Our Dentists

Dr. Brent Rising

Bachelor of Science, North Dakota State University (2005)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University (2009)
Masters in Academy of General Dentistry, Fellowship in Academy of General Dentistry
Today’s Dental office location – Millard

Favorite things about working in the dental profession?
I love to care for people – building relationships, providing high-quality care, the challenge of designing a customized treatment plan to help each individual patient, and seeing positive outcomes. I also really enjoy the simple things- like the way someone grins when seeing their new smile, being able to provide comfort and relief from pain caused by dental issues, and helping my patients be able to eat favorite foods again.

What are your special interests?
I find it very personally rewarding to give back to communities and to help people who are less fortunate. I have spent time in Guatemala and Honduras providing dental care to underserved individuals.

Dr. Rising is married and is a father to three amazing daughters, including a set of twins! He and his wife are also pet parents to five border collies, one cat, and half a dozen chickens. In his free time, he is an avid outdoorsman – when he can get away, he loves camping in Nebraska, fishing in North Dakota, and hiking in Montana.

Dr. Courtney Molettiere

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Nebraska (2004)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Nebraska (2009)
Certified in Invisalign Provider, Platinum
Certified in Minimal Sedation
Today’s Dental office location- Elkhorn

Favorite things about working in the dental profession?
I knew I wanted to be a dentist from the time I was just 16 years old. One of my favorite things about my profession is the chance to build relationships with patients- I truly look forward to seeing them at their visits and catching up on their lives. I also love that no two days are the same- I get to enjoy so much variety with the different treatments I can provide for my patients. My favorite treatment to provide is Invisalign.

What are your special interests?
I know a lot of people don’t really like going to the dentist – so I make it my goal to convince them otherwise (I’ve even convinced my own mother!). I am always interested in learning about new, advanced dental technologies and I enjoy attending my continuing education courses. My long-term goal is to be able to provide all types of dentistry for my patients.

Dr. Molettiere is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have a daughter and a son. She and her husband both attended the University of Nebraska and are BIG Husker fans, heading to Lincoln for games most Saturdays. She loves to entertain and thinks if she wasn’t a dentist, she would have been a chef and/or a party planner! Dr. Molettiere is usually on the go- often playing chauffeur to her two kids, who are her everything. She enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening, and being outside.

Dr. Sarah Meyer

Bachelor of Science, Montana State University (2006)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University (2011)
Master’s, Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD)
Board Member Academy of General Dentistry
Today’s Dental location – Millard

Favorite things about working in the dental profession?
My interest in art and science is what initially drew me to dentistry. It has now become my life’s passion. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry, but I especially like getting to know the people behind the smiles. It is very rewarding to work in a place where everyone is committed to putting patients first.

What are your special interests?
I had a great experience attending Creighton and joined the faculty there. I have taught courses in the endodontics and general dentistry departments at the CU Dental School. I’m passionate about staying up to date on the latest treatments available to our patients and regularly seek out opportunities for continuing education in our rapidly evolving field from many different dental organizations.

Dr. Meyer is married and has two children and two dogs. Dental school originally brought her to Omaha- she liked it here and decided to stay after graduating. She feels fortunate to be part of the dental team at the Omaha Zoo, where she helps the veterinarians by treating the animals’ dental issues. She loves getting to see the exotic animals up close! When she has free time, Dr. Meyer really enjoys participating in outdoor activities like running, hiking, and biking.

Dr. David Masters

College of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2011)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry (2016)
Today’s Dental location – Tranquility

Favorite things about working in the dental profession?
Dentistry has been a great opportunity for me to do what I enjoy every day. I really like taking the time to fully explain procedures, so my patients will know what is happening and why.

What are your special interests?
After dental school, I enrolled in a special year-long program of advanced education in dentistry at Wichita State. Through that program, I had the chance to work side by side with other general dentists and a variety of specialists to learn advanced techniques and technologies. I now make it a point to stay up to date on the latest research and products and feel my patients benefit greatly from this.

Dr. Masters is originally from Papillion, Nebraska. He is married and he and his wife have two sons. When he has some free time, he usually spends it with his family. He has always enjoyed working with his hands to build, fix, and design things. For fun, he enjoys an occasional woodworking project, and he likes playing golf.

