Dr. Peterson grew up in Prophetstown, Illinois. He is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and completed a two-year pediatric specialty program from the University of Nebraska.
Dr. Peterson is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Orthodontic Society. He strives to meet and exceed the standards of the profession through attending numerous pediatric dental seminars.
We recognize that all of our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
It is very important to make your childs first visit to Childrens Dentistry as positive and enjoyable as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know Dr. Peterson and our staff and be comfortable at all times. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits.
Dr. Petersons office has been solely designed for children. Kids feel right at home with the open atmosphere, cheerful colors, murals, and Disney theme. Dr. Peterson and his family spend most of their vacation at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where they bring back the many pictures, figurines, snow globes, etc. to make our office Disney World, Iowa. Our goal is to make your childrens dental experience at our office magical.
We are committed to providing your children with the highest standards of dental care. We welcome your children and family to our practice, and will strive to make your childrens dental experience positive and pleasant.
Reviews
Rating 3.2 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAmy Anderson
2 years ago
Just don't do it. There are so many other children's dentistry offices that won't leave the parents infuriated and the kids feeling bad about themselves for crying. Thank you, Dr Peterson for belittling my NINE YEAR OLD child and making her feel so low when I had to explain what you meant when you asked me if she has ever been "diagnosed". Shame on you. Remember you are a dentist, NOT a psychiatrist & stay in your lane!!!! Now also keep in mind this is the SECOND time he's asked this same question, the first time regarding my younger child also for crying, being her very first dentist visit. I should've known better not to return after that, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt.... my mistake this time!! If I could give zero stars, I would!! I think it may be time to retire. Or just work with corpses maybe? He might be a good dentist, but is so unfit to work with children. Plus most of the ladies that work up front are rude and don't seem to know what's going on. Last thing, check out Dr Brian Richards in Moline for top notch pediatric dentistry! You're welcome :)
hope S
2 years ago
Amazing experience with this dentist. Answered all questions regarding my son's procedure. He was friendly and up front. Staff very responsive when I had questions and called the office. He is available 24/7 for after hour concerns and made my son feel safe throughout the initial visit, procedure, and after. Recommend 100 x's over.
JD Rose
3 years ago
DROPPED ALL STATE INSURED CHILDREN B/C OF COVID!!!! I had taken my child there, every 6mo, driving 25min, for 8yrs. But when covid hit, they called all their state insured patients and dropped them! Wow! I didn't see that coming and was left to find a dentist accepting new patients. Rude receptionists, extremely long waits, poor experience altogether
Shannon Davis
3 years ago
We waited at least 2 months to get into the this dentist. WE are new to the area and my daughter needed a new dentist. She is under my primary health insurance from work but also has Medicaid as a secondary. We get there on time, I had her the cards she says we don't accept Medicaid patients, I said no worries just use her primary. She tells me ooo no I can't, I need to talk to the dentist. They REFUSED to see her. Because of her SECONDARY INSURANCE! The lady did this pretty loudly in front of the other people in the waiting room. So she not only embarrassed me in front of a stranger but also my daughter. So nope, I wouldn't recommend.
hope S
3 years ago
Amazing experience with this dentist. Answered all questions regarding my son's procedure. He was friendly and up front. Staff very responsive when I had questions and called the office. He is available 24/7 for after hour concerns and made my son feel safe throughout the initial visit, procedure, and after. Recommend 100 x's over.
Shannon Davis
3 years ago
We waited at least 2 months to get into the this dentist. WE are new to the area and my daughter needed a new dentist. She is under my primary health insurance from work but also has Medicaid as a secondary. We get there on time, I had her the cards she says we don't accept Medicaid patients, I said no worries just use her primary. She tells me ooo no I can't, I need to talk to the dentist. They REFUSED to see her. Because of her SECONDARY INSURANCE! The lady did this pretty loudly in front of the other people in the waiting room. So she not only embarrassed me in front of a stranger but also my daughter. So nope, I wouldn't recommend.
JD Rose
3 years ago
DROPPED ALL STATE INSURED CHILDREN B/C OF COVID!!!! I had taken my child there, every 6mo, driving 25min, for 8yrs. But when covid hit, they called all their state insured patients and dropped them! Wow! I didn't see that coming and was left to find a dentist accepting new patients. Rude receptionists, extremely long waits, poor experience altogether
Sami Nightengale
4 years ago
Our family has been coming here for years, even now that we no longer live in the area, the hour drive is more than worth it to us. Dr. Peterson is wonderful, as is his staff. We have never had long waits, and scheduling has always been flexible.
Samantha England
5 years ago
My daughter liked them, but got referred to him from another dentist for a deep cavity in one of her upper molars. When she was seen they did nothing but a basic exam after waiting 4 days from her initial referral, tell us no appointments until January to fix it, but she can be put on a short call list. The tooth now has an abscess after a week of waiting, had to get antibiotics prescribed for it from her primary care doctor, which she also questioned why she wasn't prescribed any from the dentist and why they wouldn't treat it as an emergency since abscesses can quickly spread and become fetal. What doctor that cares about patients will leave a 6 year old with a tooth abscess? Calling around to see if I can find another dentist to fix the tooth, if not up to Iowa city we go.
Sami Nightengale
5 years ago
Our family has been coming here for years, even now that we no longer live in the area, the hour drive is more than worth it to us. Dr. Peterson is wonderful, as is his staff. We have never had long waits, and scheduling has always been flexible.
Brittney Johnson
5 years ago
Second time I have waited OVER AN HOUR past my appointment to STILL not be seen. Absolutely ridiculous and inconsiderate. I took my 5 year old out of school before lunch for her appt. The least they could have done was tell us when checking in it was gonna be an hour, then I could have fed my child and cane back. Will never come back again.
