Comprehensive Dentistry in Central City, NE,

If you're in search of a dental home in Central City, The Dentist is here for you.

With a friendly team, cutting-edge dental technology, and a full suite of services, we're confident that we'll meet your dental needs. Our goal is to deliver the highest standard of dental care to all of our patients. Read on to learn more about the team!

Address

620 G Street, Ste A
Central City, NE 68826

Phone: 308-946-3059

Fax: 308-946-3472

Hours:
Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 2pm

Meet Your Central City Dental Team

Kristen Hermansen-Ryan DDS, MAGD

Dr. Ryan is a Central City graduate, attended undergrad at UNL, and graduated with her dental degree from UNMC College of Dentistry. Since graduation, she has sought out continuing education to enhance the level of dentistry that she provides to patients. Dr. Ryan received her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2014, and then Mastership in July 2017. She has also studied with Progressive Orthodontics, Geneva Dental Institute of Sacramento, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Spear Education, and the Misch Implant Institute.

Dr. Ryan and her husband, Nick, have three children and one other business, Prairie Creek Vineyards, in downtown Central City. You can catch Dr. Ryan waiting tables there on Friday nights. Dr. Ryan is involved in her community, serving on the Archer Credit Union Board of Directors and the Merrick Foundation Board. In previous years she served on the Merrick County Economic Development Corp Board and the Central City Area Chamber of Commerce. Professional associations include American Dental Association, Nebraska Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

She generally has little free time, but when she gets a chance, she takes off for the mountains. Backpacking, camping and fly fishing are passions that shape her escape. Her son says she makes the best cinnamon rolls in the whole wide world and she is someone to be reckoned with in a pumpkin carving contest.

Mikaela Shaw DDS

Dr. Shaw is originally from Edgar, Nebraska and graduated from Sandy Creek High School. She then went to the University of Nebraska Omaha to receive a degree in Biology and play basketball. Following her undergrad years, she played a season of professional basketball in Portugal. Dr. Shaw then returned to Nebraska to attend UNMC College of Dentistry and received her DDS which then brought her to Central City. During her time at UNMC, she enjoyed volunteering at Clinic With A Heart and working with youth sports for the YMCA. She is now a member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association. Dr. Shaw feels passionately about providing the highest level of dental care to rural Nebraska especially since she grew up in small town Nebraska. During her free time she loves to return to her family farm and help with the cattle and field work. Her favorite title is “Aunt,” and she works hard to make it to as many of her 15 nieces and nephews extracurricular activities as she can. Almost every night of the week, you can find Dr. Shaw in her kitchen or reading a cookbook trying to find her next favorite recipe to cook for anyone with an appetite.

Emily Swartz Dental Assistant/Patient Care Coordinator

Emily is a Dental Assistant, and has been with our office since 2018 with five years prior experience. She has received her "5 Star Certification" from The Scheduling Institute's patient care program. She is also currently pursuing her Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, as well as her Dental Assistant License. Emily currently is licensed in Dental Radiography and Coronal Polishing. She resides in Grand Island with her husband and three daughters. Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, going on adventures, a good book and spending time with her family. She fooled everyone into thinking that she was the quiet one.

Mandy Perdew Patient Care Coordinator

Mandy is a Patient Care Coordinator, where she is committed to every patient having an exceptional experience with our office. She has received 5-star certification from The Scheduling Institute in their patient care program. She enjoys spending time with her family, which include her husband and 4 children. Sports, outdoors, and coffee are a few of her favorite things. She does not enjoy randomly being scared to death by her coworkers.

Teresa Dodds Dental Assistant

Teresa is a Dental Assistant. With her steady hands she can handle any sharp instrument and suck up spit in a flash in any drowning patient. Teresa has 12 years of experience as a dental assistant with everyday being a "new day" and just when she thinks she has seen it all... nope!

Teresa is a native of Fullerton, in which she raised 2 kids: Kelsey, who is also a dental assistant in Lincoln and Trey, who is a farm hand on the family farm. Teresa's family also consists of a Mini Australian Shepherd named Cash who likes snacks and Jeep rides.

In Teresa's spare time she enjoys cruising in her Jeep, kayaking, golfing, mostly anything outdoors. Not only is Teresa known for her sarcasm & wittiness, she can make a fantastic balloon animal or sword- just ask her.

Whitney "Whit" Thomas Dental Assistant

Whitney has been a Dental Assistant with us since December 2020 and behold there has never been a dull moment. There’s never any doubt Whit will have the latest and greatest hits playing from her room and if you’re lucky you might just catch her busting a move or singing to her favorite song! She has received her Dental Radiography Certificate and Coronal Polishing Certificate. Whit is always willing to lend a helping hand whether you want her to or not! In her spare time, Whitney loves spending time with family, golfing, and just enjoying life and having a good time. In the office, you can also find her making coworkers laugh, and/or scaring them. (She believes they scare too easily). She has a quiet personality, but a fun and outgoing perspective on life.

