About the Practice
E.P. True Dental
SERVING WEST DES MOINES & SURROUNDING AREAS
At E.P. True Dental, we believe great dental care starts with trust, warmth, and a personal connection. As a family-owned and operated practice, we treat every patient like one of our own. We use the latest dental technology to provide high-quality, convenient, and comfortable care. Our team provides a variety of services covering the breadth of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We specialize in same day crowns, implant restorations, cosmetic treatments, and Invisalign. Whether you’re a busy parent, a young professional, or a retiree, our team caters to all age groups and will provide you with exceptional care.
We also understand that life doesn’t always fit into office hours. That’s why we do our best to accommodate our patients when they need us the most.
Dr. Pete Olberding
Dr. Olberding always wanted to be a dentist. After graduating from Dowling High School in 1981, he attended Creighton University, where he obtained a degree in psychology. In 1985, he studied dentistry at the University of Iowa’s Dental School.
During his studies, Dr. Olberding was honored to be elected as the university representative for the American Student Dental Association. He also had the pleasure of holding the office of class president. In his second year, Dr. Olberding began conducting research projects, giving him the opportunity to present at numerous symposiums nationally and internationally.
Dr. Olberding is immersed in many aspects of dentistry and has completed advanced training in aesthetics and occlusion. He is fortunate to be married to another excellent dentist and a wonderful mother, Dr. Holst. Together, they have twin daughters—one who is also a dentist, and another who is a CPA.
In his free time, Dr. Olberding enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys most outdoor sports, especially hiking and golf.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Psychology, Creighton University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Iowa
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Gemini Diode Laster Certified
ORGANIZATIONS:
- Iowa Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- District of Des Moines Dental Society
Dr. Lisa Holst
Dr. Lisa Holst always wanted to do something in healthcare because she enjoys working with her hands. She got into dental school after three years of undergrad studies, a year ahead of most students. Both she and Dr. Pete Olberding were class presidents of their dental class, and classmates who began dating at dental school.
After graduating in 1989, Dr. Holst completed a general practice residency in 1990. Dr. Holst practiced dentistry in her hometown of Knoxville for 30 years. She joined her husband at E.P. True Dental in August 2024. Their daughter, Erica, has also joined the team.
Retirement is definitely not on the horizon for Dr. Holst. After 35 years in dentistry, she is still very passionate about dental care and she thoroughly enjoys her profession. In fact, she has three part-time jobs: working for a dental education testing agency, the practice, and insurance consulting. Dr. Holst also loves continuing education and is always updating her skills. Most recently, she proudly received the 2025 Iowa Dental Association President's award.
Dr. Holst and Dr. Olberding were married in 1996 and are parents of twin daughters, Allison, an accountant, and Erica, a dentist who joined the practice in 2025. When she’s not busy in the dental office, Dr. Holst enjoys golf, traveling, watching the Hawkeyes, and going to football games. Dr. Holst lives close to the office, and she enjoys walking Bogey back and forth to work.
EDUCATION:
- General Studies, University of Iowa
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Iowa College of Dentistry
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- Iowa Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Des Moines District Dental Society
- Member of the Iowa Dental Board appointed by Governor Reynolds from 2019 to 2025
- Dental Consultant with Principle Financial Group
- Committee Member for the workplace shortage issues with the Iowa Dental Association
- Fellow in the American College of Dentists
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry Alumni of the Year for 2024
- Advisory board member for Indian Hills Community College Dental Assisting Program
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Fraternity
Dr. Erica Olberding
Dr. Erica Olberding grew up in the West Des Moines community and attended the University of North Carolina Asheville as well as Drake University. After graduating with her degree in biology, Dr. Erica followed in her parents’ footsteps (Dr. Pete and Dr. Lisa) and went on to the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry. She graduated with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2024, but she wanted to expand her dental knowledge further. So she attended a one-year residency program in general dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Her time in the South reiterated what she already knew: she loves her Iowa community and hometown. She’s glad to be back home and ready to help the community one smile at a time. She’s known around the office for putting people at ease and making them laugh. When she’s not in the office, she’s either taking Bogey for a walk, playing golf, watching reality TV, attending trivia night with her friends, or watching sports. She will always be an Iowa Hawkeyes fan.
“I have grown up around dentistry my whole life with two great role models — Dr. Pete and Dr. Lisa. That experience showed me dentistry is the perfect blend of getting to interact with patients and seeing the immediate impact of improving someone’s quality of life by relieving pain, restoring function, and enhancing smiles. That is exactly what I want to do.” —Dr. Erica Olberding
EDUCATION:
- Undergraduate degree and masters in biology, University of North Carolina Asheville and Drake University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Iowa College of Dentistry
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry, residency at Medical University of South Carolina
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- Association of General Dentistry
Bogey the Dental Dog
Bogey has been with his dental family since 2019. He loves greeting patients (and occasionally getting treats from patients, too). He is off on Mondays, but he spends the rest of the week helping patients to feel calm and comfortable. If you don’t see Bogey, be sure to ask for him and he’ll be sure to come around to say hello during your visit.
Bogey is especially proud of his education and training in turning around, giving a double-paw shake and a high five. When he’s not at the office, he is enthusiastic about his hobbies, such as digging in the snow, taking his humans for walks on the Jordan Creek Nature Trail, and catching and hoarding all the tennis balls.
