Dr. Sarah Carlson is a proud fourth-generation resident of the St. Croix Valley who is dedicated to providing life-changing dentistry to her hometown.

A Deep Connection To Stillwater, MN

From the moment she began her dental career in 2001, Dr. Carlson dreamed of helping her friends and neighbors achieve greater confidence and well-being. That dream became a reality in 2018 when she opened her dental practice here in Stillwater. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1997 and loves calling this picturesque city home. Her deep roots in the community drive her commitment to providing exceptional care to the people she grew up with and the families who make this area so special.

A Philosophy Of Compassionate & Personalized Care

Dr. Carlson approaches dentistry with a foundation of honesty, compassion, and a deep commitment to treating every patient like a close friend or family member. Her goal is to create healthy, radiant smiles that contribute to your overall wellness and functional health.

She understands that good dentistry takes time, and she brings an incredible eye for detail to every procedure. Her greatest joy comes from transforming lives by restoring smiles that have been worn, damaged, or lost, helping patients rediscover their self-esteem.

Our Stillwater DDS
Our modern dental exam room with chair, tools, and large windows with plants, conveying a calm, welcoming environment.
Carlson Dental Group Office exterior
Our StillwaterDentist in mask and loupes performs a procedure on a patient, highlighting focused clinical care.
Our Stillwater dentist looking over a patients chart

Advanced Clinical Focus & Education

After earning her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota in 2005, Dr. Carlson has pursued countless hours of advanced training. Her passion for learning ensures that our practice remains at the forefront of modern dental techniques and technology.

She has been trained by world-renowned experts in minimally invasive techniques and dental restorations that perfectly mimic natural teeth. This extensive education enables her to deliver a high level of precision and artistry in every treatment plan, ensuring lasting results.

Focus Areas In Life-Changing Dentistry

Our team is dedicated to comprehensive care that goes beyond basic maintenance. Dr. Carlson focuses her clinical expertise on several key areas to deliver truly transformative results for our patients.

  • Cosmetic dentistry and high-end aesthetic smile design
  • Dental implants for permanent tooth replacement
  • Invisalign clear aligner therapy for comfortable tooth movement
  • TMJ care and bite therapy to relieve chronic tension
  • Sleep-related dental care to support better breathing and rest

Life Outside The Practice

When she is not helping patients achieve beautiful smiles, Dr. Carlson and her husband, Hal Peterson, embrace every adventure they can find together. You will often spot them around town, enjoying the charm of Stillwater with their two beloved standard poodles.

They love to cook, boat, ski, and hike together in the great outdoors. Currently, they are taking on the exciting challenge of extensively remodeling their historic home by doing much of the work themselves.

Hear From Our Patients

We are incredibly grateful for the trust our community places in Dr. Carlson to care for their smiles. Please read what our patients have to say about their experiences at our Stillwater office.

Helpful Tips & Info

Patient Education Articles

We believe that informed patients can make the best decisions for their long-term oral health. That’s why Dr. Sarah Carlson, your Stillwater, MN dentist, invites you to explore our collection of articles to learn more about treatments and at-home care.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth?

November 24th, 2025|

Losing a permanent tooth can feel overwhelming. Whether it happens from injury, decay, or gum disease, the experience often leaves patients feeling self-conscious and concerned about their oral health. If the missing tooth sits in the back of your mouth, you may feel tempted to ignore it. Many patients in [...]

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