Dr. Heather Thorson

Bachelor of Exercise Science, Creighton University (2013)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University (2018)
Invisalign Certification
Today’s Dental location – Elkhorn

Favorite things about working in the dental profession?
I really thrive in environments where I can work with and around people. So, I’d have to say one of my most favorite things about being a dentist is the relationships I’ve been able to create through my involvement in dentistry.

What are your special interests?
I have a lot of interests within the field of dentistry, but one thing I’m particularly interested in is building relationships with my patients. I work hard to earn their trust. It is important to me for them to know I truly care about their entire wellbeing and their whole self, not just their smile.

Dr. Thorsen is a Nebraska native who grew up in the small town of Mead, about twenty minutes West of Omaha. She met her husband in dental school and they married in Omaha. They have two dachshund pups to keep them busy. When they have free time, Dr. Thorsen and her husband love to travel, go hiking and biking, and attend farmer’s markets. They especially enjoy trying new donut shops together!

Dr. Daniel Jones

Bachelor’s degree, Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia (2002)
Master’s degree, Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, (2004)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Maryland (2012)
Today’s Dental location – Bellevue

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I really enjoy the opportunity to help people in tangible ways. Switching from the engineering profession to being a dentist has been a meaningful change for me. I can build relationships, and I can see the direct impact I have on my patients. One thing I especially like is when I can calm a patient’s anxiety as I gain their trust.

What are your special interests?
Like my life as an engineer, dentistry allows me to continuously learn, which is important to me. This ongoing education allows me to provide the most up to date techniques and treatments for my patients. I also really like the artistry of dentistry and the opportunities to express that side of myself through my work.

Dr. Jones is married and a father of three children. He is originally from Fairfax, Virginia- just outside of D.C. In college at the University of Virginia, he was on the rowing team. After graduating, he worked as an engineer in the defense industry. He enjoys spending time with his family, participating in church activities, helping his wife with her business, and attending their kids’ activities and sports. In his free time, he likes to run, lift weights, and spend time with his friends.

Dr. Collin Schoeppner

Bachelor’s degree, Biology, University of New Mexico (2012)
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University (2017)
Advanced General Dentistry, University of New Mexico Hospital
and Kirtland Air Force Base (2018)
Today’s Dental location – Millard

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I have always had a passion for artistic craftsmanship, and I love building new relationships with interesting people. Dentistry was a perfect fit for my interests on both of those fronts. I enjoy the opportunity to treat various oral health issues and diseases and I really like to make my patients feel welcomed and comfortable.

What are your special interests?
I have a vast background in Biological Sciences, which I rely on to help me understand the whole picture of my patients’ health. I really enjoy using my training to help my patients restore and maintain a functional lifestyle, free from their dental health concerns.

Dr. Schoeppner is married. He was born and raised in Southern New Mexico. He and his wife are pet parents to a dachshund named Brew. They love to visit farmer’s markets together in the Spring and Summer months. When they have free time, they love taking Brew along on their outdoor adventures, camping, and hiking.

Dr. Kelley Carlson

Bachelor’s Degree, Nutrition Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2012
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry, 2016
Advanced General Dentistry, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, 2018
Today’s Dental location – Aksarben

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I would say my favorite thing is building trusting relationships with my patients. I love being able to help them with their dental health to build their confidence. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing my patients’ beautiful, healthy smiles.

What are your special interests?
When I was working on my Advanced General Dentistry program, I had the opportunity to work under many specialists in the field of dentistry. Through that opportunity, I had exposure to an array of complicated restorative and surgical procedures. That training has proved to be a great benefit to my patients.

Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Dental school brought her to Nebraska, and she has been here ever since. She likes to stay active through running and playing tennis. When she has free time, she enjoys travel, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Dr. Richard Whitman

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry, 1976
Today’s Dental location – Aksarben

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I have been practicing dentistry for 47 years – the first few years I practiced in Southwest Nebraska, and then just over 30 years practicing in Omaha with Dr. Kutler’s Dental Health Center, and now Today’s Dental. The relationships I’ve built with colleagues and the wonderful patients I’ve met over my career have been among the highlights.

What are your special interests?
I’ve had the opportunity to treat a wide variety of dental health issues during my career. I really enjoy being able to use my deep experience in the field of dentistry to help my patients achieve optimal dental health. I have also enjoyed the chance to help a new generation of dentists hone their skills, it is very rewarding.

