Meet Dr. Yessica Escutia Ponce de Leon
Every child deserves a healthy smile—and the opportunity to feel safe, seen, and cared for in the dental chair. As a pediatric dentist, I believe oral health is not only the foundation for lifelong wellness, but also a powerful opportunity to promote trust, and joy in a child’s early healthcare experiences.
My journey to dentistry began as a teenager, when my family and I immigrated to the US in search of better healthcare for my younger brother, who has special needs. Watching him overcome medical challenges with strength and resilience inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare—and instilled in me a lifelong passion for caring for children with diverse needs and abilities.
As a bilingual provider, I am committed to making every family feel heard and respected, especially those navigating cultural or language barriers. I love connecting with families from all walks of life and believe deeply in creating welcoming spaces where children of all backgrounds feel they belong.
~ Dr. Yessica Escutia Ponce de Leon
Education and Experience
Dr. Yessica earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Iowa in 2017, where she also completed a Public Health Distinction Track. After graduation, she served as a National Health Service Corps scholar and staff dentist at Hackley Community Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Muskegon, Michigan. There, she provided care in school-based clinics, led a mobile dental program serving local preschools and elementary schools, and fell in love with pediatric dentistry.
To deepen her training, she completed a two-year pediatric dentistry residency at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she also earned her Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Her clinical training emphasized care for children with special health care needs, hospital dentistry, sedation, and behavioral guidance. During her MPH studies, she focused on health policy, prevention, and program development to address disparities in care. She is board eligible and currently pursuing board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Yessica is thrilled to return to the Midwest and serve the children and families of Iowa. She is especially excited to advocate for policies that improve access to dental care for underserved children across the state.
Professional Affiliations & Community Involvement
Dr. Yessica is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. She is fluent in English and Spanish and brings a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach to her work.
She has served on dental association committees, youth mentorship programs, and is looking forward to advocating for policies that expand access to dental care for underserved children in Iowa.
Outside the Office
Dr. Yessica lives in Des Moines with her husband Jake and their baby, Sascha. As a family, they love traveling, exploring new hobbies, parks and restaurants, and spending time outdoors. At home, they share their space with their two beloved cats—Valentino and Roo.
