Meet Dr. Ben Thomas

Dr. Ben Thomas has always called St. Paul home and dreamed of serving the same community he grew up in. Joining Dr. Bob Maley Family Dentistry in 2016 and becoming the owner in 2021 gave him that and more.

“I found a practice that fits my values and patient care philosophy AND it’s in my neighborhood,” he says. “ ‘St. Small’ is unlike any other city. We value getting to know our healthcare providers and expect to see the same provider for years to come. I love that my job gives me the opportunity to cultivate relationships that will last for generations.”

Dr. Thomas brings skills in a wide array of dental services but emphasizes his care goes beyond a patient’s oral health. It begins with building trust and a partnership.

“As my patient, you can expect me to listen to your concerns and desires, and together we will work out a plan to meet your needs. I will deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient manner. I want to build a long-term relationship with my patients.”

Dr. Thomas grew up in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood and spent much of his time growing up and working at his family's liquor store, Thomas Liquors, where he learned the importance of genenrations-long relationships.

He earned his undergraduate degree in finance at the University of Iowa and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where he was awarded a scholarship by the faculty for Professionalism and Excellence in Patient Care.

Outside of work, you can find him running and biking the trails along the Mississippi with his wife and baby.

Special Distinctions

Fellow, American Academy of General Dentistry
- Completed over 500 hours of course work and passed a comprehensive exam.
St. Paul District Dental Society Scholarship
Professionalism and Excellence in Patient Care Scholarship awarded by U of M faculty
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, 2016, Doctor of Dental Surgery

Questions and Answers about Dr. Ben Thomas

What made you want to become a dentist?

I was born congenitally missing my upper canine teeth. I spent all of high school with large gaps in my smile. After years of spacers, expanders, braces, and retainers, my bite was finally ready for two prosthetic teeth. I will never forget the day I received my new smile. Due to the careful and gifted work by my dentist and orthodontist, I was able to regain confidence in my smile and personality. The transformation I personally experienced opened my eyes to the amazing field of dentistry.

What’s your philosophy of care?

I believe in open conversations to educate and empower my patients to make informed decisions. I enjoy helping anxious patients overcome dental fears.

Why join up with Dr. Maley?

As a dental student, I had dozens of family friends telling me I had to meet their dentist, Dr. Bob Maley. With all the recommendations I was hearing, I knew there was something special going on at that office and had to experience it firsthand. Having worked, shadowed, and observed in dozens of practices, I have never seen a group so committed to patient care. The entire staff is beyond welcoming and treats everyone like family. I found a practice that fit my values and patient care philosophy.

What would I expect as your patient?

As my patient, you can expect me to listen to your concerns and desires, and together we will work out a plan to meet your needs. I will deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient manner. I want to build a long-term relationship with you and your family.