Meet the Team
Business Administrator
Lori is a seasoned business professional and is part of our business team. She has an associate’s degree in business and is also a retired dental assistant. Lori has worked in the dental field since 2000. She worked for Dr. Holst in her Knoxville office for 22 years before retiring and moving to Des Moines. Now working part time at E.P. True Dental, Lori loves the variety her job brings and helping patients navigate their dental plans.
Lori is married with grown twin daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandkids.
Business Administrator
Missy lives in the West Des Moines community with her busy family, and she is proud to be part of the E.P. True Dental team. In fact, she worked with Dr. Olberding for 10 years before she moved away. When she moved back, she was eager to return to the practice. She enjoys helping patients to feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits. Missy has completed HIPAA Compliance Training and Mandatory Reporting.
Missy and her husband have two sons. They love to explore the outdoors and stay active with sports.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Ashley completed the dental hygiene program at Des Moines Area Community College and is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Dental Hygiene Degree through Wichita State University this fall. She joined E.P. True Dental in 2021, and is a dedicated dental hygienist who always aims to deliver the highest standards of oral health care to her patients. Ashley is also passionate about continuous education and research, which helps bring a fresh perspective to her work.
Aside from her professional responsibilities, Ashley enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors. She also loves to spend time relaxing with her loved ones. Ashley was recently married in August 2024, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and is expecting a baby girl in July 2025.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Susie’s love for dentistry began as a child. She genuinely enjoyed going to the dentist, which sparked a passion for helping others feel just as at ease in the dental chair. A proud graduate of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in 1995, Susie has spent her career creating a warm, welcoming experience for every patient. She’s committed to making oral health approachable, and her gentle, thorough care helps patients feel confident about their smiles.
Outside the office, you’ll often find Susie riding her bike, traveling to new places, or spending time with her family and friends. She brings that same positive energy to the practice each day and looks forward to meeting you at your next visit.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Rebecca joined EP True Dental in 2025, bringing with her a deep passion for helping patients feel confident in their smiles. A lifelong central Iowan, Rebecca has been in the dental field since 2018. She spent five years as a dental assistant before returning to Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to study dental hygiene. She holds certifications in both local anesthetics and nitrous oxide. Rebecca enjoys educating patients about healthy habits and loves building lasting relationships that help people feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her daughter, Isla, and her partner, Jake. Her fur-family includes a chocolate lab named Scout and a kitten named Dexter. She loves reading and spending time outdoors.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Level 2 and Office Manager
Nicole started working for the Holst/Olberding family when she was 19 years old. She worked as a chairside assistant with Dr. Holst in Knoxville for 22 years before coming to the Des Moines office to work with Dr. Olberding in 2023. She feels fortunate to have had opportunities to expand her functions as a dental assistant and is now doing level 2 expanded functions chairside.
Nicole has been married to her husband Geoff since 2005. They have two boys who take up all their spare time with sports and 4H. Nicole also has a dog, Milly. On weekends, Nicole enjoys camping at the county fair and state fair, where her youngest shows pigs.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Level 1
MacKenzie has been a dental assistant for six years, and she has brought her clinical skills and knowledge to the business team over the past year. MacKenzie’s favorite aspect of dental assisting is that no procedure is the same. She is very happy to have the opportunity to expand her knowledge in dentistry in the areas of insurance, scheduling, and financial aspects of the practice.
Beyond her career, MacKenzie loves spending time with her family and friends. She is married and has a young daughter. MacKenzie loves watching her daughter grow and learn new things every day. She also loves reading, drawing, and painting.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Level 1
With 26 years of experience in the dental field, Lindsay has established herself as a dedicated and skilled dental assistant. She lives in the vibrant community of Waukee, with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, Piper, and Remi. Outside of work, Lindsay is passionate about painting and decorating. She is creative in her home projects and artistic endeavors.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Level 2
Olivia worked with Dr. Holst in Knoxville since 2019 before joining EP True Dental in 2025, bringing nearly a decade of experience to the team. She graduated from Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) in 2016 and holds certifications as a DA, EFDA II, and Level III. Patients appreciate her warm smile and upbeat energy, even when her signature hiccups make an appearance.
Outside of work, Olivia lives in Knoxville with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. She’s passionate about home renovations, enjoys reading, and loves camping and spending time outdoors. You’ll often find her tending to her garden or crocheting something new. She’s also known around the office for keeping things cheerful.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Level 1
Angela joined the E.P. True Dental team in March 2025, bringing over 13 years of experience as a Dental Assistant. She is a Registered Dental Assistant and completed her Expanded Functions certification in January 2025. Angela has assisted with a wide range of procedures, including implants, oral surgery, and general dentistry. Patients appreciate her calm presence and clinical knowledge, while teammates value her supportive, hands-on approach.
Outside the office, Angela enjoys golfing, reading, and playing pickleball. She loves watching her kids at their sporting events and dance performances, and she’s always up for a family bike ride or vacation. Angela has three children (one daughter and two sons) who keep her schedule full and her heart even fuller.
Our Approach to Dental Care
Patient Comfort Is Our Priority
We believe dental visits should be stress free. From the moment you arrive, our team will make your experience comfortable and relaxing.
Personalized Care
As a family-owned practice, we take the time to get to know you and ensure every visit is tailored to your needs and goals.
A Warm, Welcoming Experience
At E.P. True Dental, our patients receive a warm and friendly welcome. It’s a place where patients of all ages feel at ease throughout their care.
Great smiles that will last a lifetime!
Contact E.P. True Dental to schedule your next dental appointment. Experience the difference at our family-owned and operated practice.