Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Terese M. Youngdahl and the reappointment of Candace Mensing, D.D. S., to the Board of Dentistry. Both are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 6, 2014.

Mensing, of Rochester, is a pediatric dentist with Dentistry for Children and Adolescents, Ltd., in Rochester, and has practiced pediatric dentistry in Rochester since 1977. She earned her doctoral of dental science and as her well master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Mensing has been a trustee with the Minnesota Dental Association since 2001, is a member of the American Dental Association, Minnesota Unit of the American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Academy of Pedodontics, Minnesota Association of Pedodontists, Zumbro Valley Dental Society, University of Minnesota Century Club, Rochester Technical College Advisory Board, and is a past president of the Southeastern District Dental Society. She is also an examiner for the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, and a volunteer dentist with the Samaritan Dental Clinic. Mensing, who has been a member of the Board of Dentistry since 2006 and was president of the board last year, is reappointed as a dentist member.

Youngdahl, of Elk River, is the office manager and a dental assistant with Champlin Family Dental. She has been a practicing dental assistant for nearly 30 years, and earned her dental assistant’s license and certification in 1980. Youngdahl is an active life member of the American Dental Assistants Association where she has served as a national delegate for over 20 years, a member and past president of the Minnesota Dental Assistants Association (MDAA) as well as the North Suburban Dental Assistants Association, a member of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., and the Herzing College and Lakeland Academy Advisory Board. She is also a member of the MDAA Legislative Committee and served as a consultant to the Board of Dentistry on the expanded functions of dental assistants. Youngdahl replaces Linda Boyum on the Board of Dentistry as a dental assistant member.

The Board of Dentistry examines, licenses and regulates dental health care professionals. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.