Get to Know Dr. Kelsey Eshleman

In this week’s installment of “Get to Know the Park Dental Doctors”, we’re introducing you to Dr. Kelsey Eshleman at Park Dental Bailey Road.  In her profile, Dr. Eshleman shares her treatment philosophy, what she enjoys about being a dentist, as well as some fun facts about her personal life.  Check out her profile to learn more!

What made you choose dentistry?
I started college thinking I either wanted to be a dentist or physician.  I was home over a holiday break talking with two of my cousins, one of whom was in dental school and the other was in medical residency.  The one in residency jokingly said, “Be a dentist!”  The dental cousin was really enthusiastic about his career choice and encouraged me to look into it.  I shadowed my childhood dentist, realized it would be a great fit for me, and decided to apply to dental school.

What do you love most about being a dentist or what do you find the most rewarding?
I love the relationships with my patients.  My favorite part is being able to to celebrate life and milestones with them, from starting school to graduations, jobs, marriages, vacations, children, and grandchildren.  I have a few generational families where I’m the provider for the grandparents, parents, and children; that’s really special and an honor for me!

What’s your care/treatment philosophy?
I try to treat my patients as I would want my own family to be treated. Communication and genuinely listening without interrupting are important.  My goal is for each of my patients to clearly understand their oral health and their options for treatment.

Is there a particular area of dentistry you enjoy the most or like to focus on?
I enjoy the variety of being a general dentist.  Every day is different.  I am especially interested in the airway, sleep dentistry, and digital dentistry.

When did you start or how many years have you been with Park Dental?
I joined Park Dental in 2014.

What is one thing you love most about Park Dental?
The commitment to quality dentistry and to our patients, my incredible coworkers, and the collaboration between providers.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a group practice?
One of the best parts of being in a group is the collaboration with and learning from other providers.  I have been lucky to have many dedicated mentors who’ve helped me grow in my practice of dentistry.  All of our patients benefit when we work with and learn from each other.

And now for a little fun, let’s get to know Dr. Eshleman on a personal level.

• What did you want to be when you were a kid?
  A lifeguard or a firefighter
• What was your very first job?
  A lifeguard.  Technically you could say that I fulfilled my childhood dream at the age of 15 ?
• What do you like to do on your days off?
  Spend time with my husband and boys.
• What’s your favorite food or drink?
  Pickles
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
  Everywhere!  Australia, Norway, and Hawaii are at the top of the list.
• What’s your favorite genre of music to listen to?
  I like most music but with kids ages 5 and 1.5, we have many of the Disney soundtracks on repeat lately.
• What are your hobbies?
  Travelling, doing anything active, working out, and reading.  I have a goal to read one book a week in 2022.
• Do you speak any other languages?
  Spanish… poorly ?
• Are you scared of or have a fear of anything?
  Birds
• What’s your favorite animal?
  My 70 lb. lap dog, Tobie
• How many different states have you lived in?
  3 – North Dakota, Minnesota, and Colorado

Dr. Eshleman practices at our Park Dental Bailey Road location in Woodbury, MN.  To learn more about Dr. Eshleman and schedule an appointment, click here.