For over three decades, we've been more than a dental office — we're a partner in your family's long-term health, from a child's first visit to grandparent check-ups.
Multi-generational relationshipsWe've cared for parents, children, and grandchildren — sometimes all in the same week.
Comprehensive team of specialistsSix experienced dentists with diverse specialties, so you rarely need a referral elsewhere.
Community roots, modern toolsDeep SE Iowa ties paired with the latest dental technology — the best of both worlds.
Proudly rooted in Southeast Iowa since 1992
6
Expert dentists on staff
5+
Communities served
Patient stories
What our community says
"I'm nervous about dental appointments, but my worries were put to rest and I felt very comfortable and at ease with Dr. Nick and the technician. I'm no longer worried about future appointments or procedures."
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Vickie M.
Google Review
"Went in to have a bottom molar pulled — not one of my favorite things to do — but my experience was great. The staff was friendly, the assistant was great, and Dr. Nick Pothitakis was very understanding and patient."
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Cindy C.
Google Review
"Dr. Mark is very caring and I feel very comfortable there. His staff is very friendly also. He has done a wonderful job especially with my teeth. I recommend him to everyone 100 percent."
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Laura M.
Google Review
"Mark is very professional and friendly. He treats you just like a friend. His dental assistants are the same — very friendly and professional. The whole staff does an excellent job!"
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Randy J.
Google Review
"I have been a patient with Dr. Pothitakis and crew for well over 20 years. It is always the most welcoming environment and everyone there is always so kind."
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Liberty T.
Google Review
"Highly recommend Burlington Dental Associates. My hygienist Becky was a sweetheart — she made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Dr. Bassler was very kind and informative as well!"
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Carol L.
Google Review
"The BEST dental team around! Dr. Pothitakis does amazing dental work, hygienists are wonderful and thorough, and office staff are so caring. Our family have been patients for over 20 years."
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Diana R.
Google Review
"Dr. Pothitakis does a fantastic job not only fixing my dental needs, but also cares about how I feel about the way my teeth look! His staff is so friendly and caring."
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Alice D.
Google Review
"The Pothitakis Dental Group are the best people I have worked with. What a wonderful, caring group, and so great for the communities they serve!"
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Charles C.
Google Review
"Becky was amazing! She made my cleaning and x-rays painless. She was friendly and interactive and communicated well throughout the visit. Thank you Becky!"
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Jen H.
Google Review
"This whole office is the best, from the time you walk in until you leave. Everyone is so friendly. Mark is very caring and always listening to whatever it is you are there for."
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Julie K.
Google Review
"We had a new dentist and a new hygienist — they were both very nice, informative, and professional. We won't hesitate going back for our next appointment."
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Jackie M.
Google Review
"Extremely friendly, gentle, and knowledgeable. I hadn't been to a dentist in about 10 years and they made the transition extremely easy. Looking forward to my next visit already!"
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Allison J.
Google Review
"I was called back soon after I arrived and the dental hygienist and Dr. Nick were both very pleasant and thorough."
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Debbie U.
Google Review
"Dr. Pothitakis and his staff are friendly, professional, and will work a patient in when necessary. It's a family feeling there. My insurance situation and a personal emergency was understood."
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Lana B.
Google Review
"Had a wonderful experience — if that's such a thing at the dentist! My hygienist was friendly and did a good job cleaning my teeth. The dentist was so helpful and kind. Loved everyone!"
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Jeanene D.
Google Review
"Like many patients, I am more than a little nervous about a visit to a dentist. This was my first visit to their office. The staff are the greatest at patient care on all levels. The best dental experience I have ever had."
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Chuck B.
Google Review
"Great staff — hygienist Annie is a very skilled professional. Dr. Bassler is very thorough and informative. Routine cleaning with x-rays was painless."
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Vicky L.
Google Review
"They are extremely good at what they do! Both speak to patients in a way that you understand everything they are going to do. Very happy to be back with them."
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Lori M.
Google Review
"Very helpful and kind. They got me in right away and helped me with my needs. The doctor was understanding and concerned about my needs. All great people."
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Cindy K.
Google Review
"I had a great experience at this dentist's office. The staff was welcoming, the dentist explained everything clearly, and the treatment was quick and painless. They really care about their patients and make you feel comfortable from start to finish."
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Hamid E.
Google Review
"This was my first visit at this office. While dental visits have never been a favorite of mine, this visit was enjoyable. Office staff was cordial and the hygienist was a delightful young woman, very knowledgeable and full of suggestions."
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Joni K.
Google Review
"Absolutely the best! Dr. Mark and staff always take the time to explain in detail and get all your dental needs taken care of. They are professional and the most friendly staff. The atmosphere is calming — a must in a doctor's office."
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Barb G.
Google Review
"I have been going here for about 2 years now, every 6 months, and it's always a good experience. Professional, friendly. Dr. Courtney is the best!"
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Alexia E.
