Meet Our Doctors

Our Mission Statement

We strive to provide each patient with the highest quality of care to restore and maintain optimal oral health and function. Our goal is that each patient has a smile that’s not only healthy, but one of which they can be proud!

Our care will be delivered in a manner empathetic to each patient’s individual needs and in an atmosphere which is comfortable and personal.

We appreciative the trust and confidence each patient places in us and we strive to exceed all expectations.

Dr. Shelley Wakefield | President

Welcome to our practice! We are honored that you have chosen us to serve you. My staff and I will work hard to earn your trust and confidence.

In the 25 years that I have been practicing dentistry, I have found it to be such an exciting experience! Each day brings new delights, new challenges, new rewards, and new friends.

I was reared in Burnsville, but fled to warmer climes and received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Florida. Lonesome for snow(?!), I returned home and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1982.

I opened my dental practice the next year and have thoroughly enjoyed each day with my patients. I achieved my goal of building a new home for my practice in 1998. My building was designed with the comfort of you, the patient, in mind. Cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy refreshments while you watch the birds in our aviary.

I am committed to continuing education for myself and my staff. Dental technology is quickly changing and I believe we have a duty to keep our techniques and materials the best available.

I am one of fewer than 100 dentists in Minnesota to have completed the University of Minnesota’s Post-Doctorate Degree Program in Cosmetic Dentistry. Creating beautiful smiles is one of my passions, and one of the most rewarding areas of my practice. I am a member of the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association, the St. Paul District Dental Society, SCADA, and the Academy of General Dentistry. I also actively participate in many study clubs and groups.

My husband and I and our two daughters live in Burnsville. I came to parenthood later in life than most. In 1994 I traded writing, Muskie fishing and needlework for peanut butter kisses. In our home, Mom carries the briefcase and Mr. Mom chases away the monsters under the bed.

I demonstrate my dedication to education by speaking to community education, and parenting classes. I frequently speak to children in schools, church groups, and Girl and Boy Scouts, etc. We give back to the community through donations to the schools, women’s shelters, the Red Cross, local food shelves, Toys for Tots, and other service organizations. We are proud to open our doors for the “Give Kids A Smile” day sponsored by the ADA, where we donate dental treatment to children.

Children are important people in my practice and I am proud to have seen many of my original patients go off to college cavity-free. Many of our families have three generations seeing us.

We offer a wide range of general dental services, including cosmetics (smile design, veneers, white fillings and crowns), restorative treatment, periodontal services, etc. We think you will find that we offer a level of patient service that is unique and individualized to each patient’s needs and concerns. We take the trust you have placed in us very seriously, and we will work hard to exceed your expectations.

Dr. Bennett Isabella | Associate

Hello, and welcome! Here at Dakota Dental Clinic we have surrounded our Doctors with an exceptional team. Each of our staff is dedicated to bringing you caring and comfortable dentistry. Large portions of our new patients come from our current patients telling their friends and family about the extra care, time, and gentleness of our service. I pride myself on being able to help patients who are “scared of the dentist” and have them walk out of the office comfortable and with good oral health. I am sure you will find that once you come in to meet us you will have found your new dental home.

I grew up locally in Burnsville; attending school in the area where I graduated from Apple Valley Senior High. After graduation I moved on to college at Marquette University in Milwaukee graduating with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. I then continued my education at Marquette University, attending the School of Dentistry from which I received my D.D.S. degree. However, I consider myself a life-long learner; I am very involved with continuing education taking hundreds of hours of training each year to make sure I am providing my patients with the most up-to-date and best treatment available.

Honestly, I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a dentist. While in high school I even did a mentorship at a local practice of the dentist I had been seeing since childhood; which happened to be Dr. Wakefield at Dakota Dental Clinic! So, I really have been a part of this practice for a long time – from a patient who observed firsthand the way patients should be cared for, to now, a Dentist who continues to strive for great care every day.

It was an easy decision upon receiving my D.D.S degree, to decide to come back home. Anyone who has lived here knows that you can’t find a more caring community to be a part of. I wanted to move back, and establish myself as a community dentist in a place where I can settle down to stay. I know this is the right fit for me. I grew up with the people in this area – I share the same values of the local communities and look forward to continuing to grow together.

I love living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! It brings me back to one of my favorite pastimes – fishing! I am also very involved in triathlons and running and participate in multiple races a year. I am always looking for other people to join for group training, so let me know if you’re interested!
Dentistry is a very important part of who I am. I always strive to provide my patients with the same respect, care and compassion that everyone on our fabulous dental team here provides. My personal goal is to make sure you are always satisfied, and always comfortable.

I welcome you to the practice and look forward to meeting each of you!

Meet Our Staff

Our Greatest Asset: Our Staff

Julie has been practicing hygiene in Apple Valley for over two decades. She considers her patients friends and they appreciate her gentle touch. She provides individualized attention and is committed to education to ensure her patients receive the best dentistry has to offer. Let her introduce herself:

Hello, my name is Julie. I am a licensed Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of clinical experience.

