New dentist takes over practice

Dr. James Seyfried had to hurry up to slow down.

Seyfried had to hit the ground running after he bought Dr. Michael Fischer's dentist practice in Gardnerville. The two had struck up a friendship a year ago, and Seyfried had to move fast after Fischer suddenly accepted the job as Nevada's Director of Cultural Affairs and offered his office, patients and staff to the San Diego area dentist.

"I'm happy because he picked me," said Seyfried. "We have matching philosophies. I was fortunate because I went to USC too."

Seyfried sold his practice that he had for more than 20 years in Encinitas, Calif., bought a house in Minden and started working in his new office all since January.

Seyfried and his wife Jennifer wanted a slower-paced life for their sons and and had always liked Gardnerville. Seyfried's parents lived here for 15 years and his sister Becky Soderman owns Classical Glass.

"I'm looking forward to becoming part of the Gardnerville community," he said. "My sister's stained glass/gift shop is only one block away from my office."

The office at 1235 Eddy St., is in a 1916 brick bungalow listed on the state historic registry as the Jensen/Schacht house.

While keeping the charm of the old house and Fischer's small-town style in mind, Seyfried plans to make some changes.

What won't change is Seyfried's commitment to provide quality services in a relaxed atmosphere.

"We'll keep the same staff and will update the office," he said. "There have be so many improvements in technology in the past 10 years."

Seyfried will update to digital radiology, modernize patient areas, utilize unused space to expand for new patients and get the staff into the computer age.

"All the changes will be for the better," he said. "We're keeping the same staff and everyone's loving that. Everyone here has a minimum of 21 years' experience."

Seyfried's general dentistry practice emphasizes restorative, cosmetic and family dentistry. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday by appointment. For information, call 782-8176.

What: Dr. James W. Seyfried

Where: 1235 Eddy St., Gardnerville

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday by appointment

Info: 782-8176