Meet The Doctors
Dr. Ben Werner
Dr. Benjamin Werner is very excited to be joining Salt Lake Pediatric Dentistry. In many ways it feels like coming home. Dr. Ben completed student teaching of 7-9 grade biological science teaching at Butler Middle School during undergraduate studies. Dr. Ben went on to graduate from University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2014. He was the Vice President of his class, headed the Remote Area Medical chapter hosting weekend humanitarian missions to small communities throughout the rural Kentucky Appalachia area, and received awards for his research in dental anesthesia administration.
Dr. Ben spent three years as a general dentist in the United States Army treating soldiers and deploying once to Kuwait. He was selected to receive training as a pediatric dentist. He completed his residency training at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas Texas. Dr. Ben is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), American General Dentists (AGD), and is Board Eligible for the ABPD.
After completing his residency, Dr. Ben returned to work in the Army as a pediatric dentist, where he was stationed with his family overseas in southeast Germany treating soldiers’ children.
Using humor and up-to-date information, Dr. Ben regularly teaches classes on dental health in the community and in the local schools to parents, expectant mothers, and children. He is frequently requested as an instructor and loves teaching, both in a classroom and in a dental office. He loves when his patients and their parents have an “ah-ha!” moment and dental health clicks and sticks.
Ben grew up in the small town of Petaluma in northern California. He and his wife have eight children, born in five different places as they’ve moved with schooling and the Army. Dr. Ben loves to cook (without using recipes), road bike, and spend time exploring with his wonderful family.
Dr. David Gustafson
Dr. David Gustafson (Dr. Dave) was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He completed his undergraduate studies in Nutritional Science at Brigham Young University in 2003 and finished dental school at Ohio State University in 2007. Dr. Dave received his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in June 2009. His education included advanced studies and specialized training in dentistry for children, adolescents, special needs, and medically compromised patients. As part of his pediatric training he also received his Master of Science Degree from Ohio State University with an emphasis in dental trauma.
He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He was awarded diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as a board-certified pediatric dentist. In addition to private practice, he is also an attending dentist at Primary Children’s Medical Center.
Dr. Dave grew up in Salt Lake City and moved back here in 2009 after completing his training. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys running, making people laugh, and spending time with his wife Laurie and their five children.
Dr. Jeffery K. Rupp
Dr. Jeffery K. Rupp received his dental degree from the Oregon Health and Science University in 2003 where he graduated with honors and clinical honors. While in dental school he received the Certificate of Merit Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as the Predoctoral Student Award in pediatric dentistry from the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He completed his pediatric specialty training at the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Following his formal training, he was awarded diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
While at the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Rupp also earned a Master of Science Degree in health professions education. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Rupp is also part of the dental faculty team at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Rupp’s life is all things kids. He and his wife, Julie, have nine (this is not a typo) children and enjoy spending time outdoors where he will usually be found with a baby on his back hiking the trails of Utah. Dr. Rupp finds great satisfaction in working with children and helping them have a positive dental experience.
As the father of a large family, Dr. Rupp relates well to parents and their desire for their child to receive exceptional dental care. By combining a compassionate, fun and professional approach, Dr. Rupp strives to establish a sense of trust with each patient. “For my child patients who need the services of an outstanding pediatric dentist, I refer them to Dr. Rupp. His specialty skills are superb and his genial, gracious nature is exceptional.” (Dr. George Pearson, General Dentist, Salt Lake City, UT)
Dr. Whitney Aste
Dr. Whitney Aste has recently joined our office and has a goal of providing and promoting excellent dental health for children. She believes that providing a fun and positive experience at the dentist is just as important as using the most up-to-date techniques and dental materials.
Dr. Aste received her degree in dental surgery from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She then completed her pediatric dental residency at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Her education included advanced studies and specialized training in dentistry for children, adolescents, and special needs patients. She worked very closely with the cleft lip and palate team during her residency in Wisconsin.
Dr. Aste is a board-certified pediatric dentist and is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Aste’s humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic continues to demonstrate her caring nature that she also shares with her patients. She strives to make sure children feel safe and have a wonderful experience. She is passionate about educating and empowering parents to create a dual approach to home dental care.
Dr. Aste has an insatiable love for the outdoors and can be found mountain or road biking, hiking at the lake, or simply enjoying the sunshine in her spare time. She is an avid fitness and nutrition buff, lover of all animals, and enjoys traveling and humanitarian work.
