The Dental Specialists 
Education:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Certificate in Periodontology (2009), University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN
- PhD in Oral Biology (2009), University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN
Special Professional Interests
Providing all aspects of periodontal care with special interests in regenerative periodontics, periodontal plastic surgery and dental implants.
Professional Activities
- Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Graduate Periodontology
- Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
- American Academy of Periodontology
Publications
Zhang G, Chen R, Rudney JD. Streptococcus cristatus modulates the Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced epithelial interleukin-8 response through the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. J Periodontal Res. 2011 Oct; 46(5):558-67. (Abstract)
Zhang G, Rudney JD. Streptococcus cristatus attenuates Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced cytokine expression by influencing pathways converging on nuclear factor-kB. Mol Oral Microbiol. 2011 Apr; 26(2):150-63. (Abstract)
Zhang G, Chen R, Rudney JD. Streptococcus cristatus modulates epithelial proinflammatory response induced by Fusobacterum nucleatum through NF-kB signaling pathway. (2008 Balint Orban Memorial Program Abstract), J Periodontol. 2008; 79(9): 1809-1814.
Zhang G, Chen R, Rudney JD. Streptococcus cristatus attenuates Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced interleukin-8 expression in oral epithelial cells. J Periodont Res 2008; 43: 408–416. (Abstract)
Johnson JD, Chen R, Lenton PA, Zhang G, Hinrichs JE, Rudney JD. Persistence of extracrevicular bacterial reservoirs after treatment of aggressive periodontitis. J Periodontol. 2008;79(12):2305-12. (Abstract)
Rudney JD, Chen R, Zhang G. Streptococci dominate the diverse flora within buccal cells, J Dent Res. 2005; 84(12):1165-71. (Abstract)
Verified Patient Reviews
4.7 out of 5
(204 Reviews)
(95 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
October 9, 2024
I always have a good experience when I see Dr. Zhang, she is very through and explains everything very well.
4.2 out of 5
October 2, 2024
The periodontist was in a big hurry because the consultation about a complicated issue with a specific tooth was not planned as part of my cleaning appointment. I was mostly able to understand possible treatment options and tradeoffs but I felt I needed to further consult with my regular dentist, which I did.
4.3 out of 5
September 30, 2024
I received very little discomfort after the surgery. No bleeding.
5 out of 5
September 23, 2024
Yes 100%
3.4 out of 5
September 11, 2024
Very friendly and positive, answered questions when I asked but I don't think would have explained things fully if I didn't ask
5 out of 5
September 8, 2024
Dr. Zhang was very clear about my condition.
5 out of 5
September 3, 2024
Overall good experience; procedure was a bit scary, and pain/discomfort was present.
5 out of 5
August 18, 2024
Dr. Zhang was outstanding!!
3.4 out of 5
August 1, 2024
The gum graft procedure is strange; I have never done it before. The periodontist is clearly very advanced in this field, but I would appreciate a more thorough explanation of where the tissue is coming from on the roof of my mouth. I would like to know how painful the procedure is going to be. Overall, I think the explanation and guidance could be more thorough.
5 out of 5
July 26, 2024
Dr. Zhang did an excellent job accommodating my requests for specifics regarding the procedure I was seeing her for and all helped to make this visit a good one. In a previous visit, the hygienist gave me great info to help with preventive dental care.
4 out of 5
July 26, 2024
The Dentist is great, very knowledgeable and knows her craft. I just wish she wasn't always in such a hurry to leave the room to go to the next patient.
5 out of 5
July 18, 2024
I appreciate how Dr. Zhang explained what she would be doing at each step before proceeding. I was nervous, but she was so efficient and the appointment went seamlessly and quickly.
5 out of 5
April 15, 2024
I have a great team from this office.
5 out of 5
April 5, 2024
I was very anxious about this first oral surgery that I have ever had - at 80 years old. I felt a reduction in that anxiety after my check in with your staff at the front desk, after talking with the dental assistant and especially after talking with Dr. Zhang before the procedure began.
5 out of 5
April 5, 2024
Dr. Zhang included me at every step, explaining what she was doing and asking how I was doing. She listened to me when I said that I usually need more novocaine than most people. So she checked before beginning the extraction and bone graft. She discovered that I was still not completely numbed so she gave me more novocaine. As a result I had no pain during the actual procedure. She was very, very good. She also called me a day or two later to ask how I was doing. Before I left on the day of the procedure she went over to the post-operative instructions in detail, making sure I understood. I will recommend Dr. Zhang to anyone who needs oral surgery.
