Meet Our Team


Dentists

Seth Amadio, DDS

Undergraduate: Pre-dental, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, 2010

Dr. Amadio was recognized for his excellence and academic achievement by the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration. He has a personal mission of helping others which includes organizing local events for Give Kids a Smile which provides free dental care for the underserved children in the area as well as volunteering at the Franciscan Health Center.

Dr. Amadio strives to provide patients with the highest standard in dental care. He puts his patients needs first and provides care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. He encourages open communication and stresses prevention and education as important aspects in providing optimal oral health care.

Memberships & Associations

  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Northeast District Dental Society
  • Great Lakes Study Club
  • Spear Study Club

In their free time Dr. Amadio and his wife Anya enjoy hiking, skiing, gardening, and cooking. They also enjoy spending time with their families and their two dogs Lexi and Simba.

Ross A. Anderson, DDS

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, Gustavus Adolphus College-St. Peter, MN 2001

Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, 2010

Dr. Anderson grew up in Eau Claire, WI and later went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.  With a career in dentistry always in mind, he spent a number of years working as a wild land firefighter.  This work reinforced his interest in working with his hands, but lacked the kind of personal interaction he wanted in a long term career.  In 2006 he enrolled at the University of MN and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the U of M School of Dentistry in 2010.  While in dental school, he volunteered weekly at the Union Gospel Mission free dental clinic and helped coordinate Give Kids a Smile activities on campus.  After graduation he completed a General Practice Residency and a Fellowship in TMJ/Orofacial Pain at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis.  Dr. Anderson enjoys the challenges and variety of work that dentistry offers, and greatly values building relationships with his patients.

Memberships & Associations

  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Northeast District Dental Society
  • Great Lakes Study Club
  • Spear Study Club

Dr. Anderson and his family had always hoped to move back to Duluth, as his wife Carin grew up here, and they are thrilled to be closer to all of northern Minnesota’s great adventures.  In their spare time they enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, reading, throwing rocks in Lake Superior with their two sons, and traveling.

Paul Bartlam, DDS

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts Biology: University of Minnesota Duluth 1992
Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, 1996

Dr. Bartlam enjoys all aspects of  family general dentistry, and is committed to building lasting relationships with his dental patients.  His mission is to meet the goals of his patients by providing esthetic and restorative treatments, to all ages, in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Memberships & Associations

  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Northeast District Dental Society
  • Great Lakes Study Club
  • Spear Faculty Study Club

Dr. Bartlam has always been drawn to the outdoors and nature. He enjoys teaching and sharing many of the outdoor activities he loves with others in the community.  He is especially proud of his past volunteer efforts in the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club and Arrowhead Fly Fishers Club.

Dr. Bartlam and his wife Dee, have raised three children and are now enjoying sharing the Northland with their grand-children.

Eric Iwen, DDS

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Botany, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2004

Doctorate of Dental Surgery: Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, 2009

Dr. Eric Iwen grew up on Lake Michigan in Algoma, WI. His father was a dentist, which is what inspired him and his older brother to also choose a career in the profession.

Dr. Eric graduated from the University of Marquette, and chose to dedicate the first years of his career to addressing the needs of the underserved population at Lake Superior Community Health Center in Duluth and Superior. He also served as a preceptor for students from A.T. Still University, from both of its dental programs: Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, and Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

Dr. Eric has a passion for philanthropy and has volunteered for the Mission of Mercy, and Give Kids A Smile. As an artistic person, he greatly enjoys the artistic aspects of Dentistry, in addition to the satisfaction of helping his patients achieve excellent oral health.

Dr. Eric lives in the City of Rice Lake on five acres and enjoys gardening, cooking, fiber art, music, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Memberships and Associations:

  • National Network of Oral Health Access
  • American Society of Forensic Odontology
  • Spear Education
  • Great Lakes Study Club
Robert A. Johnson, DMD

Undergraduate: St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN

Doctorate of Dental Medicine: Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, 2018

Dr. Johnson was born and raised in Duluth, MN and graduated from St. Scholastica where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. He went on to receive his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Midwestern University in the Chicago area. There he was privileged to operate using cutting-edge equipment and employ the latest advancements in dentistry to provide optimal care to patients of all ages. While in dental school, Dr. Johnson participated in community outreach programs such as the “Illinois Dentists Salute” initiative to provide no-cost, critically needed dental services to military veterans.

Dr. Johnson enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and is committed to help his patients restore and maintain their dental health. He strives to build lasting relationships with and empower his patients as partners in their oral healthcare.

In his spare time, Dr. Johnson enjoys golf, barbecuing, and spending time at his family cabin in Gordon, WI.

Memberships and Associations:

American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry

Meaghan Morrell-Huot, DDS

Undergraduate: Hamline University, St. Paul MN

Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, 2010

Dr. Morrell-Huot, or Dr. Meaghan as most patients call her, is delighted for the privilege to practice dentistry in her hometown. Knowing she wanted a career in healthcare, she worked as an EMT and volunteered with the Red Cross during college. After graduating from Hamline University with a BA in Biology, she obtained a Certificate in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Feeling like she was missing something, namely building relationships and working directly with patients, Dr. Meaghan decided on a career in dentistry. She attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Fairview Hospital. Dr. Meaghan values the connections and bonds she makes with her patients and works diligently to provide compassionate and comfortable care.

