At Glen Lake Dental, our tight-knit dental team offers a friendly, relaxed dental experience to patients of all ages. We provide a warm, laid-back environment where you can see that going to the dentist isn’t something to be afraid of. Instead, it’s a place where you can focus on achieving your oral health goals.
We use the latest technology and offer weighted blankets, pillows, and noise-canceling headphones to keep you comfortable while you’re with us. We will do whatever we can to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
We hope you’ll consider joining our dental family, but in the meantime, please spend a few minutes getting to know us.
Dr. Kristy Taran, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Kristy Taran brings a compassionate, relationship-focused approach to dentistry, blending clinical excellence with a deep commitment to patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, followed by her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the Marquette School of Dentistry.
Since graduating in 2007, Dr. Taran has been helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. She joined the team at Glen Lake Dental in 2021, where she’s known for her warm demeanor and ability to put patients at ease.
“I love forming meaningful relationships with my patients,” she says. “Learning each person’s story and working together toward better oral health is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
For Dr. Taran, dentistry is the ideal blend of science, creativity, and human connection.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll likely find her cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ baseball, basketball, softball, and hockey games, walking her dog while listening to podcasts, or practicing yoga. A proud Minnesota sports fan, she rarely misses a Vikings or Timberwolves game.
A fun fact? Dr. Taran spent seven years living in Boulder, Colorado, after dental school. Also, if you hear a uniquely infectious laugh echoing down the hallway, it’s probably hers.
Dr. Kent Cassidy, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Kent Cassidy grew up in a small town in northern Iowa. He moved to Minnesota after completing dental school at the University of Iowa. He is married and recently moved to St. Louis Park and loves the new neighborhood. Dr. Cassidy enjoys traveling, pickleball, gardening, theater, and music. You will find him cheering for Iowa sports!
Dr. Cassidy received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Iowa. Following graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency, a hospital-based educational program, at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Cassidy then managed the Dental Clinic at Anoka State Hospital in Anoka, Minnesota, for two years.
Since coming to Glen Lake in 1983, he has maintained a general dentistry practice, providing a wide variety of services to his patients. He is a former faculty member at the University of Minnesota dental school. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association, the Minneapolis District Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society.
Dr. Cassidy has been recognized as a ‘Top Dentist’ numerous times by Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine! He continues to provide dental care on a part-time schedule while he pursues his other activities.
Nancy
Dental Hygienist
Nancy has been a dedicated part of Glen Lake Dental since 1997, pretty much the only dental home she’s ever known. She graduated from Mankato State University and has loved building long-lasting connections with patients and their families over the years.
She values the flexibility that originally drew her to the dental field, especially when her kids were young, and she continues to enjoy the strong team chemistry that makes coming to work feel like spending time with friends.
Outside of work, Nancy enjoys boating with her family and hosting get-togethers at home. She also has a creative side; she loves scrapbooking.
Fun fact: she played volleyball in college!
Sarah
Dental Hygienist
Since joining Glen Lake Dental in 2007, Sarah has brought warmth, laughter, and a fun-loving spirit to both her patients and her team. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, she began her dental career after discovering a passion for the field during a job shadowing experience in 10th grade.
Sarah loves the upbeat atmosphere at Glen Lake Dental and enjoys sharing lighthearted moments with her coworkers and patients. Her goal each day is to help people feel at ease while also delivering high-quality care.
When she's not at the clinic, Sarah enjoys traveling, hiking, and working on home renovation projects.
A fun fact that surprises many—she has a twin!
Jill
Dental Assistant
Jill brings over two decades of experience and a whole lot of heart to her role as a dental assistant at Glen Lake Dental. Since joining the practice in 2002, Jill has been known for her upbeat energy, deep care for patients, and her belief that laughter really is the best medicine.
A graduate of Duluth Business University, Jill began her dental career in 1995, inspired by childhood visits to her own dentist. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in a field that combined helping people with building meaningful connections, and dentistry has given her just that.
Jill loves the family feeling at Glen Lake Dental and the sense of teamwork that flows through each day. She takes pride in helping patients feel relaxed, cared for, and even enjoy their time at the dentist.
Outside the clinic, Jill enjoys baking and cooking with her sons, hopping on her Peloton for a great workout, and spending time with her adorable Maltipoo, Marty. She’s also a big fan of live music and soaking up life’s joyful moments, on or off the clock.
Heather
Dental Assistant
Heather has been part of the Glen Lake Dental team since 2004, bringing a calm and steady presence that helps both patients and team members feel at ease. With her quiet confidence and approachable nature, Heather contributes to the welcoming, familiar environment that patients have come to appreciate over the years.
A graduate of Herzing University, Heather was drawn to the dental field through her early love of going to the dentist and a desire to work in healthcare. She finds genuine joy in connecting with patients, listening to their stories, remembering their journeys, and building relationships that span years.
When she’s not assisting chairside, Heather enjoys spending time with her dogs and working a few days a week at a local nursing home, a role that reflects her deep appreciation for seniors and her natural inclination toward caregiving.
And here’s a fun fact: when Heather was eight, she lived in Belgium, an experience that still gives her great stories to share with her patients.
Mary
Dental Assistant
Mary has been dedicated to the dental field since 1983 and has been a valued member of the Glen Lake Dental team since 2001. She received her dental assisting training from Lakeland Dental Academy, where she built the strong clinical foundation she continues to apply every day.
Mary’s favorite part of her work is the variety of patients she interacts with, each bringing their own personality and story. She enjoys building connections and being part of a team that helps patients feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside the office, Mary finds joy in walking and spending time with friends and family. Her calm presence and decades of experience make her a trusted and appreciated part of both the team and the patient experience at Glen Lake Dental.
Jenny
Patient Care Coordinator
Jenny is often the first friendly face or helpful voice patients encounter at Glen Lake Dental. As our patient coordinator since 2020, she guides patients through the frequently confusing world of dental insurance with clarity and care. Her background in film studies and business marketing from the University of Minnesota adds a creative and organized edge to her role, making her a vital part of the front office team.
Jenny loves being part of a workplace that feels more like a family. That closeness extends to the patients, too, many of whom feel right at home thanks to the warm, supportive environment she helps create.
When she’s not at the front desk, you’ll likely find Jenny in the kitchen cooking up something delicious, planning her next travel adventure, or out walking Duke, her beloved St. Bernard. A lifelong athlete, she’s also been playing softball with her high school friends for over 30 years, proof that some teams really do last a lifetime.
Kari
Patient Care Coordinator
Kari joined Glen Lake Dental in 2021 and brings a friendly, team-focused energy to the front desk every day. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, she takes pride in making each patient feel welcomed and enjoys seeing them leave with a smile.
Whether she’s helping patients navigate appointments or supporting her team behind the scenes, Kari believes in the power of kindness and teamwork to create a positive experience.
Outside the office, Kari enjoys spending time outdoors, especially skiing, biking, and hiking.
And for a fun twist, she loves playing the tambourine!