In 2002, Dr Minten acquired the practice of Dr Dan Schapira. Originally established in the mid 1970's, the practice has maintained the highest standard of dental care. Dr Minten and his staff seek to establish a personal relationship with each patient and look forward to taking care of their dental needs and concerns. Our loyal and dedicated staff treats patients with empathy and compassion. We know visiting the dentist can be stressful, and every effort is made to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. In 2020 the practice moved into our current state-of-the-art facility with the latest in dental technology. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and showing you that a trip to the dentist can be a great experience.
Dr. Minten, originally from Ft. Smith, AR, did his undergraduate work at The University of Arkansas and obtained his dental degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1987. Dr. Minten is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society. Prior to dental school, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1982. Upon graduation from dental school, he returned to the Navy and was retired from the service in 1997. After the Navy, Dr. Minten worked as an associate dentist in Joplin and Neosho, MO. The opportunity to own his own practice brought him to Columbia in 2002. Dr. Minten and his wife Nancy have found Columbia to be the ideal place to raise their family. They have three grown children and five grandchildren. The Mintens enjoy playing golf, traveling, and playing with the grandkids.
Originally from Tallahassee, FL, Nancy graduated from Northwestern University Dental School with her certificate in dental hygiene in 1982. She is a member of Sigma Phi Alpha, a national dental hygiene honor society. Prior to hygiene school, she served in the Navy as a dental technician. She has been married to Dr. Minten for 42 years. They have three children, five grandchildren, and a Yorkie, Jilly Bean. She enjoys reading, kayaking, and traveling. Columbia has been a great place to raise her family.
Heather attended Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City and received her dental assisting certificate in 2002. She wears many 'hats' in the office, from assisting Dr. Minten to purchasing, organizing, and managing supplies, and taking care of the laboratory cases. She 's been with the office four years. About working for Dr. Minten, she says, 'He is an awesome dentist and honestly the best boss I ever had!'
April received her Expanded Function Dental Assistant certificate from Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City in 2008. April has been a valuable member of Dr. Mintens work family since 2016. Her friendly smile and caring nature help put our patients at ease right from the beginning. April is the proud mom of three children and two grandchildren. She lives in Ashland and is involved in her community. April enjoys crafting, cooking, canoeing and of course, taking care of her beautiful family.
Trish is originally from Wyoming. She received her degree in Applied Science and Dental Hygiene from Sheridan College in Sheridan, WY, in 1989. Trish received the F. W. Ebinger Award for Clinical Performance and Professionalism. She has worked for Dr. Minten since 2006, enjoys getting to know her patients, and has established many longstanding friendships over the years. Trish excels in putting her patients at ease and making them feel at home. A true cowgirl, she enjoys team roping, woodworking projects, and making tin silhouettes. Trish has three horses and a cute dog named Paris.
Ashley attended Ozark Technical College for her degree in Dental Hygiene. She has worked for Dr. Minten for 11 years. She is known for her gentle touch when it comes to her cleaning technique and sense of humor to put her patients at ease. She is from The Lake of the Ozarks where her family owns a Mexican restaurant. Her hobbies include traveling, working out, and interior design. When you come to the office, you'll see her design skill at work. She loves walking and playing with her dogs, Scout and Willow.
Rebecca has been in the dental field for over 25 years. She became a dental hygienist in 2003. She has an associate degree in Allied Health Science Dental Hygiene and has earned her Biology degree from Columbia College. She has worked for Dr. Minten for four years. She is passionate about dental health and loves to give back to the community through volunteer dentistry in the schools. She enjoys time educating and encouraging patients to maintain good dental health. Rebecca resides in Rocheport with her husband and is a dedicated mom to her two kids. She enjoys crafting and camping and is a part-time Zumba Fitness Instructor.
Alice and Terry, her husband of 27 years, were born and raised in the Columbia area. They moved to Denver in 1996 where she worked in an oral surgery practice. Although they loved the mountains, there is no place like home, so they returned to Columbia in 2008. When looking for employment, her first interview was with Dr. Minten, and it has been her work-home ever since. She enjoys reading, hiking, quilting, and playing with her beagle, Ripley.