At Beckstead Dental Group in Palo Alto, Drs. Davis Beckstead and Mimi Salkola have built their practice around a simple philosophy: dental care should feel less like a clinical obligation and more like a partnership in maintaining lifelong oral health. Their patient-centered approach combines personalized treatment plans with the time and attention needed to address individual concerns, making even complex procedures feel manageable. Serving the El Camino Real community, the practice has earned a reputation for transforming anxious patients into confident ones through clear communication and genuine care. Whether patients are seeking routine preventive services or more comprehensive treatment, the team creates an environment where questions are welcomed and comfort is prioritized.
Why We’re Proud to Practice in Palo Alto
Founded in 1894 by Leland Stanford as part of his vision for Stanford University, Palo Alto has long been synonymous with innovation and academic excellence. The city’s name, meaning “tall tree” in Spanish, comes from a historic coastal redwood known as El Palo Alto, which still stands along San Francisquito Creek as a natural landmark. During the early 20th century, this small university town began transforming into a hub of technological advancement, eventually becoming the birthplace of Silicon Valley in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, Palo Alto is home to approximately 68,000 residents and serves as headquarters to numerous technology giants and startups that shape the global digital landscape. The city maintains its commitment to education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement while fostering a vibrant downtown area filled with diverse restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural venues.
What makes Palo Alto truly special is its unique blend of cutting-edge innovation and small-town charm, where world-class research institutions coexist with tree-lined neighborhoods and residents take pride in their community’s rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit.
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University near Beckstead Dental Group
Did you know that the Cantor Arts Center houses one of the largest collections of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris? When you visit this premier art museum at Stanford University, you’ll find yourself immersed in over 5,000 years of artistic history—and the best part is that admission is completely free. Located just minutes from Beckstead Dental Group in Palo Alto, this cultural gem welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The museum’s collection is truly encyclopedic, featuring more than 44,000 artworks spanning cultures from Africa to Asia to the Americas. You can explore 24 galleries showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary installations. The Cantor presents over 20 special exhibitions annually, so there’s always something new to discover whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular art enthusiast.
One of the most beloved features is the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden, where you can stroll among bronze masterpieces in the beautiful California sunshine. The museum also maintains the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden and displays modern art installations throughout Stanford’s campus. With free tours, lectures, and family activities offered year-round, the Cantor serves both as a vital educational resource for Stanford students and a welcoming destination for the entire Bay Area community.
The Cantor’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond free admission—they also prioritize sustainability and collaborative scholarship. Recent initiatives have engaged Stanford students and faculty in creating detailed historical narratives about the collection, while contemporary commissions bring innovative artists to reimagine classical works. Just as we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care at Beckstead Dental Group, the Cantor ensures that world-class art remains available to all who seek it.
Meet Their Dentists
At Beckstead Dental Group, the team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming environment where patients feel like family. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation and a patient-centered approach, the practice ensures every individual receives personalized, comprehensive treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Davis Beckstead: A third-generation dentist specializing in cosmetic and sedation dentistry, Dr. Beckstead is passionate about creating confident smiles through comprehensive care that includes everything from Invisalign and porcelain veneers to dental implants and full-mouth reconstruction. His commitment to continuing education and compassionate approach ensures patients receive the most advanced treatments in a comfortable, trustworthy environment.
Dr. Mimi Salkola: As co-leader of Beckstead Dental Group, Dr. Salkola brings her expertise and dedication to serving the Silicon Valley community with personalized, comprehensive dental care. Her warm approach and commitment to building long-term relationships make her a trusted partner in helping families achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Comprehensive Dental Services in Palo Alto
Beckstead Dental Group, conveniently located at 1691 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, provides exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. Led by Dr. Davis Beckstead and Dr. Mimi Salkola, the practice delivers a full spectrum of dental services designed to maintain, restore, and enhance beautiful, healthy smiles.
The foundation of excellent oral health begins with preventive and general dentistry. Beckstead Dental Group performs routine dental exams and cleanings, where skilled hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease. During these visits, the dentists thoroughly examine teeth and gums to detect any potential problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. This proactive approach helps families maintain optimal oral health and avoid more serious dental issues down the road.
For patients looking to transform their smiles, Beckstead Dental Group specializes in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers. The practice offers porcelain veneers, which are thin, custom-made shells that attach to the front surfaces of teeth to create a flawless appearance. These versatile restorations can address multiple aesthetic concerns at once, effectively correcting cracks, chips, stains, and gaps to deliver stunning smile transformations. Whether patients seek subtle improvements or dramatic changes, the practice creates personalized treatment plans to achieve their aesthetic goals.
When teeth become damaged or lost, restorative dentistry provides solutions to rebuild function and appearance. Beckstead Dental Group offers comprehensive restorative treatments including dental implants, which serve as permanent tooth replacements that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. For teeth affected by deep decay or infection, root canal therapy removes damaged tissue and preserves the natural tooth structure, relieving pain and preventing extraction. The practice also performs full-mouth reconstructions for patients requiring extensive rehabilitation, combining multiple procedures to restore complete oral health and function.
Beckstead Dental Group provides Invisalign orthodontic treatment for patients seeking straighter smiles without traditional braces. These clear, removable aligners gradually shift teeth into proper position while remaining virtually invisible during treatment. This modern approach to orthodontics offers a comfortable and discreet option for both teens and adults who want to improve their smile alignment.
