Meet Dr. Grace Bauer
Known affectionately by her patients as Dr. Grace. Dr. Bauer is a St. Petersburg native whose path to becoming a dentist has given her a unique perspective on patient care. Beginning as a patient care coordinator and continued through to orthodontic assisting, office management, and dental hygiene before ultimately becoming our dentist. Experiencing so many facets of dentistry, Dr. Grace understands that exceptional care is about much more than treating teeth — it begins with listening to the person in the chair.
Dr. Grace believes the best dental care is collaborative and patient-centered. She takes the time to understand each patient's concerns, goals, and overall health so they can make informed decisions about their care together. Rather than simply telling patients what they "need," she believes in explaining the why behind her recommendations and helping patients choose the path that feels right for them.
Her approach to dentistry looks beyond the smile to consider the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. She enjoys collaborating with patients and other healthcare providers to support their broader health goals and incorporates preventive, conservative, and minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate. Her goal is simple: help patients preserve a natural, healthy smile.
Community involvement has been an important part of Dr. Grace's journey since her days in the dental hygiene program at St. Petersburg College. She is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape her and has volunteered her time with organizations including Smile St. Pete, the St. Petersburg Free Dental Clinic, and PARC.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Grace is continually expanding her knowledge and bringing that education back to her patients and team. After earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency through NYU, receiving advanced training across a broad range of dentistry, from preventive and restorative care to implant dentistry. She continues to invest extensively in advanced education for herself and the Grace Dental team, with a particular interest in emerging research, innovative materials and technology, implant dentistry, prevention, and holistic approaches to oral health.
Dr. Grace earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of South Florida, completed her dental hygiene education at St. Petersburg College, and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from LECOM School of Dental Medicine. She has also completed advanced training in implant dentistry through Hiossen.
Today, Dr. Grace is proud to carry forward the more than 40-year legacy of the late Dr. Keenan, who founded the practice she now calls home. She considers it a privilege to care for generations of patients while continuing to evolve the practice around a philosophy of thoughtful, personalized, and comprehensive care.
Outside the office, Dr. Grace is happiest outdoors. She loves hiking, biking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends — and she believes that staying curious, connected, and active is just as important outside the dental office as it is inside it.