About Apex Dental

Dr. Mindy received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 2007. Since then, she has completed hundreds of hours of postgraduate study in all aspects of oral health and its relation to overall health, with great emphasis on airway and TMJ health.

Dr. Mindy has over a decade of experience in braces and clear aligner orthodontics, with certifications in Invisalign and Clear Correct.

Orthodontic treatment means more than just straight teeth to Dr. Mindy. She has a passion for properly developed jaws and a beautiful set of teeth that perfectly fits the smile and face surrounding them.

She has completed extensive training in multiple highly customized jaw expansion appliances for both kids and adults. She is a certified and passionate provider of the Homeoblock, Myobrace and Healthy Start systems, Biobloc orthotropic appliances, the Airway Health Solutions expansion techniques, the Gelb Institute TAO Method, and Myomunchee. Her focus is on the early identification of improper jaw development in children with early noninvasive intervention to redirect growth for a proper course of development. With epigenetic growth principles, she develops the jaws of interested adult patients. This leaves them with broader smiles, improved facial profiles, a more robust airway, and improved TMJ condition.

With a great interest in the intimate relationship of nutrition, breathing, sleep, and movement with oral structures and oral health, Dr. Mindy makes it her mission to determine the root cause of oral health and TMJ issues. She has a holistic and case-dependent approach to dentistry, helping her patients achieve a smile that they are proud to show off.

Dr. Mindy has been certified in soft tissue laser dentistry by the International Center for Laser Education for over a decade. She is also one of the few dentists in the state with the nationally applauded LightScalpel CO2 laser.

She is a member of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, American Laser Study Club, Foundation for Airway Health, American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics, Academy of General Dentistry, Spear Study Club, Weston A Price Foundation, American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, and Des Moines District Dental Society.

In addition to her daily grind, Dr. Mindy makes it a priority of serving those in need. She has participated in international mission trips, providing volunteer dental services in Jamaica and El Salvador. In addition, she actively volunteers with The Dental Lifeline Network, Donated Dental Services, Dentistry from the Heart, Iowa Mission of Mercy, and Everyone for Veterans. She also works with our local VA hospital to help local vets get the dental care they need.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Mindy identifies as an average snowboarder each winter, and a summertime sucker for her stand-up paddleboard and her stand-up jet ski named Milli Vanilli. Extracurricular activities include cooking, gardening, ignoring piles of laundry, and DIY carpentry projects- her favorite being the chicken coop she built for the Richtsmeier family chickens- Foghorn, Leghorn, Karen, Kyle, and the gang. Family adventures with hubby Brad and kiddos Emma and Max are dominated by camping, swimming, bicycling, board games, and dance parties in the kitchen.

Dr. Brad received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 2007. He has been awarded Fellowship honors in the Academy of General Dentistry for his achievements in post-graduate dental education, a designation achieved by less than 5% of dentists in the United States. He has completed extensive education and certification in multiple surgical modalities, as well as sedation dentistry.

Dr. Brad is an active member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He enjoys helping fearful and anxious patients get the dental care they need by providing in-office IV sedation for their surgical or restorative treatment needs.

Dr. Brad has a strong clinical focus on restoring function and esthetics for patients who are missing teeth. He has been awarded a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association for his extensive training and knowledge. Dr. Brad is a certified provider of the Hybridge Dental Implant system for full mouth restoration. He offers something to fit everyone’s needs for tooth replacement. He provides patients with the highly desirable option of fixed implants on a daily basis, whether for single or multiple teeth. For patients who find removable dentures to be their most desirable option, Dr. Brad works directly with a highly trained and dedicated lab technician, who specializes in custom esthetic dentures for superior options with or without implant support.

Dr. Brad is also an active member of The American Dental Association, The Iowa Dental Association, and the Des Moines District Dental Society. In addition, he volunteers as a dental provider for Iowa’s Dental Lifeline Network and Donated Dental Services. Dr. Brad is also passionate about volunteering for Dentistry From The Heart and Iowa’s Mission of Mercy. Along with serving his community, he has recently traveled abroad to areas of need completing dental mission trips in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

When he’s not in the office, you can find Dr. Brad hanging out with his family: Mindy, Emma, and Max. His passions outside of dentistry include racing motorcycles and downhill skiing.

Dr. Gipple started his education journey at Des Moines Christian and Waukee High School. After undergraduate at Truman State University, he attended Creighton University School of Dentistry. There, he received valuable experience in areas of dentistry most schools reserve for graduate specialty residents including dental implant placement and orthodontics.

During dental school, he traveled to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota to provide free dental care to children and adults. While there, he developed a much greater sense of empathy which he brings to each patient he sees.

