Melani Fulton, DDS | Owner of Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry
Dr. Melani Fulton was raised in West Des Moines, IA, and graduated from Valley High School. Dr. Fulton received her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
She has spent the last few years providing family dentistry in Norwalk, Iowa, and completed advanced training in orthodontics. After practicing in Norwalk, Dr. Fulton took the leap into practice ownership and purchased the practice of Dr. Dan Todd in West Des Moines. She is excited to continue Dr. Todd’s legacy and serve patients in West Des Moines providing gentle treatment with modern techniques and high-quality dentistry.
She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Orthodontic Society.
Dr. Fulton and her husband Aaron have two children to keep them busy, Adeline (4) and Claire (2). In addition to family time, Dr. Fulton enjoys traveling, cooking, and watching basketball games.
Dr. Fulton treats all patients like family, giving them the best options and explaining all treatment needs. She enjoys all facets of dentistry and helping her patients create and maintain their beautiful smiles.
Jay Kalwishky | Office Administrator
Jay started in the dental field 21 years ago. She moved to Iowa from California in 2010 and started at the office the same year. Jay and her husband Dru have 4 children Starlyn, Tori, Bella, and Greyson. Jay loves spending time with her family, being involved with different ministries at church, and antiquing for vintage treasures. Her favorite things about being in the dental field are the relationships she has built with our patients over the last 11 years and assisting them in their financial and insurance needs so they can achieve their best smile!
Bailey Lewis | Dental Hygienist
Bailey has been with the office since 2007. She started here as a dental assistant then pursued her goal of becoming a dental hygienist in 2012 at DMACC in Ankeny. Bailey and her husband, Justyn, have been married since 2012. They have two children, Eden and Ezekiel, that keep them on their toes. The greatest thing she likes about the dental field is helping nervous patients feel comfortable. Forming connections with the patients and providing them with hygiene care makes this a fulfilling career.
Kyrsten Wallace | Dental Assistant
Kyrsten has been with the office since May of 2020. She started as a Dental Assistant in California back in 2017 and recently moved to Iowa with her fiancé, Harley. Kyrsten owns a ball python named Noodle and loves anything nerdy! She enjoys patient education the most, as well as cosmetic dentistry!
Pam May | Dental Assistant
Pam has been a dental assistant since 2005 and with this practice for 13 years! Her favorite part of the job is seeing people’s smiles and happiness after getting the quality dental care they deserve. Pam and John have two children together, Charlotte and Jackson. Outside the office, she loves spending time with her family, riding horses, and boating.
I was a patient of Dr. Todd for years. He was great. Wasn’t sure what the experience would be like with a new dentist. I shouldn’t have worried. The staff stayed the same, and Dan’s replacement was warm and welcoming. The office was a bit quieter without Dan’s booming voice, but the dentistry was solid. I would recommend it to those looking for a new dentist.
Very Friendly, fun to work with. The staff has always made us feel comfortable, the dental experience was easy and the treatment explained. No fears of going to the dentist here.
After Dr Todd retired last month I was thinking of changing to a dentist in my town and close to home. Brighter Smiles called me to schedule an appointment since I was a month past due for my 6 month cleaning. I was too busy to investigate a local dentist and schedule. I am glad I did go ahead and schedule. I love the new owner/dentist. She is super sweet and made time to do my dental work that day. She saved me from taking more time off from work and from worrying about the procedure that needed to be done. Won’t be changing dentists!
I was able to schedule an appointment one week out and staff was able to get me seated almost immediately when I arrived. Overall staff was friendly and Dr. Fulton was able to help me with a crown on a cracked tooth. I can’t say it’s always fun going to the dentist, but Bright Smiles Family Dentistry made it easy and conformable for me to get the work I needed to be done. Will be coming here for future dental needs.