Pediatric Dentist
Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
 Q and A with Dr. Jen
“How did you decide to be a pediatric dentist?”
Well, it all started out when I was about 7 years old, I had dreams of being a Veterinarian. As a freshman in high school I changed my mind and decided an astronaut was truly my life’s mission. I think I even did some sort of essay in Mr. Lammer’s class at Norwalk High School about how I was going to fly to the moon and back. As a junior in high school, my dream morphed into becoming a science teacher so I could guide the youth of tomorrow. At the University of Iowa, I discovered dental school was the place for me. After 3 years as a Hawkeye Undergrad and 4 years as a Hawkeye Dental Student I earned my DDS degree. With our diplomas in hand, my husband (Pat) and I ran away from Iowa to the very beautiful (and very tree hugging) town of Eugene, Oregon. We practiced there for 2 years and enjoyed every bit that the outdoors had to offer (trees to hug, hills to climb, mountains to ski, crabs to catch in the ocean, and wine to taste). It didn't take me long to figure out that when it comes to dentistry, adults are not nearly as fun to work with as kids are. And because 7 short years is not enough time to spend in Iowa City, we decided to head back there so that I could complete my 2 year residency training in pediatric dentistry. Not to mention it is one of the top training programs in the nation for pediatric dentists. With my certificate in hand, I was finally ready to open my own practice.
“Why Altoona, IA?”
With a growing family of five, Pat and I were interested in a location that was family oriented, had quality schools and abundant recreational opportunities. We also wanted a town that was close to my family and friends in the Des Moines area and close to his family and Herky in Iowa City. Altoona was just that place and in 2006, the area needed a pediatric dentist. March of 2006 Altoona Pediatric Dental (Dr. Jen’s pediatric practice) and Wolfe Family Dentistry (Dr. Pat’s adult practice) were born. We look forward to growing with the community.
“Who is your hero?”
It might sound corny, but my hero is my mom. WOW! She managed to hold down a full time job and raise a family. She made the task look simple. She still works full time and manages to spend plenty of quality time with all 7 of her grandchildren. If I had half the energy she does, I might be able to get that kitchen cleaned and that load of laundry done
“Who has taught you an important life lesson?”
My father. He always reminds me that “The only thing constant in life is change.” I have learned to be flexible in many of life’s challenges. I also find it very important to keep up with the changes in pediatric dentistry, with continued education and case studies with colleagues.
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