At Des Moines River Dental, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care in a friendly and welcoming environment. We value building lasting relationships with our patients and strive to make every visit comfortable and personalized. Get to know our team and discover the passionate professionals committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Our team is here to provide exceptional care and support your dental needs. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you maintain your optimal dental health!
Dr. Tyler Villiard
Doctor
Dr. Villiard’s Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Iowa Dental Association (IDA)
- Des Moines District Dental Society
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce
- Iowa Community Organizations
His Background
Dr. Tyler Villiard was born and raised in a small town in northern Wisconsin. Once he graduated high school, he attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI, and the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Afterwards, he attended Midwestern University – College of Dental Medicine in Illinois, earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. While at Midwestern University, Dr. Villiard met his wife Emma, who is also a Dentist in the Des Moines area. Dr. Emma Villiard will be seeing patients on Thursday mornings, bringing a gentle touch to the doctor’s chair. In 2019, they welcomed their first child, Ruth, into the world. Then in 2020, they welcomed Birdie a black lab to the family. Their second child, Bea, was born in 2021. Then in 2024, their family grew by one more with the addition of their son Abe.
In addition to dentistry, he has been a Carlisle Chamber Commerce member since 2017, as well as a board member since 2019. In 2020, he served as the Board Vice President, and is currently serving as Board President. Dr. Villiard is also an avid sports fan, having played baseball and coaching beyond his high school days. He enjoys cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. His other hobbies include being outside hunting, camping, hiking, or golfing.
His Philosophy
Dr. Villiard’s philosophy of dentistry begins and ends with the patient. First, he examines each patient and then recommends the best treatment options. However, the most ideal choice is not always realistic for every individual. Therefore, Dr. Villiard ensures that each patient understands all of the available treatment options. His goal has been, and will always be, to treat each and every patient as an individual who walks through his doors—not just as a mouth. To achieve this, he focuses on patient education, explaining common industry misperceptions about products and procedures, including preventive treatments. Additionally, Dr. Villiard only uses vetted and reliable materials and techniques. Ultimately, this commitment led to Dr. Tyler Villiard starting Des Moines River Dental Care in 2017.
Dr. Emma Villiard
Doctor
Dr. Emma Villiard grew up in Overland Park, Kansas. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She then attended The College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she met Doctor Tyler. Afterwards, she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2017.
Becky Wyckoff
Office Administrator
Becky grew up on Des Moines south side, where she attended Lincoln High School. She worked in the mortgage industry for thirty years as a loan processor. Then in 2013, Becky became a receptionist at the same location, which Des Moines River Dental Care resides today. More recently, she has moved to Carlisle to be closer to her work, children, and grandchildren. She loves to spend time at any sporting events her grandchildren are actively involved in, and to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
Jeni Jackson
Dental Assistant
Jeni grew up in the “then small town” of Indianola. After high school, she attended the DMACC human services program and received her Associates Degree, where she worked part time while raising three children. Jeni attended the Dental Assisting program, earning her degree in 2008. Jeni enjoys the career path that she chose. She is an animal lover, and enjoys taking her pot bellied pig (Hamlet) and dog (Oliver) for walks. They are quite the pair! Most of all, her favorite thing is spending time with kids and her three wonderful grandchildren (My Little People).
Lydia Free
Office Administrator
Lydia grew up in the small town of Ogden, Iowa. She graduated from DMACC and was a dental assistant for 3 years. She has been a stay at home mom for 7 years and raising her two sons August and Nolan. In her spare time Lydia enjoys running, playing with her two dogs Hank and Darla, and attending local farmers markets. She also enjoys volunteering with her kids school and her local community.
Paula Woodford
Hygienist
Paula grew up in a small town in Northwest Iowa. After high school, she attended Minnesota State University where she graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene in 2014. Paula moved to the Des Moines area in 2015 and now lives in Ankeny. While finishing dental hygiene school, she met her husband Ross and they have been married almost 5 years. In February, they welcomed their first baby named Colter. She loves spending time with her family, golfing and taking hikes with her two dogs Quinn and Remi.
Ryann Cole
Hygienist
I have spent over 30 years in the dental profession — 4 as an assistant and 26 as a hygienist — gaining valuable experience along the way. I’m passionate about educating my patients on oral health and love building connections with them and their families. In my free time, I enjoy being with my partner, Brian, and my two grown daughters. I’m also an avid reader and take my two Bernese mountain dogs, Timber and Bear, on walking adventures whenever I can.
Crystal Bailey
Dental Assistant
Crystal is a Registered Dental Assistant since 2006 with expanded functions. She moved to Iowa from Tennessee in 2019 where she was born and raised. Crystal has been married to her husband Bryan since 2004, and they reside in Indianola with their two daughters and three dogs. Crystal is active in her church where her husband is lead pastor. In her free time, Crystal enjoys vacationing with her family, decorating, party planning, and anything that has to do with plants and flowers.