Pediatrics Team

Our Providers

Dr. Nathaniel Cook – Director of Pediatrics, Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Cook joined Apple Tree Dental in 2018, and in early 2021 became Apple Tree’s Director of Pediatrics. Dr. Cook believes all children, regardless of circumstances or abilities, deserve access to high quality, personalized, and compassionate dental care. He believes it is critical to understand the unique needs of each child, and ensure that parents and caregivers are involved in the care process of their children. He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Read the rest of Dr. Cook’s bio.

Dr. Quentin Knutson – Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Quentin Knutson joined the Apple Tree Dental team in mid-2021. He believes all kids have tremendous potential and he enjoys teaming up with families to help their kids reach this potential. Dr. Knutson is compassionate and aims to treat all children the way he would want his children treated. And, he sees treating children and patients with disabilities as a great responsibility and privilege. He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Read the rest of Dr. Knutson’s bio.

Heather Luebben, ADT – Dental Therapist

Heather was one of the first Dental Therapy program graduates in the state of Minnesota and has been with Apple Tree Dental since 2008. Heather has been a crucial member of the pediatric team, helped develop Apple Tree Dental’s Teledentistry program, and helps educate and oversee clinical rotations for Dental Therapy students. She enjoys using her preventive and restorative dentistry skills to help patients improve their overall oral health. Read the rest of Heather’s bio.

Our Hygienists and Assistants

Valerie – Licensed Dental Hygienist

Valerie has been with Apple Tree since February 2018. She loves working with her hands, and she enjoys teaching kids about how to keep their mouths healthy. She can’t wait to take a look at your teeth!

Alisha – Licensed Dental Assistant

Alisha has been with Apple Tree since April 2013 and has her Sedation Monitoring certification. She loves watching kids overcome their fear and accomplish their treatment needs. She is very adaptable and has a special talent working with children!

Natalie – Licensed Dental Assistant

Natalie started working at Apple Tree in 2011. She finds working with children so rewarding and knows that a positive dental experience can affect a child’s outlook on oral health. Natalie has her Restorative Expanded Functions certification, Sedation Monitoring certification, and experience with special needs, general anesthesia, and mobile dentistry.

Madi – Licensed Dental Assistant

Madi started working for Apple Tree in 2021 and has her Sedation Monitoring certification. She enjoys working with Dr. Knutson to help kids learn about oral health and to make good experiences for children who are nervous about coming to the dentist. She’s definitely “the office Elsa”!

Patha V. – Licensed Dental Assistant

Our Administrators

Chandra Stapher – Office Manager

Chandra started working for Apple Tree Dental in September 2004. She enjoys building strong relationships with our patients and their families and watching them develop trust in our staff. Chandra is passionate about Apple Tree’s mission and the impact on the community. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her husband and two children.

Stephanie – Pediatric Specialty Care Coordinator

Stephanie has been with the Apple Tree family since February 2020. She enjoys partnering with parents to complete the best treatment for their children while making the dentist a fun, safe, and stress-free place for their kids. She is a joyful person who loves to make others laugh and loves to show off her office plants.

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What do we look like in the Clinic?

For your child’s safety and for the safety of our staff, we have some special clothes we wear called “Personal Protective Equipment.” We wear masks, coats, gloves, special glasses, and more. But, we’re still the same friendly pediatric team underneath all the special equipment!