Healthcare can often feel impersonal and expensive, however, Anderson Dental Care is taking a refreshingly human approach. Led by longtime dentist Dr. Richard J. Anderson, the Edina-based practice has built its reputation on personalized care, transparency, and a commitment to helping patients navigate the often confusing world of dental coverage.
At the heart of the practice is a simple philosophy: dentistry should revolve around people. That means not only delivering high-quality clinical care, but also ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment decisions. Today, that mission is reflected in both the services they offer and the thoughtful innovations they’ve introduced – most notably, their in-house Smile Care program.
Rethinking Dental Coverage with Smile Care
For decades, dental insurance has been a cornerstone of how patients access care. But as Dr. Richard J. Anderson explains, that system is no longer working the way it once did.
“Dental insurance is getting more and more expensive and offering less and less benefits,” he says. “It’s not the situation that it has been for some time where it really helps people with payments.”
Traditionally, patients have relied on employer-sponsored plans or purchased individual coverage. While employer plans can still offer value, individually purchased dental insurance has become increasingly difficult to justify. High premiums, deductibles, and limited coverage often leave patients paying more out of pocket than expected – sometimes even more than the cost of treatment itself.
Recognizing this growing gap, Anderson Dental Care developed Smile Care, an in-office membership program designed to simplify costs and expand access.
The concept is straightforward. Patients pay an annual fee that covers essential preventive services – such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays – while also receiving a 15 percent discount on virtually all additional treatments. There are no deductibles, no annual maximums, and no restrictions on the type of care covered.
“In our case, it’s a 15 percent discount on anything that is beyond the basic services, which includes literally anything,” says Dr. Anderson. “There’s no limit on what kind of treatment it is.”
That flexibility is one of the program’s most significant advantages. Unlike traditional insurance plans, which often cap annual benefits – commonly around $1,500 – Smile Care allows patients to pursue necessary or desired treatments without spreading them out over multiple years to maximize coverage.
“If someone has something more extensive, or they want to do several procedures, they don’t have to pace it out over four years,” Dr. Anderson explains. “That’s a big help.”
The program is particularly appealing to patients without insurance, as well as those who have found individual plans lacking. It’s also tailored to accommodate different levels of need, with categories for children, adults, and patients managing ongoing periodontal conditions.
“We’ve tried to make ours as universally coverage-oriented as possible,” he says. “And try to get it to be as good a bargain for people as we can.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients appreciate the clarity, the value, and the sense that their dental provider is actively working on their behalf – not just clinically, but financially as well.
“It’s been very favorably received,” Dr. Anderson notes.
Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Services
Beyond Smile Care, Anderson Dental Care offers a full spectrum of dental services designed to support lifelong oral health. From preventive care and routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic treatments, the practice emphasizes continuity and customization.
Each patient’s needs are different, and the team takes the time to understand those nuances. For some, that may mean straightforward maintenance and occasional treatment. For others—particularly those dealing with gum disease or more complex dental issues, it involves a more proactive, ongoing care plan.
“People have varying situations,” Dr. Anderson says. “Some people are very healthy and don’t need much… others have more complicated needs, and we’ve tried to factor that into what people’s needs are.”
That individualized approach extends to how care is communicated. Patients are guided through their options clearly and honestly, without pressure – an approach that has helped the practice build long-standing relationships within the community.
A New Addition to the Team
A strong practice is only as good as its team, and Anderson Dental Care continues to invest in creating a warm, welcoming environment for patients. That commitment is reflected in the recent addition of dental assistant Jennifer McLeod.
After the retirement of a longtime assistant, the practice spent time searching for the right fit—someone with both technical expertise and the interpersonal qualities that define the office culture. They found exactly that in McLeod.
“We have a delightful young lady who is tremendously qualified and is a wonderful addition to our practice,” says Dr. Anderson. “She’s just a wonderful, wonderful spirit in the office.”
Now nearly two months into her role, McLeod has already made a meaningful impact. Her presence enhances the patient experience, contributing to the sense of ease and friendliness that regulars have come to expect.
Looking Ahead
As the dental industry continues to evolve, Anderson Dental Care remains focused on what matters most: people. Whether through innovative programs like Smile Care, a comprehensive range of services, or the addition of compassionate team members, the practice is continually adapting to better serve its patients.
For Dr. Anderson, the goal is simple: to make high-quality dental care more accessible, more understandable, and ultimately more supportive of each patient’s overall well-being.
In a field often defined by complexity, that clarity – and that care – go a long way toward keeping Edina smiling.