Young dentist to open local office

By MATTHEW REZAB
Jefferson Herald staff

When there’s a hole in the marketplace it will eventually get filled.

Dr. Keith Van Beek realized only two dentists operate in Greene County and thought he’d be the perfect fit.

Van Beek, 29, plans to open his new office in the West Business Park along Highway 4. The building is already under construction and scheduled to be finished by May when he plans to open for business.

Van Beek, his wife Kelsie and their 8-month-old son plan to move to Jefferson in April.

He currently works at Ankeny Dental Arts and originally hails from Sheldon.

“There are a couple reasons we’re moving to Jefferson,” Van Beek said. “We decided we wanted to move to a smaller community. We’ve lived in Ankeny for a few years, but we’re both from small towns. We miss the family-friendly atmosphere and we like the schools.”

Van Beek graduated from Iowa State University in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

He said he was looking for a location in need of a dentist and Jefferson fit the bill. His new practice will be called Jefferson Family Dentistry.

Outside the dental practice, Van Beek loves to spend time with family, friends and his wife. They enjoy biking, running, golfing and spending time outdoors. They also have a new puppy that keeps them busy.

The Greene County Development Corp., which owns the West Business Park, has been working with Van Beek as the first business to occupy the 24-acre lot.

GCDC Executive Director Ken Paxton said he thinks Van Beek will be a great addition to the business park.

“One, it helps the business park itself as a first move-in,” Paxton said. “And two, it’s just wonderful to have a new dentist come into the community.”

Paxton said the property is zoned for commercial or industrial use.

“We have two categories,” Paxton said. “We have frontage lots, which is the three main lots along Highway 4 and the dentist is going to be in one of those. And then we have lots more inland in the property. We’re hoping to get retail in the frontage lots and small manufacturing in the back lots.”

Van Beek said he’s looking forward to integrating into the community.

“My hope is to get involved in some volunteer work and to really get to know the community quickly,” he said. “I’m excited to get there.

“Everyone so far has been so friendly and helpful.”