After dental school, Dr. Gipple and his wife, Kaitlyn, moved to Denver where he practiced for several years. Although they loved Colorado, they both felt the desire to be back near their families in Iowa. In the summer of 2021, they welcomed their first child into their family – a daughter!

Dr. Gipple is dedicated to lifelong learning by far exceeding continuing education requirements, so he can deliver the most knowledgeable and up-to-date care. He has undergone training from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) that focused on the medical aspects of Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, and he received the “Qualified Dentist” designation to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Through continued training in this area, he achieved Diplomate status from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) – a designation that less than 0.5% of all dentists in the country have and which is widely recognized as the gold standard for excellence in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Gipple is proud to be one of the only Diplomates in the state of Iowa. Dr. Gipple has also gone through advanced training in Botox and dermal fillers allowing him to offer his patients esthetic services, as well as treatment for headaches, bruxism, and TMJ issues. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, the Des Moines District Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His philosophy of care is patient-centered – he focuses on individual relationships with patients, not just their teeth. His sincere and calming nature allows patients to know they will receive the best of care in all regards.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Gipple loves experiencing God’s creation through hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking, and photography. When not enjoying the great outdoors, he can be found playing the guitar and piano, board games, and cheering on the Cyclones and Vikings. He also serves his community by volunteering with Joppa on their Outreach Team, which goes out to the homeless to bring them relationships, food, and basic supplies, as well as helping them find housing. In addition, Dr. Gipple is a committee member of the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking, which focuses on ending sex and labor trafficking.

Dr. Gipple looks forward to meeting you and providing you with personalized, comfortable, and exceptional dental care!

Raised in West Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Janette Hahn is a proud graduate of Valley High School and a true embodiment of local excellence. Her academic journey in the field of dentistry began at Iowa State University, where she honed her interest in health sciences with a degree in Nutritional Science in 2013. Further nurturing her passion for dental care, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2017, where she was honored with the coveted Oral Implantologist award in her senior year.

Dr. Hahn’s professional path is marked by a profound commitment to community service and education. She has notably served as Dental Director at Primary Health Care in Des Moines, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential dental care to underserved communities. Her dedication to nurturing future dental professionals led her to the role of Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the University of Iowa, where she guided senior dental students through their crucial extramural rotations. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Hahn is passionate about breaking language barriers in healthcare, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to Spanish-speaking patients and ensuring effective communication and understanding.

Embracing the values of empathy and accessibility, Dr. Hahn’s experience in rural Southeast Iowa further deepened her resolve to deliver high-quality dental care, especially in areas where resources are scarce. Her journey from experiencing the transformative power of dental care firsthand to providing it professionally has imbued her with a unique perspective on the impact of oral health on overall well-being.

Dr. Hahn’s philosophy of care is deeply influenced by her personal experiences. Growing up in a family that prioritized essential needs over dental visits, she understands the profound difference that compassionate and comprehensive dental care can make. Her own transformation into a confident individual, proud of her smile, fuels her desire to bestow the same confidence and joy upon her patients.

An active member of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, the American Laser Study Club, and the Des Moines District Society, Dr. Hahn is committed to continuous learning and professional development through Spear Education. Her approach to dentistry is holistic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of oral health and overall health.

Away from the clinic, Dr. Hahn cherishes the moments spent with her husband and their two delightful toddlers. An enthusiast of weight lifting, cooking, and baking, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially when her creations bring smiles to the faces of her loved ones.

At Apex Dental, Dr. Hahn is excited to bring her expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm for dental care to serve our community. She looks forward to making every dental visit a positive, transformative experience for her patients, helping them achieve the healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve.

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.

Raised in Grimes, Iowa, and a proud graduate of Dallas Center Grimes High School, Dr. Sommer’s journey toward a career in dentistry started at Iowa State University. There she earned a degree in biology. While at ISU, Dr. Sommer was a peer mentor, teaching assistant, and was an active member of the Pre-Dental Club. Following graduation, Dr. Sommer gained hands-on dental experience as a registered dental assistant. Her compassion and skill in helping others grew.

Her passion for dentistry led her to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During her training, she diagnosed and treated emergency dental cases, cared for patients with complex medical histories and special needs, and participated in community outreach programs that provided education and resources to the public. Dr. Sommer was a member of the Women in Dentistry club and served as the secretary for the Periodontics-Prosthodontics-Academy of Osseointegration Study Club.

In her free time, Dr. Sommer enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, and their cocker spaniel, Daphne. You can often find Dr. Sommer spending time outdoors – whether it’s running, playing pickleball, or relaxing on the patio with family and friends, Dr. Sommer loves to soak up the fresh air.