New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience

Driving the news: Lauren Patrick, a Drake undergrad and Creighton dental school alum, opened Blanc Dental Aesthetics last week near Coachlight Clinic & Spa in West Des Moines.

State of play: Patrick offers patients a "comfort menu," with a choice of warm blankets, eye masks, coffee and Perrier, to go along with typical services including teeth cleanings and oral cancer exams.

• Patients go to a consultation room where they talk through their medical history and goals for their smiles. She takes X-rays, photos and video of their teeth and can run AI simulations of their potential future smiles based on the chosen treatment.
• She offers everything from helping open airways for CPAP users to Botox for jaw clenchers and full cosmetic work, including veneers.
• After the appointment, she offers warm face towels and a "get ready" sink so people can freshen up before leaving.

What they're saying: Whether it's someone who's neglected their mouth for years or wants to fix a chip on a tooth, restoring people's smiles has helped give her purpose, Patrick says, especially when they feel more confident afterward.

Between the lines: Insurance coverage is dependent on the type of work being done.

If you go: 6420 Coachlight Drive, #400, West Des Moines