At Ames Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, on the wall in our office, we display the mantra: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little word, extra! Our goal is to always provide that extra to serve our patients with excellence. Our team will do all that is possible to give you the smile of your dreams. We build positive and caring relationships with our patients to create the trust and confidence you need to make good decisions for your dental health! We want to provide you with a wonderful experience so that you believe a trip to our dental office is comfortable, rewarding and pleasant! Dr. Amie and her team will use the best materials, equipment and dental practices to take care of you!
Dr. Amie Rockow-Nelson always dreamed of becoming a dentist and setting up a practice in Ames, Iowa, home of her beloved Cyclones. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1992 and then continued her studies at Creighton University Dental School. Dr. Amie worked as a Resident in Dentistry at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center in St Louis, Missouri for one year. Then in 2001, she began setting up her own private practice in Ames.
After so many years of education, Dr. Amie is still continuing to improve her own technique as well as the skills and precision of her highly professional team members. She is a participant in the study of advanced dentistry techniques at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where she pursues cutting edge training on aesthetic dentistry, posterior restoration, occlusion, neuromuscular dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, and smile designs. The program requirements are rigorous, detailed and time-consuming. Dr. Amies commitment and love of dentistry ensures that her patients feel confidence, trust and personal gain in their treatment.
Certifications Iowa State University B.S., 1992: Creighton University D.D.S. 1999: Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society Society: Creighton University Hospital-based Residency St. Johns Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 2000; Anterior Cosmetic Course, Hornbrook Group, Kansas City, Missouri, 2003; Las Vegas Institute Fellow Las Vegas Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2005-Current
Local Memberships and Service Board of Directors, Ames Noon Rotary Club; Ames Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Delta Delta Delta-Alumni Group; Past Board of Directors, Ames Boys and Girls Club, Past Board Member of Mary Greeley Foundation, current Committee Member.
Renee Rockow After retirement from the Ames Community School District, it seemed very natural for Renee to join our team. She enjoys working to promote fine service and loves fostering close relationships with our patients. Her background as an administrator gives her the patience to support and encourage you as you learn about your dental needs and care options. She is always eager to advocate on the behalf of our patients and find ways to help them with their insurance, which can be a challenging system to navigate. She enjoys helping out wherever shes needed, whether it be assisting with treatment, office administration, marketing, education, or reception. She is invested in your care and satisfaction. Renee loves being with family, travel, music, reading, and all things ISU.
Kari Bemisdarfer Kari joined Dr. Amies team initially as a dental assistant and as her passion for dental health grew, she went back to school to become a registered dental hygienist. Karis gentle listening ear is evidence that she really cares about people, and you can feel secure in her competent care. She makes patient comfort one of her goals so that you can enjoy your experience as much as she enjoys caring for you. Outside work, Kari especially loves being with her husband, her little girl, Marleigh, and their family dog, Ellie. She also likes occasionally taking a cruise to beat the cold Iowa weather!
Heather Schaefer Heathers background in child and family services has given her a passion for educating and encouraging patients in their dental health. She has served in all aspects of our dental practice but currently plays a vital role working alongside Dr. Amie as her dental assistant. Heather finds satisfaction in attention to details, and loves being able to offer you greater comfort with a paraffin hand dip, a warm blanket, or a neck pillow. She wants you to enjoy your visit so you can look forward to coming again! Heather enjoys attending ISU events, baking, music, and family.