Your Ames Family Dentist

Care that grows with every generation

Your family’s dental home

Bringing the whole family to one practice shouldn’t feel complicated. Whether it’s your toddler’s very first visit, your teenager’s back-to-school check-up, or your own long-overdue cleaning, our Ames family dentist office is set up to welcome every age under one roof.

We know schedules are tight, and little ones can be unpredictable. We’ll meet you where you are — no lectures, no judgment — just steady, personal care from a team that genuinely enjoys seeing families come back year after year.

What to expect at a family visit

We'll greet everyone by name and take time to help each person feel at ease.
For little ones, we often start with a "happy visit" — complimentary and low-pressure until a full cleaning is actually needed.
We'll check each person's teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral development.
Cleanings are gentle and age-appropriate, and we take digital x-rays only when they're truly needed.
We'll wrap up with clear next steps and make sure every question gets answered before you head out.

Growing up means growing well

For kids, we pay close attention to how the face, jaws, and teeth are developing, including the muscle attachments of the lips and tongue. When something’s off-track, catching it early often means simpler, gentler solutions down the road.

We also talk with parents about the everyday things that shape oral health: diet, hygiene habits, and sleep. These conversations are part of your visit, not an upsell.

Our top focus areas for younger patients include routine preventive care, pediatric orthodontic expansion to support healthy airway development, and everyday restorative work like fillings when they’re needed.

Nervous first-timers? Welcome in

Some kids bounce right into the chair. Others hide behind a parent’s leg. Both are totally normal. We move at your child’s pace, explain what we’re doing in kid-friendly words, and keep the mood calm. Cozy blankets, sunglasses to block the overhead light, and noise-canceling headphones are always available… for grown-ups too!

And if it’s been a while for you, we extend the same patience. You’ll find the same steady, no-judgment approach whether you’re six or sixty.

Simple ways to pay

Payment worries should be the last thing on your mind. At Ames Family Dental, we offer options for everyone to access premium care without stress.

Our office works with most insurance plans and handles the filing for you
We are in network with Delta Dental Premier and are proud to be a Delta Dental Premier Provider
In-house membership plan for uninsured patients
Flexible financing options to fit your budget
Upfront estimates so you always know what to expect
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards
Convenient and secure online payments through the Archy Payment Portal

PAY HERE

In their own words

Six stars if I could!

“This place is amazing! Ames Family Dental is a six-star! Dr. Patten is incredibly kind, thoughtful, and holistic, and I can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. As someone who values empathy and understanding, I appreciated his attentive and compassionate approach. I can’t wait to come back!”

— Lee M.

Feels like a small-town dentist

“Excellent patient care. They listened to my concerns and were very accommodating. Dr. Patten was super personable, and I would recommend this place to anyone wanting a small-town dentist feeling and environment!”

— William T.

Friendly and gentle

“I’ve been going to Ames Family Dental for a little over two years now, and it’s been nothing but fantastic. They’re so personable, and I always look forward to my next appointment. The hygienists are very good at their job, and they clean your teeth in a way that doesn’t leave your gums or teeth hurting.”

— Nathan S.

250+ 5-star reviews on Google

FAQ

When should my child first see an Ames family dentist?

Earlier than most people expect. We love seeing babies and toddlers around their first birthday. These early "happy visits" are complimentary and low-pressure. We use them to get your child comfortable in the chair, answer your questions as a parent, and keep an eye on how everything is developing.

What's a "happy visit," exactly?

It's a short, friendly introduction to the dentist for young kids. We'll count teeth, let your child explore the tools, and talk with you about diet, hygiene, and sleep habits. Happy visits are complimentary until your child is ready for an actual cleaning and exam.

Can my whole family be seen at the same appointment?

We do our best to group family visits that work for your schedule. Back-to-back appointments keep the trip simple and let everyone get in and out in one stop. Just let our team know who you'd like to schedule together, and we'll find a time that fits.

What if my child is scared or won't sit still?

Totally normal, and totally okay. We go slowly, narrate what's happening, and offer comfort items like blankets, sunglasses, and headphones. If your child needs to take a break, sit on your lap, or just watch from a distance the first time, we'll work with it. Progress looks different at every age.

Do you offer orthodontics or braces for kids?

We don't offer traditional metal or clear braces, but we do provide pediatric orthodontic expansion,a treatment focused on supporting jaw growth and airway development in younger children. For older teens and adults interested in straightening their teeth, we also provide Invisalign clear aligners.

What if we've skipped a few years of dental visits?

Life gets busy, and plenty of families walk through our doors after a long gap. We'll start with a thorough exam, explain what we're seeing, and build a plan that eases everyone back into a healthy routine. You're always welcome to restart, at any age.

How often should my family come in for check-ups?

Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months, but we'll tailor the schedule to each family member's needs. Some kids benefit from more frequent monitoring during growth spurts, while healthy adults may do fine on a standard six-month rhythm. We'll recommend what fits, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Let's Connect

Looking for modern care with a down-to-earth feel? We’d love to meet you.

REQUEST APPOINTMENT (515) 233-2898

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2625 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50010

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