Diana Pelzer, DDS – founder/owner/pediatric dentist

Meet Dr. Pelzer

Dr. Diana Pelzer is a board-certified pediatric dentist and has been living and practicing in the Des Moines area since 2016.  She grew up in Bettendorf, IA and attended The University of Iowa to complete her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, D.D.S. and pediatric dental residency.   

Dr. Pelzer was in private practice and then public health dentistry before building her dream, The Nest Pediatric Dentistry.  She is proud to be a young, female entrepreneur and has built the office with her daughter in mind.  In addition to practicing at The Nest, Dr. Pelzer is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics where she teaches dental students and pediatric dental residents.

Professional interests for Dr. Pelzer include infant oral healthcare such as lip- and tongue-ties, anxious patients (and parents!) and patients with special healthcare needs.  She takes great care to engage each child to help them take pride in themselves, learn good habits to last a lifetime and actually enjoy visiting the dentist!

If Dr. Pelzer’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve met Dr. Dan Pelzer, her husband, who is a pediatrician at The Iowa Clinic in West Des Moines.  The Pelzers have a daughter, June, and a shih-tzu poodle mix, Moose.  

Honors and Affiliations:

  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry – Board Certification, 2017
  • Des Moines District Dental Society – President 2021-2022
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Member
  • Iowa Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Member
  • American Dental Association – Member
  • Iowa Dental Association – Member
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Misa Yoshioka, DMD, MS – pediatric dentist

Meet Dr. Yoshioka

Dr. Misa Yoshioka is a board-certified pediatric dentist.  Dr. Misa grew up in the Seattle, Washington area.  She was valedictorian of  her dental school class in California at Western University of Health Sciences and completed her pediatric dental residency at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Misa has practiced in private practice and public health and joined us at The Nest in 2024.  Dr. Misa loves helping give children a great experience at the dentist.   Dr. Misa’s approach to patient care is kind, compassionate and composed.  Her patients like her sweet demeanor and calming presence.

In her spare time, Dr. Misa enjoys spending time with her family, running and volunteering with Girl Scouts and Special Olympics.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Honors and Affiliations:

  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry – Board Certification, 2022
  • Des Moines District Dental Society – Member
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Member
  • Iowa Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Member
  • American Dental Association – Member
  • Iowa Dental Association – Member