He obtained his dental degree (DMD) at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine in Massachusetts in 2009, where he graduated with high honors. He then completed a three-year prosthodontic certificate program at the University of Texas School of dentistry at Houston in 2014 and earned an additional Master of Science degree.
Dr. Matta is passionate about practicing evidence-based dentistry in order to ensure positive long-term treatment outcomes for his patients. He whole-heartedly believes in a global, comprehensive approach to patient care, and he strives to deliver the best dental treatment to his patients.
Dr. Matta has held academic positions as a clinical assistant professor at Boston University School of Dental Medicine and University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine for the last four years. He has multiple publications and poster presentations and has lectured in study clubs. He also currently serves as a dentist in the United States Army Reserve Dental Corps.
Our amazing dental team works hard every day to ensure our patients feel relaxed and happy during their treatment. At our dental practice in Des Moines and Urbandale, Iowa, we are excited for the opportunity to come in to work and help better the lives of our patients. If you would like to get to know our team a little more or schedule a visit with our dentists, feel free to give Des Moines Dental Group a call today.
Alicia joined the senior citizens club three years ago, but in her opinion, age is a state of mind. She enjoys being engaged and active and leading a healthy lifestyle. She has been practicing dental hygiene since she first joined her profession in 1997. This is her second career and second college degree. She loves dental hygiene and enjoys the teaching aspect of it. Her experience in dental hygiene is varied. She was hired right out of college to work at Parkway Periodontal Group part time. She also worked part time at the Newton Correctional facility as a hygienist. She learned a lot from these two jobs and acquired great experience. She was taught and mentored by the best people in the business. She moved on to general practice, and it has also been very rewarding. She is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and attends educational meetings as often as she can. She believes our profession is continually changing and one should never stop learning and acquiring new knowledge to help our clients!
Alicia is married and has two grown sons. Her husband is an engineer but has been retired since 2012. When he retired, Alicia was not ready to join him in a life of leisure, so she has continued to work because she loves her profession. She joined Des Moines Dental Group in 2016 part time until a full-time position became available. She can honestly say that she truly enjoys working for this group everyone has been amazing! She would love to work here forever!
Our dental assistant, Jennifer, is currently DANB certified, a registered dental assistant and a certified level one expanded function provider. She has been in the dental field since 2009. Jennifer is polite, knowledgeable and professional. She assists directly with patient care, working alongside our dentists during dental procedures.
Kathy grew up on Table Rock Lake down by Branson, Missouri, where her parents owned and operated a resort for 10 years. She enjoyed swimming, fishing, skiing and entertaining guests before moving to Altoona in 1976, where her parents purchased and operated a driving range and mini golf course for 26 years. She enjoyed playing sports and spending time with friends. Kathy graduated from Southeast Polk in 1979, and she is also a graduate of DMACC in Ankeny with a dental assisting degree in 1981. She has worked for Des Moines Dental Group since 1986. Kathy enjoys interacting with patients and her co-workers. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, fishing, attending her grandsons activities and hanging out with her family. She has been married since 1983 and raised two daughters.
Laurie has been with Des Moines Dental Group since 1991. She has been very fortunate to work with our amazing dentists and exceptional team members, who are not only her co-workers but also her second family. She is very proud of the high standards we set and high quality of dental care we provide.
Sarah is a full-time registered dental hygienist working at both locations. She graduated from DMACC in 2017. Sarah is a mom to four kids (one boy and three girls), two cats and one German Shepherd. In her spare time, she enjoys running, paddle boarding and hot yoga. Her favorite part of her job is converting dental-fearing people to dental lovers. She is fully committed to improving oral health.
Tina was a dental assistant for eight years before she went back to school to become a dental hygienist. She has been a dental hygienist since 1992. She enjoys spending time with family and doing home renovations in her spare time.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 19 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRod Biondi
2 years ago
Going to the dentist is not what I would call enjoyable. But these people are friendly and they want to do their best for you. They will match the treatment your teeth need to your budget. Neither do they nag at you. It is under new ownership but the difference has been minor. You are greeted upon entry and they value your time. If they are running a little late they keep you posted when they'll be ready for you but this is not a frequent occurrence. Sometimes they are able to get you in immediately. They'll also work you in if it is an emergency.
Thomas Krava
3 years ago
I have been with Dr. Cram and DSM Dental Group for MANY years. I've always been treated in an outstanding manner, professional and caring!!!! Hygienist is outstanding, always concerned about how I take care of my teeth. Always good about letting me know where and how I can do a better job with my daily hygiene!!
