Education:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (2003), Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee WI
  • Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry (2011), University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Las Vegas, NV

Special Professional Interests

Prior to focusing on Pediatric Dentistry, I practiced general dentistry for 8 years. Part of this time was as a Captain in the United States Air Force.  One of my assignments was outside of Tokyo, Japan. I treated military active duty and their dependents.  It was in Japan that I gained experience in pediatric dentistry and loved treating children in a dental setting. My passion grew with experience and witnessing a fearful child learn to feel comfortable and ultimately enjoy seeing the dentist. What better way to have an impact on an individual early in life.  I can help patients overcome their fears at a young age. I love helping people in dentistry and life.

Professional Activities

  • Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Association of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentists
  • Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota Pediatric Dental Residency and Pre-Dental Program

Verified Patient Reviews

4.8 out of 5 (38 Reviews) (15 Comments)

Overall patient ratings are based on the average score given by The Dental Specialists patients who voluntarily complete a satisfaction survey from Press Ganey, a nationally recognized firm dedicated to improving patient experience. Click to learn more about our patient ratings.

Data Integrity Press Ganey Certified
Star rating
5 out of 5
September 23, 2025
The dentist is wonderful and very patient focused. Even when telling my young daughter she has a cavity she was still gentle about it and gave us helpful tips for better prevention!
Star rating
5 out of 5
July 25, 2025
Dr Tafoya was excellent. Took great care, was wonderful with Sloane. She even moved things around to give us the time we needed to get a procedure done immediately.
Star rating
5 out of 5
June 11, 2025
We have been going here for 3 years. I would recommend this place.
Star rating
5 out of 5
June 11, 2025
Never had a problem with any of the staff. They are all professional.
Star rating
5 out of 5
November 14, 2024
As a parent, I was very nervous for the procedure, but the staff was amazing! They treated my son with so much care, we will be continuing his care at your clinic.
Star rating
5 out of 5
September 22, 2024
Dentist Tafoya was excellent. This was our first visit at the Dental Specialist. My daughter was especially nervous but she did a great job explaining all the tools and steps to ease my daughter's mind. We left feeling heard and hopeful!
Star rating
5 out of 5
August 5, 2024
The dentist put my daughter's anxiety at ease. We are now prepared for her upcoming extractions. She used language in terms for children and made us all very comfortable. I was very happy.
Star rating
5 out of 5
April 8, 2024
Very courteous, friendly, professional and caring
Star rating
3.6 out of 5
January 24, 2024
Dentist was very kind and answered all of my questions. I felt like I had to ask a lot of questions to get the information I needed. I wish she would have explained what the situation was, why it was happening and why we needed the treatment we do wit multiple visits.
Star rating
5 out of 5
July 19, 2023
The dentist and assistant kept my son calm and explained what they were going to do.
Star rating
5 out of 5
July 13, 2023
Dr Tafoya is amazing!
Star rating
5 out of 5
June 26, 2023
I was overall very satisfied with the experience that both my sons had. The assistants and doctors were genuine, kind, and definitely specialized in working with children. I love their interactions with my boys. It made me and my husband feel like we came to the right place. We have been bringing our boys to the Blaines Kidds Dentistry and although they had an environment designed for children but the interactions were not like that at all. This was truly a great experience! Thank you!
Star rating
5 out of 5
December 5, 2022
The dentist was very informative and was great with my child. She made her feel very comfortable and was great with the kids!
Star rating
5 out of 5
December 5, 2022
My daughter loved her first experience at this office everyone made her feel comfortable and she really looks forward to coming back! They are a great team
Star rating
5 out of 5
August 10, 2022
I have been to many dentists over many years and I am a therapist. Dr. Tafoya is an outstanding dentist, and an outstanding human. Excellent at explanation, comforting kids with good diplomacy. Not one thing she did was less that outstanding. You should try to expand her hours immediately, and ensure she is well-compensated relative to her peers in the field in the twin cities. You never want to lose her.