Dakota Dental brings together a comprehensive range of dental services under one roof, making quality oral healthcare convenient for Minot residents. Led by Dr. Douglas Bengson and Dr. Tyler Shaw, the practice at 515 20th Avenue Southeast combines preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to address the diverse needs of patients throughout southeastern North Dakota. Their integrated approach means families can receive everything from routine cleanings to advanced treatments without the hassle of multiple referrals. This commitment to full-spectrum care has established Dakota Dental as a trusted resource for maintaining healthy smiles across generations in the Minot community.
Why We’re Proud to Serve Minot, North Dakota
Founded in 1886 as a railroad town along the Great Northern Railway, Minot, North Dakota earned the nickname “Magic City” due to its remarkably rapid growth. Within just one month of its founding, the settlement had grown from a simple tent town to a bustling community with established businesses and homes. The city was named after Henry Minot, an investor in the Great Northern Railway, and quickly became a vital hub for the region’s agricultural industry. By 1887, Minot had already incorporated, cementing its place as a cornerstone of North Dakota’s development.
Today, Minot stands as North Dakota’s fourth-largest city and serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education. Home to Minot Air Force Base, the community has developed a unique blend of military and civilian culture that strengthens its diverse character. The city continues to thrive with excellent schools, a vibrant arts scene including the historic State Fair, and growing business opportunities.
What truly makes Minot special is its strong sense of community resilience and Midwestern hospitality, where neighbors support one another and take genuine pride in their city’s continued growth and success.
Scandinavian Heritage Park near Dakota Dental
Did you know that Minot, North Dakota, is home to the world’s only outdoor museum representing all five Nordic countries in one location? The Scandinavian Heritage Park, managed by the Scandinavian Heritage Association at 1020 South Broadway, brings together Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden across 14 stunning acres. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from 333 visitors, this unique attraction has been celebrating the region’s Scandinavian immigrant heritage since 1988.
When you visit, you’ll discover authentic treasures like a 240-year-old Norwegian log house and a breathtaking full-scale replica of the Stave Church from Gol, Norway, complete with symbolic beams and posts representing Christian elements. But perhaps the most Instagram-worthy feature is the towering 25- to 30-foot Swedish Dala Horse—you simply can’t miss it! The park also features a traditional Finnish sauna, a Danish windmill, and statues honoring legendary figures like Leif Eriksson and Hans Christian Andersen.
You can spend hours exploring the self-guided walking trails that cleverly mimic a journey across the Nordic countries, with each area clustered to represent its respective nation. Friendly staff and volunteers are available to share fascinating insights about the exhibits, and the gift shop offers delightful Scandinavian-themed books, trinkets, and treats. The park serves as headquarters for North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, Norsk Høstfest, and hosts cultural celebrations like Midsommar Natt throughout the year.
This Minot treasure offers free admission to its picnic areas and discovery spaces, making it a perfect family destination for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. After wandering through centuries of Nordic heritage, you might want to stop by Dakota Dental—we’re just a short drive away at 515 20th Avenue Southeast, ready to keep your smile as bright as a Scandinavian summer day!
Meet Their Dentists
At Dakota Dental, patients receive exceptional care from a team dedicated to combining advanced dental techniques with a warm, personalized approach. The practice is committed to providing the highest quality dental services in a comfortable environment where every patient feels valued and understood.
Dr. Douglas Bengson: With over 30 years of experience serving the Minot community, Dr. Bengson is passionate about delivering leading-edge general and cosmetic dentistry, specializing in single-visit crowns through advanced Cerec technology while maintaining his commitment to ongoing education and the highest standards of patient care.
Comprehensive Dental Services at Dakota Dental
Dakota Dental Health Center in Minot provides a full spectrum of dental services designed to meet the oral health needs of patients at every stage of life. Located at 515 20th Avenue Southeast, the practice combines expertise across multiple dental specialties to deliver care that supports both beautiful smiles and overall wellness.
