Choosing a Dentist in West Des Moines: What Should You Look For?

Choosing a dentist is about more than finding the closest office or picking the practice with the most five-star ratings. You want a dental team you can trust, a practice that can meet your needs, and care that makes you feel comfortable and well informed.

At Westgate Dental, we believe choosing a dentist should be a straightforward decision. Whether you are looking for a dentist in West Des Moines, IA for yourself, a West Des Moines dentist for your family, or a practice for ongoing preventive care, there are several things worth considering before you book your first appointment.

Get to Know Your Dental Team

One of the first things we recommend when choosing a dentist is getting to know who will be providing your care.

At Westgate Dental, Dr. Jeremy Flinkman, DDS, leads our dental team. He has a strong interest in dentistry, complex cases, and continuing professional development. We believe that ongoing education is an important part of providing our patients with high-quality dental care.

If you are considering a new dental practice, take some time to learn about the dentist and team. You should feel comfortable asking questions about their experience and the type of care they provide.

You can also meet Dr. Jeremy Flinkman to learn more about our dental team.

Choose a Dentist That Can Meet Your Needs

Your dental needs can change over time. Preventive care may be all you need today, while in the future you may need restorative, cosmetic, or more advanced treatment.

At Westgate Dental, we provide a broad range of dental services so patients can receive comprehensive care in one convenient location. Our services include:

Dental exams and cleanings
Fillings
Endodontic therapy
Clear aligners
Dental implants
Prosthodontic services
Veneers
Teeth whitening
Cosmetic dentistry
Preventive dental care

We also provide dental care for patients of all ages. If you are looking for a family dentist in West Des Moines, having a practice that can care for different members of your household can make regular dental visits much easier.

Know What to Expect at Your First Visit

Starting with a new dentist can sometimes feel uncertain, particularly if you have not been to the dentist recently.

At your first appointment, we take the time to understand your oral health and identify any concerns that may need attention. Our comprehensive examinations look at your teeth, gums, bite, and other aspects of your oral health.

Depending on your individual needs, your appointment may include an examination, professional cleaning, X-rays, or treatment planning.

If you have questions about what your first visit will involve, we encourage you to ask. Understanding what is happening and why can make your dental experience much more comfortable.

You can also find more information about our dental exams and cleanings before your appointment.

Look for a Strong Focus on Preventive Dentistry

Regular preventive care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile. Dental problems are often easier to manage when they are identified early, rather than waiting until they become more complicated.

At Westgate Dental, preventive care includes regular dental examinations and professional cleanings, as well as services such as fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral cancer screenings.

How often you need dental examinations and cleanings can depend on your individual oral health. During your visits, we can discuss how frequently you should come in and what you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments.

Make Sure Your Dentist Explains Your Treatment Options

We believe you should understand your dental care before making decisions about treatment.

When we identify a dental concern, we take the time to discuss what we have found and explain the options available to you. Your care plan should reflect your individual needs and treatment goals.

If you are unsure about a recommended treatment, ask questions. You may want to know:

What has the dentist found?
What treatment options are available?
What happens if treatment is delayed?
Which treatment is essential?
Are there alternative options?
What can I expect during and after treatment?

We want our patients to feel informed and confident about their dental decisions.

Consider Comfort If You Feel Nervous About the Dentist

If you experience dental anxiety, you are certainly not alone. Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist can make it difficult to keep up with regular appointments, which is why your comfort matters.

At Westgate Dental, we support patients who experience dental anxiety and offer sedation dentistry. The appropriate sedation option depends on the individual patient and the treatment being provided.

If you are nervous about dental treatment, let our team know before your appointment. We can discuss your concerns and explain the comfort options that may be appropriate for you.

Our patient testimonials also include feedback from people who have described feeling comfortable and well cared for during their visits.

Read Reviews, But Look Beyond the Star Rating

Online reviews can be helpful when you are choosing a dentist in West Des Moines, IA, but we recommend looking at what patients actually say rather than focusing only on the number of stars.

Reviews can give you an idea of how patients felt about the dental team, communication, comfort, and overall experience.

For example, one of our patients, Denise, shared:

“Dr. Flinkman and Kelly are excellent. They are very kind and made me feel comfortable.”

We are grateful when patients take the time to share their experiences. Of course, every patient is different, so reviews should be considered alongside your own needs and expectations.

You can read more patient testimonials on our website.

Ask About Emergency Dental Care

Dental problems do not always occur at convenient times. A broken tooth, severe dental pain, or swelling can require prompt attention.

When choosing a family dentist, it is worth finding out how the practice handles urgent dental problems.

At Westgate Dental, emergency appointments are available. If you have an urgent dental concern, contact our office so we can discuss your situation and the appropriate next step.

You can learn more about emergency dental care and how to contact us if you need urgent attention.

Understand Insurance and Payment Options

Dental care is an important part of your overall health, and we believe it is important to understand the financial side of treatment before you begin.

Westgate Dental works with various insurance providers and offers payment options. We also provide financing through third-party providers and an annual membership savings plan for patients without dental insurance.

Because insurance benefits and coverage vary between plans, we recommend speaking with our team about your individual coverage. We can help you understand your expected patient responsibility before treatment.

For more information, visit our financial information page.

Consider Location and Appointment Hours

Even if you find a dentist you like, regular appointments are much easier to maintain when the practice is convenient for your everyday routine.

Westgate Dental is located at:

1000 73rd Street, Suite 1
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265

We are located across from Sam’s Club and east of Dowling Catholic High School.

Our current office hours are:

Monday: 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–3 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–3 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–4 PM
Friday–Sunday: Closed

Office hours and appointment availability can change, so we recommend confirming the current schedule when you contact us.

Choosing a Dentist in West Des Moines

Finding the right dentist does not have to be complicated. Start by looking at the dental team, the services available, and the practice’s approach to preventive care. Then consider the things that matter to you personally, such as communication, comfort, emergency care, insurance, and location.

At Westgate Dental, our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care in a comfortable environment while helping our patients understand and feel confident about their treatment.

Whether you need a routine dental exam and cleaning, restorative treatment, cosmetic dentistry, or urgent dental care, our team is here to help.

If you are looking for a West Des Moines dentist, we invite you to contact Westgate Dental to discuss your dental needs and schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a dentist in West Des Moines?

Consider the dentist’s experience, the services offered, approach to preventive care, first-visit process, communication style, comfort options, emergency arrangements, patient reviews, insurance and payment options, location, and office hours.

Who is the dentist at Westgate Dental?

Dr. Jeremy Flinkman, DDS, is the lead dentist at Westgate Dental. You can meet Dr. Jeremy Flinkman and learn more about our dental team.

Does Westgate Dental treat families?

Yes. We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic services.

Does Westgate Dental offer emergency appointments?

Yes. Emergency appointments are available. If you have an urgent dental problem, contact our office so we can confirm current availability and discuss the appropriate next step.

Does Westgate Dental offer sedation dentistry?

Yes. We offer sedation dentistry for patients experiencing dental anxiety. The appropriate option depends on your individual needs and the treatment being provided, so we recommend discussing your concerns with your dentist.

Where is Westgate Dental located?

Westgate Dental is located at 1000 73rd Street, Suite 1, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Our phone number is 515-223-5001.

Ready to Find Your West Des Moines Dentist?

Choosing a dentist is an important decision, and you should feel comfortable with the team caring for your smile.

At Westgate Dental, we are proud to provide comprehensive dental care for individuals and families in West Des Moines. From preventive exams and cleanings to restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental care, we are here to support your oral health at every stage.

Contact Westgate Dental to schedule your appointment or speak with our team about your dental needs.