McDonald Family Dentistry

Bios

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  Dr. Christopher J. McDonald, D.D.S.

  Owner | Dentist

  Dr. Chris McDonald has enjoyed practicing family dentistry in the Des Moines metropolitan area since 2000. He proudly serves the community’s dental care needs just as his father did before him in Sac City, Iowa. Dr. McDonald strongly believes that each and every one of his patients deserves optimal dental care. He promises to deliver comprehensive, lifelong dentistry to each of his patients at McDonald Family Dentistry in Urbandale, IA. To fulfill his promise, he stays committed to continuing education, researching and adapting advanced technology, and using the latest procedures to improve his patient’s dental health. He regularly attends courses and seminars through his local affiliations with the Iowa Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and specialists in the area. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. EDUCATION Dr. McDonald graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with his D.D.S. in 1998. As he continued his education and strengthened his experience in all specializations of the dental field, he completed a general practice residency at Wake Forest University where he was honored with the chief resident position. Prior to dental school, he did his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa (B.A. Biology ’93) and graduated from Sac Community High School in Sac City, Iowa. SERVICE Dr. McDonald and the team at McDonald Family Dentistry in Urbandale, IA, charitably donate their time and services by participating in the Iowa Donated Dental Services program through the Dental Lifeline Network. As well, he and his team visit local elementary and pre-schools during Children’s Dental Health Month in February. He and his wife volunteer with the Greater Iowa Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and also at their church & school community at St. Pius X in Urbandale. He is a United States Army veteran, having served in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, 1990-1991, and he completed active duty for the Iowa Army National Guard, serving in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Currently, he is a member of the Iowa Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and serves as the dental consultant to the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown. FAMILY Dr. McDonald resides in Urbandale with his wife, Ann, and their two children, Meghan and Connor. They enjoy spending their time together and with extended family and friends. Dr. McDonald and his family especially love bicycling and can be found exploring the bike paths around the Des Moines area. When not working or volunteering, his favorite interests include Iowa Hawkeye athletics, the Chicago and Iowa Cubs, skiing, pheasant hunting, reading, running, and spending time with his family and their dog, Winston. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. CHRIS MCDONALD! As of July 2023, Dr. McDonald was awarded with the distinctive Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). This highly esteemed designation follows his Fellowship Award earned in 2015 with the Academy of General Dentistry and proves that he is a highly dedicated professional who is truly passionate about his career in dentistry for more than 25 years. MAGD dentists are the best of the best in their respective field of dentistry. According the AGD, only about six percent of general dentists in the USA and Canada are AGD Fellows (FAGD), and less than two percent are AGD Masters like Dr. McDonald. MAGD dentists care deeply for their patients and spend a lot of time continuing their education and researching the latest techniques and best practices in dentistry. In order to earn his MAGD, Dr. McDonald completed over 1,100 hours of continuing education (CE) classes, including 400+ hours of his CE in hands-on courses, and he passed an exam equivalent in difficulty to his board certification exams he took upon the completion of his Doctorate of Dental Science degree from the University of Iowa in 1998. We are most grateful and appreciative of Dr. McDonald’s sincere dedication to his career and leadership at his private practice here at McDonald Family Dentistry.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: Dr. Christopher J. McDonald, D.D.S.

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  Lori

  Registered Dental Hygienist

  Years of Experience: 20+ years Joined our office in 2006 School/Training: RDH Degree, DMACC Favorite things to do in Lori’s Free-time: Lori has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for more than twenty years, and Lori joined our team in 2006. She did her training and earned her RDH degree from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). In her free time, Lori loves spending time with her family. She has four grandchildren that she adores! She enjoys walking her two dogs with her daughter. She also loves hitting the bike trails with her friends. She is a wonderful care giver to both her friends and family. Lori’s Passion for dentistry stems from her love of going to work every day as it makes her smile. “I have been in dentistry for a good part of my life. I enjoy my job and I love getting to know our patients. I love our team here at McDonald Family Dentistry – we are like family!” ~ Lori

  Education:

