About Us

Inspired by orthodontics at an early age, Dr. Sturdivant was blessed to have his dad as his orthodontist and experienced new approaches to the field of orthodontics first-hand. Most importantly, his dad taught him the value of a great smile and the importance of truly caring for each patient and treating them like family. He is passionate about creating great smiles to build confidence and finds true joy in seeing the transformation of every patient he works with.

Dr. Sturdivant grew up in Ames, Iowa, where he graduated from high school. He started his college career at Iowa Central in Fort Dodge where he played Quarterback for the Tritons. He then went on to the University of Iowa for his undergraduate (Chemistry) and Dental School (DDS).

After becoming a dentist, Dr. Sturdivant gained experience from a general practice residency at HCMC in Minneapolis treating patients in a hospital setting. He then completed a residency in Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders and Craniofacial Pain at the University of Minnesota that led him to completing his orthodontics residency at the University of Minnesota in 1994. Through his academic journey, Dr. Sturdivant has had the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and continually explores new innovations to improve the orthodontic process and experience for each patient. 

Married to his high school sweetheart, Stacy, Dr. Sturdivant has three children Quinn, Chris, and Cecelia. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, loves to exercise and be active, is passionate about golf, and roots for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Dr. Nile Eckermann was raised on a farm outside of Iowa City, Iowa. He attended Central College where Nile served as captain of the basketball team. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where he received awards for clinical excellence and leadership. Following dental school, he completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Iowa where he received his orthodontic certificate and completed a master's degree in Orthodontics. 

Dr. Eckermann married his college sweetheart, Gabrielle, and they now have two children. In his spare time, Dr. Eckermann enjoys golfing, playing basketball, roller hockey, cheering for theHawkeyes, and spending time with his family. Dr. Eckermann is excited to start helping transform smiles and lives at Smile Orthodontics! TEXT Dr. Eckermann any orthodontic question you may have!