La Petite Dentistry is not your average dental office

• Dr. Andy Mancini

Dr. Andy Mancini, specializing in pediatric dentistry, is shown in one of two operatoriums. The new practice also has four dental hygiene stations and an in-house lab. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl
• Tony Stafki created the murals

Tony Stafki, Walls of Art, who is from Forest Lake, Minn., created the murals found throughout the LaPetite Dentistry office. Stafki completed six weeks of work in three weeks’ time in order for the office to be ready for opening day Monday. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl
• Staff members at La Petite Dentistry

Staff members at La Petite Dentistry are, from left, office manager, Trish Nelson, office assistant, Carl Trainham, dental hygienist, Lisa Kotosky, Pete the toothy shark mascot, dental hygienist Ashley Root and Andy Mancini, DMD, MBA. The entire office is built around an ocean theme including the reception desk in the shape of a sunken ship. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

Talk about it

The moment you walk in the door of La Petite Dentistry, you know you are entering a whole new world of dentistry and patient care.

The patients, specifically children up to the age of 20, are in store for surprises around nearly every corner. A 500 gallon salt water aquarium is the center of the waiting room. A video game kiosk rests on a near-by wall and tried and tested children’s toys and games cluster in a nearby corner.

Parents will appreciate the paperless office, the cheery office demeanor and Dr. Andy Mancini’s drive the make sure everyone’s life is better after a visit to the La Petite Dentistry.

Mancini, who holds a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree and a MBA, finished up a residency in pediatric dentistry in Colorado before moving with his family to the St. Croix Valley.

The native Italian became a United States citizen eight years ago. His wife is from Oregon but family in the Midwest gave the couple and their two children a reason to return to the region.

“I think Hudson found us,” said Mancini. “This is an amazing area.” Adopting Pete, the shark as the mascot/ spokesperson for the office, was an easy choice. He has several teeth and Mancini has had an interest in them since he was a young child.

As you enter the office you are greeted by the sunken ship, in disguise as the reception desk. The paperless office includes touch screens on which parents can sign.

“For the practice we decided to go outside the box,” said Mancini. “We went with second to none quality throughout. Everything was made in the United States.”

Mancini had three bathrooms installed, all of which are also touchless.

“We didn’t want to send the patients (children) down the hall to use a restroom,” said Mancini.

Along with the digital and laser technology, which will provide patients with top notch dental care, it is the vibrant and lifelike murals that will rivet visitors and patients. From the waiting room, which looks like “Underwater World,” to the 33-foot wall that is painted like a beach, the atmosphere is a blend of art and technology.

The office includes four semi-private dental hygienist stations with memory foam patient chairs and two operatorium rooms (procedure rooms). The 2,500-square-foot office also includes an inside lab and employee break room.

“I am a child advocate,” said Mancini, who is also on staff at Hudson Hospital. “As an active member of their staff, I can better serve the community.”

The eco-friendly office is designed to offer high efficiency for patients and their parents.

“We have an all-star team,” said Mancini of his staff of five, which includes him. From an employee book club to continuing education, staying on the cutting edge of knowledge is important.

“We strive for excellence and always remember the patients are the boss,” said Mancini.

La Petite Dentistry opened Monday, July 11 at 131 Carmichael Road 131, Suite 200. For more information, call 855-LAPETITE (527-3848) or visit www.lapetitedentistry.com.

Tags: business, health, family