Samantha England
5 years ago
My daughter liked them, but got referred to him from another dentist for a deep cavity in one of her upper molars. When she was seen they did nothing but a basic exam after waiting 4 days from her initial referral, tell us no appointments until January to fix it, but she can be put on a short call list. The tooth now has an abscess after a week of waiting, had to get antibiotics prescribed for it from her primary care doctor, which she also questioned why she wasn't prescribed any from the dentist and why they wouldn't treat it as an emergency since abscesses can quickly spread and become fetal. What doctor that cares about patients will leave a 6 year old with a tooth abscess? Calling around to see if I can find another dentist to fix the tooth, if not up to Iowa city we go.
leonor Sanchez
6 years ago
Best children's dentist... my 21 year old came here until she was 18. I had my second child and I bring her here. My great nice that is terrified of dentist loves coming here. Always have openings when I need to. Been coming here for over 25 years. Thank you Doctor Joel Peterson
brittany m
6 years ago
My fiance, 5 yr old daughter and I love Dr.Joel Peterson. She has been going to him since she was around 3 yrs old. At the place we went before Peterson she had a horrible experience .They held her down as soon as she got in the chair and started looking at and cleaning her teeth. They never explained to her or me what they were going to do or what they they were doing at the time. Dr. Joel peterson and his staff have never held kelley down. They were so friendly and so great with children. They communicated with my daughter at her level. He explained everything that he was going to do and explained it again while he was doing it. He explained it to her in words that she could understand and that would not scare her. Dr. Peterson and his staff have always been friendly to her father and i also. They have my daughter go pick out a prize while he would explain things to us. My daughter had to get anesthesia on october 20th 2017 at genesis hospital so he could fix her teeth. There is no other dentist i would have trusted to work on my daughters teeth while she was under anesthesia. He was great with giving us updates throughout the 3 and a half hour procedure. Which really helped with my anxiety. He did a wonderful job on her teeth. She got 3 caps and some fillings. There was very minimal pain after he was done. Dr.peterson had a big stuffed Olaf laying next to her on the bed when when we went back to see her right after she woke up. Dr.Peterson is a very kind and talented dentist. I would definantly recommend him to parents. Especially parents who have children who are scared to go to the dentist. The office is very nice as well. They have video games and a little play house type thing for the kids to play with while they are waiting. Which i have never had to wait longer than 4 or 5 minutes for my daughter to get called back. Thanks Dr.Joel Peterson and your staff for giving my daughter a dentist that she can trust and be comfortable with, and an enviroment my daughter does not feel anxious in!!
Brittney Johnson
6 years ago
Second time I have waited OVER AN HOUR past my appointment to STILL not be seen. Absolutely ridiculous and inconsiderate. I took my 5 year old out of school before lunch for her appt. The least they could have done was tell us when checking in it was gonna be an hour, then I could have fed my child and cane back. Will never come back again.
Cathy Mason
6 years ago
Neat office, but wish they could have been accommodating to our family and schedule. Left feeling we were unimportant a few times too many - enough was enough after 4 years. Staff has high turnover - never seen the same face twice. Just keep looking, this is not your "dental home" like their website says.
leonor Sanchez
6 years ago
Best children's dentist... my 21 year old came here until she was 18. I had my second child and I bring her here. My great nice that is terrified of dentist loves coming here. Always have openings when I need to. Been coming here for over 25 years. Thank you Doctor Joel Peterson
brittany m
6 years ago
My fiance, 5 yr old daughter and I love Dr.Joel Peterson. She has been going to him since she was around 3 yrs old. At the place we went before Peterson she had a horrible experience .They held her down as soon as she got in the chair and started looking at and cleaning her teeth. They never explained to her or me what they were going to do or what they they were doing at the time. Dr. Joel peterson and his staff have never held kelley down. They were so friendly and so great with children. They communicated with my daughter at her level. He explained everything that he was going to do and explained it again while he was doing it. He explained it to her in words that she could understand and that would not scare her. Dr. Peterson and his staff have always been friendly to her father and i also. They have my daughter go pick out a prize while he would explain things to us. My daughter had to get anesthesia on october 20th 2017 at genesis hospital so he could fix her teeth. There is no other dentist i would have trusted to work on my daughters teeth while she was under anesthesia. He was great with giving us updates throughout the 3 and a half hour procedure. Which really helped with my anxiety. He did a wonderful job on her teeth. She got 3 caps and some fillings. There was very minimal pain after he was done. Dr.peterson had a big stuffed Olaf laying next to her on the bed when when we went back to see her right after she woke up. Dr.Peterson is a very kind and talented dentist. I would definantly recommend him to parents. Especially parents who have children who are scared to go to the dentist. The office is very nice as well. They have video games and a little play house type thing for the kids to play with while they are waiting. Which i have never had to wait longer than 4 or 5 minutes for my daughter to get called back. Thanks Dr.Joel Peterson and your staff for giving my daughter a dentist that she can trust and be comfortable with, and an enviroment my daughter does not feel anxious in!!
Cathy Mason
7 years ago
Neat office, but wish they could have been accommodating to our family and schedule. Left feeling we were unimportant a few times too many - enough was enough after 4 years. Staff has high turnover - never seen the same face twice. Just keep looking, this is not your "dental home" like their website says.
OP Rains
7 years ago
My son is very high anxiety and had to be hospitalized for his dental treatment. The entire experience at Genesis West was top notch. Thank you Dr Peterson and the entire staff for easing his fear and getting his mouth healthy again.
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