Meet Dr. Douglas Petersen

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

What made you choose dentistry?

I always wanted to go into healthcare, and I liked the regular hours that dentistry offers, I’m a very scheduled person.

What made you choose your specialty? 

I like seeing patients on an ongoing basis and periodontics offers that. I enjoy the educational and surgical aspects of my specialty.    

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

Seeing patients get healthier and improve their lives.    

What’s your care/treatment philosophy? 

Home care is so very important and not to be minimized. If you don’t have to meet my scalpel, I’m happy, but if you do, I have lots of experience.    

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

I started with TDS in 2002.

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

I love working with others and collaborating care across specialties when needed. 

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

I can focus on treating patients and not the business of running a practice.    

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

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

An architect, but I have no artistic skill so that was not workable.  

What was your very first job? 

I worked at a Greek grocery store my next door neighbor owned.    

What do you like to do on your days off?  

Putter around the house, long bike rides spend time with family and friends.  

What’s your favorite food or drink? 

Vitamin C (as my wife says), cheese, and chocolate.

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

I was on Jeopardy. My first solo practice was in a tent in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Storm. I also lived in Japan and Italy for three years each.

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

The Netherlands to go biking, eat cheese, and see the tulips in season.

Are you scared of or have a fear of anything? 

Heights.

Dr. Petersen practices at our Edina location. If you would like to get to know more about Dr. Petersen and to request an appointment, click here.