Aspen Dental - Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

Fantastic experience: Exceptionally friendly and welcoming office Professional and knowledgeable team!

Fantastic experience: Front receptionist Alexuis is wonderful! Great service highly recommend!!

Negative experience: The whole experience felt like a sales pitch down to the doctor tapping firmly on my tooth that needs a root canal 30 seconds before sending me to the billing lady so I’m more apt to pay their out of pocket because they purposely re-inflamed my tooth. Skip.

Fantastic experience: Kourtney Goldsberry , the office manager, is very nice. She explained everything that we need to know before treatment. The dentist and other employee made us feel comfortable. Thanks a lot for your services.

Fantastic experience: My mom is a patient there and speaks Bosnian, so going to appointments used to feel a little overwhelming for her. But then we met Ajla, a dental assistant, and everything changed. She’s always so kind, taking the time to translate and make sure my mom fully understands what’s going on, which means so much to us. Dr. Fatah did her extractions and dentures, and my mom was really happy with the results. Thanks to both of them, her experience has been such a positive one. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Fast , on time appt! Not your industry standard fo sho!! Kortney is Awesome!!!

Fantastic experience: Great service kourtney was a big help. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience every step of the way from the moment I walked in to the moment, I left. I had a great time talking to everyone, and was very well taken care of.

Fantastic experience: They were so nice and helpful to me when I went in with a swollen jaw, they took X-rays and put me on an antibiotic. The finance lady was SUPER helpful and nice. Definitely will recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Everyone was very professional, polite,and informative! Very pleased

Fantastic experience: Ajla, the best. Super professional and she’s really nice

Fantastic experience: My experience at Aspen Dental was great! Ajla and Dr. Abdel Fatah were friendly and efficient, which put me at ease during my appointment.

Fantastic experience: Good stuff and good service aswell as the doctors.

Fantastic experience: Good people with an actual interest in helping

Fantastic experience: Staff was helpful, professional, and patient, with the questions I had, from front desk to the surgeon. I definitely was a good experience.

Negative experience: I felt rushed through my entire visit. Was quoted $10,000 for partials. I’ll pass. I do not recommend this place at all.

Positive experience: Generally they are welcoming and respectful. They provide adequate service but I always feel a little rushed out of the chair.

Fantastic experience: Everyone was kind and met my expectations

Positive experience: Wendy was welcoming and friendly BUT the doctor never introduced himself wasVERY quick going over what I needed.

Fantastic experience: The entire team, from front desk, dental tech/assistant, dentist and business/accounts personnel were awesome! This office treats everyone with respect, explain needs and options and provide support to meet dental care needs.

Fantastic experience: Every staff member I encountered was very professional and helpful. Ajla had a very pleasant personality and made me feel less nervous. She also was fast and efficient! Wendy was helpful and thorough.

Negative experience: Although the dentist was attentive, the staff has completely drop the ball. I requested a predetermination for an implant. After three requests, no reply. I phoned in a payment. After two requests, I received no response. I left two messages with the office to cancel my appointment and refund my payment, still no response. Absolutely unprofessional.

Fantastic experience: Such a nice visit everyone was so helpful . Thank you to Ajla for making me feel safe because I was so nervous!

Fantastic experience: My mother was assisted by Ajla during her first visit, and she couldn’t stop expressing how grateful she was. She kept saying how Ajla made her experience ten times better. Ajla is truly fantastic—sweet, hardworking, and incredibly compassionate toward patients. The rest of the staff was also very welcoming. I would definitely recommend this place. Thank you!

Negative experience: First day. Came on time. They rescheduled me. ! Refuse. To send over. My prescription to Walgreens! So I could take infection down. Before they work on my teeth ! Called. 3 times. Said they would send. But never. Did ! Only more concerned about payment ! I have insurance. And. Money !

Fantastic experience: DA-Eman was very professional and friendly! She took her time to explain my dental care and what was going to take place during the appointment.

Fantastic experience: Eman helped us out today and gave us a very great experience. She treated us with kindness and respect. The entire staff was amazing.

