Meet Your Doctor…
Patient Reviews
Airway – Centered
The term “airway-centered dentistry” means a type of dentistry that is practiced by a dentist who is familiar with sleep related breathing disorders, airway health, and knows how to assess if there is insufficient development of the jaws. Oxygen and breathing are king, and so this is one of the first things that is assessed for in a patient.
The dentist evaluates facial structures and symmetry, arch development, the soft tissues (including lips, tongue, and throat), as well as the dentition. If discrepancies are noted, the dentist will help guide a patient through the appropriate treatment. Both children and adults are assessed, and there are many options to treat both. The goal is for health and wellness through optimal breathing and sleep. Every patient in our office gets a complimentary screening.
Ozone Therapy
Oxygen is life, and therefore very healing. Ozone is composed of 3 oxygen atoms and enhances the body’s ability to heal by delivering extra oxygen. More specifically, it helps increase ATP activity via powerhouse organs in each cell of the body called mitochondria.
Ozone therapy is mainly used in gum therapy treatments, cavity disinfection, and to desensitize teeth. If cavities are small enough, it can also heal them.
High concentrations of ozone will kill bacteria very quickly, and the agent is around a thousand times more powerful than other bacteria killing agents such as bleach. Studies have shown that it only takes 10 seconds of ozone therapy to kill 99 percent of bacteria in a patient’s teeth including fungi and viruses.
The Benefits of Ozone Dental Treatment
- Eliminates the use of drills and fillings.
- Eliminates the use of anaesthetics.
- Kills 99% of bacteria in cavities.
- Can whiten discoloured cavities.
- Excellent for nervous or anxious patients.
Ozone dental therapy is an excellent preventative measure in combating tooth decay. If you are the parent of a large family then think of the advantages of early prevention of tooth decay; no more expensive fillings or rotten teeth.
Amalgam Removal
Amalgam fillings (more commonly known as “silver fillings”) have at least 50% mercury, which is toxic to the body. When removing mercury fillings, more mercury can be released. Thus, organizations such as the IABDM and IAOMT have set standard protocols to remove them safely so that the patient, doctor, and the assistant are all protected.
Equipment is used in the operatory to ensure mercury vapors are properly being filtered out of the air. An example of how a safe amalgam removal is performed can be found here: https://youtu.be/NFjQtf5eWkc
Biocompatible Dentistry
Certain foods are not compatible with the body – the same can be said of certain dental materials. Teeth are connected to organs in the body via energetic pathways called meridians, and it is important that each person be tested to ensure what is put on their teeth is compatible with their genetic makeup.
While Dr. Wu does ensure that the materials we use are the least toxic possible and BPA free, the patient is informed of biocompatibility testing options for their best health benefit. Biocompatibility tests are available via labs Dr. Wu works with and also through practitioners that can help muscle test materials for the patient.
Fluoride-free dentistry. Fluoride is considered a neurotoxin; biological and holistic dentists seek to treat dental disease with fluoride-free options. This usually consists of dental nutritional counseling and using fluoride-free products we have in the office. Please inquire more information on this when you come visit us for your exam.
Where And When
Based on 104 reviews
Everyone in the office was exceptionally friendly and nice. I haven’t been to the dentist in a *while… they were very thorough and very patient. They didn’t attempt to “upsell” me on every product or service available, rather, they gave me the option to decide what treatment plan I wanted to... pursue. They also take a holistic approach to dentistry, which I personally love. Would definitely recommend urbandale smiles.read more
Laura M.
I had a lot of general reservations going to the dentist from experiences in the past. It was so great to feel welcomed and not dismissed due to fears I had. Dr. Wu helped address immediate concerns and we are working on a plan to get at the root cause which I appreciate.Dr. Wu also was so... understanding and patient with me when filling cavities. I felt like I was a bother but she was reassuring and patient which was more than I could ask for.read more
Dr. Lindsey W.
Front desk girls are friendly and informative. Dr. Wu was very carrying and did a great job. Got all almalgams out and loving my smile. Best dentist I've ever found.
Bobbi B.
Dr Wu & staff do a great job of explaining procedures & treatment plan. They take clear x-rays & color photos and show me areas of concern. I've had 2 appointments for amalgam mercury fillings removal & feel confident in Dr Wu & her staff. They're good at putting me at ease, so I don't dread the... next appointment.read more
Kim W.
Urbandale Smiles was so professional and complete in our holistic dental care. Scheduling was so accommodating even when we live 2 hours away. Dr Wu and her staff are tops!
Debra K.
