Trail Ridge Dental Care

0. Company Stats

Industry: Healthcare - Dental

Founded: N/A

Size: Small Practice

Location: Grimes, IA

Stage: Established

Stock Symbol: N/A

Work Style: Onsite

1. Company Snapshot

Trail Ridge Dental Care is a comprehensive dental practice in Grimes, Iowa, led by Dr. Holly J. Steger, DDS, a University of Iowa College of Dentistry graduate. The practice is part of Heartland Dental, the nation's largest Dental Support Organization supporting over 2,700 dentists in 1,700+ offices across 38 states. Trail Ridge Dental Care provides family dentistry, preventative care, cosmetic services including Invisalign, and emergency dental care to the Grimes community. With consistently high patient ratings and a focus on personalized care, the practice combines small-town attention with the resources and support of a major DSO infrastructure.

2. Culture & Gen Z Alignment

Community-Focused Patient Care

Trail Ridge Dental Care emphasizes building lasting relationships with patients in the Grimes community. Dr. Steger's mission is to provide high-quality dental care in a comfortable, friendly setting where patients can smile proudly and enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth. The practice values gentle, caring treatment and creating a welcoming environment where every patient feels heard and valued.

Professional Development Through Heartland Dental

As a Heartland Dental-supported practice, Trail Ridge team members have access to extensive continuing education, training programs, and career advancement opportunities. Heartland's infrastructure provides mentorship, online learning libraries, and clear pathways for growth across clinical and administrative roles. The organization promotes from within and values long-term career development, with many team members staying 5-10+ years.

Doctor-Led Independence with Corporate Support

Heartland Dental operates on a "built by a dentist, for dentists" model that gives practices clinical autonomy while providing comprehensive non-clinical administrative support. This means dental professionals can focus on patient care while Heartland handles marketing, accounting, HR, IT, and business operations. The model offers the best of both worlds: local practice culture with enterprise-level resources and benefits.

3. What Employees Say

Company Ratings

Glassdoor: 3.3/5

Google: 4.8/5

Pros:

- Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage that many independent dental offices don't offer, plus PTO and retirement options

- Training & Development: Excellent continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, and support for professional certifications and skill development

- Team Environment: Positive, collaborative workplace culture with supportive coworkers who work together to provide quality patient care

- Career Growth: Clear advancement pathways with opportunities to move into management, regional roles, or transfer to other Heartland locations across 38 states

Cons:

- Pay Competitiveness: Some employees feel base pay is lower than market rate, with annual raises capped around 3%, requiring negotiation for larger increases

- Corporate Bureaucracy: As part of a large DSO, some decisions feel corporate and less flexible than independent practices, with goals and metrics closely tracked

- Location Variability: Experience heavily depends on the specific office, practice manager, and dentist, with some locations better managed than others

- Benefit Costs: Health insurance premiums can be higher than expected, and 401k matching is limited compared to some other healthcare employers

4. Compensation & Benefits Snapshot

- Average Iowa salaries: Dental Hygienists $35-42/hour ($73k-87k annually), Dental Assistants $19-21/hour ($40k-44k annually)

- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance available (though premiums vary)

- Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave for full-time positions

- 401k retirement plan (note: matching may be limited)

- Continuing education credits and tuition support for professional development

- Dental care benefits typically provided through the practice where you work

5. Why Gen Z Might Thrive Here

- Meaningful Work: Direct patient interaction where you can see the immediate impact of your work on people's oral health and confidence

- Small Practice Feel with Big Company Resources: Enjoy the close-knit team environment of a local practice while accessing the training, technology, and career support of a major DSO

- Geographic Flexibility: With 1,700+ Heartland locations across 38 states, you can potentially relocate and transfer within the network as your life circumstances change

- Professional Development: Strong investment in continuing education, certifications, and skill-building helps you grow your expertise without going into debt

- Work-Life Balance Potential: Regular office hours (no overnight shifts like hospitals), though weekend rotations may apply depending on the location

- Technology Access: Benefit from Heartland's investments in modern dental technology, practice management software, and digital tools

6. What Gen Z Should Ask Or Consider

- What is the typical daily patient volume, and how does that affect the pace of work and quality of care time?

- How does compensation compare to other dental practices in the Grimes/Des Moines metro area? Is there room for negotiation beyond the standard 3% annual raises?

- What continuing education opportunities are specifically available, and how much time and funding is provided for CE credits?

- Can you describe the practice manager's leadership style and how they support the team during busy or challenging times?

- What does the career growth path look like here? Are there opportunities to advance to lead hygienist, practice manager, or regional roles?

- How does Heartland's corporate structure impact day-to-day work? What decisions are made locally versus at the corporate level?

- What is the current team dynamic, and what's the average tenure of team members at this specific location?

7. Locations & Where Trail Ridge Dental Care Hires

- Single location: 1471 E 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111

- Serves the Grimes community and surrounding Des Moines metro area suburbs

- Part of Heartland Dental's network of 1,700+ offices across 38 states, offering potential transfer opportunities

- Heartland Dental headquarters located in Effingham, Illinois with regional offices nationwide

- Job openings posted on Heartland Dental's careers site serving all supported practices

8. How Trail Ridge Dental Care Works

Work Style

Available: Onsite

Work Environment

Available: Clinical Setting, Office

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance available through Heartland Dental. Paid time off and sick leave for full-time team members. 401k retirement plan. Continuing education credits and support for professional certifications and training programs. Access to Heartland Dental's online learning library and mentorship programs. Modern dental technology and practice management systems. Opportunities for career advancement within the Heartland Dental network of 1,700+ offices.

9. Awards & Recognition

- <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-greatest-workplaces-2025">Newsweek America's Greatest Workplaces 2025</a>

- <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Award/Best-Places-to-Work-LST_KQ0,19.htm">Glassdoor Best Places to Work Recognition</a>

11. Sources

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

- Trail Ridge Dental Care Website: https://trailridgedentalcare.com/

- Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Trail+Ridge+Dental+Care

- Heartland Dental Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Heartland-Dental-Reviews-E196086.htm

- Heartland Dental About Page: https://heartland.com/about-us/

- Indeed Iowa Dental Salaries: https://www.indeed.com/career/dental-assistant/salaries/IA