Fantastic experience: I had a genuinely great experience at Aspen Dental and was pleasantly surprised by how thorough and professional the entire team was. Kara, Dr. Fatal, James, and Da-Eman — along with several other wonderful staff members — were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, offered thoughtful recommendations, and never once made me feel pressured. I appreciated having multiple treatment and financing options presented in a straightforward, respectful way, which made the whole process feel manageable and empowering. From start to finish, the care felt personalized, honest, and patient-centered. I highly recommend this Aspen Dental location to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate dental team.

Fantastic experience: Dentist is not favorite place to go but DA-Eman and her good vibe and good sense of humor help made my visit be more pleasant i definitely recommend asking for her to be the one be helping your visit

Fantastic experience: Eman was so friendly and professional! I had a great experience with her ❤️

Fantastic experience: DA-Eman was really professional and very knowledgeable, she made sure I understood everything she way doing

Fantastic experience: I never like going to dentist but DA -Eman was very pleasant and made my visit less stressful Also Jessica was friendly and made my visit more tolerable .Dr Fatan was Coolest dentist i have ever had to deal with thanks for the extraction.

Fantastic experience: I was pleased with my welcome from Eman. She was very gentle and showed compassion during my visit.

Fantastic experience: Dr Walid is the Best dentist i went to . Staff are kind and friendly ! I highly recommend !

Fantastic experience: I was very happy with staff and the doctor, Thinking what my choice I will do! They gave me several options! Thank you!

Negative experience: I have received great service from the dentists, assistants, and hygienist. However, they failed to notify me of a $1,700 increase in my bill. I had received a $3,000 estimate, $830 after insurance, for 3 services. At my most recent appointment, I got told that I have a remaking balance of $1,700 AFTER the original $800. I wasn’t notified of this, just expected to pay it with no advance notice. They also failed to notify me before starting my crown, which is a 2 appointment service, so I can’t delay the services until I can afford it now since I already have a temporary crown.

Fantastic experience: Very fair pricing I honestly had a great experience

Fantastic experience: DA-Eman was very helpful during my visit and I was able to get in very quickly when I had tooth pain too severe to sleep.

Fantastic experience: I had to have a tooth extracted and DA-Eman was amazing, personable, knowledgeable. She made my experience the best it could have been.

Negative experience: Absolutely terrible. Had an emergency appointment set up the night before, waited over an hour in the exam room just to have the dentist come in and tell me that he was too busy to fix a simple chip.

Fantastic experience: The team at Aspen on Merle Hay in DesMoines have been amazing. It was a bit of a struggle but Dr Fatah and his group never gave up. They have made sure my implants were exactly what I wanted and fit perfect. I’ve waited for this smile my whole life and today I got it and I couldn’t be happier. Ajla has been an angel, she has been by my side through it all. I can’t thank her enough. This team is the best!!! Thank you Thank You!!!

Fantastic experience: The best dental place in all of Des Moines! Teeth have never looked or felt better. They are fair priced as well. Went to several places throughout Des Moines and was being pushed to do a crown by other dentist and was told I didnt need that at aspen. 3 years later tooth still feels great.

Fantastic experience: Eman is very sweet and did a great job! The whole team is amazing! Jade is ok too! Lol.

Fantastic experience: Da-Eman was fantastic and very nice!

Negative experience: All the workers were extremely nice but when it came to my insurance I was screwed. They didn’t tell me what my insurance would cover and not cover until I was done with my appointment. I ended up paying 800 dollars out of pocket after my insurance went through which is crazy because I am a city worker with city insurance which I’ve heard is one of the best you can get. So only reason its not a one star is because of how kind the employees were

Fantastic experience: Eman was great help, and everyone on the staff is so friendly. I really got some of the best help.

Fantastic experience: Allah Karen and Kourtney are awesome. The whole staff is amazing

Fantastic experience: Very kind and professional group! They definitely know what they’re doing and gave me a reason to smile again.

Fantastic experience: Never had any problems of them. They fixed my Dentures, 3 times for me already and they do a good job.

