Dr. Sandra Lara

I am Dr. Sandra Lara. I graduated from El Bosque University in Bogota, Colombia in 1992. While in Colombia, I worked as a general dentist and participated in dental missions in remote areas of my country. I moved to the United States in 2000 and studied 1 year of General Practice Residency and 2 years of Oral Medicine at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of dentistry. While attending UMKC, I participated in a program that focused on medically compromised patients as well as the elderly who are taking different medications. I became licensed by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry in 2003. I also became a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and Minnesota Dental Association (MDA). After school, I practiced dentistry in Hawley, MN for 8 years at a non-profit organization. In 2011, I moved to Park Rapids and opened Pine Park Family Dentistry, taking over Dr. Guy Reich’s dental office.

I have a strong interest in children’s dental health and understand the importance of creating a positive experience at the dental office when children are young. I am passionate about educating both children and adults on how to take care of their oral health. I like to stay current in the latest technologies to keep my patients as comfortable as possible during their dental procedures.

When I’m not in the office, I am spending time with my husband Miguel and three children Nicolas, Natalia, and Thomas. Our weekends are filled watching their sporting events such as basketball, swimming, tennis and track. We also enjoy spending time with friends from our church and take part in many outdoor activities in this beautiful area.

Dr. Nicolas Lopez Lara

DDS

Dr. Nicolas Lopez Lara is proud to call Pine Park Family Dentistry home and to continue his family’s tradition of caring for patients in Park Rapids and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Lopez earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. As a bilingual dentist fluent in both English and Spanish, he enjoys connecting with patients from different backgrounds and making sure they feel comfortable and understood throughout their dental experience.

Dentistry has always been a big part of Dr. Lopez’s life. Growing up in a dental family, he started working in his family’s practice at a young age and gained experience in nearly every aspect of the office—from sterilization and assisting to insurance, management, and patient care. These experiences shaped his belief that great dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it’s about getting to know people and making them feel comfortable and cared for.

Dr. Lopez enjoys providing a wide range of general dentistry services while incorporating modern technology and techniques to provide comfortable, efficient, and high-quality care. He takes pride in helping patients understand their treatment options and feel confident in their dental care.

Outside the office, Dr. Lopez enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis and ping pong, go-kart racing, listening to music, and being involved in the local community.

Dr. Lopez looks forward to welcoming patients and families from Park Rapids and the surrounding communities to Pine Park Family Dentistry!