Transforming dental emergencies to dental health
Dr. Nelson Kanning
A native of Lawson, Missouri, Dr. Nelson Kanning graduated from Lawson High School in 1996. After participating on the University of Kansas football team, “Dr. Nelson”, as he is also known, earned his B.S. at William Jewell College, with an emphasis in Leadership and Biology.
Dr. Kanning graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry, with Endodontic Honors and served as the founding president of the Undergraduate Esthetics Club.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kanning enjoys spending time with his best friend and wife Amy, their son Hayes and their daughter Collins. Together they enjoy time in the outdoors- mountain biking, water skiing, and camping, but he especially loves perfecting the art of striping his front and back lawns.
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Kansas and Missouri Dental Associations
Dr. Christopher Lippold
Dentistry has always been part of Dr. Lippold’s world. From his early years, in Overland Park, KS playing in his mother’s dental office, to working as a dental assistant for 7 years in a Prosthodontist office in Prairie Village, KS, Dr. Lippold has grown up in the dental world. Those experiences not only provided him with a great deal of dental knowledge, but also fostered his desire to purse dentistry as his own career.
Dr. Lippold graduated from University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC), with a B.A. in Chemistry, then continued on to UMKC’s School of Dentistry to obtain his Doctorate in Dental Surgery. During his third year of dental school, his peers and professors could see first-hand his hard work and dedication to his course work and clinical work and was voted Student of the Year, an award in which Dr. Lippold is proud and humbled to have received.
Dr. Lippold stays busy chasing around his two kids, Benedict and Charlotte Grace, or outdoors gardening, being an avid Chiefs fan, or just reading a great book. He’s also been known to have a bow and arrow in his hands as he loves archery.
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Kansas and Missouri Dental Associations
Dr. Andrew Rafie
Dr. Rafie is a General Dentist who treats patients of all ages. He enjoys developing creative and individualized treatment solutions that are tailored to each of his patients’ unique needs.
He takes pride in delivering conservative, evidence-based dentistry and believes each patient deserves excellent personalized dental care.
Dr. Rafie holds a B.A. in Economics from Baylor University. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors in Endodontics. He was the Midwest Dental Conference’s recipient of the Brian D. Stone Award recognizing his commitment to volunteerism.
Dr. Rafie and his wife, Ilianna, are the proud parents of three beautiful girls! In his free time, Dr. Rafie enjoys mountain biking and soaking in the joys of being a “girl dad”. He looks forward to serving you and your family.
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Academy of Osseointegration - Group to advance the science and best practice in implant dentistry
Dr. Amy Westerberg
Dr. Westerberg is a patient-focused general dentist who loves taking the time to get to know her patients and build relationships with them. She enjoys providing conservative, personalized care to patients of all ages and is excited to be a part of Dental ER.
Dr. Amy was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa where she earned a B.S. in Integrative Physiology. After working for a few years, Dr. Amy returned to Iowa City to begin her professional studies. While in dental school she met her husband, Scott and after she graduated with her doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry they moved to the Kansas City area-a place they love to call home.
Outside of the office, Dr. Amy enjoys spending time with Scott and their two young boys, Landry and Lincoln, and their dog, Montgomery. They enjoy taking trips back to Iowa to visit family and friends, spending time at the lake, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chiefs.
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Academy of Osseointegration - Group to advance the science and best practice in implant dentistry
Dr. Nelson Kanning
Professional Affiliations
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Kansas and Missouri Dental Associations
A native of Lawson, Missouri, Dr. Nelson Kanning graduated from Lawson High School in 1996. After participating on the University of Kansas football team, “Dr. Nelson”, as he is also known, earned his B.S. at William Jewell College, with an emphasis in Leadership and Biology.
Dr. Kanning graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry, with Endodontic Honors and served as the founding president of the Undergraduate Esthetics Club.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kanning enjoys spending time with his best friend and wife Amy, their son Hayes and their daughter Collins. Together they enjoy time in the outdoors- mountain biking, water skiing, and camping, but he especially loves perfecting the art of striping his front and back lawns.
Brittney, Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in Marshall, MO and in 2012, I moved to Independence where I still reside with my son, Liam and my dog, Athena. In 2013, I started in the dental field, attending Summit Dental Assisting Academy where I earned my certificate as a dental assistant. I went on to take my Missouri Basic Skills test through the Missouri Dental Board in 2014. With a desire to continue learning and advancing my skills as an assistant, I obtained my EFDA certificate in Restorative 1 and Fixed Prosthetics at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, MO. I also obtained my certification in the monitoring of Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Analgesia and in Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others and have worked in health care since I was 16. I was drawn to the dental field because it is a career where I’m able to take an active role in helping others as well as have an impact on their oral health. I am excited to be part of the Dental ER team. The welcoming environment makes you feel like you are part of a family. It’s exciting to be a part of a great team, who values their patients as much as we do.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son, taking our dog on walks, playing outdoors and watching movies. I also enjoy taking trips back to my hometown to visit my family and friends.
Ash, Office Manager
Dentistry has been part of my life for nearly 20 years. In 2003, after graduating from Oak Grove High School, I followed my passion into the dental world. I’ve worked as a Dental Assistant for most of my dental career. My competitive spirit and desire to excel in my profession led me to achieve all my required certificates to become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in all specialties available.
While I love assisting, my desire to move into an Office Manager role was fulfilled working at Dental ER. My ability to take my years of dental knowledge and experience and combine it with patient and office management has been very rewarding. Welcoming in and caring for patients throughout their time in our practice is important to me.
When I’m not at Dental ER, you can find me with my husband and two kids enjoying life with our three ducks, 22 chickens, yellow lab, and of course a rabbit. I love to hunt and fish, and there’s nothing better than a good movie, especially if The Rock is in it, I’ve got a slight obsession.
A Little About Us
Kansas City Dental ER is an affordable walk-in dental clinic near Claycomo in the Kansas City MO area. We provide both routine and emergency services to help you properly care for your teeth and, when necessary, get you out of pain quickly.
We understand that not everyone likes to visit the dentist. Some people have fears about the process and equipment, others are concerned about dealing with discomfort. Sometimes individuals feel that dental services are too expensive or they don’t value their teeth and gums.
We want to put your mind at ease. Our team of experts has treated thousands of dental patients and is fully committed to working hard to help you feel comfortable throughout your dental experience.