Our office has a long tradition of providing high-quality dental care in West Des Moines and surrounding communities under the original name and former owner Dan Todd, DDS. Known for his high-quality dentistry and quirky nature, Dr. Dan Todd started the dental practice almost 40 years ago.
Dr. Dan retired in April of 2021 selecting Dr. Melani Fulton to take over his legacy. While the name has changed to Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, the practice is still locally owned and operated by Dr. Fulton. She is committed to the same high-quality and patient-centered dentistry in which this practice was founded. If you are one of our many long-time patients, you will notice that the friendly staff are all still here to greet you and address your dental needs.
Dr. Melani Fulton was raised in West Des Moines, IA, and graduated from Valley High School. Dr. Fulton received her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
She has spent the last few years providing family dentistry in Norwalk, Iowa, and completed advanced training in orthodontics. After practicing in Norwalk, Dr. Fulton took the leap into practice ownership and purchased the practice of Dr. Dan Todd in West Des Moines. She is excited to continue Dr. Todds legacy and serve patients in West Des Moines providing gentle treatment with modern techniques and high-quality dentistry.
Dr. Fulton treats all patients like family, giving them the best options and explaining all treatment needs. She enjoys all facets of dentistry and helping her patients create and maintain their beautiful smiles.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 106 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCliff Wallace
2 years ago
Dr. Fulton and her team are absolutely amazing. They really mean it when they say they are treating people and not just teeth. They treated me like a person and not a number. I hadn't been to the dentist in almost exactly 2 years since the pandemic started and in that time we had relocated to DSM so I was in need of a new dentist. I went to one of the bigger chains in the area first and they pushed a huge package of work along with several minor upsells like expensive toothpaste. I knew things probably wouldn't be pretty after 2 years of no dentistry but wasn't expecting to hear that I had supposedly acquired full blown irreversible gum disease with a good amount of tooth bone loss. With a quote over $1000 of work I decided to get a second opinion so I went to Dr. Fulton's team. She explained in deeper detail the X-Rays (from the other place) what we were looking at and how to properly measure for gum disease. I felt at ease with her diagnosis as it wasn't rushed and she allowed me to ask any questions I needed. Long story short I do not have gum disease and I do need to floss much more regularly or else I could slip into gum disease. Also- no tooth loss. She was direct, fair, kind and saved me thousands of dollars. Can't recommend Dr. Fulton and her team enough!
Tamarind (Tam)
2 years ago
Great staff! They all make you feel welcome. Dr. Fulton does a great job! Will be back for sure!
dianna shearer
2 years ago
Dr. Melani & her staff r not only top-notch professionals they always make you feel very much at home!! Dianne
Brad Rose
2 years ago
Great transition from Dr. Todd to Dr. Fulton. Staff is awesome. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a great dentist.
chi man ng
2 years ago
5 stars ranking out of 5 stars. That says it all. I sang an old song "I can't live if living is without you" to Dr Todd in his farewell retirement which made him crack a laugh. I will sing the same lyrics to Dr Fulton as she keeps the tradition going to protect my aging teeth.
Vicki Dearduff
2 years ago
Everyone is always very professional and everyone is very nice. I always feel like I am in good hands. Always leave feeling like I was taken care of.
Robin Teetshorn
2 years ago
We love This office and all the staff. Have been patients for years. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
Joel Tharp
2 years ago
Been a long time patient. Dr. Todd and his team do a fantastic job Just had great experience meeting Dr. Fulton and the team was still doing fantastic!
Jacqueline Scaglione
2 years ago
Speedy and friendly service. They make me enjoy going to the dentist.
Jeanne Larson
3 years ago
This was the first appointment following Dan's retirement. It was a pleasure to return the dental office I have been going to for years to find the same upbeat familiar staff! In addition, it was a pleasure to meet Dr. Melani! She took the time to talk to me and get to know me which I sincerely appreciated. I am happy to have her as my family dentist! See you guys soon....not too soon though!!!
Angie Schuster
3 years ago
I've been going to Dan Todd, DDS since the 80s. He is a great dentist who offers expertise, knowledge and professionalism in a kind and caring way.
J Elliott
3 years ago
Absolutely recommend Dr Todd and his team. Wonderful dental practice.
Tracy Swift
3 years ago
Dr. Todd and staff have done an excellent job in putting the patients first. They know exactly what to do make me feel comfortable me during my visit.
Amber Becker
3 years ago
I've been going to Dan Todd since I was a child (over 25 years). Dan's clinic is always clean and safe! The staff is always friendly and everyone treats you like family! I would highly recommend Dan T Todd as your primary dentist!
Randi Webb
3 years ago
Best dentist and great staff. Been going to Dr. Todd since I was a kid, now I take my son there.
reed6244
3 years ago
Great experience! Staff is so friendly,, my hygienist was skilled, careful and gentle. Dr. Fulton was great, took the time to dig into an xray closer and save me more work. Highly recommend and I'll be back.
Ronald Reighard
3 years ago
Very professional, but also friendly. I always have a good experience. Bailey does a good job in the area of hygienic.d.s..
Dan Schneider
3 years ago
Dr Todd has been my dentist for almost 40 years. I can't imagine going to anyone else who would be better thane he and his staff
Michelle Reichardt
3 years ago
Everyone at Dr. Todd's office is wonderful. I've been a patient there for 21 years.
virginia Stone
3 years ago
Have been a patient for years. Friendly helpful staff. Good service.
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