Dr. Espe grew up in Roseau, Minnesota. He received his undergraduate education at Bethel College and the University of North Dakota. He received his DDS at the University of Minnesota School Of Dentistry. After dental school he continued his post graduate training at the Mayo Medical School and the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine where he received his M.D. and certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Espe joined Northern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in 1998. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, Northeastern District Dental Association, and is co-director of the Great Lake’s Study Club (Seattle Study Club affiliate).