Meet the Doctors – Ames
Meet Jessica Swanson, DDS
Her journey in dentistry began at the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). During dental school, she received three consecutive awards from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and presented at national conferences. Since graduating from dental school in 2004, she has actively pursued continuing education and certification in ways to help patients with their dental and aesthetic needs. Her goal is to provide complete facial balance for your smile and its surrounding structures.
In addition to her academic pursuits, She is committed to missionary dental outreach. This began as a dental student participating in dental missions to Jamaica with the Christian Dental Society. She eventually took on the role of team leader and instructor for future dentists in 2014. She is passionate about providing dental options for everyone with and without access to resources. Throughout the years, she and her family have traveled to Jamaica as often as possible to care for patients and their families in Hopewell, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and beyond.
Closer to home, she is involved with the Dental Lifeline Network/Donated Dental Services and the Iowa Mission of Mercy.
When not with patients, Dr. Jessica loves spending time with her husband, Rob, their daughters, Madeline, Reagan, and Simone, and their son, Elliott. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and yoga.
Meet Rob Swanson, DDS
Hello! My name is Dr. Rob Swanson, and I am excited to practice dentistry in my hometown of Ames. I graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2008 and have been proud to be part of the Swanson Dental team ever since. I am a member of the Iowa Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Des Moines District Dental Society. I’m also a certified Invisalign provider, a credential I have held since 2013!
I enjoy all aspects of dentistry, but I find working with children especially rewarding. I stay up-to-date with the latest dental materials and technology advancements to ensure that my patients receive modern, high-quality care. I love attending dental conferences at state and national levels to continually learn and improve my skills.
Outside of work, I spend as much time as I can with my wife and four children. I also enjoy playing golf, catching live music, and cheering on the Cyclones and Hawkeyes.
Meet Taylor Steffans, DDS
Dr. Taylor Steffans was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended the University of Iowa for her bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology and spent a semester abroad in Italy. Thereafter, Dr. Taylor continued her education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, where she met her husband, Michael Stark, a fellow dental student. After graduation, Dr. Taylor followed her husband to Dallas, Texas, where he completed his residency in Orthodontics at Texas A&M. There, she expanded her expertise in general dentistry, including placing and restoring implants, sedation dentistry, and Botox injections.
Inspired by her grandfather, a retired dentist from Oelwein, Iowa, Dr. Taylor is committed to helping patients of all ages achieve confident smiles and maintaining excellent oral health. Her favorite procedures include crowns, extractions, implants, and Botox therapy. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, exercising, spending time with family at the lake, and attending sporting events when not in the office.
