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Our Professional Team
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, and Edina, Minnesota
At River Bluff Dental our professional, friendly team is our greatest asset. Each of the dental assistants and hygienists in our office are licensed professionals who continually take classes and attend seminars to stay on the cutting edge of dental technology and patient communication.
We want you to feel 100% confident in our technical abilities. We set high standards for ourselves so we can achieve the best results for all of our patients. We fully explain every treatment or procedure and encourage you to ask questions. Two-way communication is very important to the success of your treatment.
Our motivation is fueled by our passion for dentistry and how we can affect the way people see themselves and live their lives. We will do everything in our power to make your visit to River Bluff Dental as positive as possible. We welcome you to come into the office for an initial consultation to meet our team, tour the office and discuss your dental issues.
Clinical Staff
Dr. Walter Palmer, DDS
Dr. Walter J. Palmer is not only a highly trained and experienced general and cosmetic dentist; he is also a very skilled at creating dazzling smiles that compliment each patient’s own unique teeth structure, facial structure and skin tone. His goal is to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality care and personalized attention to make each visit to our office as comfortable and gratifying as possible.
Associate Dentist Ken Kokkinen, DDS
Dr. Kokkinen is originally from northern Minnesota and has lived in the Twin Cities since graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1986. During his career, he completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency, taught at the School of Dentistry and has been in private practice. He is married with three children and enjoys hunting, fishing and going to the cabin.
Dental Hygienists
Kristin, RDH
Kristin is from Baraboo Wisconsin and attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her degree in Dental Hygiene. She has been practicing for more than 20 years and has been with River Bluff Dental since 1997. Kristin loves to really get to know her patients so she understands each individual’s concerns and goals regarding their smile. Kristin and her husband have twin boys and a daughter and enjoy following their activities as well as, travel and photography.
Tricia, RDH/BS/RF
Tricia joined our team in 2007 after receiving her Dental Hygiene degree from MN State University, Mankato. She is very passionate about the care and education she provides for her patients, and focuses on making each dental experience enjoyable for everyone. In her spare time, Tricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and traveling.
Melony, RDH/BS/RF
Melony was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. She earned her BS degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2009. She spends her spare time scrap booking, shopping, participating in various outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.
Amber, RDH
Amber was born and raised in Western North Dakota and earned her Dental Hygiene degree in 2003 from North Dakota State College of Science. Her true passion lies in developing patient relationships and utilizing the advancements in dentistry to enhance her patients’ dental experience. She currently resides in the Lake Minnetonka area with her husband and enjoys traveling, trap shooting, spending time with friends and family, and serving in the youth ministry at her local church.
Dental Assistants
Janel, LDA
Janel grew up in Albany, Minnesota. She has been a licensed dental assistant for over 25 years. In addition to her work at River Bluff Dental, she is also a certified CAD-CAM trainer for Patterson companies. She loves the outdoors and spends her free time with her husband at their cabin on Leech Lake.
Nikki, LDA
Nikki has been working in the dental field for over 15 years and with CAD-CAM computerized restorations for over 10 years. Originally from South Dakota, she now lives in Bloomington with her husband and two daughters.
Amanda, LDA
Amanda grew up in western Minnesota, where she obtained her Dental Assisting license in 1999. She has been working in an office focused on cosmetic dentistry since 2002. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and many other hobbies including hockey.
Front Office Staff
Cherie, RDH: Office Manager
Cherie grew up in Bloomington where she excelled at school and sports. She received her degree in Dental Hygiene in 1985. After 25 years of clinical hygiene, many of those years at River Bluff Dental, Cherie has now taken on the challenge of Office Administration. In addition to her passion for Dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, golfing, and relaxing with friends. “The best part of my job is that I have had the chance to impact someone’s life through improved dental health, and my reward is always as simple as a smile.”
Jodi, RDH: Hygiene Coordinator
Jodi is from a small town in North Dakota and attended NDSCS in Wahpeton ND, where she earned her degree in Dental Hygiene. She practiced for 20 years and has transitioned over to Hygiene Coordinator. Jodi and her husband enjoy spending time restoring their old car, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Laura: Treatment Coordinator
Laura lives in Burnsville, MN and went to school for Dental Assisting in Denver, Colorado. She has been in the field for ten years. In her free time she enjoys camping, fishing and spending time with her family.
Gera: Administrative Assistant
Geri has lived in the Twin Cities since 1992. She began working for River Bluff Dental in 1998. She enjoys reading, biking, hiking and camping.
