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  3. /Fargo Orthodontists
  4. /South University Dental Associates
AAO MemberAccepting new patients

South University Dental Associates

South University Dental Associates provides orthodontic care in Fargo, North Dakota, treating children, teens, and adults.

3115 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58103
5.0(1,339 reviews)
Call Now(701) 232-8884Book OnlineWebsiteDirections
South University Dental Associates

About South University Dental Associates

Long-term relationships with doctors like Dr. Walter Samuel and Dr. Todd Debates anchor this general dental practice, which also offers clear aligners and TMJ treatment.

South University Dental Associates is a general dental practice that also provides clear aligners and TMJ treatment alongside routine care. Patients often mention sticking with the same doctor for years, citing a laid-back, thorough approach and a willingness to lay out pros and cons rather than push a particular plan. Gentle cleanings with little discomfort and calming care for anxious patients come up often, and the office is noted for fitting in emergency and urgent visits quickly. A few reviewers have run into scheduling friction or billing disagreements, but most describe a smooth, low-pressure experience.

Summary of 200 patient reviews, June 2025–September 2026, updated September 2026

South University Dental Associates provides orthodontic care in Fargo, North Dakota, treating children, teens, and adults.

The practice is led by Dr. Chad Bergan, Dr. Walter Samuel, Dr. Todd DeBates, and Dr. Alex Althoff, all members of the American Association of Orthodontists. The practice offers a range of orthodontic treatment options designed to address various alignment and bite concerns. Patients can access care through multiple doctors on staff, allowing for scheduling flexibility and continuity of treatment. Online booking is available for new patient appointments and consultations. South University Dental Associates accepts dental insurance and works with many insurance plans. For patients without coverage, the practice provides detailed cost breakdowns upfront and helps identify payment plans that align with individual budgets. Flexible financing options are available to accommodate different financial situations. The practice has earned a 5.0 rating based on 1,339 reviews, reflecting consistent patient feedback. Patients in the Fargo area can schedule consultations to discuss their specific orthodontic needs and determine which treatment approach may be appropriate for their case.

Treatments offered

Clear AlignersClear AlignersTMJ TreatmentTMJ Treatment
GuidesClear aligner costs explained →Payment options & financing →

Who They Treat

South University Dental Associates provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:

Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+

Technology & Equipment

South University Dental Associates uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.

Laser Dentistry
Custom Wire Technology
SureSmile

Orthodontists at this office

provider
headshot

Dr. Walter Samuel, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Chad Bergan, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Alex Althoff

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Accepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Todd DeBates, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients

Insurance accepted

2 plans listed
Delta DentalUnited Concordia
They work with many dental insurance plans and welcome patients without coverage.

What patients say

Latest review 7 weeks ago

What patients praise

  • Reviewers describe long-standing relationships with doctors such as Dr. Walter Samuel, Dr. Todd Debates, and Dr. Chad Bergan, some spanning decades, along with a gentle, non-pushy chairside manner.
  • Cleanings and procedures are often described as gentle with little discomfort, with staff helping to ease dental anxiety before appointments even start.
  • The office has been noted for working in urgent cases quickly, including same-day emergency visits and moving up cleanings when needed.

Things to know

  • A few reviews mention scheduling issues, including being asked to shift appointment times in ways that disrupted family plans.
  • A couple of reviewers described friction with front-desk staff, including one billing dispute that affected how a concern was handled.

Who it suits

  • Anxious or nervous patients
  • Families with several kids in treatment

Doctors patients mention

  • Dr. Walter Samuel · 23 reviews
  • Dr. Todd Debates · 16 reviews
  • Dr. Chad Bergan · 10 reviews
  • Dr. Alex Althoff · 6 reviews
  • Dr. Carlson · 3 reviews

Orthodontic care in reviews

Orthodontic-related mentions here are limited, but include a patient fitted for a new retainer and another whose three children went through braces at the practice over several years. One later review noted a billing dispute over a past-due balance that led to a refusal of further service.