  Link: Lori

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  Jenny

  Registered Dental Hygienist

  Years of Experience: 18+ years Joined our office in 2021 School/Training: AA & RDH Degree, DMACC Favorite things to do in Jenny’s Free-time: Jenny has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for more than thirteen years, and she recently joined our team in 2021. She did her training and earned both her Liberal Arts A.A. degree and her A.S. RDH degree from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). In her free time, Jenny loves hanging out and spending time with her family. She also enjoys writing, singing, and playing the guitar, and in the summertime, you might find her swimming and soaking up the rays at the pool. She also loves exercising, and as a wife and mother of two school-aged children, she keeps busy enjoying time spent with her active family. Jenny’s passion for dentistry stems from her love of providing thorough and quality care to ensure a clean and healthy smile for all of our patients at McDonald Family Dentistry. 'I like the small-town feel of McDonald Family Dentistry within a bigger city environment. From the warm and cozy entry welcome to the friendly team of employees and the high-quality work they

  Education:

  Link: Jenny

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  Alexa

  Registered Dental Hygienist

  Years of Experience: 5 Joined our team: 2023 School/Training: RDH Degree, DMACC Favorite things to do in Alexa’s Free-time: Loves to watch sports, especially the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Loves to go to concerts Outdoorsy and enjoys spending time outside on lakes and rivers Enjoys spending time with friends and family Exercise enthusiast and enjoys working out Alexa’s Passion for Dentistry & what she likes about working at McDonald Family Dentistry: Alexa really likes making connections with her patients! “I love the team aspect here at McDonald Family Dentistry and I enjoy coming to work every day and love the people I work with!”

  Education:

  Link: Alexa

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  Monica

  Front Office Patient Care Coordinator | Insurance Specialist

  Years of Experience: 19 Joined Our team: 2012 School/Training: Scott Community College (Business) Las Vegas Institute – Neuromuscular Dentistry & Sleep Dentistry Expanded Functions in Dental Assisting (EFDA) Favorite things to do in Monica’s Free-time: Loves spending time traveling with her husband, John, and their two young children Photography Singing Cheering on the Green Bay Packers! Monica’s Passion for Dentistry & what she likes about working at McDonald Family Dentistry: Monica enjoys giving our patients the best possible care & customer service. She always greets patients with a smile. “I really enjoy getting to know all of our fabulous families here at McDonald Family Dentistry!”

  Education:

  Link: Monica

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  Regan

  Registered Dental Assistant

  Years of Experience: 7 Joined our team: 2015 School/Training: Associate’s Degree in Nursing, DMACC – 2009 Favorite things to do in Regan’s Free-time: Spends time with her husband and young daughter Trying out new restaurants with friends Huge sports fan! Really loves the Iowa State Cyclones and the Minnesota Vikings Any outdoor excursions – as long as it’s warm outside! Regan’s Passion for Dentistry & what she likes about working at McDonald Family Dentistry: Regan really loves the teaching moments the field of family dentistry offers; no matter what the age of the patient, there is always an opportunity to share knowledge about optimal oral health & hygiene. Regan enjoys working with her friends – and sees them as friends, not just her co-workers. “We are a family unit here at McDonald Family Dentistry!”

  Education:

  Link: Regan

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  Lori

  Registered Dental Assistant

  Joined our team: 2020 School/Training: Associate’s of Applied Science & RDA degrees, DMACC Favorite things to do in Lori’s Free-time: Spends time with her two daughters & family Loves to go to concerts Photography Heading to the lake & camping Crafting and making “funky flatware” Huge Iowa State Cyclones fan! Lori’s Passion for Dentistry & what she likes about working at McDonald Family Dentistry: Lori really loves teeth and happy smiles! “I love dental assisting and being with patients! I enjoy meeting new people and I enjoy forming relationships with both patients and the team here at McDonald Family Dentistry! I really enjoy working at this office because Dr. Chris is so gentle and caring and he provides excellent dental care to his patients! Our team works together to ensure that everyone who walks through our front door has an awesome experience in a safe and happy environment!”

  Education:

  Link: Lori

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  Ann

  Part-time Office Manager

  Ann is Dr. McDonald’s wife, and she enjoys her full-time job taking care of their two young children. She also works part-time during the week as part-time practice manager. She has thoroughly enjoyed helping Dr. McDonald establish and build his vision of McDonald Family Dentistry in Urbandale, IA since its start in August 2004. Ann takes pride in being able to help create a comfortable environment that makes patients feel like they’re a special part of the practice. Her special touches help patients feel as welcome as guests in their home. “At McDonald Family Dentistry, we’re committed to going the extra mile to ensure each patient feels comfortable, content and completely satisfied with the health services they receive from us.'

  Link: Ann