The foundation of excellent oral health begins with general dentistry services that focus on prevention and early detection. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing cannot address, while comprehensive exams allow the dental team to identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Oral cancer screenings provide an essential safeguard, detecting abnormalities in their earliest and most treatable stages. When dental concerns do arise, restorative treatments like fillings repair cavities and preserve the natural tooth structure, helping patients maintain their original teeth for as long as possible.
For patients seeking to enhance their smile’s appearance, cosmetic dentistry offers transformative solutions. Professional teeth whitening brightens discolored teeth, with the practice’s “Whitening for Life” program providing ongoing maintenance to keep smiles radiant. Veneers and Lumineers create dramatic improvements by correcting chips, gaps, discoloration, and misalignment, giving patients the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. Same-day crowns utilize advanced technology to restore damaged teeth in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary restorations and multiple appointments.
When tooth decay or injury reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, endodontic treatment becomes necessary to save it from extraction. Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged tissue, relieves pain, and allows patients to retain their natural teeth. This specialized service addresses what might otherwise result in tooth loss, preserving both function and aesthetics.
Gum health forms the foundation for overall oral wellness, making periodontal services essential for many patients. Treatment for gum disease addresses inflammation and infection that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Deep cleaning procedures, including scaling and root planing, remove bacteria from below the gum line and smooth root surfaces to promote healing. For advanced cases, laser gum surgery offers a minimally invasive option that reduces discomfort and speeds recovery time.
Children receive specialized attention through pediatric dentistry services tailored to their unique developmental needs. Creating positive dental experiences from an early age establishes healthy habits that last a lifetime. The practice welcomes children of all ages and accommodates those with special needs, ensuring every young patient receives gentle, appropriate care in a comfortable environment.
When teeth cannot be saved or cause ongoing problems, oral surgery provides necessary solutions. Wisdom teeth extractions prevent crowding, infection, and pain caused by these third molars that often lack sufficient space to emerge properly. Other tooth extractions address severely damaged or infected teeth that compromise oral health. Frenectomies correct restrictive tissue connections that can interfere with speech, eating, or dental development.
For patients facing tooth loss, advanced restorative options restore both function and appearance. Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent solutions that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. Dentures offer reliable tooth replacement for those missing multiple or all teeth, restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Prosthodontic services encompass comprehensive restoration of oral function through custom-designed appliances and prosthetics.
Beyond traditional dental concerns, the practice addresses conditions that affect overall health and quality of life. TMJ treatment alleviates jaw pain, headaches, and dysfunction caused by temporomandibular joint disorders, helping patients find relief from chronic discomfort. Sleep apnea treatment provides oral appliances that keep airways open during sleep, offering an alternative to CPAP machines for those suffering from this serious condition that affects both rest and long-term health.
Why Choose Dakota Dental
Choosing Dakota Dental means selecting a practice that prioritizes comprehensive, family-centered care alongside advanced treatment options. Located at 515 20th Avenue Southeast in Minot, this practice welcomes patients of all ages, from young children developing their first healthy habits to adults seeking specialized care.
Dakota Dental takes pride in its whole-body health approach, recognizing that oral health connects directly to overall wellness. The practice combines preventive care with cutting-edge technology to deliver treatments that preserve natural teeth whenever possible while offering modern solutions when restoration becomes necessary.
Understanding that dental care should be accessible to everyone, Dakota Dental offers flexible options including a membership club designed specifically for uninsured patients. The team’s commitment to accommodating special needs ensures that every family member receives personalized attention in a comfortable, welcoming environment where advanced expertise meets compassionate service.
But What Are Their Patients Saying?
There’s no better way to learn about Dakota Dental than hearing directly from their happy patients!
