Meet Dr. Melissa Zettler
Dr. Melissa Zettler DDS, AAACD has two demonstrable passions, the first being the desire to learn and the second the ability to help and assist people. With regards to learning, it began when she first received her undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College. From there she continued into the Dental Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Her efforts were rewarded by graduating with honors. This first phase was then finished by completing a one-year residency at the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis.
As her professional career developed in dentistry, she has continued that desire to learn by following the technological advancements in her field. She realizes that these improvements bring with them a win-win scenario. They both improve the procedures for the practitioner as well as the experience for the patient. Several examples that can be found in use in her office today are the CEREC same-day crown scanners, Invisalign, and 3-D printers. The acquisition of these advancements comes with countless hours of training to benefit her patients.
Dr. Zettler has been a fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists since 2015. This fellowship is earned after her proficiency is proven through continued studies, testing and then the submission of successful cases. Dr. Zettler appreciates that every patient’s smile is as unique to them as their individual fingerprints. She gets great satisfaction in seeing the transformation of a smile, restoring an undervalued asset to a healthy attribute again. This is done frequently through the number of dental implant procedures she performs.
She finds value in a plan. Each patient begins with an individual plan. At Cherrywood dental much of the implant planning is done without the patient in the chair. She accomplishes this by using the 3-D scanners to fabricate surgical guides that reduce procedural time and increases accuracy. The result is an experience that is much easier than expected for the patient.
On an occasion it may be determined, through that planning, that the patient may need tissue or bone grafting. Dr. Zettler has also completed advanced training in these areas of expertise. Gum grafting is treating receding gums. Receding gums might be the result of the age of the patient, the patient suffering from periodontal disease or simply being too aggressive with their brushing techniques. Dr. Zettler prefers the Vista grafting approach, which is conservative and effective. This method repairs the gum tissue restoring the health of both the gums and the exposed teeth.
Another unique attribute of Dr. Zettler is the application of Bioclear to improve a smile. With some patients there might be too much space between several teeth affecting the perception of a healthy smile. The Bioclear method is an advanced bonding procedure. Dr. Zettler can design and apply this injection composite that has a longer life expectancy than traditional bonding and results in a healthy tooth, no gaps, and a healthy smile.
Dr. Zettler continues her quest to improve smiles by enrolling in several courses offered through the Spear Institute. These programs focus on restoring smiles and are heartfelt in their delivery. Dr. Zettler has now become a mentor through this institute helping her peers in the dental sciences. Dr. Zettler genuinely enjoys mentoring and helping others to improve their skills too. She also participated in continuing education through the Dawson Academy engaging in hands-on-training designed to clarify concepts. If that is not enough, she leads a regional study club and sits on the board of the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
She has been trained to understand the pain of TMJ issues and can administer complex restorative solutions. For over 26 years Dr. Zettler has provided excellent service to dental patients in the Savage and surrounding area. She continues to improve dental procedures through the CEREC method, the digitally driven Invisalign, the Vista gum grafting, dental implant, the Bioclear method as well as traditional veneers. Call the Cherrywood office today to schedule a consultation to see what approach might be available to improve the quality of your smile.
Recent Patient Highlight
Dr. Zettler & Team at Cherrywood Dental Care provided a modest smile design package for Shannon's upcoming wedding.
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WHAT IS AACD ACCREDITATION?
Not all cosmetic dentists are created equal. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Accreditation program sets a high bar—recognizing those with exceptional skill, experience, and commitment to excellence. Accreditation is an honor, and only 6 dentists in Minnesota have accomplished this achievement. Here’s my journey to becoming one of them.
The first step toward earning Fellowship in the AACD is achieving Accreditation—a rigorous process that tests a dentist’s knowledge, clinical skill, and commitment to excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Here’s what it takes:
1. Written Examination
This comprehensive exam evaluates a dentist’s foundational knowledge in cosmetic dentistry. It’s administered during the AACD’s Annual Scientific Session.
2. Clinical Case Submissions
Dentists must submit five detailed cases, each representing a different cosmetic treatment type. These cases include photographic and radiographic documentation, along with written reports. All submissions are reviewed anonymously by a panel of five AACD examiners, focusing on diagnostic accuracy and clinical excellence.
3. Oral Examination
This final step assesses both clinical reasoning and communication skills. Dentists are asked to verify and discuss their submitted cases and are also presented with a new case to diagnose and treatment plan in real time with examiners.
4. Accreditation Awarded
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the dentist is officially recognized as an Accredited Member of the AACD during a formal ceremony at the next Scientific Session.
It’s a demanding path—but one that elevates a dentist to the highest standards of cosmetic care.