5 out of 5
April 3, 2024
Dr. Zhang was friendly, knowledgeable and straightforward with me about treatment options and any other questions I had. Procedures were as painless as I have ever had, all went smoothly and very well.
5 out of 5
February 23, 2024
Dr. Zhang is very careful and thorough in how she describes her findings, how she explains her recommended treatment, and gives me a chance to ask further questions. She let's me help make the decisions as to how we will proceed.
5 out of 5
January 5, 2024
Very professional
5 out of 5
January 5, 2024
Excited for new implant
5 out of 5
December 13, 2023
Everyone was very helpful
5 out of 5
December 13, 2023
Dr Zhang explained the treatment well. I understood the whole process
5 out of 5
November 8, 2023
I was impressed by Dr Zhang. She was kind and spent time to discuss my situation.
5 out of 5
October 17, 2023
My dentist was very knowledgeable and very kind. She made me feel very calm throughout the procedure. I didn't have any pain and my didn't made sure to check in with my frequently to make sure I was doing ok.
1.8 out of 5
August 13, 2023
I was not explained the process for a dental implant beforehand and had no idea all the visits that would be required and what the process entailed. The first explanation occurred while they were drilling into the bone and received my first hard copy of the process when I was leaving. The whole experience was extremely stressful.
4 out of 5
August 1, 2023
Overall comments and recommendations OK
4 out of 5
August 1, 2023
I appreciate the recommendations and cost estimates
5 out of 5
June 28, 2023
Office staff was on top of all details.
5 out of 5
June 28, 2023
Very professional and got along with the assistance, great team.
5 out of 5
June 14, 2023
We started the surgery right away. Did not have a discussion of the treatment options, etc. I believe there were no decisions to be made that should have Included me.
4 out of 5
May 26, 2023
Dr. Zhang is enjoyable to work with.
4 out of 5
May 26, 2023
I appreciate the call due to a cancellation. They contacted my pharmacy to have a pre-med ready for me to pick up and take before the procedure. The Dental assistant and Dr. Zhang were great with implanting the implant.
4 out of 5
April 6, 2023
Good
5 out of 5
March 30, 2023
Excellent communication. I have trust in Dr. Z.
5 out of 5
March 9, 2023
Dr Zhang , wonderful as always, sweet, kind and professional. Wonderful lady.
5 out of 5
March 9, 2023
Great team for care , (assistant) kind, welcoming easy to talk too. Knew her stuff and seemed generally interested in me. Excellent experience.
4.4 out of 5
March 7, 2023
Very good help from the front desk on treatment cost and the insurance process. Thank you.
5 out of 5
February 17, 2023
Always get Nice hospitality & Service Starting From Front Desk I Can Say All Appreciate That
5 out of 5
January 24, 2023
Always a good experience
5 out of 5
January 24, 2023
Had a good experience
5 out of 5
January 19, 2023
Dr. Zhang is the only professional I trust with this procedure. I've had soft tissue grafts done at two other locations in the past and I have never had such success and such professional and kind care. I sing her praises and the praises of this office every chance I get.
5 out of 5
December 14, 2022
Dr. Xiong is great! Always very thorough and explains treatment options well.
5 out of 5
December 8, 2022
Many of my questions were answered before the appointment. The risks and possible outcomes were explained by Dr Zhang and also given at my check in.
5 out of 5
December 2, 2022
Good
5 out of 5
November 17, 2022
From check-in, Amy and Dr. Zhang, every step was efficient, organized and friendly.
5 out of 5
November 17, 2022
Dr. Zhang was very efficient and friendly, I felt like I could trust her.
5 out of 5
October 6, 2022
Dr. Zhang gave me excellent information and took extra time to answer all of my questions
5 out of 5
September 19, 2022
No issues at all they were all very through and went step by step
2.2 out of 5
September 13, 2022
She doesn't really listen to me. She knows what care she wants me to receive and when I say that I will need to make a decision based on financial considerations it seems as if she thinks I am 1) arguing 2) asking for assistance. Neither is true...I want her to know that what she wants to do to my mouth MUST fit into my overall life. I feel like I am not living up to her "expectations" when I can't immediately agree to her wishes in full and without delay. I don't like to feel like I am not meeting her wants, especially when I am already not meeting my own.
3.8 out of 5
August 25, 2022
Options for materials were not introduced.
4 out of 5
August 24, 2022
My experience with the dentist was very good. The exam was uncomfortable, but I think that would be expected. She did a good job explaining everything.
