Meet Dr. Nick Waage

When I'm not taking care of your little ones here at Walnut Hills Dentistry, I'm spending time with my own three children (Raegan, Presley and Miles) and my wife, Sarah. We have two dogs that make up the most oddly interesting duo ever; Hardy the Boxer (aka Nervous Brown) and his Pomsky brother, Karl! These wonderful humans (and animals) keep me going day in and day out. The energy they bring to my life challenges me to be my very BEST, and allows me to continue to do what I love every day. I am grateful for my Iowa upbringing and am excited to be able to contribute to the surrounding communities of the very town I grew up in. I've lived all over the map from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Atlantic Coast of Connecticut—and a few great places in between. After all that adventure, it was pretty easy to decide where to settle down and declare my home. I'm just an “Iowa Boy” at heart and believe I found my way back to the place where I feel most “at home!” We love being from Iowa, we love the people and the sense of community. It just can't be found anywhere else!

I grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa and attended Valley High School in West Des Moines. I pursued my undergraduate training at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I was accepted into the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and would receive my D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree after four years of training. During dental school, I had a knack for treating children and wanted to pursue additional education in that area. I was accepted into the residency program at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. After two years of intensive training, I received my specialty degree in pediatric dentistry. The strong educational background I received has instilled in me a desire for lifelong learning. I believe that research and continuing education is critical for the progression of our field. In 2009, I had my first research manuscript published in the May/June 2009 issue of Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. I was invited to present my research at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Annual Session in Washington, D.C. We make it a strong priority to stay current with regards to the most effective treatment options available for our patients and their families.

I have been practicing pediatric dentistry and serving the Des Moines area since 2008. During this time I have earned and maintained certifications from various professional organizations in my field including:

• Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• 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 privileges at Mercy Hospital and Lakeview Surgery Center
• Certified in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS and ACLS)

Community

Interestingly (or strangely), I knew from a relatively young age that dentistry was the life for me. I was always interested in the smallest of details, and I liked working with my hands, but I think I got my real spark when I received an invitation to be part of a mission trip to South America during my first year of college. A group of dentists and doctors from the community were heading to Venezuela to head-up a week-long healthcare clinic and my dentist at the time suggested I come along and observe. Part of a medical and dental team, I had the unique opportunity to watch and learn from some pretty great people! I would ultimately get to be a part of a similar trip to Costa Rica years later. These trips have had an amazing impact on my life; I would love to participate in these trips on a yearly basis! On the more local level, I’ve been involved with the Iowa Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile Day. I enjoy doing classroom presentations for all ages, and speaking at health fairs, church events and community groups about the benefits of good oral health. Long story short (too late), I like to be involved locally and beyond. Let us know of any opportunities that may exist in the community, we’d love to be a part!

I am truly looking forward to meeting you and your children, and helping your little ones find a place that they can grow and develop good oral health habits that will last a lifetime!