MEET THE TEAM
At the core of our dental practice is a friendly team of professionals that are dedicated to your utmost comfort and optimal oral health.
Meet Dr. Alex Phan
Dr. Alex Phan was born in Waukegan, IL, and moved to the Quad Cities in 2001. Following graduation from Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, IA, he continued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then achieved his lifelong aspiration when he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in Iowa City in May of 2017. Dr. Phan is a member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Phan has been a lifelong Chicago sports fan (Cubs, Bulls, and Bears!) and regarding his ties to the Fighting Illini and the Hawkeyes, he supports both teams with immense passion. During his time away from teeth, he enjoys working out at OrangeTheory Fitness, loves spending time with his family, and traveling. Feel free to talk about your most recent Netflix binge or favorite vacation location as he enjoys hearing about trips!
Dr. Phan and his wife, Marissa, live in Johnston along with their daughter, Lila, and Golden Retrievers, Wrigley and Rookie.
Our Dental Hygienists
Our highly qualified dental hygiene team is trained for routine oral care, specialized deep cleanings, dental radiology, oral cancer detection, and educating patients to help them better understand their individual dental care needs.
Ariana
Ariana graduated from Iowa Central Community College in 2008. She has been practicing with Urbandale Family Dentistry since graduating. Ariana spends her free-time cheering on her active children, in their many activities, with her husband. She also enjoys yoga and reading.
Michelle
Michelle graduated from Iowa State University in 2015 with a degree in Human Services. She received her training in dental hygiene from DMACC in 2022. Aside from work, Michelle loves hanging out with her Bernedoodle, Waffles as well as trying new workout classes, enjoying live music, breweries and cheering on her Clones!
Becky
Becky is a graduate from Iowa Central Community College and joined Urbandale Family Dentistry in September 2018. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband and two young children, Luke and Maylin. Outside of work, Becky enjoys supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes and spending time with family and friends.
Our Dental Assistants
Our dental assistants have gone above and beyond to receive extra training in expanded functions to help make your visit be as efficient as possible. Our assistants help Dr. Phan during procedures to make your time in our office comfortable and welcoming.
Kristin
Kristin graduated from Vatterott College and has been practicing dental assisting since 2006 at Urbandale Family Dentistry. She is certified in expanded functions 1 and 2. Away from the practice Kristin enjoys the outdoors, cheering on the Hawkeyes and most of all spending time with her husband and 3 children.
Tricia
Tricia has been working as a dental assistant in the Des Moines area since 2020. She received her dental training at DMACC and is certified in level 1 expanded functions. In her free time, Tricia enjoys traveling, crafting, remodeling her home, all things Disney and attending ComicCons with her life partner Travis and her two kids. Tricia has quite the collection of pets including 2 cats, an 8 foot boa constrictor and a 110 pound tortoise!
Laurie
Laurie graduated from Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, IA in 1978 and moved to the Urbandale area with her husband in 1991. She is a DANB certified, registered and expanded function dental assistant. Laurie enjoys getting to know the patients she meets while working as a dental assistant. Aside from work you can find Laurie in health fitness classes, hot yoga, gardening, shopping and hanging out with family and friends.
Front Office Team
Our front office team is the heart of our office and they are here to assist you in scheduling appointments, filing insurance, designing a payment schedule and helping you understand your treatment plan.
Jean
Jean has been employed at Urbandale Family Dentistry since 2018, as the office manager. She has been in the dental field for over 37 years. She loves her two dogs, Pete and Pippa, loves reading in her free time and is an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan! GO STATE!
Ariel
Ariel began working at Urbandale Family Dentistry in Spring of 2023. She has her degree in Communication Studies from Iowa State. Ariel is happily married to her 3rd grade crush, living life with their 4 year old daughter. When not at work, Ariel enjoys bicycling, hiking and traveling to beautiful places for adventures as well as spending time with her dog Stu, rescued from the streets of Mexico.
Susan
Susan has been employed at Urbandale Family Dentistry since 2017. In her spare time she enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers and spending time with her family.