At Dental Associates, we combine a people-centered approach with modern, high-tech dentistry. We’re approachable experts you can count on. Our highly skilled team delivers quality dentistry with the best materials and equipment on the market today. With our commitment to apply our dental knowledge and skills in a caring and gentle way, you can feel at ease as we help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health.
With 5 convenient Des Moines metro locations and neighboring Webster City location, we can provide the highest quality of dental care to the greater Des Moines area. From your routine checkups, to cleanings, fillings and clear aligner therapy or if you happen to break a tooth during your lunch break, our same-day technology will help you get on with your busy day.
Dental Associates has been committed to providing quality dental care for the greater Des Moines, IA region for over 45 years and counting. Our team of exceptional dentists serves the community at multiple convenient locations across the area!
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Growing up in nearby Ankeny, Dr. Ryan Shaw is loving being back in the area after spending the past seven years in Iowa City, followed by a year in Bondurant. He’s a lifelong Hawkeye fan after attending the University of Iowa for his undergraduate and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, graduating with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2020. In dental school, Dr. Ryan received the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award in addition to the Dr. Andreas Dahl Scholarship.
When the Hawks aren’t playing, Dr. Shaw can be found on a bike trail or spending time outside whenever he can. His Labrador retriever, Marco, loves to ensure Dr. Ryan stays busy! Dr. Shaw also enjoys great food, either a new local hot spot, or a home cooked meal, but nothing compares to Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies!
Dr.John Biegert completed his undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa before joining Dental Associates in 2020.
A proud member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Des Moines District Dental Society, and the Iowa Dental Association, Dr. Biegert has also enjoyed dedicating his time and skills to the Iowa Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Biegert’s extensive training continues, specializing in utilizing the latest technology such as Cerec, a digital dentistry product, and frequently referred to as “Same Day Dentistry, 3-D Imagery, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry restoring smiles on the mission to promote optimum health and provide high-quality dental care.
Dr. Biegert and his wife, Erin, have welcomed three children into their family, Rose, Alice and Beau. When he’s not sneaking a scoop or two of ice cream in the middle of the night, Dr. Biegert and his family are always on the move. Soaking up the summer sun, trips to the zoo, tennis matches and attempting to bring back the roller blading trend, are a few ways you’ll find Dr. Biegert spending his time outside the office.
A West Des Moines native, Dr. Brett Barber stayed close to home graduating from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1992 before completing a General Practice Residency at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL.
Providing quality dental care for the entire family for years in private practice in Illinois, Dr. Baber is extremely delighted to continue practicing general dentistry at Dental Associates after joining their team in 2019. Dr. Barber has over 30 years of dentistry experience in general dentistry while specializing in implant restoration.
Dentistry is constantly changing. The exciting technological advances have made dentistry more fascinating each and every day, from same day dentistry (CEREC technology), to 3-D cone beam imagery guiding implant placement and restorations, Dr. Barber loves the diversity of treatments dentistry can provide. Some of the most enjoyable aspects of dentistry are the incredible relationships which are forged with his patients. Dr. Barber strives to build relationships in order to recognize their wants and needs to continuously provide quality dentistry.
Outside the office, one may find Dr. Barber spending time with his wife, Kimberly, taking in the sounds of a great musician, sneaking in a round or two of golf with his dad or spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Thomas Quick fancies himself a professional vacationer – planning travel experiences with his adult family that impart vigor to the mind! This same passion for his profession is reflected in exploring all the possibilities that dentistry has to offer to meet the needs and desires of all of his patients.
In his 30 years at Dental Associates, Dr. Quick continues to expand his knowledge and learning by leading a Dental Study Club that meets monthly and attending continuing education workshops that help deliver more predictable outcomes for more difficult cases. He most recently completed courses in Anterior Restorative Design and Restoring the Worn Dentition with Spear Education. In addition, Dr. Quick and his team at the new Grimes location are able to deliver same day crowns using CEREC technology and have the ability to use digital scanning to offer Invisalign therapy to patients.
Dr. Quick has been a Donated Dental Services Volunteer for the Dental Lifeline Network of Iowa for over 12 years and has participated in multiple Mission of Mercy dental events to care for those that are in need of dental care that would normally not be able to receive it.
When he’s not in the office or the classroom continuing his training, Dr. Quick can be found enjoying the golf greens at Des Moines Golf and Country club with his family and friends, or at their family cabin in Minnesota.
Dr. Tom Small began his dental career with Dental Associates in 2000 upon graduating from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. Furthering his education, Dr. Small completed a Hospital Dentistry-General Practice Residency program preparing him to provide a wide range of comprehensive dental services.
Dental Associates’ reputation as a respected group of dentists and Dr. Small’s alignment with their mission to promote optimum health while providing high-quality dental care made joining Dental Associates an easy decision for Dr. Small following his residency.
Practicing comprehensive and general dentistry allows Dr. Small to offer a variety of dental services for the families of the greater Des Moines area. His many hours of yearly continuing education and membership with G.V. Black Dental Study Club have kept him up-to-date and skilled in many facets of dentistry, ensuring every family member continues to receive high-quality dental care at all ages.
Dr. Tom Small’s passion for dentistry has transitioned into a management role at Dental Associates, which allows him to focus on helping our partner dentists and clinics continue to partner with our patients on the quest to achieve optimum health while receiving high-quality dental care.
Dr. Small and his wife, Jaimee share two amazing daughters who keep them active. Outside of the office, you might find Dr. Small at a softball field, at a swim meet, hunting, fishing, watching his girls perform with the Heartland Youth Choir or maybe, just maybe you might find him swinging a golf club on one of the beautiful courses our Des Moines area has to offer.
