Experienced Associate Dentist – Private Practice
Dentistry At Somerset
About the Practice
Job Description
Tuesday–Friday | Minimum 32 patient-care hours per week
Anticipated annual earning potential: $280,000–$350,000
Excellent dentistry starts with exceptional relationships.
Dentistry At Somerset is seeking an experienced associate dentist who combines strong clinical skills with exceptional people skills. We’re looking for a motivated self-starter who builds trust with patients, takes pride in excellent care, and actively supports and uplifts the clinical team.
Prior practice experience and proficiency in endodontics are required. Implant placement and cosmetic dentistry are not required.
About Our Practice
Rooted in Ames’ Somerset district for more than 25 years, Dentistry At Somerset is a privately owned practice with lasting community relationships and a beautiful new clinic.
Owner Dr. Jason Niegsch is a Kois Center Mentor, and our practice follows the Kois Center philosophy, emphasizing evidence-based dentistry, comprehensive treatment planning, and long-term patient outcomes.
You’ll work alongside dentists who are passionate about their profession and learning from one another. Our team includes doctors at every career stage, from newly graduated dentists to those with more than 25 years of experience. This opening is specifically for an experienced clinician who can contribute confidently while continuing to learn and grow.
What Matters Most to Us
Exceptional people skills are essential to this role. Our ideal colleague listens carefully, communicates with warmth and clarity, and helps patients feel comfortable, informed, and respected.
We place equal importance on how you work with the team. We’re looking for someone who values the contributions of dental assistants, hygienists, fellow dentists, and administrative team members—and helps everyone improve through encouragement, constructive guidance, and mutual respect.
Your Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive general dentistry, including endodontic treatment.
Develop individualized treatment plans supported by sound clinical judgment.
Explain diagnoses and treatment options clearly, helping patients make informed decisions.
Build lasting patient relationships through compassionate, consistent care.
Collaborate with fellow dentists and the entire team to deliver an exceptional patient experience.
Support, uplift, and help elevate the clinical team through respectful communication and constructive feedback.
Take initiative, follow through on responsibilities, and contribute ideas that improve patient care and daily operations.
Maintain thorough clinical documentation and high clinical and professional standards.
Qualifications
DDS or DMD degree and an active Iowa dental license, or eligibility to obtain one before starting.
Prior experience practicing as a dentist and confidence providing comprehensive general care.
Proficiency in endodontics and willingness to provide root canal treatment.
Availability Tuesday through Friday for a minimum of 32 patient-care hours per week.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with patients and colleagues.
A motivated, self-directed approach with strong accountability and follow-through.
A collaborative mindset, openness to feedback, and enthusiasm for continued learning.
Compensation
Anticipated annual earning potential of $280,000–$350,000, with a guaranteed minimum during the first three months to support your transition into the practice. During that period, you will earn the greater of the agreed-upon minimum or your collections-based compensation. After the first three months, compensation will be collections-based.
The earning range is informed by current dentist performance within our practice. Actual earnings depend on individual collections and are not guaranteed. Specific compensation terms will be discussed during the interview process.
Why Dentistry At Somerset?
An established private practice with more than 25 years of community roots.
A Tuesday–Friday schedule.
A beautiful new clinic in the welcoming community of Ames, Iowa.
The opportunity to work alongside a Kois Center Mentor and dentists who value shared learning.
A team that values kindness, professional growth, and pride in excellent patient care.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and a brief introduction describing your clinical experience and what you are looking for in your next practice. Email to: Careers@DentistryAtSomerset.com.
Candidates selected for an interview will be expected to provide recent individual production reports to support a discussion of clinical experience, procedure mix, and productivity. Reports must exclude patient names and other identifying information.
Learn more about our practice and team at DentistryAtSomerset.com.
Pay: $280,000.00 - $350,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Flexible spending account
Health savings account
Life insurance
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Requirements
• Dentistry
• Patient interaction
• Teamwork
• Dental License
About Dentistry At Somerset
Dr. Jason Niegsch (pronounced “Nicks”) and his wife, Marcie, have called Dentistry At Somerset their dental clinic location since 2002. In 2024 they made a significant investment in the Ames community to more than double their patient capacity. The new and improved, nearly 10,000 square foot expansion has 19 treatment rooms, including surgical suites for more in-depth procedures and extra rooms for team spaces. Dentistry At Somerset was founded by Dr. Paul Readhead who had been practicing in Ames since 1972. He and his wife, Marsha, purchased the Somerset land in 1998, built the existing structure, and moved his practice in 2000 when the Somerset development was mostly a cornfield. Dr. Readhead renamed his practice Dentistry At Somerset for its new up-and-coming neighborhood, just as it lives on today nearly 25 years later. Following dental school and a tenure with the United States Navy, Dr. Niegsch made his home in Ames and began working with Dr. Readhead in 2002. The two worked together for eight years until Dr. Readhead’s retirement in 2009. Dr. Niegsch continued practicing on his own with just 6 team members until 2015. Around that same time, Marcie pivoted away from her publishing career with Meredith Corporation to join the practice. “Earlier in my career, it was something that I never considered,” said Marcie. “But it certainly provided a growth opportunity for me and more balance for our family.” Year after year, Dr. Niegsch and Marcie put their vision and mission into practice. They designed how they wanted the patient experience to look and feel and what personal touches should be included in addition to the high-level of clinical skills and patient care. Throughout the years the Niegschs have invested significant time and energy into finding the right team members to provide the level of care they wanted patients to have. They trained the team regularly and worked through how to make the patient experience even better. Their continual refinements in culture, systems and processes led to steady practice growth. Giving back to Ames community organizations is a pillar for the Dentistry At Somerset team. (As of Nov 2024) Since 2015, they have contributed over $400,000 through donations or volunteer service. Each year the office hosts a free dental services day for veterans. They prioritize their donations and volunteer efforts toward causes important to their team and patients, including veterans and military, the United Way of Story County, local schools, churches, and the Mary Greeley endowment fund. In addition to typical general dentistry services like cleanings, exams, and fillings, Dentistry At Somerset provides more specialty services and technology: same-day crowns, dental implant placement and restorations for missing teeth, Invisalign clear orthodontics for teeth straightening, tongue-tie release surgery, treatment for sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and TMJ disorder.