Dentist in La Crosse
Get to Know
Dr. Robert Saphner
Dr. Saphner says there is no better feeling in the world than leaving our La Crosse dental office feeling like he truly accomplished something for our patients. Seeing the differences he can make by helping someone who is in pain or self-conscious about their smile is what motivates him every day, and he can’t wait to welcome you into his practice.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Saphner always knew healthcare and applied science was where he wanted his career to end up. He also liked doing things with his hands, feeling, touching, and seeing changes that improve people’s lives. He started on the nursing track in school, and after some great mentorship, he switched and went into chemistry. However, this made him miss applied science. He went on to work at the VA for four years while in college and experienced every part of the hospital. One Saturday at 4 AM, he was riding his bike to work when he noticed that every light in the hospital was on. That was when he decided that the best place for him was a medical field where the stakes weren’t as high, which is why he eventually found his home in dentistry.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Saphner began his college career at Edgewood College in Madison before going on to earn his dental degree from the University of Minnesota. He has worked extremely hard since finishing school to grow his knowledge and refine his skillset. To date, he has completed over 500 hours of continuing education, has a dental implant fellowship, and holds Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists in both the U.S. and Canada. He has also studied with Spear Education.
Dr. Saphner is also involved in various professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and Wisconsin Dental Association.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Dr. Saphner’s parents, grandparents, and ancestors all come from La Crosse, so he is thrilled to be serving the community that means so much to him. He comes from a medical family, with an oncologist father, nurse mother, and gastroenterologist sister. His twin brother currently works for KPG in Chicago. Dr. Saphner likes to stay busy when he’s not working, and you’ll often find him fishing, hunting, building furniture, growing tomatoes, or even running marathons in his free time. He also keeps bees! A fun fact: Prior to becoming a dentist, Dr. Saphner spent a year in New Zealand working in a 5-star kitchen.