Wendy Wegner Registered Dental Hygienist

Wendy has worked in dentistry since 2002. She has worn many hats in the dental field. She began her dental career as an Insurance Consultant and Scheduler. From there, she moved on to Front Office Manager for four years until returning to school for Dental Hygiene. While finishing the Dental Hygiene program, she worked part time as a Dental Assistant for three years. Upon graduating from CCC- Hastings in 2009, she worked three years extensively in periodontal disease for a specialty office in Lincoln. Wendy has been our Lead Hygienist since she moved back to her home town to raise her family in 2012 and is currently working on getting her Public Health License.

Born and raised in Merrick County, she lives on an acreage outside of Archer near her family farm. Agriculture has always been a big part of Wendy's life. Growing up on the farm she enjoyed riding horses, raising cattle, and helping her dad on the farm. She is thankful to raise her kids, Clayton and Caleigh, with the same opportunities.

In her spare time, Wendy enjoys working on her acreage whether it's mowing, gardening, or turning something old into newly refurbished. She also enjoys chasing Caleigh around softball fields and anything outdoors with Clayton. Other interests include riding four-wheelers, kayaking, or hiking. She loves going on long drives with Ryan and their pup "Lil'dog" to visit different cities historical districts and hotels full of architecture. Last but not least, she loves Indian food and her old Country music vinyl collection.

Cori Story Patient Care Coordinator

Cori is originally from Oregon, but has been living "The Good Life" [in Nebraska] for 30 years. Cori’s life by the numbers: married to Brian for 21 years, 2 daughters, 4 grandkids, and 2 loveable dogs. Also, five years ago, Cori’s forever home was built on the river, and now she loves playing hostess.

Cori can be found jeeping, on an airboat, racing around in their Razor, doing archery, or any other outdoor activity (she even likes yard work!). Afterward, she can be found at her blackstone preparing delicious entrees for her friends and family.

Maddi Williams Dental Assistant

Maddi is from Hebron, Nebraska where she survived her two brothers. She attended Central Community College in Hastings and earned her associates of Applied Science as well as her certificate of Dental Assisting. Maddi was drawn to the profession because she desires to make a difference in patients’ lives, and she enjoys getting to know her patients through the conversations she gets to have with them. When she is not assisting, Maddi is close to the water playing sand volleyball, jeeping, and all the while with friends and family. Her boyfriend of two years is what brought her to Central City, and she has plans to stay for a long time. Clearly, Maddi is a vibrant addition to the office and hopefully she is around for a long time.

Hillary Sander Registered Dental Hygienist

Hillary graduated from Central Community College in Hastings as a Registered Dental Hygienist and has a Public Health License allowing her to take her skills into the community. She joined Dr. Ryan’s team in July of 2022 with 8 years of hygiene experience. Hillary grew up in David City, Nebraska with her two brothers. She is now a resident in Columbus, Nebraska and has adapted well to life in the big city! When she is not taking care of patients’ teeth, try keeping up with her as she can be found traveling, hiking, or kayaking. For a change of pace, Hillary enjoys shopping for and repurposing furniture; however, all of these things are better when friends and family are involved. Overall, Hillary is the perfect team member and meshes well with this zany group.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Ryan has been my dentist since her hire at Central City Family Dental. She has since purchased the business and transformed it into a cutting-edge practice offering state-of-the-art procedures and patient care. She plans to open a new facility in the future to expand on the already exceptional service. They will be welcoming a new doctor in July, which speaks to the success of their practice. Dr. Ryan is always friendly and personable, and possesses a unique ability to relate with patients of all ages. She is down-to-earth and practical, using plain language to explain care plans and upcoming procedures.I always feel welcome, informed, and cared for at The Dentist!

Dane C.

I have always known I had a good dentist purely because I and my family have never feared to go to the dentist. My son-in-law recently had to visit a dentist in a city in another state. His experience was so miserable and now I understand why some people fear the dentist. This office is always welcoming and puts you first. It is a happy place and they are always concerned about your comfort and making sure you have a good experience. This has been my dentist office since I was a little girl and I never fear making a referral to them.

Cheri S.

Dr. Ryan and her team are the best! They have a fun and friendly atmosphere and are so thorough and knowledgeable. They truly work to give the best patient care possible. Even my kids love them. I think the sign on the door says it all, they are awesome.

Allison H.

It's not always easy for some of us with gum disease to go to the dentist, let alone feel like you can trust what they are doing and care about how you are. I appreciate all they do to make me feel comfortable, as I tend to have some unique challenges. The Dentist, including Dr. Ryan and all the staff from the dental hygienist to the front office are excellent to work with and offer positive suggestions for ways to deal with gum disease and the anxieties about them. I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

Amy P.

I have been to several dentists in my lifetime. The last dentist who I went to for many years retired. So, I had to look for a new dentist and was very impressed by the professionalism this new staff displayed during my visit. The dentist, technicians, and office staff all seemed to have a genuine desire to see that I had the best care provided. This dental office exceeded my expectations so I believe I have found a new health provider that will take care of my dental needs.

Phillip B.