Randolph native recognized in Northwest Iowa’s ‘20 under 40’

SHELDON, IOWA – A former Randolph woman was selected and featured as one of Northwest Iowa’s ‘20 under 40’ business leaders.

Erin Anderson, daughter of Dennis and Gail Bazata, was nominated and selected for the honor.

The photo and informa-tion here are reprinted with permission from The N’West Iowa Review’s March 8 edition:

Erin Anderson Dentist and owner of Sheldon Family Dental Clinic Age: 38 Family: Fiancé, Dominic; children, Kellen, 9; Evie, 6; Brea, 4.

Education: Bachelor of science with a major in biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish from Dana College in Blair, NE, in 2009; doctor of dental surgery from University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 2013.

Experience: Dentist at Dental Wellness Center in Norfolk, NE, 2013-16.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my children understanding the importance of being healthy — physically, mentally and emotionally. I want them to understand that there is only one “you” in this world, and they should give the world their best. At work, I am passionate about educating patients in the importance of oral care. I enjoy being part of a person’s path to finding self-confidence through a healthy smile.

What goals do you have in your work world? Continue to educate myself and my staff to expand services and treatment options the office can offer patients.

Continued growth and expansion for the business.

What are your goals outside of work? Running another marathon. Traveling to Africa.

Share an experience that led you to where you are today.

When I was in college, I attended a summer program geared toward pre-medical and pre-dental students. I was on the pre-med side when I started the program. I was unsure if that’s what I really wanted to do with my life, so I went with the pre-dental students one day to the dental school. We were able to use the handpiece and instruments on the manikin and get some hands-on experience. I remember smiling the entire time and falling in love with dentistry at that moment. After that day, I switched from pre-med to pre-dental, and I have always been thankful that I did. I love the career path I chose.

What advice would you give to other young professionals?

What you get out of life is correlated to what you put in, so be committed to learning, growing and being open to new opportunities. Be confident in yourself and in what you want to accomplish.

What’s your go-to activity in

N’West Iowa in the evenings or over the weekend? Supporting Orab athletics. Enjoying Sheldon’s parks and trails. Spending summer weekends at our camper in the Okoboji area.

What do you like to do in your free time? Running. Being outdoors with my family. Going

on vacation or weekend getaways.

Cheering on the Huskers.

Name one book, movie, show or podcast you love? “House Hunters.”

Share a fun fact about yourself. I played basketball in college.

What is one word that describes you? Passionate.