Google Review
"Had a dental emergency — they were able to get me in within 48 hours, pull 3 teeth, and made it calm and easy. Dr. Courtney was fantastic and helped through my issues and everyone made sure I understood the process."
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Izzi B.
Google Review
"This dentist office was so accommodating and helpful. My husband lost his crown and we are going out of town shortly. They not only got us in but are trying to get the work done before we leave. What a blessing!"
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Cheryl W.
Google Review
"Dr. Bassler and staff are beyond amazing! My children are treated with such patience, love, kindness, and fun — above and beyond getting excellent dental care. 20 out of 10 would recommend!"
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Elizabeth J.
Google Review
"Always friendly smiling faces, professional and kind. A great group of people in the office. They do a wonderful job of helping you keep healthy. Regardless of the procedure, they are always concerned about how you feel."
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Linda L.
Google Review
Ready to schedule your visit?
New patients always welcome. Call us or book online — we'll take it from there.
A team of experienced, compassionate dental professionals — many with deep ties to the SE Iowa community they serve.
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Dr. Mark Pothitakis
Founder & General Dentist
Dr. Mark has been the cornerstone of Pothitakis Dental Group for over 30 years, building lasting relationships with multiple generations of SE Iowa families.
Following in his father's footsteps, Dr. Nick Pothitakis brings fresh perspectives and the latest techniques while honoring the family practice's long tradition of care.
Preventive and restorative services that keep your family healthy year-round.
Preventive care
Regular exams & cleanings
Regular dental exams are a cornerstone of your whole family's oral health. During a cleaning and exam, our hygienists remove plaque and tartar, polish teeth, and check for early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other concerns. Most patients should visit every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
Professional plaque and tartar removal
Cavity screening and gum assessment
Oral cancer screening included
Personalized home care guidance
Diagnostic technology
Digital X-rays
Our practice uses modern digital X-ray technology that delivers up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Digital images are available immediately on-screen, allowing us to zoom in, enhance, and share findings with you right away. They help us detect problems between teeth, below the gumline, and in the jaw that aren't visible during a standard exam.
Up to 90% less radiation than film
Instant on-screen results
Enhanced diagnostic accuracy
Easy to share with specialists
Restorative care
Fillings
When a cavity forms, a dental filling restores the tooth's shape, function, and strength. We offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth — no silver amalgam required. The procedure is quick, typically completed in a single visit, and with modern anesthetics, most patients are comfortable throughout.
Tooth-colored composite resin options
Completed in a single appointment
Mercury-free materials available
Long-lasting, durable results
Restorative care
Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can also hold a dental bridge in place, protect a tooth after a root canal, or cover a misshapen tooth. With proper care, crowns can last 10–15 years or longer.
Porcelain, ceramic, or metal options
Natural-looking and durable
Protects weakened or cracked teeth
Lasts 10–15 years with proper care
Oral surgery
Extractions
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged or decayed to save, or a baby tooth needs help making way for a permanent one. In these cases, extraction is the safest and most effective option. Our team makes the process as comfortable as possible with effective anesthesia, and we'll walk you through aftercare instructions to ensure quick, smooth healing.
Simple and surgical extractions
Wisdom tooth removal
Effective local anesthesia
Full post-extraction care guidance
Children's dentistry
Pediatric dental services
We love seeing our youngest patients. Early dental visits establish healthy habits that last a lifetime. We offer a full range of pediatric services in a warm, non-intimidating environment — from first exams and cleanings to sealants, fluoride treatments, and gentle cavity repair. We recommend a child's first visit around age 1, or when their first tooth appears.
First visits from age 1
Sealants and fluoride treatments
Child-friendly, gentle approach
Parent education and guidance
Urgent care
Emergency dental care
Dental emergencies don't follow a schedule. Whether you're dealing with a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling, or a broken tooth, we do our best to accommodate same-day emergency appointments. Call us as soon as possible — prompt treatment can often save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
Same-day emergency appointments
Toothache and abscess treatment
Broken or knocked-out tooth care
Lost filling or crown repair
Protective care
Sports dentistry
Athletes of all ages are at greater risk for dental injuries. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide far superior protection compared to over-the-counter options, fitting comfortably without interfering with breathing or speaking. We create mouthguards for all contact and non-contact sports — from football to gymnastics.
Custom-fitted for maximum protection
Comfortable and easy to breathe
All sports and ages covered
Night guards for teeth grinding too
Smile enhancement
Cosmetic treatments that give you the confidence of a smile you love — subtle touch-ups or complete transformations.
Cosmetic dentistry
Teeth whitening
Professional whitening delivers dramatically better results than anything available over the counter. We offer both in-office whitening — where you'll see results in a single appointment — and take-home custom tray kits for a more gradual approach. Both are safe, effective, and supervised by our dentists for optimal results.
In-office treatment: results in one visit
Custom take-home tray kits available
Safe for enamel under dentist supervision
Shades up to 8 levels brighter
Cosmetic dentistry
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells custom-crafted to bond to the front surface of your teeth — correcting chips, gaps, discoloration, or uneven shapes in one elegant solution. They look and feel completely natural, and with proper care can last well over a decade. Veneers are one of the most transformative cosmetic options we offer.