Originally from Ohio, Dr.Steve Karbacka’s family moved to Fairfield, Iowa while he was in first grade. After graduating from Fairfield High School, Dr. Karbacka attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a degree in Biology. A 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Dr. Karbacka completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics before entering a general dentistry practice in Ankeny. He joined Dental Associates, PC in 2010 providing general dentistry for the whole family.
Dr. Karbacka is a member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, G.V. Black Study Club and Des Moines Dental District. Active association participation provides not only an excellent opportunity to network with fellow dental professionals, but it also offers continued education in the ever changing world of dentistry. A compassion for providing dental care for children across the state of Iowa has kept Dr. Karbacka busy each fall as he has volunteered with the Iowa Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Karbacka and his wife, Patty, have two sons and are members of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. When not coaching his boys’ athletic teams, you will find Dr. Karbacka golfing, riding his bike (RAGBRAI is one of his favorite events), reading, and spending time with family and friends.
“Your smile is your logo. It tells people who you are. The first thing I look at when I meet a person is their smile. The greatest joy I get from dentistry is helping my patients get the smile that they have always wanted.”
An unfortunate accident of breaking a front tooth at an early age lent itself to Dr. Kenton Gleichman becoming fascinated with the dental profession. Today he celebrates over 38 years of practicing at Dental Associates, PC.
Practicing family dentistry is just a small part of the dental services provided by Dr. Gleichman. Specializing in cosmetic and smile enhancement,Invisalign, implant restorations and soft tissue laser use for frenectomies or gingival overgrowth/contouring are just a few of the oral health services offered to his patients.
Involvement in the G.V. Black Dental Study Club includes participating in community dental education. Additional memberships in the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, and the Des Moines District Dental Society provide networking and sharing of best practices along with his dental professional peers.
Dr. Gleichman is an active community leader. He has been a member of the Contributors Breakfast Club, raising and donating over $500,000 to children’s charities in the Des Moines Area. Traveling on a mission trip to Mexico was a humanitarian mission that he lists as one of his most memorable experiences
His partner and wife Cathy, have been married for over 40 years and are the proud parents of three daughters, Anna lives in the Twin Cities working as a nurse in the NICU. Allison and her husband live in West Des Moines and Christina, practices dentistry in Urbandale. They are proud members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Traveling, snow skiing, playing golf, and just having a great time with his family, especially his 5 grandchildren, and friends are just a few of the activities you will find Dr. Gleichman enjoying outside of his dental practice.
As a well-known Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Iowa Hawkeye fan, Dr. Benjamin Nagel is always ready for a great game day conversation about his teams. His love of sports translates over to his family as well with three sports minded daughters and his taking the time to assist with coaching their teams.
Dr. Nagel grew up in the Urbandale area and attended high school at Dowling Catholic. After graduating from Drake University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology, he transferred to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. His career path has included serving as Dental Director for the Des Moines Health Center, a private not-for-profit community health center and as an Adjunct Faculty Member for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In 2014, Dr. Nagel joined Dental Associates. PC.
Staying up to date with dental procedures, patient education and new technology is a priority for Dr. Nagel. His practice in general and cosmetic dentistry focuses on utilizing the latest technology such as Cerec, a digital dentistry product, and frequently referred to as “Same Day Dentistry”. He is a member of the Iowa Dental Association, American Dental Association, and served as past president of the Des Moines District Dental Society.
A day of golf, reading or spending time with his family and friends is where you will find him when not treating his patients. Dr. Nagel, his wife, Kori, and three daughters are all active members of the St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Dr. Joseph DeMarco fell in love with dentistry at an early age, watching, listening and admiring his father’s passion for dentistry. Dr. DeMarco knew he shared his father’s passion for dentistry and joined him in practice in 1993 after majoring in Biology at Creighton University and receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa. Dr. Joe and his team merged with Dental Associates in 2021.
Dr. Joe is an active member in the Des Moines District Dental Society, the Iowa and American Dental Association and G.V Black Dental Study Club. He has continued seeking his ongoing interest and education in the dental profession by studying and attending courses encompassing the many fields of dentistry.
Dr. DeMarco and his wife, Susan, have two wonderful college-aged children who kept them on their toes during childhood sports and activities. When he isn’t creating beautiful smiles, you can find Dr. Joe working through the latest home project, enjoying seasonal outdoor activities, or cooking and entertaining his family and friends.
Dr. Jaspreet Choudhary graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree. She graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2005 from Creighton University School of Dentistry. She has practiced as General Dentist and Dental Director at Dental Connections in Des Moines for 15 years.
Prior to Dental Connections, Dr. Choudhary was Dental Director at River Hills Community Health Center, Ottumwa, Iowa. She also helped start the dental clinic at Ottumwa, and loves helping pediatric patients.
Dr. Choudhary has been an adjunct faculty for Creighton University School of Dentistry and University of Iowa Dental School.
Dr. Choudhary loves dentistry as it allows her to work with her hands. To her Dentistry feels like art. Dr. Choudhary loves helping others and treating pediatric patients. Dr. Choudhary is honored to be part of the Dental Associates team, and help serve the community of Grimes along with Dr. Quick.
Dr. Choudhary has been married to her husband Anil for 18 years. Together, they have two daughters, Anisha and Kiran and a dog named Ruffles. During her free time she enjoys reading, defending the Huskers, gardening, bike riding and spending time with her family.
Hannah grew up in Ames where she graduated from Ames High School in 2015. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Iowa and went on to graduate from Iowa’s College of Dentistry in 2023. She was selected to be a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and takes pride in providing the best care for her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, and being active outdoors. Hannah is looking forward to joining Dental Associates and is passionate about making each visit a positive experience for her patients.
