth even if that's your job, without an explanation of what is being done to you.
No rating provided with comment
September 21, 2022
I can't answer these for my daughter, however, we always get excellent care from Dr McCarthy. For all the time we spent driving further to another location, my daughter was seen for less than ten minutes overall which was very surprising.
2 out of 5
September 19, 2022
The Orthodontist didn't speak to me, he spoke to the assistant as if I wasn't even in the room, and she was left to explain everything. I didn't like that and would not go back to see him again.
5 out of 5
September 15, 2022
Dr. McCarthy is very down to earth, professional, and, real. He offers options and will help work thru a treatment plan. He offers recommendations and helped to put my child at ease regarding being issued head gear in the next few weeks. My child has alot of orthodontic work ahead, but Dr. McCarthy has done an amazing job walking us thru this journey, one phase at a time. He's awesome!
5 out of 5
August 16, 2022
My dental assistant was fabulous!!!!!!
5 out of 5
July 25, 2022
They were able to explain what ever they had to do step by step very polite and all went well
5 out of 5
July 25, 2022
Well explained
5 out of 5
June 22, 2022
The orthodontist was very helpful with my son and was kind enough to talk to me about my daughter who previously had braces through the same orthodontist office.
5 out of 5
May 2, 2022
Went well fully explained everything
4 out of 5
April 11, 2022
A bit taken aback by how long he had braces on. Originally said 32 weeks with no really indication "maybe more will be needed" Ended up being a lot longer than expected. They either casually mentioned it or didn't make it seem likely at original appointment.
4 out of 5
March 28, 2022
The orthodontist was kind and explained what he saw. I was disappointed that I wasn't asked if I had questions or concerns. I was able to ask the assistant my questions, but it would've been nice to feel like the orthodontist had enough time to talk to me as the parent about questions/concerns I had.
4 out of 5
March 28, 2022
I will probably look for a clinic that is smaller and has the ability to spend more time with their patients.
4 out of 5
March 28, 2022
The orthodontist was kind and explained what he saw. I was disappointed that I wasn't asked if I had questions or concerns. I was able to ask the assistant my questions, but it would've been nice to feel like the orthodontist had enough time to talk to me as the parent about questions/concerns I had.
4.5 out of 5
March 22, 2022
Wasn't too personal. Came in and looked at his teeth. Left without saying bye.
3 out of 5
March 22, 2022
Good experience
2.5 out of 5
March 7, 2022
Will not recommend-Orthodontist explained in a confusing way and did not even answer my questions after asking the same thing multiple times. Would have much rather had the dental assistant explain things, she was very personable, knowledgable about the topic, and honest about treatment plans.
3.5 out of 5
March 2, 2022
Very informative staff
5 out of 5
January 5, 2022
The Dental Assistant and Dr.McCarthy were great!!
5 out of 5
December 13, 2021
The orthodontist has been more personable the last few visits and included me in the decisions about my care.
4.5 out of 5
November 18, 2021
Very good
5 out of 5
November 10, 2021
Very thorough explanation and listened
5 out of 5
November 9, 2021
Overall very good experience
1 out of 5
September 27, 2021
I felt very rushed and bullied into putting braces on my kids immediately. I wasn't given enough information about alternatives or the actual need for braces and now I regret making the decision to have braces put on both of my kids. Aside from very minor cosmetic changes I do not believe my kids actually needed braces and I was mis-led.
5 out of 5
September 17, 2021
Excellent
4 out of 5
September 1, 2021
He was nice. Told child to try to wear bands more, but not shaming and repeated. Kid going back to school in a week after 18m distance learning and such a ball of anxiety, this is not the time for shaming so glad he didn't do that.
5 out of 5
August 31, 2021
The Orthodontist doesn't greet me when he sits down to do his processes on me.
3 out of 5
August 25, 2021
Not sure the orthodontist came in the room
5 out of 5
August 22, 2021
I would recommend this orthodontist to a lot of people!
5 out of 5
July 26, 2021
Y'all are great!
2.5 out of 5
July 26, 2021
He told me not to chew food on the side the bracket came off, but I didn't do that in the first place. I couldn't respond because they were working in my mouth, and then he was gone. I wasn't able to ask questions.
5 out of 5
July 4, 2021
My son has adhd and we accidentally forgot his meds the day of the consult so he was extra difficult. They did a good job dealing with a difficult teenager.
5 out of 5
June 28, 2021
Dr. Mccarthy did a great job
5 out of 5
May 3, 2021
awesome
5 out of 5
February 15, 2021
Dr McCarthy is always so nice and patient with the kids.
5 out of 5
January 6, 2021
he's the best!
5 out of 5
December 7, 2020
Very professional. He is good.
5 out of 5
November 18, 2020
stellar and very personable - caliber team
5 out of 5
September 19, 2020
I was so impressed coming here that when my daughter needs treatment I will definitely be bringing her to this orthodontist!
5 out of 5
August 20, 2020
spoke to my daughter in terms she could understand
5 out of 5
July 15, 2020
Dr. McCarthy and his STAFF TOP NOTCH!!we made a great decision- they still do benefit discounts with you and they treat you like humans than these other Ortho places think they are so great bc they have a reputation and so they can't give % or they don't care how people's financial situation is like. Dr. McCarthys people care and work with families. BRAVO TO THEM!!!
5 out of 5
February 11, 2020
fantastic and knowledgeable doctor who is professional yet personable
5 out of 5
December 16, 2019
Dr. McCarthy is great- not intimidating at all
5 out of 5
December 13, 2019
McCarthy is an excellent orthodontist
5 out of 5
November 18, 2019
orthodontist, assistant, and staff were all extremely nice & helpful.
5 out of 5
November 9, 2019
thank
5 out of 5
October 24, 2019
really appreciate how he speaks directly to my son and asks caring genuine questions
4 out of 5
October 5, 2019
very pleasant visit.
5 out of 5
July 2, 2019
we loved Dr McCarthy
4 out of 5
June 5, 2019
the doctor did not ask if I had any questions or concerns.
5 out of 5
April 29, 2019
Dr McCarthy is always very professional yet personable. great care
5 out of 5
April 23, 2019
awesome and friendly team..
5 out of 5
January 12, 2019
That's one reason we came here in stead of a closer place to our home