LINN — A nationwide search for a community that needed him — and a practice he could call his own — led Dr. Timothy Balzen to Linn, where he said the decision ultimately “just kind of clicked” after months of uncertainty and exploration.

Dr. Balzen purchased the practice formerly operated by Dr. Corey Mack and is currently leasing the same space in the Legends Bank drive-up location on the east side of town, operating as Linn Family Smiles.

A 2023 graduate of Creighton University’s dental program, Dr. Balzen did not come from a family of dentists. Raised in Idaho as one of eight siblings, he said his interest in the field began with a simple experience as a patient.

“I remember in eighth grade I had braces, and that’s what kind of got me thinking about being a dentist,” Dr. Balzen said. “I just liked going. He was a super nice guy, and the staff was great. That’s kind of what I had in the back of my mind I wanted to do.”

That idea carried through high school and into college, where he earned a degree in health sciences at Boise State University before continuing to Creighton for dental school.

From early in his studies, Dr. Balzen said his goal was clear. “My dream was to be a practice owner, to run the place, to have awesome staff,” he said.

That vision took shape during his final year of dental school through externships in rural communities, where he discovered the kind of work environment he wanted long term. “I absolutely loved being the only dentist out there,” Dr. Balzen said. “People respected and appreciated it because it was a service they needed.”

Without a local provider, patients were often forced to travel significant distances for care, something Dr. Balzen said helped solidify his direction.

“That got me thinking that I wanted to be in a smaller town,” he said.

After completing dental school, Dr. Balzen and his family spent two years in North Carolina, where he gained professional experience while also exploring a different part of the country. The family later returned to Idaho to reconnect after six years away, but the long-term fit still hadn’t been found.

“It was actually really hard to be a dentist because there’s one on every corner,” Dr. Balzen said. “Nobody needed me to be a dentist there, so I just felt a little lost. They can go wherever they want and receive great care. I was really looking for that in a smaller town.”

He searched extensively across the western United States before expanding his scope. During that process, he connected with Dr. Mack through a Facebook group and learned of the opportunity in Linn, though he initially hesitated.

“I was like, I don’t know about the middle of Missouri,” Dr. Balzen said with a laugh.

However, familiarity with the region — including time spent in Nebraska and visits to St. Louis and Kansas City — helped ease that uncertainty.

“We knew the climate, and the people were awesome here,” Dr. Balzen said. “So my wife, Lexy, and I came out and looked at it.”

That visit proved decisive. “Honestly, we kind of just loved it,” he said. “The practice isn’t flashy, but the staff is amazing. We loved the town — it just kind of clicked. It felt like home.”

The proximity to Jefferson City also provided a balance between small-town living and access to additional services.

A key factor in the decision, Dr. Balzen said, was the existing team, all of whom remained with the practice through the transition.

“I feel super happy here. I’m not stressed with them. They’re my friends, and I enjoy working with all of them every day,” Dr. Balzen said of Office Manager Tricia Heisler, registered dental hygienists Jenna Wieberg and Brooke Wolfe, and dental assistant Sydney Grellner.

Family has played an equally important role in Dr. Balzen’s journey. Dr. Balzen and his wife, who holds a master’s degree in chemistry, have been married for more than 10 years and have three young children — River (4), Everett (2), and Magnolia (6 months).

“Lexi was my biggest support going through it,” Dr. Balzen said. “We got married right when I was starting my undergrad, went through all of undergrad and dental school, and now we’re here with our three kids.”

Dr. Balzen’s wife has worked in both laboratory and educational settings and now teaches college-level courses online part-time while raising their children.

Both sides of the family remain in Idaho, making the move to Missouri a meaningful transition.

“I’m so glad we lived there for that time,” Dr. Balzen said. “It’s hard moving away, but people made us feel really welcome here.”

That sense of community continues to shape Dr. Balzen’s approach inside the office.

“I think overall, the biggest thing that’s important to me is that people are comfortable,” Dr. Balzen said. “Whether it’s a kid or an adult — whatever we can do to make you comfortable, that’s our number one goal.”

Dr. Balzen provides a full range of general dentistry services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and extractions. While the practice offers options such as Invisalign, Dr. Balzen emphasized a practical philosophy centered on patient needs rather than cosmetic upselling. “I don’t push any cosmetic stuff,” he said. “I just enjoy doing what people need.”

The practice operates Monday through Thursday and accepts new patients through calls, text-based scheduling, or walk-ins, with efforts made to accommodate urgent needs as quickly as possible.

Looking ahead, Dr. Balzen confirmed plans to expand into a larger facility in Linn, with the goal of relocating the practice by the end of the year. “We have patients that need space,” Dr. Balzen said. “Once we have a few more chairs, I think it’ll be a big service for the community.”

For now, Dr. Balzen remains focused on building relationships and establishing a long-term presence in the community he chose deliberately.

“We took a leap of faith,” Dr. Balzen said. “And we’re super glad we did. We love it.”

Patients can schedule appointments by calling 573-897-2388, texting the office, or visiting Linn Family Smiles in person.