Meet Dr. Matthew Karban

Welcome back to our regular feature, "Meet Our Doctors". In this installment, we’re introducing you to Dr. Matthew Karban, an Oral Surgeon at our Coon Rapids / Riverdale location. In his profile, Dr. Karban shares why he chose the Oral Surgery specialty, what he finds most rewarding, and fun facts about his personal life. Enjoy learning more about Dr. Karban!

What made you choose dentistry? 

My dad is a dentist and I spent a lot of time in his office as a kid. I loved how he built his own practice and how he seemed to know everyone in our small town. I guess, I wanted to be like my dad. 

What made you choose your specialty? 

While in dental school, I had a lecture by an oral surgeon and was immediately hooked. I was amazed by the wide scope of procedures maxillofacial surgeons were trained in. 

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

I enjoy the challenges of taking on difficult cases. I also love meeting new people on a daily basis and proving that having surgery doesn’t always have to be a stressful experience. 

What’s your care/treatment philosophy? 

I always treat patients as I’d treat my own family. 

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

I’ve been with our group for 12 years.

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

I trained at the Mayo Clinic and The Dental Specialists embraces the same treatment philosophy of providing patients the best care by utilizing all specialties under one roof. Very similar to Mayo, where you can be seen, examined and treated by multiple specialists at a single location. 

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

I work with some of the best doctors in their respective fields and am constantly learning from their expertise. Collective minds will always result in better outcomes. 

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

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

I wanted to be a professional skateboarder and snowboarder. 

What was your very first job? 

Construction, digging holes for utility services. 

What do you like to do on your days off? 

Sleep in. I also like to get lunch and spend time with my wife.  

What’s your favorite food or drink? 

I’m a pizza buff. I prefer a good New York style pizza. I’m also a big fan of a good old fashioned. 

Who is your hero or who inspires you? 

I don’t have any single hero, but rather take the qualities of those dear in my life and those who have helped better myself. Parents, surgical mentors, my wife and even my kids. 

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

I competed for the USA in the Jr World Snowboarding Championships back in high school. It was held in Poland. 

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

I loved visiting Italy and can’t wait to visit again. 

What’s your favorite movie?  

I usually don’t watch movies more than once, but one I don’t mind watching repeatedly is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. 

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

I’m a country music fan.

What are your hobbies?  

Working out, fishing, wake surfing, and snowboarding.

What’s your favorite holiday? 

Toss up between Halloween and Christmas. I’m a big Hallmark TV fan. Also love going to haunted houses in fall. 

Do you speak any other languages?  

I took Latin in high school and college. As you can imagine, it wasn’t very helpful. 

Are you scared of or have a fear of anything?  

When I get up at night to go to the bathroom, I still think a clown might be hiding under my bed. Probably stems from watching Poltergeist as a little kid. 

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

I grew up in Wisconsin, so clearly I’m a major Packer fan and cheesehead. 

What’s your favorite season?  

Fall.

What’s your favorite color?

Blue.

What’s your favorite animal?  

I love all animals but mostly my 2 rescue dogs.

How many different states have you lived in?  

4! Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Minnesota. 

Dr. Karban practices at our Coon Rapids / Riverdale location. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Karban and request an appointment, click here.