CUTLINE: With construction on the foundation of the structure tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 3., Dr. Al Kruger of Oelwein said hopes are to open the doors to West Union Dental Associates in March 2014. The new dental office will be located adjacent to the West Union Community Library on the former middle school property. 

New dental practice to bridge the gap

By Mike Van Sickle
Union editor
mvansickle@thefayettecountyunion.com

Construction is tentatively slated to begin Tuesday, Sept. 3, on a new dental office in West Union. Dr. Al Kruger of Oelwein officially reported plans for West Union Dental Associates on Friday.

With construction on the foundation of the structure tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 3., Dr. Kruger said hopes are to open the doors on the 3,500-sq.-ft. building by March 2014. West Union Dental Associates will be located adjacent to the West Union Community Library on the former middle school property. 

“We are trying to establish what we see as the future in dentistry in rural Iowa,” said Dr. Kruger, while explaining his decision to expand his services to West Union.

Among those beliefs are the establishment of a group practice at more than one location and the continuing education of dentists in specialty areas.

“So that, basically, the dentistry comes to the patients. It also allows the young dentists more family time,” Dr. Kruger added.

While noting that he had been looking at developing a practice within one hour of his Oelwein practice, Dr. Kruger reported that West Union fit the right (dentist-to-patient) demographic.

A northwest Iowa native, Dr. Kruger has been practicing dental care in Oelwein for 34 years. His staff, including son Adam, operate Oelwein Dental Associates. Dr. Adam Kruger is in his second year of practice in Oelwein. 

Dr. Al Kruger said new patients will come to understand his focus on staying up-to-date on technology, while sharing that knowledge with both his staff and patients.

“We (staff) are each looking forward to coming here,” he added. “We hope to provide additional benefits to the community than just in dentistry. We plan on becoming actively involved with community events.” 

West Union Dental Associates will provide dental services five days per week. While initial plans are for Dr. Adam Kruger to serve the West Union practice for half-days, he and his father will also provide full-day specialty services at West Union Dental Associates when required.

Dr. Kruger further explained that a couple, who will remain unnamed at this time, will lead the practice full-time when the doors officially open in 2014.

“I would like to say that the young couple we have coming to West Union was very impressed while working with Robin (Bostrom, Main Street West Union and former West Union Chamber director), Sally (Falb, executive director, Oelwein Chamber and Area Development), Bill (Ziegler, Fayette County Economic Development director), and everyone else they came in contact with during this process,” said Dr. Kruger with a large smile.  

“Everyone helped make them want to grab a U-Haul and move to this community,” he closed. “Including the park system and recreational opportunities,   they (future West Union dentists) were very impressed with all the progress being made here.”