PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS - Key Persons
Dr. Ben is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is an integral part of the Omaha team. He is passionate about preventive dentistry and the age-one dental visit to prevent cavities and build trust with our patients and their families. Dr. Ben grew up in Hastings, NE and completed his undergraduate studies at Hastings College, while playing baseball for the Broncos. He trained at the UNMC College of Dentistry and graduated in 2018. Dr. Reimer furthered his dental education by completing a two-year pediatric residency in Omaha at the Children's hospital, where he specialized in treating infants through adolescence as well as children with special health care needs. Dr. Ben was chosen to serve as chief resident during his final year.
Dr. Reimer's memberships and associations include:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Dental Association
Nebraska Dental Association
Nebraska Society of Pediatric Dentistry
Omaha District Dental Society
Applicant of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Ben is a huge sports fan, following the Huskers enthusiastically and spending spare time chasing bad shots on the golf course. When not at work, he loves spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their pitbull, Mia.
Dr. Ben is available for appointments at the Omaha location.
Dr. Gary Lehn is devoted to delivering the quality of dental care that builds trust, alleviates fear, and promotes a positive attitude toward the dentist in your child. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2010 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he graduated with distinction. Following graduation, Dr. Lehn completed a pediatric dental residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he was appointed chief resident. These two further years of training allowed him to specialize in care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Dr. Lehn received his board certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2013.
Dr. Lehn's memberships and associations include:
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Past president of the Nebraska Society of Pediatric Dentistry
International Association of Dental Traumatology
American Dental Association
Nebraska Dental Association
Adjunct Faculty Member of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nebraska
Medical Center College of Dentistry
Medical Team of Hastings Surgery Center
Medical Team of Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare
Dr. Lehn and his wife, Elizabeth, are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Hastings and Grand Island communities. They have seven young children, Catherine, twins Juliana and June, Margaret, James, Maryanne, and David. He enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time with his family, whether at the park, bike riding, swimming, or simply playing in their backyard.
Dr. Lehn is available for appointments at the Grand Island and Hastings locations.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Jonathan Simpson and his dental team have been serving North Platte and the surrounding area since 2008. A native Nebraskan who graduated from North Platte High School, Dr. Simpson is committed to improving oral health in children.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and went on to complete Dental School and a Pediatric Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Returning to serve the North Platte community and surrounding areas, he is a strong advocate for oral health education within the community and improved access to care for some of our state's most vulnerable citizens, our children.
Dr. Simpson is available for appointments at the North Platte location.
Dr. Mary Weber is a compassionate pediatric dentist committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her young patients. Her educational journey began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she laid the foundation for her successful career in dentistry. She furthered her studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
With an unwavering commitment to pediatric dentistry, Dr. Mary embarked on a journey that led her to a fulfilling career. Since completing her pediatric residency in 2022, she has been practicing as a pediatric dentist, dedicating herself to the oral health of children and adolescents.
Dr. Bussard was raised in North Platte, Nebraska. She knew dentistry was the career for her since she was a young child. As a senior in high school, Dr. Natalie was accepted into the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) at Wayne State College. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and, after graduation, practiced at a federally qualified health center.
Over time, Dr. Natalie discovered her passions for public health, disease prevention, and pediatric dentistry aligned beautifully. This led to a decision to pursue a pediatric dentistry specialty. Dr. Natalie completed a two-year residency at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State University where she completed a dual degree in Master of Science and Master of Public Health program.
Dr. Natalie is a big fan of rural Nebraska and always knew she wanted to return here someday. She is very excited to provide high-quality dentistry services to the Kearney community.
As a dentist who is passionate about dentistry, prevention, and education, Dr. Natalie loves the idea of creating a dental home for families. She enjoys being part of her young patients' lives as they grow. Every child is unique and Dr. Natalie prioritizes taking the time to investigate the cause of disease over just treating it.
Outside of work, you'll find Dr. Natalie out in the sunshine running, hiking, and camping. She also enjoys traveling, reading, going to concerts and singing in the car. Dr. Natalie can pretty much quote the entire Finding Nemo movie, but struggles to keep her house plants alive. Married to Curtis, Dr. Natalie is totally obsessed with her family, dogs, and Christmas.
Raised in Omaha, NE, Dr. Frannie is a Midwesterner at heart and happy to be part of the Omaha team where she can connect with and help other members of the community. She's passionate about pediatric dentistry, nutrition, and helping families. Being a pediatric dentist gives her the opportunity to instill healthy habits while providing patients with positive dentistry experiences that will follow them throughout their lives. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and completed her pediatric residency at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Frannie is a member of the following organizations:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Academy of Dentistry
Nebraska Dental Association
As a pediatric dentist, one of the most rewarding parts of her career is helping children to feel proud of themselves for being cavity-free or staying calm during a dental evaluation or dental procedure. Watching a child who is a little nervous at the start of an appointment walk away feeling empowered and proud is the biggest and best reward for Dr. Frannie.
Dr. Frannie knew in college that she wanted the opportunity to help others in the healthcare field, but she wasn't sure which specific area was the right fit for her. During that time, she was able to go on a dental mission trip to Honduras. While there, she met several Lincoln, NE area dentists who showed her the impact and importance of dentistry on patients of all ages. Those same dentists became her mentors and helped to solidify her love of dentistry.
Away from the office, you'll find Dr. Frannie reading, cooking and baking, and spending as much time outside as possible with her husband and their Australian Shephard named Monkey.
Dr. Frannie is available for appointments at the Omaha location.
Dr. Meeske is dedicated to providing a fun and informative environment for her patients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College, a Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry and Masters of Science in Public Dental Health from the University of Iowa, and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri. Dr. Meeske is passionate about continuing education, and has focused her skills on the areas of pediatric dentistry.
Dr. Meeske's memberships and associations include:
Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Leader at the State and National Level of Dentistry
Member of the Nebraska Dental Association
Member of the American Dental Association
Medical team member at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and
Hastings Surgery Center
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Meeske has two children, Robert and Sophia, with her husband, Dr. Todd Pankratz. She enjoys spending her personal time traveling and attending her children's activities.
Dr. Meeske is available for appointments at the Grand Island and Hastings locations.