Fantastic experience: I am a 70 year old with a very serious dental condition caused by a medication that I took for many years for osteopena. The bones in my mouth and my jaw have all but desenegrated. I was even sent by ambulance from DSM to University Hospital in Iowa City for emergency surgery in the evening. A drain tube was put through the bottom of my mouth, coming out of my chin/neck, as wellas all but4 ofmy. It has been a year and a half since the surgery and I still drain constantly out from my chin.

Fantastic experience: I had the best experience. Everyone was friendly and kind to me and other patients. I recommend coming here for good services and they will also educate you and help you come up with the best dental plan. God bless this Aspen dental.

Fantastic experience: Very positive experience from check in to check out. Very friendly and caring staff.

Fantastic experience: Aspen Dental on Merle Hay Rd. at Douglas Ave. is an efficient operation with a friendly staff and dental professionals. Their pricing and services seem fair and comprehensive. They offer options for just about every fact of their dental services.

Negative experience: I had a terrible experience with Aspen dental I went in to get both of my teeth removed. They only removed one side and they Don’t take most insurances so most of the time you will end up paying out of pocket, which is a ridiculous amount.

Positive experience: Staff was friendly and nice. But I recommend getting a second opinion if you can. I was told I need certain services that would cost me a bit over $1,800. I was hesitant on this. So I got a second opinion, and was told my gums are fine and healthy.... just research Aspen before hand and I read things on reddit and Facebook groups who had similar experience. Just ask an FYI.

Fantastic experience: Staff was great. The dentist was the best!! Kind, understanding, and helped figure out what I could get done with my budget! No pressure at all. Very satisfied

Fantastic experience: After arriving to Ankeny they was not able to see me so I went to Merle Hay they was fine

Fantastic experience: Let me tell you the wonderful experience I had today with this location. From the young man in the call center to everyone, and I do mean everyone in the office, A1 service!! Walking in for the first time, I was met with beautiful smiles from the ladies behind the desk. Then this wonderful young lady called me to do x-rays. I told her I was under Dr care for a fall, so she took me by the hand to every door I entered. Her and the Hygienist explained every little detail I experienced so clearly and professional. Then this wonderful Dr entered the room and Boy what a treat! We all know how some Dr's can be(dental or medical) without a bedside manner. I couldn't of been in more capable hands and he had a personality, too!! Then it was topped off with the most beautiful insurance lady(inside and out). For your next dental needs please check out Aspen Dental at the Merle Hay location. Kudos to all of those wonderful people at this location!!!

Fantastic experience: I met with a very helpful dental specialist named Dr. Fatah. His approach to the complication I was facing helped come up with a better solution than my regular dentist elsewhere. The staff has been straightforward, I appreciate the experience overall.

Fantastic experience: I went to Aspen Dental today they were very professional I didn't have to wait very long until they came out and got me The doctor seemed very confident knew exactly what it was I needed after doing a cereal exam. They explain the procedure I needed thoroughly ensuring my understanding I would recommend them to anyone.

Negative experience: Not sure what happened, but I was ashamed when they asked to pay ahead of service. If they do not trust us as customers, how could we trust them as service providers? Very upsetting change.

Fantastic experience: I had nothing to worry about! Their professional staff know their business and held me budget and obtain the assistance I needed to complete my repair work. My fear of dentists has been resolved, along with a beautiful smile.

Negative experience: Terrible terrible service, i went in there to get my tooth fixed. Mind you, it’s a tooth they fixed a year ago- and the crown fell off. They told me they had to extract it now and give me a partial- I have insurance that covers the cost. But they still wanted the money upfront and refund me later because it’s not showing up in their systems- but they called my insurance and they told aspen the coverage but that wasn’t enough for them. They told me it would be taken care of and I’d only have to pay my copay and deductible- I’m getting married this weekend and will be missing a tooth because they are $***

Fantastic experience: Nice environment! They understood what I needed and help set up a plan to get it done.

Fantastic experience: Great service from the person I spoke to on the phone to everyone I came into contact through out my appointment. Very professional and very positive.