Dr. Whitman is a native of Omaha. He has been married for 50 years, and he and his wife have four adult children and five grandchildren. When he has free time, he loves woodworking and making/repairing guitars. He also loves music and has been a member of his church’s choir since 1986, and he played in an oldies band called “Happy Together”.

Dr. John Marcuzzo

Bachelor’s Degree, Chemistry, Creighton University 1977
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University, 1981
Today’s Dental location – Bellevue

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I have had a long and enjoyable career practicing dentistry for nearly forty years. My wife and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know our loyal patients and their families- many of whom have visited us at the same Bellevue community location for our entire careers. We’ve been blessed with wonderful patients, friends, and neighbors.

What are your special interests?
I’ve always had a commitment to providing high quality dental care to my patients. I’ve taken advantage of many opportunities over the years to hone new skills and learn updated procedures and technologies. I now really enjoy the opportunity to give back by sharing some of the experience I’ve gained over my career with new team members.

Dr. Marcuzzo and his wife, long-time business partner Sarah, have two adult children and two grandkids. They opened their Bellevue practice together and maintained it as a solo practice for an impressive 40 years. In 2020, they joined the Today’s Dental family. Dr. Marcuzzo looks forward to continuing to deliver quality dentistry, but at a little easier pace – one that allows them to enjoy time together and with their family. When they have free time, the Marcuzzos love spending time in Montana hiking, fishing, and skiing. Dr. Marcuzzo also loves cooking and gardening.

Dr. Gary W. May

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry (1969)
Advanced Dentistry Studies, The Pankey Institute, LVI Global
Today’s Dental location – Fremont

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I have always felt like dentistry was my true calling. After nearly 50 years as a practicing dentist, I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many of my patients’ lives and build wonderful relationships with them and their families. I especially enjoy the opportunity to help them achieve their optimal overall health.

What are your special interests?
Throughout my career, I’ve participated in nearly continuous learning, taking many advanced dentistry courses. I have enjoyed the chance to learn new skills, techniques, and technologies to better help my patients over the years. As a member of the Omaha District Dental Society (ODDS), I enjoy being part of a group of dedicated professionals in the field of dentistry in Nebraska.

Dr. May is married. He and his wife have three boys and seven grandchildren. Early in his career, he spent two years in the U.S. Navy treating Marines who were going off to the war in Vietnam. He also spent time as an associate with a local pediatric dentist and three years practicing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. When he has free time, he enjoys off-road motorcycle riding.

Dr. Maria Z. Cacho

Bachelor’s Degree, Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry, 1999
Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Air National Guard
Today’s Dental location – Fremont

Favorite thing about working in the dental profession?
I began working in a dental office when I was in high school. I absolutely loved the day-to-day diversity I experienced and decided at an early age dentistry would be my career pursuit. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my patients and their families.

What are your special interests?
I have spent time on humanitarian missions, which I find very rewarding. In dental school, I spent time helping patients in Honduras. In the military, I participated in humanitarian missions to Puerto Rico and Maui. More recently, I donated a panoramic x-ray machine from our practice to a clinic in Guatemala – I really hope to be able to get there to help patients someday.

Dr. Cacho is married and has one son, four stepsons, and two grandchildren. She is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, where she served for 14 years. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, Latin dancing, going to movies and wine tastings, and having game nights with her family and friends.

Dr. Stephanie Ebke

Bachelor’s Degree, Nutrition Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2011 with distinction
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), UNMC College of Dentistry, (2015, with distinction)
Today’s Dental location – Aksarben and Millard

What is your favorite thing about the dental profession?
From a young age, I loved going to the dentist. I especially loved how my teeth felt after each visit! Now that I am a practicing dentist, I enjoy building relationships with my patients and creating a comfortable environment full of positive experiences. It is very gratifying to help them reach their oral health goals.

What are your special interests?
I have had a life-long interest in health and in science. Those interests, combined with my early positive experiences at the dental office and passion for helping people have come together to create a wonderful career. Now, my primary interests are to relieve my patients’ pain or discomfort and to help my patients achieve and maintain their beautiful smiles.

Dr. Ebke grew up on a farm near Daykin, Nebraska. She and her husband are pet parents to one dog- a Shiba Inu named Josie. When she isn’t practicing dentistry, she loves to stay active. You’ll often find her running, biking, skiing, and playing golf. She and her husband love to travel and visit local restaurants and coffee shops.