Sean Augspurger
3 years ago
I have been going to Des Moines Dental Group for over 10 years. The care I have received has been nothing short of amazing from the staff. From the precision cleaning to keep my teeth healthy, to the hardest of work. Des Dental group gets it done! Thanks for always taking care of this old veteran. Respectfully, Sean
Samantha Hartley
3 years ago
Amazing service and incredibly caring and gentle staff.. As someone that has a major phobia of anything dental related, the staff put my mind at ease and took great care of me every step of the way.. Sarah Harker is absolutely amazing, she's the best of the best!
Rod Biondi
3 years ago
Going to the dentist is not what I would call enjoyable. But these people are friendly and they want to do their best for you. They will match the treatment your teeth need to your budget. Neither do they nag at you. It is under new ownership but the difference has been minor. You are greeted upon entry and they value your time. If they are running a little late they keep you posted when they'll be ready for you but this is not a frequent occurrence. Sometimes they are able to get you in immediately. They'll also work you in if it is an emergency.
Sean Augspurger
3 years ago
I have been going to Des Moines Dental Group for over 10 years. The care I have received has been nothing short of amazing from the staff. From the precision cleaning to keep my teeth healthy, to the hardest of work. Des Dental group gets it done! Thanks for always taking care of this old veteran. Respectfully, Sean
Samantha Hartley
3 years ago
Amazing service and incredibly caring and gentle staff.. As someone that has a major phobia of anything dental related, the staff put my mind at ease and took great care of me every step of the way.. Sarah Harker is absolutely amazing, she's the best of the best!
Frankie Funaro
3 years ago
Was asked if what I was dealing with was an emergency which I stated yes; proceeded to explain my symptoms and the lady who answered the phone said I sounded like I have a cold and couldn't be seen. So off of a receptionist assumption I can't be seen. PS yes covid is very serious I understand things are gonna be different but I take my temperature everyday before and after I leave the house and have for about 2 weeks now and my temperature is always NORMAL
Thomas Krava
3 years ago
I have been with Dr. Cram and DSM Dental Group for MANY years. I've always been treated in an outstanding manner, professional and caring!!!! Hygienist is outstanding, always concerned about how I take care of my teeth. Always good about letting me know where and how I can do a better job with my daily hygiene!!
Frankie Funaro
4 years ago
Was asked if what I was dealing with was an emergency which I stated yes; proceeded to explain my symptoms and the lady who answered the phone said I sounded like I have a cold and couldn't be seen. So off of a receptionist assumption I can't be seen. PS yes covid is very serious I understand things are gonna be different but I take my temperature everyday before and after I leave the house and have for about 2 weeks now and my temperature is always NORMAL
David Merrill
4 years ago
Dr Cram & Dr "K" and the staff at DSM Dental are the best, and I have been a patient for the past 15 years. Why settle for less, when you can have the "best".
jocindy marsh
4 years ago
I've been going to DSM Dental for a few years now. The staff is among the friendliest you will find anywhere! They recognize me when I walk in the door and call me by name. Dr. Cram always explains everything he is doing and frequently ask me if I'm doing ok during any procedure (which shows me he wants me to be a comfortable as possible). I would recommend DSM Dental to everyone and have done so many times. Keep up the great job DSM Dental Team!!!
Kent Becker
4 years ago
TL;DR: DM Dental was able to accommodate my schedule, take me in expeditiously, provide thorough expectations in what I was experiencing with my teeth and insurance coverage, and provided one of the least felt/most effective teeth cleanings I've ever had. 10/10 will use DM Dental as my local dentist from here out. The Long Story: On Wednesday May 8th, I woke up with a mild pain in my bottom front teeth. I'd chipped a tooth there years prior and thought nothing of it, but over time this tooth deteriorated to a point where it became a bit of a nuisance. I googled dentists near me and saw DM Dental's scheduling flexibility, so I called and was able to get an appointment a mere 2 hours later that fit perfectly into my availability. I showed up to my appointment about 15 minutes early anticipating a packet of paperwork as a new patient. Instead I was given a single sheet that took me ~5 minutes to fill out. Once done, I handed it into the Meegan who then took my information and introduced me to my dental hygienist. She was able to accommodate me immediately, took me into my patient area and inquired about my visit. She then took x-rays and called in Dr. K to take a look. Within 15 minutes I was explained that my tooth was dying (due to it's untreated damage :/ ) and it was made very clear to me what needed to be done to resolve my discomfort... I would likely need a root canal in the coming days as the pain would likely only get worse. They suggested a partner to take care of the root canal and prepared them for my pending visit. After getting through the RC operation, I did my follow up/Dental Hygiene appointment with DM Dental. This appointment Dr. K took a look to confirm everything was in good shape with the operation, and then the dental hygienist took over equipped with her mouth cleaning tools. Each one she pulled out looked more frightening than the one before, yet each time she put them to use I felt nothing. It was like I could sense hurt coming and prepped accordingly, yet I could barely tell she was working on my teeth. Even that scrape sound we all know comes with working on your teeth didn't make me cringe in the way styrofoam rubbing or nails on a chalkboard do. Her attention to my sensitivities as a patient, as well as explanation of the work being done exemplified her empathy towards discomfort and professionalism to keeping a patient at ease. All in all I was pleased with my otherwise dreaded dentists visit, and fully intend on returning for my next Dental Hygiene appointment in 6 months. After my appointment I was feeling fresh with not a single popcorn kernel left behind. I inquired about my options for whitening my teeth further and was introduced to the OpalEssence product with clear direction to keep it refrigerated and use each day for the entirety of its treatments ($65 for 10) and was pleasantly pleased with the end results. Overall I enjoyed my visit to DM Dental, I better understand my insurance options for everything from a routine visit to an emergency root canal, am experiencing zero discomfort since my appointment, and recognize a trip to the dentist isn't a scary thing like I once believed; instead it's quite a refreshing experience that leaves you smiling more confidently than before visiting. (Photos from my visit and Pre-whitening/post-whitening efforts attached)
Mark O'Hollearn
4 years ago
Friendly staff. Been going here for 25 years. Had a great conversation today with Amy about Shark Week!!