Negative experience: I'm giving a 1 rating only because I can't give a zero rating. My experience was horrendous. My mouth wasn't deadened and I was given three shots and the doctor proceeded to pull and hammer in my mouth. After all that he says I have an infection and this is why my mouth wasn't deadened. I'm 66 years old and have never experienced anything so painful and vicious in my entire life. I cried right in the office and didn't care who saw. If he saw I had a infection why did he do anything other than give me a prescription for antibiotics and set another date. Signed, Painful and confused

Negative experience: If you have insurance of any capacity, RUN somewhere else. I had work done back in February (2025) , it’s now middle of June(2025). I’ve called every week asking for some paperwork my insurance needs to process my claim. Every week I am met with a “someone will call you later” and they never do. I’ve now had to pay out of pocket for the entirety of my bill because no one in the office will do their job. They assured me when they called to confirm my follow up appointment that I “have a credit that will more than cover my check up.” All that tells me is I’ve over paid for the initial work and now have over paid because they won’t process paperwork for my insurance. 0/10

Negative experience: Don't say you're open at 8 and then when I get there at 8:30am your doors were locked. Either change your times or quit being stupid.

Fantastic experience: The entire staff was kind and helpful. We walked in not knowing what we really needed, and walked out with a number of different plans,alot of knowledge and every question answered. Thank you so much

Fantastic experience: I had absolutely no problems with my visit today... They were very kind helpaul due to my stroke they help me fill out the paperwork that to me is the way I above and beyond because I had nobody with me... I will be back on Thursday for oral surgery and praying everything goes well I feel very confident and comfortable that everything will go well.

Negative experience: Very impersonal staff. Quote for services were well over TWICE the price of other local dentists.

Fantastic experience: Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I left feeling much more educated than I have at previous dentists I’ve went to. Definitely will be going to Aspen from now on.

Fantastic experience: Friendly environment and patient employees! I left there with all the knowledge about what is going on with my teeth and what to expect the next visit. Everyone was very nice!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Walid Fatah and his staff were superior. I went in for a tooth extraction and they got it done in minutes. Ajla executed the process with me and was professional. I highly recommend Aspen Dental and Dr. Walid Fatah. Thank you for your service!

Negative experience: I went in for my appointment to get an exam before I could schedule a cleaning, which was already inconvenient. The hygienist who came in didn’t even greet me when walking in my room or say anything to me while reading my charts behind me. After doing a quick exam, he said I should have a gingivitis treatment. I have never had any dental problems like this and haven’t had any cavities in years, so this seemed really odd on top of other comments he made about my dental health. When the dentist came in, he told me everything looked great and didn’t mention any of the previous problems. When I went to check out, I was told I couldn’t schedule a cleaning unless it was a gingivitis treatment for over $300 out of pocket. I said no and went to a new dentist who did an exam AND a cleaning without any extra treatments who said I definitely would not have needed that treatment. This seems like a common problem throughout many reviews. Do not come here to get treated.

Fantastic experience: This is a very well establishment and they have a good Doctor who we can trust. And they have a very good Hygienist who knows how to get you oral health.

Negative experience: Would not recommend after my initial visit today. I arrived 15 min early to my appt to fill out paperwork, however the doors were locked until my appointment time due to staff lunch break. I filled out my paperwork within 5 min, but waited 30 min until I was taken back for xrays. After X-rays was taken back to a room with a noticeably dirty chair/bed, where I again waited about 15 min until someone else came in (barely greeted me and didn’t tell me his purpose/job). He then asked me questions in a way that seemed very judgmental, and proceeded to look at my gums. He said the doctor would be in next. I waited ANOTHER 15 min for the doc to come in (he was very nice), which made the appt a little more tolerable, however I waited all that time for several different people to come in and out of my room, only to tell me my teeth look great. I didn’t even get my teeth cleaned (the whole reason I scheduled an appt) and have to make a separate appt for this, which seems ridiculous to me.

Fantastic experience: I got crowns on my top teeth there a few years back. I went from NEVER smiling with my teeth too constantly trying to show them off. Yesterday I finally paid off the loan I took out. It's been such a life changing experience. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!

Fantastic experience: I am very happy with my first visit to Aspen Dental and am moving my dental care completely to Aspen Dental. I was shown examples of my choices for tooth replacement and never made to feel ashamed of missing teeth. I give 5 Stars to all the staff in the office for a very pleasant expirence.

