Dr. Ben Sitz and Dr. Elise Soulliere’s story is one of shared purpose and connection. After meeting at the University of Minnesota and eventually falling in love, they have navigated life’s milestones side-by-side, from the challenges of dental school to the joys of giving back, building a family, and growing a dental practice together.
From Lab Partners to Life Partners
When seated next to each other in dental school, Drs. Sitz and Soulliere spent two years as lab partners and close friends before their relationship as a couple began during their final month of the program. Following graduation, Dr. Soulliere moved back to her hometown in Michigan, and Dr. Sitz stayed in Minnesota. After ten months of weekend flights and long-distance phone calls, Dr. Elise made the move back to Minnesota, and they began the work of merging their lives and their clinical ambitions.
The Power of a Duo
Today, they are happily married with two kids, and they own a dental practice together! When patients discover that the doctors are husband and wife, they quickly recognize the seamless harmony in their care. Practicing together allows the duo to leverage their individual strengths, collaborate on complex cases, and to provide patients with truly comprehensive treatment.
“We got married because we loved each other and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company, so it goes without saying that it is truly rewarding to work side by side each day,” shared Dr. Soulliere.
A Shared Heart for Service
The bond they share as a couple is most evident in their commitment to giving back. Prior to becoming dentists, they were both involved in several different volunteer organizations, and now both volunteer for Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program, providing comprehensive dental care to those who need it most.
To date, they have provided $27,152 in donated treatment to five patients over the last 7 years – proving that when two people share a heart for service, the impact on a community can be truly lifechanging.
“It has always been important to us to give back to those in
need – we just find so much joy in helping others,” shared Dr. Sitz. “As humans, we all go through difficult times in our lives and if a new smile can improve someone’s confidence and quality of life, we are grateful to provide that for them.”
Whether they are navigating complex treatment plans or balancing the joys of a growing family, Dr. Ben and Dr. Elise remain grounded in the same values that first brought them together.