3 out of 5
July 28, 2022
There was some confusion about a tooth that was to have been filled because it had a cavity. Now, I am being told it can be pulled to save the cost of getting a filling because apparently the tooth is in bad shape. But I felt the dentist was unnecessarily brusque with me telling me sharply to lift my chin so she could get a better look inside my mouth. Perhaps because I myself seemed unclear about whether the tooth had already been treated or not by a previous dentist. I felt like she swept in and swept out of the office and I felt her treatment of me was a little dismissive, as if I were a child who had have things explained to me. It was the hygienist who spent a little time with me afterwards to explain what I needed to have done and why.
5 out of 5
July 13, 2022
Dr. Zhang is superb. I have full faith and confidence in her practice. She is just amazing.
3.8 out of 5
June 29, 2022
Good dentist though talks too fast.
4.4 out of 5
June 22, 2022
Very little blood following the procedure. Pain was mild-medium. No pain during the procedure after dentist injected my mouth with very long needle.
4 out of 5
May 25, 2022
Disappointed that dentist didn't emphasize types of toothpastes to avoid or to use at the earlier stages of my on-going treatment. It was only by happenstance that there was any discussion at my most recent appointment.
5 out of 5
May 14, 2022
Dr, Zhang is the most skilled dental specialist I've encountered.
4.6 out of 5
April 15, 2022
She was very professional, nice and explained what I need to have done. Only slight issue was she talked very quickly about treatment. She pushed for an implant (more than once), which I immediately said I cannot afford, so I did not feel listened to. I had questions about a bone graft, but I think our dentist can forget that patients are naive about the topic, so it can be glossed over. Guess I need to educate myself. However, I completely trust this person for my treatment.
5 out of 5
April 11, 2022
Dr Zhang and her assistant(I'm sorry I forgot her name) were very helpful
5 out of 5
March 18, 2022
My husband was very impressed with her detailed info including giving us a informational booklet on what she was saying
5 out of 5
March 18, 2022
I have great dental phobia and wanted my husband there with me and I appreciated that they allowed me to do that (Covid protocols)
5 out of 5
March 9, 2022
Very well managed office.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2022
Very positive, explained everything very well, worked very efficiently, I would recommend her to anyone.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2022
Everyone was so supportive and caring!
5 out of 5
February 11, 2022
Outstanding care.
5 out of 5
February 9, 2022
The dentist was excellent
4.5 out of 5
February 1, 2022
In right away. Quick efficient interactions without feeling too rushed.
4.5 out of 5
February 1, 2022
Got an impression of cool, professional confidence from the Dr.
5 out of 5
January 22, 2022
I left home without my reading glasses and they were so kind at check in to take time to read all of the information to me that I was signing. That was above and beyond
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
I've always had good experiences with TDS. I highly recommend them.
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
Dr. Zhang is a personable dentist who treats me with respect. She explains what she sees on X-rays, possible concerns, and next steps. She is very thorough in her assessment and explanation.
5 out of 5
December 2, 2021
I have total faith in my doctor.
5 out of 5
November 23, 2021
Dr Zhang was very clear and precise about my options and also has a good bedside manner.
5 out of 5
November 12, 2021
I'm a walking commercial for Dr. Zhang. She is amazing and my regular dentist is impressed with her previous work with the gum grafts.
5 out of 5
October 20, 2021
The Dentist is very caring and very knowledgeable.
5 out of 5
October 1, 2021
Answered all questions
5 out of 5
October 1, 2021
All worked great together
5 out of 5
September 22, 2021
She is very pleasant...introduces herself and explains what she intends to do and findings.
5 out of 5
September 21, 2021
I LOVE Dr Zhang- I have been a patient of hers for a few years now and I always feel included in my care and have input.
5 out of 5
August 27, 2021
Talking to the specialist was very clear and to the point.
5 out of 5
August 23, 2021
I have been in a total of four times, three of those were for procedures, and every time the staff has been great as well as my dentist.
5 out of 5
August 18, 2021
Dr. Zhang very good very satisfied
5 out of 5
August 16, 2021
Dr. Zhang is great! Would highly recommend.
5 out of 5
August 12, 2021
I specifically sought for Dr. Zhang for my teeth cleaning due to my great experience with her in the past. Always friendly & caring.
5 out of 5
July 15, 2021
My dentist and all her staff or very professional, welcoming, and thorough in there explanations and accommodations of my needs.
5 out of 5
June 26, 2021
She is an very good dentist.
5 out of 5
May 8, 2021
I liked this dr. she was very good.
5 out of 5
May 3, 2021
Dr. Zhang is the best.
5 out of 5
April 23, 2021
I love the care I have received at The Dental Specialists. I just wish that dental care wasn't so expensive.
5 out of 5
April 23, 2021
Was just a routine visit, but when I have had a plan of treatment in the past, it has been explained to me very well.
