CASPER, Wyo. — Casper-area residents now have a new option for dental care with the opening of a new Aspen Dental practice led by owner and dentist David Thielen.
Thielen, who studied at St. John’s University and Southern Illinois University, said his interest in healthcare began early. Although he once hoped to become a surgeon, a chipped tooth sustained during high school helped steer him toward dentistry.
“I remember thinking it was like magic how they fixed it,” Thielen said, recalling the experience that sparked his interest in the field.
Thielen emphasized that listening to patients is central to his approach to care.
“The most important thing is making sure patients feel heard and understand their treatment,” he said. “Once they’re comfortable, everything else follows.”
After graduating from dental school, Thielen worked in Illinois, Iowa and Arizona. While in Phoenix, he began working with Aspen Dental and opened his first practice through the organization. He said Aspen Dental’s extensive professional network was a major draw.
“I have access to about 1,200 doctors if I need advice or support,” he said. “That level of collaboration is invaluable.”
Thielen decided to open the Casper location in part to be closer to family in Minnesota and to raise his growing family in a smaller community. His wife is expecting their first child.
Since relocating, he said he has quickly grown fond of Casper’s close-knit atmosphere.
The new Aspen Dental office offers services ranging from routine checkups to emergency care, dentures, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Thielen said he hopes to add a specialist in the future to provide root canal treatments.
The office is located at 5081 E. 2nd St. and is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
“We’re excited to be part of the community,” Thielen said. “We’re here to help.”