Last 90 days
74 reviews
averaging 4.9★
Last 12 months
280 reviews
averaging 5.0★
Owner replies
99% of reviews
typically within 28 days
Compared with Fargo
Higher rated than 80%
of 20 practices we track
Reviews per month
31
Oct 2023Sep 2026
Reviews per month
Oct 20230
Nov 20230
Dec 20230
Jan 20240
Feb 20240
Mar 20240
Apr 20240
May 20240
Jun 20240
Jul 20240
Aug 20240
Sep 20240
Oct 20240
Nov 20240
Dec 20240
Jan 202516
Feb 202531
Mar 202524
Apr 202527
May 202528
Jun 202527
Jul 202528
Aug 202523
Sep 202522
Oct 202523
Nov 202518
Dec 202515
Jan 202625
Feb 202623
Mar 202622
Apr 202624
May 202629
Jun 202623
Jul 202627
Aug 202620
Sep 202625
Average rating by year
  • 20255.0
  • 20264.9
1★5★
What patients talk about
PraiseCriticism
  • Friendly staff69 / 2
  • The dentist60
  • Gentle, comfortable care25
  • Clear explanations16
  • Scheduling & wait times14 / 2
  • Office & technology11
  • Responsiveness8 / 2
  • Cost, insurance & financing5 / 1
What patients talk about
ThemePraiseCriticism
Friendly staff692
The dentist600
Gentle, comfortable care250
Clear explanations160
Scheduling & wait times142
Office & technology110
Responsiveness82
Cost, insurance & financing51

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Recent reviews from Google

5.0
1,339 reviews
Peggy Henegar
Peggy Henegar
2 weeks ago
“

I have been going to South University Dental Associates for many years. I always receive excellent care from Dr. De Bates and his team. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely concerned about my dental health. I highly recommend this dental office!!!

Review from Google

Tony Jones
Tony Jones
3 weeks ago
“

Dr. Debates is absolutely the best dentist in FM. All the staff are amazing and I’d recommend them to anyone.

Review from Google

Hannah Bakke
Hannah Bakke
2 months ago
“

They make you feel welcome and less anxious as soon as you walk in the building. Overall great experience and everyone was friendly and knowledgeable.

Review from Google

lori gerhardson
lori gerhardson
2 months ago
“

Rachel and Dr Samuels are amazing!! Both are so gentle and so kind while working on my teeth!!

Review from Google

Josh Glover
Josh Glover
2 months ago
“

It’s frustrating when you schedule an appointment 6 months out, are called to confirm, and did. Then the day of the appointment we were told to come in earlier, because the hygienist needed to leave early. This was very inconvenient. I schedule my kids at the same time because I don’t like being at the dentist office for two hours. Then the hygienist took an appointment at the time we had. Unprofessional. Makes me feel like I don’t matter. Not great.

Review from Google

Read all 1,339 reviews on Google →

Questions about this practice

What orthodontic treatments does South University Dental Associates offer?+
South University Dental Associates offers: Clear Aligners, TMJ Treatment.
Does South University Dental Associates accept dental insurance?+
South University Dental Associates accepts Delta Dental, United Concordia.
Is South University Dental Associates accepting new patients?+
South University Dental Associates is currently welcoming new patients in Fargo, ND. Call (701) 232-8884 or book online to schedule.
Where is South University Dental Associates located?+
South University Dental Associates is located at 3115 S University Dr. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7563900359899871474&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for South University Dental Associates?+
South University Dental Associates office hours: Mon 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Tue 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Wed 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Thu 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Fri 7:00–11:00 AM, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does South University Dental Associates offer payment plans?+
Yes, South University Dental Associates offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at South University Dental Associates?+
South University Dental Associates is staffed by Dr. Walter Samuel, Dr. Chad Bergan, Dr. Alex Althoff, Dr. Todd DeBates. The practice is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
What is the patient rating for South University Dental Associates?+
South University Dental Associates has a 5-star rating based on 1339 patient reviews on Google.
How long has South University Dental Associates been in practice?+
South University Dental Associates has been providing orthodontic care since 2010, serving the Fargo, ND community for over 16 years.

Research with AI

ChatGPTPerplexityClaude
3115 S University Dr
Fargo, ND 58103
Get Directions
(701) 232-8884
southuniversitydental.com/
Book Online
office@southuniversitydental.com
Open in Google Maps
Accepting new patients
Est. 2010
Payment Plans Available
Weekend Hours
Evening Hours
Online Booking Available

Accessibility & Parking

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Free Lot Parking
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFC
Mon7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri7:00 – 11:00 AM
SatClosed
SunClosed

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