Meet Dr. Alfredo Montes

Welcome back to our regular feature, "Meet Our Doctors". In this installment, we’re introducing you to Dr. Alfredo Montes, a Prosthodontist at our Deephaven and Edina locations. In his profile, Dr. Montes shares why he chose the Prosthodontics specialty, what he finds most rewarding, and fun facts about his personal life. Enjoy learning more about Dr. Montes!

What made you choose dentistry?

I wanted to help people to be able to chew and smile. I knew how important was for function and self-confidence. I wanted people to smile and not struggling eating.

What made you choose your specialty?

I was in my second year of dental school when I realized that I wanted to have a better understanding in how to address those challenging cases and been able to help those who were struggling the most.

What do you love most about your specialty or what do you find the most rewarding?

Helping to improve my patients’ life. I have seen people who got depressed for not been able to smile, struggling eating, been in pain or not finding a job due to their mouth condition. I had patients in my chair that after the treatment was finished, they were emotional, happy and someone sending a thank you card because got a job. That is to me the most rewarding.

When did you start or how many years have you been with The Dental Specialists?

I have been with The Dental Specialist for almost 18 years.

What is one thing you love most about The Dental Specialists?

It feels like a big family. We all share the same. Passion, professionalism and the commitment to provide great service to our patients and community.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a group practice?

Working with such wonderful doctors and staff. I don’t feel I am working. It is such a great place to be every day.

And now for a little fun, let's get to know Dr. Montes on a more personal level! 

• What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Since I was five I wanted to be a medical doctor. My dad played with me pretending to be the patient. I still have my doctor’s brief case from that time. Even the fake Rx that came with. At the age of 11, that is when I fell in love with the idea of been a dentist.

• What was your very first job?

It was at The Dental Specialists as a prosthodontist.

• What do you like to do on your days off?

I love spending time with my kids and my wife going to the lake, riding on the bicycles and traveling. And of course, riding on my motorcycle. I would love to ride it along the pacific coast of California.

• What’s your favorite food or drink?

I am addicted to burgers. I love them since I tried my first one at the age of 7. After burgers, I love   My favorite drink once in a while, a Bacardi Limon with Sprite. Other than that, only water.

• Who is your hero or who inspires you?

There is no one but rather a lot of people who inspires me to be better every day. I have great admiration for those who cares making this world, this society better. Among them, I have great admiration for a lot of doctors at The Dental Specialists and Park Dental. I also get inspired by a lot of my patients. Their struggles and stories helps me to appreciate more simple things in life and complain less. Now, if you ask me one specific person, I will say Fred Epstein. He was a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. His story inspired me when I was in dental school first years. His dedication and how he treated his patients was something I wanted to do. The empathy he had. That is something that we should have more. Our patients put their trust in our hands. I just want to do what’s best for them.

• What is an interesting fact that people may not know about you?

If I weren’t practicing dentistry I would love to be working in a Swiss watch company making beautiful watches looking at the Alps through the window.

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Switzerland. I have been there before but I will go back for sure.

• What’s your favorite movie?

The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler.

• What’s your favorite genre of music to listen to?

Classic and jazz new edge.

• What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my wife and kids.

• What’s your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving.

• Do you speak any other languages?

Spanish.

• Are you scared of or have a fear of anything?

I fear the kind of world we are leaving behind to our kids.

• What’s your favorite thing about living in Minnesota/Wisconsin?

The people.

• Do you have any hidden talents?

Sadly, no.

• What’s your favorite season?

Summer.

• What’s your favorite color?

Black.

• What’s your favorite animal?

Dog.

• How many different states have you lived in?

Only Minnesota.

Dr. Montes practices at our Deephaven and Edina locations. To learn more about Dr. Montes and schedule an appointment, click here.