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic experience with Aspen Dental. Dr. Fatah made me feel comfortable and had my bad tooth taken care of super fast with no pain.

Negative experience: In 2017 I had a root canal done at this office. During the procedure a bit broke and was left lodged in my tooth. The dentist, the same one that is there now, told me and I quote” if you ever have problems with that tooth and you need to go to a surgeon for that tooth we, Aspen Dental, will pay for this. In 2022 I returned to same office for a different tooth. This tooth needed a crown. When the crown came back from somewhere it didn’t fit exactly, so the lady there ground the inside of the crown to make it fit. That crown has a hole on the top. And the office lady at that time which is no longer there because of extremely horrific customer experience, she was blocking the door so I could not leave until I called my wife to send her full payment. So now you know why I do not return to Aspen Dental. I go to another dentist. 2024 I’m in pain with two teeth. I told the root canal tooth needs to be removed. I go to Aspen Dental on Merle Hay to ask for help in paying the bill. They refuse because in his words, they lost contact with me. The dentist is a liar at Aspen Dental on Merle Hay Road. He will only be a corporate dentist, for only a man/women with honor can put their own name on the door of their own office. Shortly after posting this review Aspen Dental “say” was sorry for my experience and wanted to talk to me. They have my phone number, but have received no call from them. So, on social media reviews Aspen Dental wants to show a concern but in reality, CORPORATE DOES NOT CARE. I have learned my lesson, do not use Aspen “corporate “ dental. Their only concern is getting into your wallet!!!

Fantastic experience: Dr.Fatah took the time to explain every step of my procedure, ensuring I understood and felt at ease throughout the process. Their approach to patient care is exceptional, and the emphasis on clear communication and financing options is truly appreciated. I highly recommend Dr. Fatah and his team. They were all very welcoming.

Fantastic experience: Too kortney Goldsberry you are an amazing fit for Aspen you made me feel like family as soon as I walked in I was so nervous and told her about my day .. she just listened made sure I was good calm and ready Before my appointment before her break she even got me Advil she's amazing....and from hearing how much love she has for her boys too she's a fantastic momma y'all did amazing with her being the manager ..the dentist and assistant were very helpful too thank you so much for being so kind and amazing thank you for checking on me after too your truly appreciated

Negative experience: I’ve been going to Aspen for 2 years. Each time Dr. Fatah, along with his assistants make me feel more and more unwelcome. This recent appointment was so uncomfortable I’ve made the decision not to come back.

Fantastic experience: I recently visited Aspen Dental on Merle Hay to address an issue with two of my teeth, and I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Fatah and the entire staff. From the moment I walked in, they were incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to my needs. Every question I had was answered thoroughly, and I felt truly respected throughout the entire process. It was a joy to be treated by such a professional and compassionate team. I will definitely be returning to Aspen Dental for all my future dental needs. Highly recommended!

Positive experience: Was next day extremely fast service. Needed an immediate root canal, they were more than happy to help, my Endodontist seemed very experienced and knew exactly what he was doing, he explained the procedure and also explained why it needed to be done to the best of his ability and my understanding. Although they were a bit rough with my face, the shots, and the overall drilling, I was given numbing shots but I was still experiencing a fair amount of pain throughout the process. My root canal tooth now is flat, not sure what theyre supposed to be like after the first appointment but I was unaware that it would be flat after the fact. Payment options weren’t very clear, and also seemed pricey with lots of extra fees. Overall I would give the experience a 6/10, big thank you to the endodontist for being able to fit me into his busy schedule.

Fantastic experience: I recently visited Aspen Dental and had a fantastic experience. The staff were incredibly friendly and took the time to explain every step of the process, making me feel at ease. The services were performed quickly and efficiently, minimizing any discomfort. Overall, it was a highly positive visit, and I would recommend Aspen Dental to anyone seeking quality dental care.

Fantastic experience: Since the moment I chose Aspen Dental for the care of my teeth they have gone over and above to help me! I smile today with a beautiful smile because of the team at Aspen Dental on Merle hay Road. Even when they are swamped with appointments and people being rude to them they always make time for me and treat me with respect and a smile! Thank you Aspen Dental!