Porcelain or composite resin options
Corrects chips, gaps, and discoloration
Natural-looking, stain-resistant finish
Lasts 10–20 years with care
Cosmetic dentistry
Dental bonding
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, or to close small gaps between teeth. It's one of the quickest and most affordable cosmetic procedures — most cases are completed in a single appointment with no anesthesia required, and the results blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Single-appointment procedure
No anesthesia typically needed
Repairs chips, cracks, and gaps
Most affordable cosmetic option
Cosmetic dentistry
Smile makeovers
A smile makeover combines two or more cosmetic treatments into a personalized plan designed around your unique goals. Whether you want to brighten, reshape, straighten, or completely transform your smile, we'll sit down with you to understand what you want and map out the best path to get there. The result is a smile that's still distinctly yours — just the best version of it.
Personalized treatment plan
Combines whitening, veneers, bonding
Phased treatment available
Consultation to discuss your goals
Not sure where to start?
Book a cosmetic consultation and we'll walk you through your options — no pressure, just possibilities.
Dr. Mark Pothitakis has been practicing dentistry since 1992. Dr. Mark grew up in Fort Madison, IA and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1992. He began his first dental practice in New London, IA, and quickly expanded to include five different offices throughout Southeast Iowa.
Dr. Mark and his wife Kara have five children with 2 grandchildren and 1 more on the way. Dr. Mark first wanted to become a dentist because he really enjoys helping people get out of pain, as well as improving their self-esteem by transforming their smiles.
The most important priority for Dr. Mark is providing outstanding care to his patients, no matter what time of day or night, and he has been known to work many extra hours to provide this care. Dr. Mark is also very active in his local community.
When Dr. Mark is not at work, he enjoys running, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and pursuing another passion — his culinary skills. Dr. Mark says that watching The Food Channel or cooking for others is one of his favorite ways to relax.
General Dentist · University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 2025
Modern techniquesCosmeticRestorative
Dentistry is more than a career to me. I believe I was put here to serve others and every patient who walks through my door is an opportunity to do just that. Every day, I learn so much from my patients and the new people I meet from all walks of life. I treat every patient the way I'd want myself and my own family treated — with honesty, compassion, and excellence.
Growing up watching my dad love what he does while also providing excellent care to patients is what drove me towards the oral healthcare field. Now, I get to work alongside him!
I earned my BS in Human Physiology and Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Iowa in 2021. I graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2025 with my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
Spending time with the people I love reminds me why I work so hard. My wife Mikaela and I have an adorable daughter Adalene, a dog named Teddy, and a baby on the way. When I'm not in the office, you can find me golfing, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
A Fort Madison native, I am committed to giving back to the community that gave so much to me growing up. I am an active member of Harmony Bible Church, which fulfills my desire to genuinely care for people and carries into all patient interactions that I have.
Dr. Ali Bassler has been practicing dentistry since 2013. Dr. Bassler grew up in Osceola, IA and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2013. Both Ali and her husband Chris are born and raised in Iowa and have developed a love for the Southeast Iowa community.
Ali and her husband Chris have two active boys that keep them very busy. The Bassler family really enjoys staying active outdoors and spending time with family. Dr. Bassler and her husband also attend Harmony Bible Church and participate in various church activities.
Dr. Bassler truly loves all aspects of the dental field but does have a passion for treating children and esthetic dentistry. Dr. Bassler developed a passion for dentistry because she had such great dental experiences as a child. It is her hope to be able to provide similar experiences to her patients.
Dr. Barb Gipple has been practicing dentistry since 1989. She originally grew up right here in Southeast Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1989.
Dr. Gipple first became interested in dentistry because she wanted to work in the healthcare field, liked to work with her hands, and was looking for a way to use her art degree. Dentistry allowed her to incorporate all of these interests in caring for her patients, and she especially enjoys the esthetic aspect of dentistry.
Barb is married to her husband Randy and stays busy outside the office with her 18-year-old twins. She loves to garden and to travel, and she typically serves on at least one international mission trip each year.
Dr. Gipple's patient care philosophy primarily stems from treating each patient as if they were a member of her own family.
After "retiring" in 2015 after more than 30 years of service as a family dentist in Fort Madison — and realizing that "big-city life" in St. Louis wasn't for me — I returned to my family of patients at what is now Pothitakis Dental Group in 2020.
Nothing pleases me more than the privilege of meeting so many wonderful individuals with unique dental health needs and having the opportunity to provide exceptional dental care for them. I genuinely value each and every person I've met throughout my career and value the trust they've placed in me.
I graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1970 and received my Bachelor's Degree at East Texas State. I attended dental school at the University of Texas, Houston, earning my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
I am originally from Fort Madison, Iowa, and now live just across the river in Illinois. I spend most of my time outside the office with my two daughters and four grandchildren, as well as bicycling, hunting, fishing, and rock hunting.
