About Our Doctors

Melissa Bernhardt, D.D.S., M.S.

A native of Des Moines, Dr. Bernhardt attended the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Management with an emphasis in Business Administration. She graduated from dental school at the University of Iowa in 1996. Dr. Bernhardt went on to complete her residency in orthodontics at the University of Iowa as well, where she received her Master of Science in Orthodontics.

Dr. Bernhardt joined a practice with offices in central Iowa in 1998. In August 2007, she and Dr. Smith opened their own practice with two locations in the West Des Moines and Waukee areas. In addition, she is an adjunct faculty member for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. Dr. Bernhardt is a past president of the Iowa Society of Orthodontists. She currently serves as the Iowa Director for the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists (MSO) and is the MSO representative on the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Government Advocacy (COGA).

Dr. Bernhardt currently resides in Waukee with her husband, Jeff, and their three children, Shae, Regan and Dane. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her kids' activities, reading, and spending time with friends.

Blair Smith , D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Smith, a Des Moines native, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He then continued his studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School where he received his degree in 1996. Dr. Smith was awarded a scholarship through the U.S. Navy and went on to serve his country as a general dentist from 1996-2000. While in the Navy, he completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at Parris Island, South Carolina, in 1997. After the Navy, Dr. Smith went on to complete his residency in orthodontics in 2002 at the University of Iowa and received his Master of Science in Orthodontics.

Dr. Smith returned to Des Moines to practice orthodontics in 2002. In August 2007, he and Dr. Bernhardt opened their own practice with two locations in the West Des Moines and Waukee areas. In addition, he is the past president of the Des Moines District Dental Society.

Dr. Smith enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Mary, and their two daughters, Julia and Lydia. He is also an avid baseball fan, enjoys running and listening to music.

Together Drs. Bernhardt and Smith are published authors. They also volunteer, along with their staff, at the Iowa Mission of Mercy, a 2-day event that provides free dental care to underprivileged Iowans.