When my previous employer of over eighteen years retired I was faced with finding another office where I could feel comfortable yet challenged in my daily work. I believe that I have found that here at Dr. Wakefield’s office. I’m excited to be a part of this great team!.

My home is in Lakeville with my husband, two sons, and our dog Kirby. When we aren’t busy with school activities, we enjoy cooking and working outside in our yard. Yes, we’re those crazy people who actually enjoy yard work!

The people that I see at work each day are more than just mouths to me. I truly enjoy learning about my patients. Dental visits are much more fun if we have things to talk about. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know each of you!

Cheri, Dental hygienist, has been keeping smiles healthy for almost twenty years. Her cheerful disposition and generous nature make her a valued friend as well as a cherished co-worker. Let her introduce herself:

I have been a dental hygienist for over twenty years and I still love what I do! Dr. Wakefield and I have been together for fifteen years now and I hope to be here many more.

My latest accomplishment has been to come out of my dinosaur years and embrace new technology. I was terrified to learn the recent addition of digital radiography to our clinic, however, I found out I could really do it and actually like it. I have mastered the computer navigation and going to paperless charting can be fun!

My husband Bert and I are enjoying our empty nest. Our newest adventure has been 4-wheeling in the woods up north. We also enjoy walking, traveling, reading and our clan of adorable grandchildren.

My chair-side assistant, Ashley is our shining star. She is just the soothing voice and gentle touch you want to experience when you are in the dental chair. Don’t let her youthful appearance fool you…she is an experienced professional who is constantly on the go! Let her introduce herself:

Even when I was young, I knew the dental field is where I wanted to be, and I am very happy with my choice. After high school I attended Dakota County Technical College and graduated with a Dental Assisting Degree. I have always enjoyed learning, which is important, considering the ever-changing advancements in dental technology. I enjoy my career a great deal and I am very thankful for the great group of women I have found here at Dr. Wakefield’s office.

I was born in Duluth, moved to the cities when I was young and grew up in Cottage Grove. I now live in Apple Valley.

My two precious girls keep me very busy as I try to balance their busy lives. We take frequent trips to visit our family in Duluth and love play time at the cabin.

I look forward to getting to know each of you!

Euguenia is one of fewer than 50 Registered Assistants in Minnesota to have Restorative Function Certification. We are excited to have her assisting chairside, as she brings with her a wide range of experience in dentistry and other fields. If we have a question about chemistry, we ask her! Let her introduce herself:

My name is Genny. I have been in dentistry since 1983. Originally I am from Bulgaria, a small country in Southeast Europe, near Greece and Turkey. I worked in dental offices in my country and Sweden.

After traveling a lot with my family, we finally decided to settle down in Minnesota. From our first day we fell in love with the nature and the people here.

I have worked with Dr. Wakefield since moving to Minnesota almost a decade ago. I enjoy the friendships I have developed with my co-workers and I enjoy working with all of our patients.

I recently completed the requirements set forth by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry to gain my licensure as a “Restorative Function” Assistant. There are fewer than 50 Registered Dental Assistants in Minnesota, with this designation. I am now able to restore teeth after the doctor has prepared them. I am excited about my new duties and find it very rewarding to assist Dr. Wakefield on a different level.

Jacque is a valued member of our front office team. She is always smiling, and her kind and generous nature have proven to help make our patients more comfortable. Whether you are scheduling an appointment, navigating through insurance issues, or arranging financing, you will find Jacque to be knowledgeable, thorough, kind, and respectful. Let her introduce herself

Hello, my name is Jacque. I am the Treatment Coordinator here at Dakota Dental.

I have been in dentistry since 1987. attended I Lakeland Academy in Minneapolis and ultimately became a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant. For many years I worked as a chair side dental assistant. Now, working in the front office I am enjoying working with patients in a different aspect of their dental treatment.

My home is in Hastings with my husband, two teenage children and two cats. When I am not working, I enjoy gourmet cooking, decorating and entertaining family and friends.

I am thrilled to be part of a team of such dedicated people. I am also happy to see that Dakota Dental and Dr. Wakefield have so many loyal patients that value excellent dentistry.

Devon is the newest member of our assisting team. She has an effervescent personality, a gentle touch, and is a fun co-worker. Let her introduce herself:

Hello, my name is Devon. I am a graduate of Herzing University for Dental Assisting. I always knew the medical field was for me. I am very blessed to have found a career that is very rewarding and diverse. There are always new and exciting opportunities in the dental field. I am very happy to have found an office that is warm and comforting not only for me, but for patients as well. I live in Burnsville and enjoy being outside snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. I also like going to rodeos and monster truck racing. I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a Bronze medal Olympian.

I especially enjoy the relationships I develop with my patients and look forward to getting to know each of you!