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Accepting new patients

University Dental Group

University Dental Group provides orthodontic care in Des Moines, IA, serving children and adults seeking tooth alignment and related treatments.

4626 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
5.0(914 reviews)
Call Now(515) 277-3766Book OnlineWebsiteDirections

About University Dental Group

Treatment rooms with garden views help ease nervous patients and young children through exams, while Dr. Lauren Patrick and Dr. Katherine Spellman are described as unhurried and non-pushy.

University Dental Group is a general dental practice in Des Moines that also offers Invisalign and TMJ treatment. Reviews often mention families bringing several children through treatment here over the years, and several note that exam rooms overlooking a garden help calm anxious adults and kids alike. Dr. Lauren Patrick and Dr. Katherine Spellman are frequently described as explaining options plainly and holding off on work that isn't needed, and the front-desk and hygiene team come up often for their gentle approach with nervous patients.

Summary of 200 patient reviews, August 2025–September 2026, updated September 2026

University Dental Group provides orthodontic care in Des Moines, IA, serving children and adults seeking tooth alignment and related treatments.

The practice is led by Dr. Katherine Spellman and Dr. Lauren Patrick, who offer consultations to assess individual orthodontic needs. Treatment options at the practice include Invisalign for patients preferring clear aligner therapy and TMJ treatment for those experiencing jaw joint dysfunction. The practice offers online booking to schedule appointments. University Dental Group accepts dental insurance and is in-network with multiple dental benefits plans. The practice files claims for PPO, indemnity, and out-of-network coverage, though payment is required at the time of service. Payment plans and in-house financing are available for patients managing treatment costs. A free consultation is offered for those exploring orthodontic options. The practice serves patients throughout the Des Moines area. Individual treatment recommendations depend on clinical assessment of each patient's orthodontic condition.

Treatments offered

InvisalignInvisalignTMJ TreatmentTMJ Treatment
Clear Aligners
Starting from $130.00 - $130.00 per month
Consultation
Free
GuidesHow much does Invisalign cost? →Payment options & financing →

Who They Treat

University Dental Group provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:

Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+

Technology & Equipment

University Dental Group uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.

Laser Dentistry

* Pricing shown is an estimate. Contact the practice for a personalized quote.

Orthodontists at this office

provider
headshot

Dr. Katherine Spellman, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Lauren Patrick

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients

Insurance accepted

In-network with a number of dental benefits plans; will file claims for PPO, indemnity, and out-of-network plans.

What patients say

Latest review 6 weeks ago

What patients praise

  • Garden-view treatment rooms are mentioned repeatedly as a way the office keeps anxious patients and young children calm during visits.
  • Dr. Lauren Patrick and Dr. Katherine Spellman are noted for explaining treatment options without pushing unnecessary work.
  • Several families describe bringing multiple children to the practice over the years and continuing to return.

Who it suits

  • Anxious or nervous patients
  • Families with several kids in treatment

Doctors patients mention

  • Dr. Lauren Patrick · 33 reviews
  • Dr. Katherine Spellman · 30 reviews

Orthodontic care in reviews

Few reviews discuss orthodontic treatment specifically; the feedback above reflects general dental visits.