Fantastic experience: I have been getting dental care at the Merle Hay Aspen dental office for over a decade. I rarely have to wait beyond my appointment time, and have found presentative care to be excellent. The staff is helpful, friendly and professional. I appreciate the quality of dental care I have received

Fantastic experience: Went in to get two teeth pulled because they were cutting my tongue. They did xrays times 3 types for free. Set me up a plan to obtain dentures that I can afford. Never addressed my primary issue of broken teeth cutting my tongue. They were all very polite but seemed stuck on their long term issue. Disappointed I'm still in pain but glad I'm getting dentures ASAP.

Fantastic experience: The whole staff was very polite and professional. I actually look forward to going back. I'm having my problems fixed in my mouth. Which is saying something! I was even approved for a fairly large amount of financial assistance in the form of a loan with no interest. I'm so pleased that that is something I'm being given an opportunity to do. I am grateful for going to this place

Fantastic experience: Very nice staff. Explained the plan of action before any work was done; worked out a payment plan & began the work immediately. I have no complaints.

Negative experience: Quoted an estimate for an in network oral surgeon. Started part of the work which was not necessary, then switched and said the doctor was no longer in network and basically only offered a tiny discount to have teeth pulled down. Reception staff are horrendous.

Fantastic experience: They not only solved my dental health but my fear and anxieties of going to the dentist all together. They made everything so easy and explained everything in great detail. They made sure I was totally comfortable and treated me with the upmost care. I was embarrassed to go to the dentist, my smile, and my teeth in general. Now, I feel like I have a smile that I don’t think twice about showing off. My overall health has improved and I am SO thankful to the kind and patient staff at Aspen Dental for that. They have forever changed my life.

Negative experience: I have average / good oral hygiene. They tried to say I was pre-gingivitis and needed a $1,500 cleaning. Read the other reviews. This is a common thing they do. It's been certified by two other dentists that I'm not pre-gingivitis, I have good oral hygiene and just needed a basic cleaning.

Fantastic experience: The staff at aspen were very professional and kind. I will certainly go back aspen on merle hay road. Great job!

Fantastic experience: I came here for a second opinion & had a wonderful experience, the staff were so friendly, welcoming & efficient! Dr. Fatah seemed to really know his stuff & gave me very clear, detailed answers to the tooth pain I’ve been having! I’d absolutely recommend this location on Merle Hay! What a relief they all were for giving great customer service:)

Fantastic experience: I had low expectations going on but was totally impressed. They don't try to encourage services you don't have to have. They are a little less than others, accept my insurance and friendly personal staff. Dr walked me to the door after.

Fantastic experience: I am extremely happy with my 1st time going there. With no insurance Katie was very helpful & patient. Everyone made me feel very important & answered every concern & question I had.. They were very helpful & I have a great team.

Negative experience: This is long-But incredibly important if you’re considering Aspen. Came in for a consultation for a dental implant and they were having trouble figuring out what my insurance will cover so they manually entered it and before insurance it was $6,300 with insurance a little over $3,000. I paid for the surgery ($2,298) and go back in a few weeks to get the implant done. They said I had a remaining balance of a little over $800 day of surgery. No big deal. Well it was a holiday so I wasn’t able to get ahold of my bank so we agreed for me to pay it at my next visit. My next visit they told me I have a remaining balance of $4,012! I said what about my insurance and they couldn’t give me any answers (I’m not maxed out all I’ve had is my cleaning this year). So I went to my actual dentist and explain what I’ve been through. She went through what they’ve billed to my insurance and everything they’re charging me for. First, I was overcharged for the surgery by $301.30. My dental insurance said I was only responsible for $1,996.20 of the surgery. Second, they charged me for a procedure I didn’t even need done at ALL which costed me $721. My treatment plan I was given originally said this procedure was $674. Regardless, I didn’t need it. It was not necessary at all. It’s not something you need at all with posterior implants. My dentist told me start to finish with a posterior implant with insurance it shouldn’t be anymore than $4,000 (roughly $2,000 out of pocket). She said unfortunately they do this to people often. They are scamming people and it’s truly so sad. Will never recommend Aspen to anyone and let this be warning if you’re considering it.