5 out of 5
April 21, 2021
Dr. Zhang was very nice and patient. I have some anxiety at the dentist and she understood
5 out of 5
January 27, 2021
Assistant was excellent also. Knowledgeable and really good empathy and care for me. Also to be clear Dr Zhang did a great job
5 out of 5
January 13, 2021
Dr. Zhang addressed the problem very thoroughly. Explained the situation clearly and options using the ways very easy to understand. She is very efficient, knowledgeable, and straigtforward.
5 out of 5
December 22, 2020
Dr. Zhang was very thorough in her explanation of her examination and made me feel very confident in her expertise.
2.7 out of 5
November 25, 2020
it was difficult for her to explain the purpose of skin grafting and adding gum to lower front teeth, while telling me best option was to get bracket to hold teeth in place but I could also get gum treatment however I had little room to apply the gums to lower area and then gave me an estimate for the cost of doing so! Utterly confusing!
4.7 out of 5
November 2, 2020
She was too good. Explained procedure five times. the. the assistant explained it. Had to keep us whole hour. Parent had to stand the whole time.
5 out of 5
October 19, 2020
I highly recommend Dr.Zhang for any periodontal and extraction procedures. I trust in her work, and have had my family see her for their procedures.Given she specializes in gums and bone health, she is my go to Periodontist for extractions and cleanings.She is very competent and thorough with my extraction procedure.She is the "extraction queen" my procedure was quick and painless. I wasn't in any pain the next day. I also healed incredibly fast. Thanks to Dr.Zhang, for putting in the work of extracting my teeth and giving my sockets a thorough cleaning to promote proper healing.Plus she offers a few sedation options. The non-IV pill and nitrous worked amazingly on me.Dr.Zhang also followed up with me the next day after surgery. That was very thoughtful of her to check up on me.
5 out of 5
October 17, 2020
Dr. Zhang is very professional. I am very happy and grateful for her excellent care.
5 out of 5
October 16, 2020
She was wonderful. I have sever anxiety and she helped a great deal.
3.7 out of 5
October 15, 2020
The doctor's bedside manner, so to speak, leaves a bit to be desired. The assistant/nurse is wonderful, caring, and thoughtful.
5 out of 5
August 15, 2020
Dr. Zhang has always done excellent job. She is very professional and knowledgeable.
5 out of 5
July 23, 2020
Dr. Zhang is courteous, professional and caring. She listens well. I have great confidence in her.
5 out of 5
March 16, 2020
dr Zhang was amazing and answered all my questions. I feel very confident in going back to my orthodontist now.
2.5 out of 5
February 21, 2020
Doctor seemed frustrated about my questions over treatment plan. This is an important decision to make, and I wanted to thoroughly understand my options. I'm not a medical person. I needed further explanation. Doctor was not sympathetic.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2020
she does very good work.
5 out of 5
February 12, 2020
Dr Zhang is fantastic!
5 out of 5
February 6, 2020
I was in for my second of 3 gun graft procedures. The first procedure went flawlessly, and Dr. Zhang is the reason I came back. She's a true professional. I would highly recommend her to anyone who asks me.
5 out of 5
February 1, 2020
Excellent doctor and explanation of how the procedure works.
5 out of 5
January 6, 2020
Dr Zhang found that a previous dental procedure was not done and had it corrected.
5 out of 5
November 29, 2019
Dr. Zhang was VERY thorough in going through my prognosis and what the plan is going to be moving forward. She took the time to answer what few questions that I had and even addressed a couple of things that I hadn't gotten around to asking before I could get the chance. Between her and the nurse, I felt VERY well informed.
5 out of 5
September 20, 2019
Dr. Zhang was very good about explaining the steps in the process of getting a tooth implant. She also told me the different steps as she went through them on the day of my appointment.
5 out of 5
July 29, 2019
The doctor was EXCELLENT!
5 out of 5
July 25, 2019
again outstanding, exceptional in every way
5 out of 5
July 13, 2019
Dr. Zhang was very caring and seemed concerned that she do exactly what was the best treatment for me, which turned out to be draining an abscess. Dr. Zhang asked many times if I was ok or uncomfortable in any way.
5 out of 5
May 14, 2019
Great Doctor and her assistant is also top-notch.
3.7 out of 5
March 22, 2019
Dr. Zhang's speed and English problems made the discussion difficult. I am sure she knows what she is talking about but it is sometimes difficult to understand due to the previously noted problems
5 out of 5
March 19, 2019
The consult, the doctor and the assistant, and the in-office visit was outstanding.
5 out of 5
January 5, 2019
She was very patient since it was a lot for me to process at once.