Very nice from my initial phone call to set up my first appointment. Very thorough. Took the time to listen to my concerns, and find more answers in my first visit than I have been able to find in dealing with my dentist, endodontist and oral surgeon. Best of all, the care about your general... health, and dig to find the root causes, not just put a band aide on things. And its more natural, safe treatments/products, which aligns with my goals for providing my family with the safest treatments. Today was my first visit and I am excited to continue to move forward.read more
Lindsay L
Dr. Alberto Castaneda is a wonderful doctor. He is very knowledgeable. I received great care by him to repair a loose Dental Implant crown.Thank you for taking care of me. I would highly recommend him!
Natasha C.
Aly, Denise, and Dr. Wu were all amazing! I had a wonderful experience from start to finish and they were patient with answering any questions/concerns I had. I would highly recommend them!
Kaozong S.
I've been to a lot of dentists and had a lot of work done. Dr. Sanborn is the nicest dentist I've met. She was very gracious and kind with me and made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure and well informed about what she was doing and what she recommended. My experience was great!
Katie P.
The staff at Urbandale Smiles made my experience seamless. I love the holistic approach they take for my dental care. I would highly recommend Urbandale Smiles!
Dr Drew C.
Great experience. Very professional. One of the very few places that removes "mercury" fillings safely using the SMART protocol in Iowa and was a preferred provider with insurance.
Keith S.
I grew up (in another state) with less than great experiences at the dentist. When I first visited Dr. Wu's office, I was anxious, but saw going to the dentist as an unfortunate part of "adulting." Everyone in the office, throughout each of my visits, have been welcoming and kind. It is obvious... they genuinely care about my health. They changed my mind about going to the dentist and showed me that "adulting" doesn't have to be painful!read more
Kasey D.
Jessi took the time to explain everything to my daughter. Erin helped ease her qhalms. They made her feel comfortable and confident in her dental experience. Thank you.
Natalie A.
Teresa is my favorite dental hygienist in the world ❤️ going to the dentist is my spa day . I had terrible anxiety and that was the reason I chose this office initially bc they offered some soothing treatments which I don’t even need anymore ! They’re so kind and patient and I will... continue to recommend them as always !read more
Carla C.
I cracked a tooth and Dr Sandborn got me in quickly as my regular dentist was full! She was very professional, kind and caring. Did a fabulous job on my new crown! I would highly recommend her! Thank you Dr. Sandborn!
Julie M.
Dr. Wu is knowledgeable, kind and conservative in her approach. We came seeking a holistic alternative to mainstream dentistry, and we’re so happy we found Urbandale Smiles! Highly recommend!!!
Brittany M.
I saw Dr. Flinkman and staff last week for a root canal. He was extremely professional and got me out of pain. I highly recommend him and Urbandale smiles!
Bobby A.
The ambiance is super nice & the staff were all smiling. Dr. Wu was such a good listener and she also gave ussome resources to look into. Can’t wait to start our dental care with Urbandale Smiles!
Jane Claire B.
I have been going to Urbandale Smiles for past 3 + years. I always receive very professional and high quality care. Dr Flinkman and entire staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Just went through 2 1/2 hr procedure. I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. I highly recommend... Urbandale Smiles for all your dental needs. Kathleen Cread more
Kathleen C.
Today I went in as a new patient. From the time I entered the door I was greeted by the front office girl Nicole. Very welcoming. Denise was my hygienist and went into great detail and took her time to explain everything. I would highly recommend this office If you want quality care.
Tainos M.
Posting from my husbands account as I don’t have google.My experience was exceptional and excellent they helped a fellow heath care worker out greatly. I don’t have flexibility in my schedule but they made it happen to get me back into taking care of myself and my health. Their experience,... knowledge and kindness was heart warming. From scheduling to exam and cleaning I felt heard. They made it work and I am so appreciative and happy I found them. Can’t thank everyone enough and look forward to going to the dentist in the future! Also will be sending my family their way!read more
Semir T.
I've been through a few dentist..but Urbandale smile gave me the best visit ever... no pain..and the numbing went away quickly. I was also in and out. They pulled a tooth..as I said the best visit I've ever had
Greg S.
Dr Wu does exceptional quality work. A true artist in Dentistry. The staff is also professional and adds to the quality of service that this establishment offers.
Colin T.
Amazing experience and results! From Dr. Wu, to the front desk staff, and the assistants my experience and results were incredible. I lost my taste and smell due to having the corona virus. After my first Ozone Therapy Treatment, just a week past my clear date, my smell started returning within... hours of the treatment. Throughout the week many smells were apparent and some tastes. My second treatment was a week later and I can confidently tell you my taste and smell have returned. 🙏🏼 Those I know who have had the virus are still awaiting the return of their senses. I highly recommend the Ozone Therapy by Dr. Wu to boost your immune system and see if it helps you as well. Fantastic experience!read more
Tracy M.
