Meet Dr. Keith Erickson
As an orthodontist, the happiness I see and experience daily, when patients finish their treatments, is what I really enjoy. Knowing that someone was embarrassed to smile before and now can’t stop taking selfies makes my work very satisfying on both a personal and professional level.
I appreciate each person I have the privilege to treat, but have a specific interest in early screening. Potential early treatment intervention in children can, in many cases, help us to achieve superior results overall. Like many things, the mouth tends naturally toward increasing disorder as permanent teeth erupt. This can force us to accept more compromised results when patients are first seen at an older age.
However, the most satisfying aspect of what I do is the improved self-esteem and self-confidence I see in many patients following treatment!
Education
I have practiced for over 30 years now. A family friend was successful in diverting me from engineering grad school and into dentistry. Once in dental school, I realized that orthodontics best fit my interests and skill set. I couldn’t be happier that I made that choice!
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), Marquette University School of Dentistry
- Hospital Dentistry Residency, University of Minnesota
- Orthodontics Residency, University of Minnesota Division of Orthodontics
Since I have been practicing, I have come to really value the relationships that develop with patients and families, getting to know each person and learning about their interests and hobbies. Each person brings something new to my life and I find myself constantly challenged to think differently and look at things in a new way. While I am providing a life-improving service to my patients, they too are enhancing my life.
The Practice
At Erickson-Aamodt Orthodontics, we share a common vision for trying to achieve the best results possible for each patient, and providing the best treatment experience.
Patients have a lot of choices. Our goal is not only to do the best treatments we can for people, but also to educate them as to the pros and cons of different approaches. Sometimes there is no perfect option and we try hard to help each patient understand the tradeoffs. Additionally, we tend to over-emphasize the retention part of care, so patients have the tools to make sure their new, beautifully healthy smiles hold up over time.
Continuing Education, Professional Affiliations, and Activities
My ethical responsibility to patients is to try and provide them with the highest quality care, not just what is the most expedient or convenient. That requires me to be current on techniques, recent research, and evidence-based treatments. Continuing orthodontic education, through study clubs and attending lectures, meetings, and seminars, keeps me abreast of best practices, for the benefit of each patient.
I am a former Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Division of Orthodontics and a member of the:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Board of Orthodontics
- Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
- Minnesota Association of Orthodontists, past president
- American Dental Association
- Minnesota Dental Association
- Saint Paul District Dental Society, past president
Beyond the Practice
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I have lived in the Twin Cities since 1984 with my wife, Pam, who is a recently retired Pediatric Dentist. We have four rambunctious and now grown sons. Outside of work, being with Pam, our sons, and our extended family and friends, is my greatest love.
I have always been a person on the go; if I’m not in the office, I can often be found golfing, playing tennis, road and mountain biking, or racing my Porsche 911. I also love to hit the slopes and enjoy SCUBA. I can’t sit still but it’s getting better the older I get!
Giving Back
I’ve been very involved, for years, in a Children’s Hospital fundraiser for cancer research as a Co-Chair, Board Member, and Presenting Sponsor. The annual event is the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, held each August at Lifetime Fitness White Bear Lake. It is a Mixed Doubles Tournament that draws top talent from the region; this last year we raised over $350,000 for research in Pleuropulmonary Blastoma and other rare tumors related to the Dicer 1 gene.