Last 90 days
57 reviews
averaging 5.0★
Last 12 months
256 reviews
averaging 5.0★
Owner replies
79% of reviews
Compared with Des Moines
Higher rated than 81%
of 8 practices we track
Reviews per month
34
Oct 2023Sep 2026
Reviews per month
Oct 20230
Nov 20230
Dec 20230
Jan 20240
Feb 20240
Mar 20240
Apr 20240
May 20240
Jun 20240
Jul 20240
Aug 20240
Sep 20240
Oct 202418
Nov 202419
Dec 202418
Jan 202525
Feb 202520
Mar 202529
Apr 202531
May 202522
Jun 202523
Jul 202521
Aug 202511
Sep 202512
Oct 202515
Nov 202517
Dec 202522
Jan 202624
Feb 202622
Mar 202620
Apr 202634
May 202621
Jun 202621
Jul 202617
Aug 202618
Sep 202620
Average rating by year
  • 20245.0
  • 20255.0
  • 20265.0
1★5★
What patients talk about
PraiseCriticism
  • Friendly staff76
  • The dentist56
  • Gentle, comfortable care30
  • Clear explanations21
  • Scheduling & wait times15 / 1
  • Office & technology13
  • Responsiveness9 / 1
  • Great with kids7
What patients talk about
ThemePraiseCriticism
Friendly staff760
The dentist560
Gentle, comfortable care300
Clear explanations210
Scheduling & wait times151
Office & technology130
Responsiveness91
Great with kids70

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Recent reviews from Google

5.0
914 reviews
Chad Jacobsen
Chad Jacobsen
2 weeks ago
“

I have a great deal of trust in this practice after only 2 years with them. Exceptional communication and setting experience expectations.

Review from Google

Jill geadelmann
Jill geadelmann
a month ago
“

I’ve trusted the professionals at University Dental for over 25 years with the care of my teeth and mouth. I know my family and I are getting best practice services in the office and recommendations for self care between visits.

Review from Google

angela edwards
angela edwards
2 months ago
“

I look forward to my appointment's I always get good care on my teeth and always feel better afterwards. My teeth feel great and look nice and shiny. Best of all the technicians are so friendly and helpful if I have any questions regarding my teeth concerns. Looking forward to my next appointment 😬🤗

Review from Google

Lauren Lee
Lauren Lee
2 months ago
“

University dental group was recommended to me by a friend and they did not disappoint! I do not like going to the dentist but actually have enjoyed all of my experiences so far and have been very impressed! The staff and Dr Spellman are so welcoming, friendly and personable. I have never felt more comfortable and cared for in any other dental or medical office. Highly recommend!

Review from Google

Todd Hartman
Todd Hartman
3 months ago
“

I have nothing but compliments for the staff at University Dental Group. Tracy does my bi-annual teeth cleaning and she does a great job and is so friendly and attentive when doing the cleaning. Dr..Spelling has been wonderful as well in helping to fix some cavities and also with a painful inflammation I had in my mouth back in 2024. She listens to you and helps to fix the issue and does so with caring and respect as well as giving good advice on what can help! Her assistant Michelle has also been great to work with. She has always been very kind and respectful as well. I came here after seeing all the great reviews and I can say from my experience that the 5 star reviews are well justified!

Review from Google

Read all 914 reviews on Google →

Questions about this practice

What orthodontic treatments does University Dental Group offer?+
University Dental Group offers: Invisalign, TMJ Treatment.
Does University Dental Group offer free consultations?+
Yes, University Dental Group offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (515) 277-3766 or book online to schedule.
Is University Dental Group accepting new patients?+
University Dental Group is currently welcoming new patients in Des Moines, IA. Call (515) 277-3766 or book online to schedule.
Where is University Dental Group located?+
University Dental Group is located at 4626 University Ave. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=16920791083769542658&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for University Dental Group?+
University Dental Group office hours: Mon 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tue 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Wed 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Fri Closed–Closed, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does University Dental Group offer payment plans?+
Yes, University Dental Group offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at University Dental Group?+
University Dental Group is staffed by Dr. Katherine Spellman, Dr. Lauren Patrick.
What is the patient rating for University Dental Group?+
University Dental Group has a 5-star rating based on 914 patient reviews on Google.

Research with AI

ChatGPTPerplexityClaude
4626 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
Get Directions
(515) 277-3766
universitydentalgrouppc.com/
Book Online
Open in Google Maps
Accepting new patients
Free Consultation
Payment Plans Available
In-House Financing
Online Booking Available

Accessibility & Parking

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Free Lot Parking
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFC
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

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