‘Painless’ Pete’s legacy lives on through his daughter

Stacey Harrison

Contributor

November 10, 2025

LAND O’ LAKES – Along Highway B in Land O’ Lakes, a log cabin stands out among the commercial buildings.

Inside is Schindelholz Dental.

Built in 1990, Dentist Laura Goll said the practice is designed to offer patients a “homelike setting” for dental care.

But beyond the cozy exterior, Goll said the clinic is known for its approachable care and commitment to making dental visits as stress-free as possible, a philosophy instilled by founder – her late father – Peter “Painless” Schindelholz.

“My dad got the nickname ‘Painless’ a long time ago from a patient who was very afraid of dentists,” Goll, who joined her dad’s practice in 2014, said.

Using techniques to make all parts of dentistry as painless as possible, Goll said the nickname became her dad’s “calling card” – how he wanted people to see him and also how he set himself apart.

And “Painless,” Goll said, did set himself apart. 

Looking at Schindelholz Dental’s Facebook page, a recent post about his celebration of life generated dozens of shares, likes and comments – such as “Pete was in the ‘legendary’ category for sure;” or “Pete was the kind of guy that lit up a room;” or “Pete is already greatly missed.”

Though her father passed away in July, Goll said his reputation is still very much alive inside Schindelholz Dental. 

“[After he passed], I had so many patients who said, ‘We actually looked forward to coming to see the dentist and see your dad,’” she said. “He took time to get to know people. He wasn’t in and out.”

Goll said it was his love for what he did that made her want to become a dentist. 

“My dad just had such a passion for his job… I wanted to find that – to find your job so enjoyable that it’s not like work,” she said.

A look back 

Growing up with a dentist dad and in a house with a strong focus on oral hygiene, Goll said her interest in following in the career footsteps of her father started from a young age.

“My dad would let us do outside work [at the dental office],” she said. 

So, Goll said she would mow the lawn and pull the weeds outside. 

As she got older, she said her father let her spend time in the rooms and assist with behind-the-scenes tasks.

“As a kid, I was kind of that daddy’s girl,” she said. “I wanted to hunt and fish and do things with him, and I thought what a cool thing if I could be a dentist and work with him.”

At age 14, Goll said she started traveling with her father on mission trips to Haiti, an experience he hoped would help her decide if dentistry was the right path.

“Going to Haiti was a good opportunity for community service and giving back,” she said. “I started as an assistant. I would hold the light for him as he was taking teeth out.”

Though mission trips to Haiti have been on hold for the past several years due to the political climate there, Goll said her goal would be to eventually go back.

Eventually, she said she followed in her father’s footsteps – completing dental school, joining his practice and working alongside him for more than a decade.

First earning a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Goll then graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2014 before returning to Land O’ Lakes to work alongside her father.

Describing herself as a “forever student,” Goll said ongoing education is a vital part of her dental career.

Carrying on the rural dentistry legacy

Though practicing in a rural area presents unique challenges, Goll said it is a setting she truly values and is a concept she has embraced wholeheartedly.

“Our closest specialists are about two or three hours away, depending on the service,” she said. “So, I knew when I came back to Land O’Lakes that that’s where the specialists would be, which would require me, if I could, to provide some of those specialty treatments – like root canals or extractions.”

Goll said she enjoys the challenge of working in a rural community because it “almost pushes you to know how to do those” specialty procedures.

“I think it’s a great service, and it keeps my mind educated and fresh,” she said.

Though she is now the sole dentist in the office, Goll said she intends to keep it that way.

“[My dad] was on the two-year plan – when he thought maybe he was going to retire,” she said. “So, essentially, there’s no need for a second dentist… this was always going to be the transition we created for ourselves.”

Goll said having patients place their faith in her has been “really important and honoring” – noting her appreciation of the opportunity to step in and take care of them.

“It’s comforting that they allow me to help them and comforting that they bring positive, short stories to share [about my dad] – it’s made his memory stay fresh and alive,” she said.

Looking ahead, Goll said patients can expect her to “continue to do what he did and pick up where he left off” – carrying on her father’s “painless” reputation.

“The cool thing is, my dad, from the beginning when I started working with him, was always sharing with me his tips, tricks and nuggets,” she said. “He was such a great teacher – even if I didn’t want it. I think continuing his legacy will be just doing all of the things he taught me to do.”

Goll said Schindelholz Dental continues to do whatever they can to make the entire experience as enjoyable as possible – offering things like blankets, rice heating packs, headphones, a choice of music and diffusers so it doesn’t smell like a medical office. 

From the moment someone walks into the office, she said it should be a good experience. 

“One hundred percent, dentistry should be painless,” she said. “If you’re having pain, someone is doing something wrong.”

For more information, head to painlesspetedentist.com.