David Merrill
5 years ago
Dr Cram & Dr "K" and the staff at DSM Dental are the best, and I have been a patient for the past 15 years. Why settle for less, when you can have the "best".
jocindy marsh
5 years ago
I've been going to DSM Dental for a few years now. The staff is among the friendliest you will find anywhere! They recognize me when I walk in the door and call me by name. Dr. Cram always explains everything he is doing and frequently ask me if I'm doing ok during any procedure (which shows me he wants me to be a comfortable as possible). I would recommend DSM Dental to everyone and have done so many times. Keep up the great job DSM Dental Team!!!
Kent Becker
5 years ago
TL;DR: DM Dental was able to accommodate my schedule, take me in expeditiously, provide thorough expectations in what I was experiencing with my teeth and insurance coverage, and provided one of the least felt/most effective teeth cleanings I've ever had. 10/10 will use DM Dental as my local dentist from here out. The Long Story: On Wednesday May 8th, I woke up with a mild pain in my bottom front teeth. I'd chipped a tooth there years prior and thought nothing of it, but over time this tooth deteriorated to a point where it became a bit of a nuisance. I googled dentists near me and saw DM Dental's scheduling flexibility, so I called and was able to get an appointment a mere 2 hours later that fit perfectly into my availability. I showed up to my appointment about 15 minutes early anticipating a packet of paperwork as a new patient. Instead I was given a single sheet that took me ~5 minutes to fill out. Once done, I handed it into the Meegan who then took my information and introduced me to my dental hygienist. She was able to accommodate me immediately, took me into my patient area and inquired about my visit. She then took x-rays and called in Dr. K to take a look. Within 15 minutes I was explained that my tooth was dying (due to it's untreated damage :/ ) and it was made very clear to me what needed to be done to resolve my discomfort... I would likely need a root canal in the coming days as the pain would likely only get worse. They suggested a partner to take care of the root canal and prepared them for my pending visit. After getting through the RC operation, I did my follow up/Dental Hygiene appointment with DM Dental. This appointment Dr. K took a look to confirm everything was in good shape with the operation, and then the dental hygienist took over equipped with her mouth cleaning tools. Each one she pulled out looked more frightening than the one before, yet each time she put them to use I felt nothing. It was like I could sense hurt coming and prepped accordingly, yet I could barely tell she was working on my teeth. Even that scrape sound we all know comes with working on your teeth didn't make me cringe in the way styrofoam rubbing or nails on a chalkboard do. Her attention to my sensitivities as a patient, as well as explanation of the work being done exemplified her empathy towards discomfort and professionalism to keeping a patient at ease. All in all I was pleased with my otherwise dreaded dentists visit, and fully intend on returning for my next Dental Hygiene appointment in 6 months. After my appointment I was feeling fresh with not a single popcorn kernel left behind. I inquired about my options for whitening my teeth further and was introduced to the OpalEssence product with clear direction to keep it refrigerated and use each day for the entirety of its treatments ($65 for 10) and was pleasantly pleased with the end results. Overall I enjoyed my visit to DM Dental, I better understand my insurance options for everything from a routine visit to an emergency root canal, am experiencing zero discomfort since my appointment, and recognize a trip to the dentist isn't a scary thing like I once believed; instead it's quite a refreshing experience that leaves you smiling more confidently than before visiting. (Photos from my visit and Pre-whitening/post-whitening efforts attached)
Mark O'Hollearn
5 years ago
Friendly staff. Been going here for 25 years. Had a great conversation today with Amy about Shark Week!!
Rachel Marie Schmidt
5 years ago
This office has always provided me with prompt, efficient care, with minimal undue discomfort! Highly recommended.
JoAnn Scharlau
5 years ago
Pleasant & professional employees.
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