Meet Dr. Hans Leonard

Dr. Hans Leonard, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in Waukee, IA

Getting to know your child's pediatric dentist

I grew up on a dairy farm in Monticello, a small town located in Eastern Iowa.  I continued my education after high school at the University of Iowa for four years and furthered my education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry to receive my D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery).  I greatly enjoyed the surgery aspect and pediatric side of dentistry and joined a practice after dental school that mainly treated children.  After a couple of years, I knew whole heartedly that I needed to make the final step of becoming a specialist in only treating children and adults with special needs.  I ventured on to pediatric residency in Boston at Boston University for two years and the hometown roots brought me back to Iowa.  I thoroughly enjoy treating children not only because I truly believe it makes everlasting memories from their early experiences, but also because working on children is just like Forest Gump once said "It is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get."

I have enjoyed treating children in the Des Moines area since 2009 and am recognized in the local and national organizations in my specialty including:

  • Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
  • Member in good standing with
    • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
    • American Dental Association (ADA)
    • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
    • Iowa Dental Association (IDA)
    • Des Moines District Dental Society (DMDDS)
  • Staff/Surgery privileges at Mercy and Unity Point Hospitals
  • Certified in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS and ACLS)

Ironically enough, I knew very early that dentistry was intertwined and a strong passion of mine.  My first memory in life was at 3.5 years-old knocking out my two front teeth from a skateboarding accident.  Christmas and school pictures for the next few years were unique to say the least without front teeth.  I enjoyed working for my dentist in high school and it especially came in handy as knocking out my baby teeth wasn't enough, I had a run in with a baseball during a high school game that knocked out my two front adult teeth.  I wasn't a dentist quite yet, but I figured I better just clean them off and put them back in and go see my dentist.  A few stitches and surgeries later, everything was as good as new.  I can easily relate with kids that come in to the office after an unexpected and unfortunate dental accident.

I have had the pleasure of traveling and being part of a mission trip to El Salvador and giving back to people that are so gracious for everything you bring.  Locally, I enjoy giving support to the Iowa Mission of Mercy and presenting dental education to classrooms and health fairs when I have free time that allows.  If you have something in mind that you think your local pediatric dentist can help, just give me a shout.