Dr. Nancy H. Holm
DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY
I have to say that what brought me to dentistry is the joy I get from really taking care of people and getting to know them well. That's what kept me from choosing medicine - have you noticed that the average time a patient spends with their physician is now down to about 7 minutes? It is a privilege to be able to spend additional time with patients and to see the tangible results of my skill at the end of every appointment. I get to know my patients personally, and that takes time. It also results in better treatment outcomes, and happier patients and team members.
I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I was the kid who had every imaginable kit and craft while growing up. My mom noticed that when she brought me along to my older sister's Girl Scout meetings, it was me who was the first one done with the craft project, even though I was just the little sister who tagged along. My fourth-grade teacher insisted that I become an artist, which I convinced her years later is what a dentist really should be. Crafting a beautiful smile, restoring a broken-down tooth, and seeing unhealthy gums transformed back to health feels like the best kind of art to me. My upbringing focused on the call to take care of others, and I was fortunate to have the knack and curiosity for science as well as an incredible work ethic instilled in me by my parents. I am truly grateful that dentistry has satisfied my every expectation, and then some.
I have been practicing the art and science of dentistry since July 1988. I spent my early career with a private group practice in St. Paul where I had the privilege of working closely with a periodontist, orthodontist, and pediatric specialists. I gained experience in trauma dentistry being on call for this large group, occasionally taking calls from Children's Hospital Emergency Department. I purchased our private practice in Burnsville in 1996 so I could build a dental home for patients that truly embodies my philosophy of care. After more than 30 years of serving patients, I've passed the practice ownership torch to Dr. Erin Allen, who continues to carry our practice mission forward. It's an honor and joy to continue to practice alongside Dr. Erin, Dr. Lauren, and our exceptional dental team.
Professional Education
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1988
College of Saint Benedict
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, 1984
- Graduated with Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Hill-Murray High School, Maplewood, MN
- Class of 1980
- National Honor Society, top 25 graduate in a class of 350
Professional Affiliations
- St. Paul District Dental Society
- Minnesota Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- Nationally recognized interdisciplinary study groups, including Seattle Study Club and Spear Institute
Continuing Dental Education
I have often tripled the required hours of continuing education since graduating in 1988. I have studied all areas of dentistry, including:
Some highlights include:
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Restorative care, including advanced courses in occlusion and rehabilitation of the bite and TMJ
- Pediatric dentistry
- Dental technology advances, including intra-oral and digital dental photography, digital x-rays, and DIAGNOdent laser screenings
- Dental health's impact on general health, including past membership in Dentistry for Diabetics
Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study
Areas of focus included TMJ and occlusion, the study of how jaw and teeth operate together.
Seattle Study Club
An interdisciplinary comprehensive dentistry program involving specialists from every area of dentistry and coordinating advanced treatment for patients.
Spear Institute for Comprehensive Dentistry
Personal
I grew up in Roseville, Minnesota, and have lived in the Twin Cities all of my life. I have been married to my husband, Bill, since 1998. I spent a lot of years trying to achieve "world's greatest aunt" status with my six nieces and nephews, and any other child that crosses my path.
Lifetime Community Involvement
Girl Scout leader, non-denominational Christian youth group minister, volunteer dentistry for the homeless at the Union Gospel Mission, and service on Minnesota Mission of Mercy professional committees for the St. Paul District Dental Society and the American Cancer Society.
Interests
I am an active endurance athlete who has achieved much in the way of competitive long-distance events, even though I would still categorize myself as a social athlete. I started running marathons at age 17 and have completed twenty 26.2-mile races, including two Boston Marathons, Grandma's Marathon, Twin Cities Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and the New York City Marathon. I've also competed in more than twenty cross-country ski marathons worldwide, including the American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin and similar races in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, and Switzerland. I completed the Minnesota Border-to-Border Triathlon, a 500-mile four-day event, as a two-person team with my "little" sister, Chris. I've also completed the Northshore Inline Skate Marathon, the Chequamegon Fat-Tire Mountain Bike Race, Dairyland Dare, countless other road and mountain bike tours, and hiking escapades with similarly outdoor-obsessed friends and family members.
I have been a season ticket subscriber to The Guthrie Theater since 1986, with active support for other arts institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota Orchestra, and Minnesota Public Radio.
I remain an avid reader, mostly dental journals, The Wall Street Journal, and books about spiritual growth, business, human behavior, with a heavy dose of fiction.
Travel is one of my favorite pastimes, especially when it involves the outdoors or anything historical.