“I contacted Dakota Dental for an emergency appointment for my 12 year old. They got us in within 2 hours, even as a new patient. On arrival, the waiting room was welcoming and relaxing. We were greeted pleasantly by front staff. The dental team that cared for him was prompt, reassuring and efficient throughout the visit. Every staff member we encountered had a positive attitude, which made the emergency visit in a new facility much easier to navigate. I am hoping to transfer more of our family dental care to their center.” – Marie Ostrum (5 stars)
“I’m from out of state and chipped a tooth on my denture. I was so upset and in tears when I called! Natalie is absolutely amazing and kind. She was sympathetic to my situation when I called. Got me in within a couple of hours after my call. Not sure which dentist came in but he was absolutely fabulous! They are sending my denture to the lab and will have a one day turn around! If I could give 10 stars I would. The dentist said he wants me to have a 10 star smile!😁. I recommend this place with 1000% confidence! Update!! I got my denture back at the end of the day!! The Minot Dental Lab did a great job! I’m completely satisfied and happy! The dentist is Matthew Bowen! Top notch dentist and a very kind and caring dentist!( the dental hygienist was fantastic as well!) So for ALL your dental needs call and schedule with Dr.Bowen. Thank you all so much for getting everything done and putting a smile back on my face!!” – Ami Schulz-mason (5 stars)
Contact Them Today to Schedule an Appointment!
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care in Minot, Dakota Dental offers the expertise and personalized attention you deserve. Dr. Douglas Bengson and Dr. Tyler Shaw provide a full range of services designed to keep your smile healthy and confident. Whether you need a routine cleaning, restorative work, or cosmetic enhancements, their team is ready to help you achieve your oral health goals.
Taking the first step toward better dental health is easy. Visit Dakota Dental’s website to learn more about their services, or schedule a consultation today. The practice welcomes new patients and looks forward to partnering with you on your journey to optimal oral wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cerec technology and how does it benefit patients needing crowns?
Dakota Dental offers same-day crowns using advanced Cerec technology, which Dr. Douglas Bengson specializes in. This innovative approach allows patients to receive permanent crowns in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary restorations and multiple appointments. Traditional crown procedures typically require at least two visits with a temporary crown worn in between, but with Cerec technology, patients can have their damaged tooth restored to full function and appearance in just one day. This saves time, reduces inconvenience, and means fewer injections and less time away from work or other commitments.
How does Dakota Dental make care accessible for patients without dental insurance?
Dakota Dental recognizes that dental care should be accessible to everyone, which is why they offer a membership club designed specifically for uninsured patients. This program provides an alternative payment option for those who don’t have traditional dental insurance coverage. Additionally, the practice offers a “Whitening for Life” program that provides ongoing maintenance to keep smiles radiant over time. By creating flexible options like these, Dakota Dental ensures that quality dental care remains within reach for Minot residents regardless of their insurance status.
What makes laser gum surgery different from traditional periodontal treatment?
For patients with advanced gum disease, Dakota Dental offers laser gum surgery as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches. This modern technique provides significant advantages over conventional methods by reducing discomfort during and after the procedure while speeding recovery time. Laser treatment targets infected gum tissue with precision, promoting better healing and reducing the trauma associated with traditional surgical instruments. When combined with other periodontal services like scaling and root planing for deep cleaning below the gum line, laser surgery offers an effective solution for addressing inflammation and infection that could otherwise lead to tooth loss.
How do dental implants prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure?
Dental implants offered at Dakota Dental provide more than just tooth replacement—they actually preserve the health of your jawbone and facial appearance. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent solutions that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, but they also act like natural tooth roots by stimulating the surrounding bone. This prevents the bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss and helps maintain your facial structure over time, preventing the sunken appearance that can develop when multiple teeth are missing.
What oral appliances does Dakota Dental offer for sleep apnea treatment?
Dakota Dental provides sleep apnea treatment through custom oral appliances that offer an alternative to CPAP machines for patients suffering from this serious condition. These dental devices work by keeping airways open during sleep, addressing the breathing interruptions that characterize sleep apnea. This treatment option is particularly valuable for patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. Since sleep apnea affects both the quality of rest and long-term health, having a dental solution that’s comfortable and easy to use can make a significant difference in patient compliance and overall health outcomes.