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ADDRESS

725 S 51st Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265

OPEN Hours

Monday–Thursday
8AM–5PM

Request AppointmentCall: (515) 224-1618
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At Apex Dental, we believe everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile.

1

A Comfortable, Modern Office

With 18 operatories, two surgical suites, quiet waiting areas, and private consult rooms, our brand-new West Des Moines office is designed to provide you with all the best care, all in one place.

2

Experienced, Compassionate Professionals

Our doctors have years of advanced training in areas like IV sedation, full-mouth restorations, and sleep medicine. Our hygienists are equally dedicated to your health, giving you simple, practical tools to keep your smile strong at home.

3

Technology That Puts You First

From custom prosthetics made in our in-house lab to precise 3D scans and comfortable CO₂ laser treatments, we use advanced technology to make your care safer, faster, and more effective, always with your comfort in mind.

4

A Team that Truly Cares

From the front desk to the treatment room, every member of our team is here to make you feel welcome and supported. We’re here to support not just your smile, but your overall well-being.

New PatientsReturning Patients
Dentist

Dr. Mindy Richtsmeier, DDS

Dr. Mindy received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 2007 and has since completed extensive postgraduate training, with a focus on airway, TMJ health, and holistic oral care. She has over a decade of experience in braces and clear aligner orthodontics, certified in Invisalign and Clear Correct, and cares about creating healthy, well-developed jaws and beautiful smiles for both children and adults.

Her areas of interest include advanced jaw expansion and orthodontic techniques, including Homeoblock, Myobrace, Healthy Start, Biobloc orthotropic appliances, and other airway-focused methods. Dr. Mindy takes a holistic approach to dentistry, addressing the root causes of oral health and TMJ issues while helping patients achieve broader smiles, improved facial profiles, and healthier airways. She is also certified in soft tissue laser dentistry and is one of the few providers in Iowa using the LightScalpel CO2 laser.

An active member of multiple professional organizations, Dr. Mindy is dedicated to service, volunteering locally and internationally with programs like Dental Lifeline Network, Donated Dental Services, Dentistry From the Heart, Iowa Mission of Mercy, and VA care. Outside the office, she enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, jet skiing, cooking, gardening, DIY projects, and family adventures with her husband Brad and their children, Emma and Max.

Dentist

Dr. Brad Richtsmeier, DDS

Dr. Brad earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 2007 and has achieved Fellowship honors in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by fewer than 5% of U.S. dentists. He has extensive training in surgical and sedation dentistry and is dedicated to helping anxious patients receive the care they need comfortably.

He specializes in restoring function and esthetics for patients with missing teeth, offering solutions ranging from single implants to full-mouth restorations. Dr. Brad is a certified provider of the Hybridge Dental Implant system and works closely with a skilled lab technician to provide custom esthetic dentures with or without implant support. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations and volunteers regularly through programs like Dental Lifeline Network, Dentistry From The Heart, and international dental mission trips.

Outside the office, Dr. Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Mindy, and their children, Emma and Max. He is passionate about motorcycle racing and downhill skiing and values both family time and adventure in his personal life.

Dentist

Dr. Christopher Gipple, DDS, D. ABDSM

Dr. Gipple grew up in Des Moines and Waukee, attending Des Moines Christian and Waukee High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Truman State University before completing dental school at Creighton University, where he gained advanced experience in dental implants and orthodontics. During school, he provided free dental care on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, an experience that deepened his empathy and commitment to patient-centered care.

After practicing in Denver for several years, Dr. Gipple returned to Iowa with his wife, Kaitlyn, and they welcomed their first daughter in 2021. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, one of fewer than 0.5% of dentists nationwide, and offers advanced training in dental sleep medicine, dermal fillers, and TMJ treatments. He is an active member of numerous professional associations and focuses on building individualized relationships with his patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Gipple enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking, photography, music, and cheering on the Cyclones and Vikings. He is also deeply involved in community service, volunteering with Joppa Outreach and the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking. He looks forward to providing personalized, comfortable, and exceptional dental care to every patient.

Dentist

Dr. Janette Hahn, DDS

Raised in West Des Moines, Dr. Janette Hahn is a Valley High School graduate who went on to earn her Nutritional Science degree from Iowa State University and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa, where she received the Oral Implantologist award. Inspired by her own experience growing up with limited access to dental care, she is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered dentistry.

Dr. Hahn has served as Dental Director at Primary Health Care in Des Moines, taught as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the University of Iowa, and cared for patients in rural Southeast Iowa. Fluent in Spanish, she is dedicated to breaking down language barriers and expanding access to high-quality dental services for all.

At Apex Dental, Dr. Hahn combines expertise, empathy, and a holistic approach to help patients achieve confident, healthy smiles. Outside of work, she enjoys weight lifting, cooking, baking, and spending time with her husband and their two young children.

Dentist

Dr. Sommer Lortz

Dr. Sommer’s philosophy of care centers on creating a welcoming and calming environment. She is dedicated to guiding her patients toward healthier, more confident lives, helping them look and feel their best. Warm, welcoming, and attentive, Dr. Sommer takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued every step of the way.

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Ashley

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Terri

Makenzi

Lori

Hannah

LaDonna

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Emma

Danielle

Christina

See Openings
  • Everyone for Veterans 
  • Dental Lifeline Network 
  • Dentistry From the Heart 
  • Iowa Mission of Mercy
  • Jamaica – Great Shape! 
  • El Salvador – Leland Dental Charities
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