About Our Team

Susan


Establishing long-term professional relationships with my patients is the foundation of my practice. My philosophy is to devote as much time as needed on behalf of each and every person that becomes part of our dental community. I listen, follow through and communicate with my patients. Every one of our patients can be assured that their care is individually tailored to their needs and goals for health, comfort and confidence.

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After graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1982, I established a private practice in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. I have been at this location for the past 32 years. I am currently teaching at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in the General Practice Residency program. I am honored to be affiliated with the education of future clinicians in dentistry. In striving to be on top of the ever-changing field of dentistry, I participate in extensive continuing professional development activities and community service activities. Click here to read more about them.

Maria


I am an Iowa girl, raised by an energetic Ecuadorian woman and a calm American farm boy who taught me to love the game of tennis. My passion for tennis led me to play competitively at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where I met my lovely husband, Dr. Joseph Rinaldi. We have been married for 17 years and together we manage our crazy, fun, and emotional household of four boys: Joseph, Rasmus, Vedder and Enzo. We love to travel around the world to explore the beauty and adventure nature has to offer. We enjoy family road trips, rock climbing, listening to vinyl records, karaoking, biking, playing basketball in our driveway and throwing the football in the backyard. Instead of trying for a girl, my family bought a cute, female Lhasa Bichon named Emry.

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Since I graduated in 2004, my dental journey has been filled with very different and wonderful opportunities ranging from the United States Air Force, a large corporate company, small private group practice, and finally landing at Dr. Susan Gross’s practice.

Over the past 5 years, I have reshaped my practice philosophy by diving deep into the “why” things happen to patients after seeing years of declining oral and systemic health. My push for constant learning and questioning arose from my four boys. I wasn’t getting the answers from experts that I needed. I knew there had to be a better way to practice if I opened my eyes and mind. I started out by learning how a patient’s bite is affected by the muscle habits and the TMJ position, which allowed me to rehabilitate their bite. This led me to ask the question “why does a bite get out of whack in the first place?” I found the most compelling research and evidence out there. I completed continuing education courses, traveled, and read as much as possible in all areas to become an airway-centric focused dentist. I started practicing the newly learned concepts on my four boys. I heavily pursued learning about the evolution of humans, epigenetics, and nasal breathing. This brought me to the complete understanding of how our whole body is truly connected and affected by the lifestyles we live each day.

I am offering a different approach to dentistry and treatment options that address the root causes to help all ages thrive to optimal health and enjoy a full life.

Professional training and certificates:
University of Iowa: College of Dentistry (Iowa) 2004
United States Air Force AEGD (Scott AF base, Illinois) 2004-2005
Intravenous Sedation certificate (2005)
United State Air Force (Mountain Home, Idaho) 2005-2007
The Dawson Academy Core Curriculum 2014-2106
The International Airway Symposium 2019
Orthotropic Early Intervention 2020
The Breathe Institute Core Curriculum 2021

Memberships:
The American Association of Oral and Systemic Health (AAOSH) member
The American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD) member
The Dawson Academy Ambassador
The Breathe Institute Ambassador

Dr. Maria Miller-Rinaldi

Rollie


I graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental Hygiene Program in 1978, and have spent much of my career working in pediatric dentistry.  My accomplishments in the field of dental hygiene, including teaching childen and their parents the many benefits of healthy dental care, have been personally very rewarding.

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I joined Dr. Gross and her team in 2011 as a business administrator.  I’m enjoying the challenge of this exciting new career shift. I love getting to form personal relationships with each of our patients as they walk through our door and contributing my skills to Dr. Gross’s team whom I’ve come to love.

Outside the office, my biggest joy is spending time with friends and family, especially the times spent hugging and playing with my grandkids.  I also love traveling, cooking and experiencing new foods, home projects, enjoying the outdoors and reading on my Kindle.

Patty


I received my degree in dental assisting from Century College in 2000. A desire to learn the latest advancements in dentistry and continue my education is what attracted me to Dr. Gross’ office.

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I bring more than 16 years of general dentistry experience to my role and love having the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Gross and provide the absolute best possible dental care in a warm and caring environment.

If I’m not at the office, you’ll most likely find me refining my professional photography skills, perfecting the art of specialty cake baking, or spending family time with my husband and two kids.