Dr. Craig Snyder

Bachelor of Science from Doane College, 1993
Doctor of dental Surgery (DDS) , Creighton University ,2001
Today’s Dental location – Bellevue

I have years of experience practicing dentistry. I have continued to learn the latest techniques and technology to best treat patients. I enjoy getting to know patients while providing gentle quality dental care. I aim to make patients feel comfortable. You will often hear laughter coming from the dental chair.

Dr. Snyder was born and raised in Omaha. He lived in Chicago for several years but moved back to be closer to family, always echoing the sentiment, “There is no place like Nebraska.” He enjoys being dragged on long walks by his dog and cherishes the time spent at his cabin on the Platte River.

Dr. Bruce Bockman

Bachelor of Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2015
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University, 2021
General Practice Residency, Jacobi Medical Center & North Central Bronx, 2022
Today’s Dental location – Tranquility

What is your favorite thing about the dental profession?
I enjoy the opportunity to care for patients through the development of a trusting patient-dentist relationship. I strive to convey the importance of dental health and provide a comfortable, stress-free environment to achieve positive dental experiences and outcomes.

What are your special interests?
I like to approach dentistry as a component of a patient’s overall health. In doing so, I appreciate the close relationship the body has with the oral cavity. I especially enjoy working with other health care professionals to deliver comprehensive care for my patients.

Dr. Bockman grew up in Papillion, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for his undergraduate degree and Creighton University for dental school. After dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency in New York. When he isn’t working, Dr. Bockman enjoys staying active, trying new restaurants around town, the fine arts, and traveling. Favorite destinations have been Northern Italy, Scotland, and Ireland.

Dr. Jessica Murphree

Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Oklahoma 2018
Doctor if Medicine in Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine 2023
General Practice Residency, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry 2024
Today’s Dental locations – Millard, Aksarben, and Bellevue

What is your favorite thing about the dental profession?
I love that I can do something tangible to make a difference in someone’s life, and I love to give someone a positive experience at the dentist! Feeling comfortable is so important when it comes to your care – I always take time to listen to concerns, and love that Today’s dental has so many things to help our patients with anxiety.

What is your special interest?
I completed a GPR at UNMC and learned a great deal about dentistry for medically complex patients, those with special needs, and those with anxiety. I’m comfortable seeing just about everyone! There are many ways to practice dentistry, and I love working with all sorts of people to find the approach that works best for them.

Dr. Murphree is from Omaha originally, and attended Westside High School where she was a show choir and band nerd. She moved back to Omaha from Boston after dental school to be closer to her parents and two brothers, who live here in town. She loves watching cartoons and has won two bake-offs.

Dr. Dirk Newington

Bachelor’s Degree, Kansas State University
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Creighton University
Today’s Dental location – retired, November 2019

Dr. Newington is the founder of Today’s Dental. Now retired, he practiced dentistry from 1980-2019. Throughout his impressive and rewarding career, he always stayed on top of his continuing education and monitored advancements in the field of dentistry. He was committed to learning the latest trends and treatment techniques and never wavered on his mission to help his patients achieve optimal health.

Dr. Newington founded the Today’s Dental practice with the goal of providing high-quality, safe dental care in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Despite growing to include six locations, his original influence is still felt. The Today’s Dental teams are committed to preserving that small-town feel, carrying on a legacy of excellence and quality in dentistry, and a passion for building lasting relationships with patients and their families.

When Our Patients Are Happy, We Are Happy.

We do all we can to make your dental experience a rewarding one. At Today’s Dental, we work with you as a team to plan treatments that meet your goals and leave you smiling. After all, we want your life to be full of happy and carefree smiles that you can be proud of. We look forward to working with you!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do dental professionals need to have a license to practice dentistry in Nebraska?

Yes. All dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists are required by the State of Nebraska to have a license to practice dentistry. Keeping a license to practice dentistry in good standing requires participation in continuing education requirements. You can learn more about the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requirements for dentistry here. All professionals practicing dentistry at Today’s Dental are properly licensed.

How much training do dentists have?

A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) must earn an undergraduate degree and then attend four years of dental school at an accredited institution for dental education. After completing the education and hand-on clinical training requirements, every dentist must pass written exams at the national and state levels in order to receive a license to practice general dentistry. Dentists must also meet continuing education requirements in order to keep their license in good standing.