Dental emergencies require immediate attention, and Beckstead Dental Group stands ready to help when urgent situations arise. The practice handles severe toothaches, broken teeth, and other pressing dental issues with prompt, efficient care. By providing emergency services, they ensure patients receive the relief and treatment they need without unnecessary delay.
Why Choose Beckstead Dental Group
Choosing Beckstead Dental Group means selecting a practice that prioritizes both advanced dental care and patient comfort. The practice combines comprehensive treatment options with a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental technology.
The team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment throughout the practice, including digital X-ray machines that reduce radiation exposure, oral scanners for precise treatment planning, and dental lasers for more comfortable procedures. These advanced tools allow for more accurate diagnoses and less invasive treatments, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care with maximum comfort.
Beckstead Dental Group also maintains rigorous safety standards through state-of-the-art sterilization techniques, providing patients with peace of mind during every visit. When urgent situations arise, the practice is fully equipped to handle dental emergencies with prompt and efficient care, ensuring patients never have to face dental pain or trauma alone.
But What Are Their Patients Saying?
There’s no better way to learn about Beckstead Dental Group than hearing from their actual patients!
“The staff here are professionals and do an excellent job running the office and supporting the dentists in the practice. Appointments run on schedule and the staff are friendly, approachable and great at accommodating patient needs and answering questions. They do estimates of the cost of your needed dental work and review it in detail with you, accounting for insurance coverage, before any procedure. One thing I appreciate are the automated text messages for both appointment calendaring and for appointment reminders. There is ample off street parking. Dr. Beckstead is a knowledgeable dentist with very good skills and experience and he has a great “chair-side” manner. He is empathetic and uses the latest dentistry technology which makes the whole experience positive.” – Polly Baylis (5 stars)
“Going in for a tooth repair today, I met a new clinician who joined the team recently. I asked her what her favorite thing about working there was. She said “happy people.” It’s absolutely true. This firm radiates authentic positivity from the top down and it makes a huge difference in the patient experience. I love that they brought over two amazing dental assistants from Dr. Burkholder’s office (Farideh and Vivian!) as well. And the work is superb. They are proactive about preventative measures, they maintain the maxim that healthy gums = healthy teeth, and they are very flexible with making appointments work with your schedule. Absolute top recommendation.” – The Maxwell Family (5 stars)
Schedule an Appointment with Them Today!
If you’re experiencing dental concerns or simply want to maintain your healthiest smile, Dr. Davis Beckstead and Dr. Mimi Salkola at Beckstead Dental Group in Palo Alto are ready to help. Their practice offers comprehensive care, from routine cleanings and preventive treatments to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Taking the first step toward better oral health is simple. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or schedule a consultation to discuss your dental goals. The team at Beckstead Dental Group looks forward to welcoming you and providing the personalized care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cosmetic dentistry options does Beckstead Dental Group offer for smile transformations?
Beckstead Dental Group specializes in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers, with porcelain veneers being one of their signature treatments. These are thin, custom-made shells that attach to the front surfaces of teeth to create a flawless appearance. Porcelain veneers are incredibly versatile and can address multiple aesthetic concerns simultaneously, including cracks, chips, stains, and gaps between teeth. Whether you’re looking for subtle improvements or a dramatic smile transformation, Dr. Beckstead and Dr. Salkola create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific aesthetic goals. The practice combines their cosmetic expertise with advanced technology to deliver stunning results that look natural and beautiful.
How does Invisalign treatment work at Beckstead Dental Group?
Beckstead Dental Group provides Invisalign orthodontic treatment as a modern alternative to traditional braces for patients seeking straighter smiles. The treatment uses clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into their proper positions while remaining virtually invisible during the process. This discreet approach to orthodontics offers a comfortable option for both teens and adults who want to improve their smile alignment without the appearance of metal braces. The removable nature of the aligners also makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene throughout treatment, and patients can continue eating their favorite foods without restrictions that typically come with traditional braces.
What advanced dental technology does Beckstead Dental Group use?
Beckstead Dental Group stays at the forefront of dental technology by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment throughout their practice. They use digital X-ray machines that significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays, making the diagnostic process safer for patients. The practice also employs oral scanners for precise treatment planning, which allows for more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes. Additionally, they use dental lasers for more comfortable procedures that are less invasive than traditional methods. All equipment undergoes state-of-the-art sterilization techniques to maintain rigorous safety standards, providing patients with peace of mind during every visit. These advanced tools work together to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care with maximum comfort.
What restorative dentistry services are available for damaged or missing teeth?
Beckstead Dental Group offers comprehensive restorative dentistry solutions to rebuild both function and appearance when teeth become damaged or lost. Dental implants serve as permanent tooth replacements that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth. For teeth affected by deep decay or infection, the practice performs root canal therapy, which removes damaged tissue while preserving the natural tooth structure, relieving pain and preventing the need for extraction. For patients requiring extensive rehabilitation, Beckstead Dental Group also provides full-mouth reconstructions that combine multiple procedures to restore complete oral health and function. These restorative treatments help patients regain their ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Why is preventive dentistry important and what does it include at Beckstead Dental Group?
Preventive and general dentistry forms the foundation of excellent oral health at Beckstead Dental Group. During routine dental exams and cleanings, skilled hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease if left untreated. The dentists thoroughly examine teeth and gums during these visits to detect any potential problems early, when they’re easiest and least expensive to treat. This proactive approach helps families maintain optimal oral health and avoid more serious dental issues down the road. By catching problems early through regular preventive care, patients can often avoid the need for more extensive and costly treatments later. The practice emphasizes that healthy gums equal healthy teeth and maintains a proactive stance on preventative measures.