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
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.