Owatonna dentist leads state group
A veteran dentist from Owatonna has taken over the reins of the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA).
Dr. Tim Holland was installed as president of the MDA at the group’s annual House of Delegates meeting in Rochester earlier this month.
He has been practicing dentistry in Owatonna for the past 26 years. In addition, he has been involved with organized dentistry by serving on the MDA’s Dental Education Committee, Dental Marketplace Committee and Dental Practice and Operations Task Force. He has twice served as president of the Southeastern District Dental Society.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” said Holland. “It should be a great year.”
Just two weeks ago he was one of nine delegates from Minnesota who attended a national conference in San Antonio.
About 3,000 dentists from across Minnesota are represented in the MDA, which provides the voice of dentistry throughout the state. Those dentists cover about 70% of the market share, according to Holland. The association, he said, is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans.
“We’re out to support the dentists and promote oral health throughout the state,” said Holland, who grew up in Elmore, Minn.
Holland pointed out how the MDA works hard to provide education and training for dentists and offer advocacy to the public as well as communication.
He said the greatest issue facing dentists right now is one that seems to affect many industries—work force shortages. Holland blamed COVID-19 for “scaring some people” out of dentistry. Many retirements have also taken effect in the past few years.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Holland said of finding workers. He added MDA is working with various work groups on solving the lack of dental workers.
MDA provided great support for dentists who had to be closed for two months at the height of the pandemic in 2020, Holland said.
The group is focused on patient safety as well as coming up with different treatments for patients.
Of the MDA’s purpose, Holland said, “Ultimately, it ties back to make oral health stronger and safer for everyone.”
Holland is an active volunteer in Owatonna as he has served as treasurer for the Children’s Remedial Fund and as a board member and collaborative dentist for Let’s Smile. He volunteers his time and talents at the Owatonna Free Dental Clinic.
He is also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
In 1996, Holland took over the dental practice of Dr. John Betlach, who retired.
“Owatonna has been a great community to live in and have my kids grow up in,” Holland said, adding he likes the feel of a smaller community.
Prior to coming to Owatonna, Holland served in a General Practice Residency program at the Minneapolis VA Hospital. He is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Holland and his wife, Diane, have two children.