Growing up in a low-income Toronto neighborhood, Dr. Suzan Ekim walked to her orthodontist appointments because her family did not own a car. The experience left a lasting impression. Watching her teeth gradually straighten sparked a vision for her future and set her on a path toward orthodontics.
With the support of mentors and strong determination, Ekim became an orthodontist at just 26, earlier than many of her peers. Nearly two decades later, she continues to practice with the same sense of purpose. She has owned Ekim Orthodontics in Prior Lake and Burnsville for 18 years and says she remains deeply fulfilled by her career.
Ekim describes orthodontics as a blend of science and art. She likens each case to a puzzle, visualizing the final result long before treatment is complete. Patients often arrive feeling overwhelmed, especially younger ones. Ekim reassures them with confidence built from experience, reminding them that she has guided thousands through the same process.
While many patients focus on the cosmetic benefits of straight teeth, Ekim emphasizes long-term health. Proper alignment makes daily care easier and reduces the risk of gum disease, bone loss, and other complications. She also notes that good oral health can support overall wellness, including breathing and cardiovascular health.
As technology advances, Ekim remains cautious about the growing role of predictive artificial intelligence in orthodontics. While AI can assist with planning, she believes it cannot replace clinical judgment. Human growth patterns vary widely, and factors such as bone structure, movement mechanics, and patient goals require individualized expertise. AI may help start a plan, she says, but customization must come from a trained orthodontist.
That same commitment to personalized care defines the work of Dr. Michele Olson, a pediatric dentist dedicated to serving children with special health care needs. Olson’s focus emerged early in her career at a community clinic and deepened after her daughter was born with Down syndrome.
Today, Olson practices at MapleTree Pediatric Dentistry in Maplewood and Forest Lake, where an estimated 20 to 30 percent of patients have special needs. She understands how overwhelming dental visits can be for these families and works to create a safe, flexible environment. Exams may take place in waiting rooms or even cars, depending on what helps a child feel secure.
The clinic emphasizes positive experiences over speed. Children may attend “happy visits” simply to become familiar with the space. Sensory supports such as dimmed lights, fidget toys, headphones, and weighted aprons are standard tools. Care plans are adapted for children with feeding tubes, oral aversions, or heightened sensitivities, and parents receive guidance for at-home care.
Beyond her practice, Olson volunteers extensively, serves as a faculty advisor, and teaches part time at the University of Minnesota. She says the greatest reward is seeing fearful children grow confident over time.
Together, stories like Ekim’s and Olson’s highlight how dental care extends beyond procedures. It shapes confidence, health, and quality of life.
Their work is reflected in the selection of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s 2026 Top Dentists, a list representing about 10 percent of active dentists in the Twin Cities metro area. Candidates are nominated by peers, evaluated through research and review panels, and selected based on professional excellence and reputation.
While no list can be definitive, it offers a starting point for patients seeking trusted professionals. The recognition underscores a broader truth: exceptional dental care is built on skill, compassion, and a commitment to serving patients as individuals.