Modern Care Endodontics

Specialized Endodontics in Apple Valley and Lakeville, Minnesota

Modern Care Endodontics is a dental clinic specializing in endodontics with two Minnesota locations: Apple Valley and Lakeville. Its work focuses on preserving natural teeth whenever possible, with a team of doctors and technicians who use equipment and technology specific to the specialty.

The clinic presents itself under the motto "Compassion • Comfort • Precision" and describes its approach as combining advanced training, specialized techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best possible outcome for each treatment.

Root Canal Treatment and Retreatment

The main service is root canal treatment, a procedure that endodontists perform routinely. According to the clinic, this treatment is usually needed when a tooth is cracked or has extensive decay that cannot be resolved with a simple filling.

The clinic also offers root canal retreatment, intended for cases in which, after a previous treatment, an endodontist with specialized skills and equipment is required.

Technology and Team Training

Endodontics is performed in a microscopic environment inside the tooth. To do this, the clinic relies on the surgical microscope as its main tool, along with the advanced training of its doctors. Endodontists complete a minimum of two additional years of training after dental school, focused on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures related to the interior of the tooth.

Professional Team

The medical team includes Dr. J.D. Simonton (DDS, Endodontics), Dr. Michael Shen (DMD, Endodontics), and Dr. Steve Uttech (DDS, Endodontics).

• Dr. Simonton grew up in Arizona and graduated in Microbiology from Arizona State University. He regularly attends national and international conferences, is invited to serve on special committees and speak before professional organizations, and organizes continuing education at the clinic itself for dentists and specialists.
• Dr. Michael Shen was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States at age 14.
• Dr. Steve Uttech was born and raised in Wisconsin and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with an emphasis in Human Biology, from Utah State University.

The clinic staff includes an office manager, a patient and billing coordinator, several dental assistants, and patient care coordinators. All licensed dental assistants are proficient in procedures and protocols specific to root canal therapy, and each staff member receives continuing education at regional and national dental meetings, as well as ongoing clinical training and professional development.

Collaboration with General Dentists

The clinic works in coordination with general dentists in the community, maintaining close communication throughout treatment to tailor it to each patient's individual needs. This collaboration reflects the specialized nature of endodontics within dental care.

Patient Care and Payment Options

The clinic offers a patient center with new patient registration, information on reasons to see an endodontist, and an FAQ section. Front office staff help patients understand their financial options for paying for treatment and assist with dental benefits and insurance reimbursements. The clinic offers payment plans and allows online payments.

Educational Content

Modern Care Endodontics maintains a blog with articles on dental health. Published topics include the damage energy drinks can cause to teeth, from enamel erosion to tooth pain; what an endodontist is and why to see one; and the causes of tooth pain that are not due to cavities.

Locations

Apple Valley location: 15160 Foliage Ave. Suite 100, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Lakeville location: 18572 Joplin Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044