Dr. Meaghan’s hobbies and interests include cooking, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two children. They can often be found in one of the area parks enjoying the outdoors through all the seasons.

Memberships & Associations

  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Northeast District Dental Society
  • Spear Study Club
Melanie Meier, DDS

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota – Duluth

Doctorate of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, 1995

Additional dentistry education: L.D. Pankey Institute

Memberships & Associations

  • Duluth Rotary Club #25
  • Supervising dentist for the Lake Superior College Dental Hygiene Program
  • Great Lakes Study Club
  • Seattle Study Club

Dr. Meier loves her time spent at her Moose Lake cabin in the summer and fall.  She has a passion for gardening and likes to participate in the annual local 4H fair submitting her vegetables or flowers and receiving numerous ribbons and awards. Her other favorite pastimes include long walks, fishing, boating, swimming and valued time with family and friends.

Vanessa Olson, DDS

Undergraduate:  Pre-dental, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Doctor of Dental Surgery: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry 2005

Additional Dental Education:  General Practice Residency, Hennepin County Medical Center 2006

Vanessa grew up outside the rural town of Spicer, MN.  In her youth, she would look forward to annual family camping trips up the shore and visiting Duluth.  Her love of the area brought her to University of Minnesota-Duluth to complete undergraduate studies.  She went on to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.   Wanting to further her education, she completed a General Practice Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center.

She has enjoyed a career at a large group practice in Oregon that allowed her to hone her clinical skills. During her time there, she was able to participate in research to advance better outcomes for patients as well as take part in committees with goals to improve evidence-based, quality patient care.  Her true passion is to provide excellent patient care and dental experiences.  She strives to have a collaborative approach to care and build relationships with her patients.  She enjoys seeing patients of all ages and particularly enjoys providing care for kids and youth as she likes to motivate them to create lifetime healthy habits.

Outside of work, she takes joy in spending time with family and friends.  She loves being a mom to her two young children, hiking, baking, and staying active outdoors.  She is thrilled to be back in Duluth and to raise her family in such a lovely community.

Associations and Volunteer work:

  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • National Practice Based Research
  • Network
  • Give Kids a Smile
  • Mission of Mercy
Jeffrey A. Polzin, DMD

B.A. in Spanish: St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN

Pre-Dental:  College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN

Doctorate of Medical Dentistry: Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Mesa, AZ

Dr. Polzin was born and raised in Duluth, MN and has been fortunate to return to the greatest region on earth to pursue a career and raise a family.  He is surrounded by family members dedicated to the profession of dentistry and is proud to continue the tradition.

Throughout his dental school career he provided oral health care and education for underserved populations throughout the Phoenix area with organizations like ACTS Ministry Outreach, the Special Olympics, and Give Kids a Smile.  Dr. Polzin also holds a Certificate in Public Health with a Dental Emphasis from ASDOH.  Dr. Polzin has treated patients at the Lake Superior Community Health Center, the White Bird Clinic in Oregon, El Centro Community Health Center in New Mexico, and the Alaska Native Medical Center and South Central Foundation in Alaska. Dr. Polzin has also participated in dental service trips to the Arctic Circle and Honduras.

Dr. Polzin can be found outside the office exploring the great northwoods on his pedal bike, in a canoe, while wearing hiking boots, or through a camera lens. He lives in Duluth with his wife and daughter, whom he considers his inspiration.

Memberships, Associations & Awards

  • Seattle Study Club
  • Great Lakes Study Club
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • Minnesota Dental Association
  • Northeast District Dental Society

Dr. Polzin dedicates his practice to the education, prevention, and treatment of oral health and illness in all populations.


Dental Therapists

Annie Davis, DT

Annie grew up in the Red River Valley of North Dakota where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Dakota State University. Her educational aspirations led her to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her Master’s in Dental Therapy.

The thing Annie loves most about her job is working with her patients.  She loves creating lifelong relationships and getting to know her surrounding community, all while providing the best possible dental care.  Annie has had an interest in dentistry her whole life.  The opportunities and challenges of the profession are particularly rewarding.

Outside of work, Annie stays busy chasing after her two young daughters, Mila and Maya!

Terani Harris, ADT

Undergraduate:  

  • Associates of Science in Dental Hygiene, Lake Superior College, 2011
  • Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene, Metropolitan State University, 2014

Graduate: 

  • Master’s of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy, Metropolitan State University, 2016

Terani was born and raised in Duluth, MN.  She was a member of the 148th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard from 2005-2014, serving one tour in Afghanistan.   She graduated from Dental Hygiene school in 2011, where she practiced Dental Hygiene until starting Dental Therapy school in St. Paul.  She graduated with a Master’s of Science in Dental Therapy in 2016.  Since then, she has worked at local community clinics in Duluth and Floodwood.

Terani enjoys dentistry and finds it rewarding improving patients overall health and quality of life.  Her role as a mid-level dental provider allows her to provide preventative and restorative dentistry.  Terani provides care to patients of all ages.  She enjoys meeting new people and developing friendly relationships with her community.  Outside of the dental clinic, she enjoys spending time with her partner and two little boys!

Memberships and Associations: 

  • Minnesota Dental Therapy Association
  • Minnesota Oral Health Coalition
  • American Dental Hygiene Association