Highly recommended! Need I say this group def. goes out of their way to help you. I called Shawn on a Tuesday night (late) telling her I had broke a tooth. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get in due to Thanksgiving and Covid. Not the case. The front staff was able to get me in the next morning... (morning before Thanksgiving) and they took great care of me!Dr. Paulsen and Shawn were very thorough with communicating to me what needed to be done. Excellent dentistry skills. I wont go anywhere else. A++++++read more
Shelley B.
My daughter and I had appointments here today and they are so lovely and thorough. I love the holistic nature of everyone here. We are so happy with our experience!
Karen V.
I have had two fantastic experiences at Urbandale Smiles with Dr. Wu. She is very easy to talk with and I always learn a lot from her and all the staff at Urbandale Smiles. They are very educational and do a great job of helping me understand everything they are doing. I am excited to continue care... with them and get the rest of my family in as well!read more
Josiah F.
***Editing to update... I previously reviewed Urbandale smiles as two stars and will leave my previous review below but I needed to add updated information. The staff at Urbandale smiles made great effort to address my concerns and personally apologized for my experience. They have gone above and... beyond to take wonderful care of me and have scheduled times outside of appointments to check in. Dr. Wu made has been great and made it a point to text me and check in on pain levels and has given my many great recommendations for home care. She personally fit a temporary mouth guard at the office with me until I can figure out a better option and has been all around amazing. Tamara did my deep cleaning today and she is one of the best people to be around! She posted on her personal Facebook to ask for recommendations to chiropractic/physical therapists that may be able to help with my tmj. She is hilarious and makes it easy to want to visit the dentist. I will definitely be sticking around after the personalized care and genuine concern each and every staff member has shown.Old review:My first experience here was great. I informed the staff that I hadn’t been to the dentist in seven years due to a previous negative experience and they were very understanding and helpful. I got full x-rays and came up with a treatment plan. I was not very nervous to come back and felt at ease. Well I just had my second appointment today and despite my nerves that kicked in upon arrival things went fairly well until closer to the end. I have jaw problems so it is really hard to keep my mouth open without breaks and I think they really took that into account most of the time. Coming up on an hour into my appointment the dental assistant told the doctor that there were only eight minutes until the next patient arrived and the doctor explained to her that they hadn’t filled the bottom filling yet. The assistant seemed irritated and that’s when they both started to rush. They no longer gave me any breaks and tears were streaming down my cheeks from the pain in my jaw and neck. Turns out they couldn’t get my bottom fully numb to finish but had already partially drilled. Because they hadn’t scheduled enough time for me they had to put in a temporary filling and schedule another appointment to finish which is really inconvenient and disappointing especially because they charged me for the whole procedure that wasn’t completed. When I got out of the appointment I couldn’t figure out why I was having pains on my right side by my tongue. It didn’t make sense because my whole mouth was basically numb at this point. The whole car ride home I kept looking in the mirror trying to figure out the source of the pain and eventually saw a small white spot under my tongue. I moved my tongue to the side and found they had left a cotton swab shoved clear up under my tongue so far I could only see that tiny bit. If I didn’t have a temporary filling in I would never go back here and would try to find another place to finish my treatment plan.read more
Elan S.
This is a professionally run dentist office that I have complete confidence in. Last year, I had an artificial tooth implanted which involved a 7 month process from beginning to end. Throughout the surgical process and healing, the staff was wonderful and i formativeDr. Francis Nahm showed... compassion and a high degree of friendliness and technical expertise that always left me feeling that I was in good hands. I am happy to say that my implant feels and looks like one if my natural teethNice work!read more
Traveling J.
Very caring people. My hygienist (Tamara, wonderfull) I'm very impressed by the concern for my well being. Not only my teeth but my emotional stat. Tamara didn't help me this time but made sure to say hi to me before I left.
Allan B.
Tamara is the best. So personable and always so happy. Makes you feel comfortable and is very professional at the same time. Definitely recommend to anyone.
Derrick T.
Dr. Ayah is amazing. I was extremely nervous getting my first tooth pulled and she was very patient, understanding, and comforting. Highly recommend the entire staff!
Nathan C.
FANTASTIC experience!! Very excited to go to a hip dentist that uses technology. I appreciated the text and phone reminders of my appointment and able to complete new patient paperwork online at home. Upon arrival greeted by front office lady. Very nice and informative, they have a plan for... people with no insurance to make it affordable. Natalya cleaned me teeth (in picture), educated me on fluoride and preventive care. I appreciate the extra time she spent explaining everything well and answering all my questions. Dr. Bilbesi (probably spelled wrong) was equally as nice and knowledgeable. I'm very impressed and never knew there where options to make it affordable to go more often like I should. Thank you Urbandale Smiles!!read more
Shelana
Urbandale smiles team was fantastic. Everyone that I encountered was professional, knowledgeable, respectful and friendly. I will be recommending them in the future and will defiantly be back whenever needed.
Leslie N.
