Dr. Schwartz begins dental practice

Following rapid renovations at 717 Third Street (former city offices), Derek Schwartz, DDS, opened his dental practice Aug. 19.
 
The Harlan, IA, native went to Buena Vista University.
 
“Going into college I had by career choices narrowed down to two things. One was agriculture; my dad and brother are in the Ag business, and also healthcare because my mom is a retired nurse,” he said.
 
He worked for his father for a few summers and, during his sophomore he year began shadowing healthcare professions. He was introduced to a dentist in Storm Lake and said “Things just clicked right away. I liked his daily routine; I like how he interacted with patients. He was pretty passionate about what he is doing and I spent a lot of time with him.”
 
Once Schwartz made up his mind he was accepted into dentistry school at the University of Iowa.  He said the four year program is very intense.
 
“It’s one of the top rated schools in the country, and I now feel competent and ready to practice. They set you up very well and give you a lot of real life situations,” said Schwartz.
 
Needing to learn more about the business side of dentistry is where his partner has experience.  Dr. Taylor Schroeder has successfully operated a dental practice in Atlantic for eight years.
 
“He’s been a good resource for me and provided opportunities for me. We’ve talked over the past year, and he introduced me to the world of dentistry.”
 
Schwartz knew he wanted to be in this area. When he heard about the need in Manning, he purchased the Manning building.
 
Schroeder operates Nisha Valley Dental in Atlantic.  Schroeder and Schwartz have formed a separate partnership. Schwartz will be the sole dentist operating Manning Dental, and Schroeder will provide expertise when and where it is needed.
 
“If I have a case that is complex, I can confer with him and we can decide what is best for the patient, which may be a referral to Schroeder. As I get started, he is going to be a great resource for me,” he said. “I am confident in my abilities, but it’s going to be reassuring to have that partner there, especially in the beginning, that I can confer with if I want to. It’s a unique deal, and I think it will benefit us both.”
 
His wife, Sadie, is a speech-language pathologist who works in the school systems with the Area Education Association (AEA). She worked with the Mississippi Bend AEA in Bettendorf and is now employed by the Green Hills AEA. She is working in area districts with newborn children and infants up to age three in the home.

People wishing to set up appointments with Dr. Schwartz may call 712-655-4040.