Dr. Dominique Rivera

Dr. Dominique Rivera

Putting the patient first means her goal is simple: to ensure you feel heard, comfortable, and cared for from start to finish.

Dominique Rivera, DDS

Dr. Dominique Rivera believes that the best dental care happens when technical excellence meets a personal touch. 

My philosophy in dentistry is simple: every patient deserves the knowledge, confidence, and support to keep their teeth for a lifetime. I believe great dental care goes beyond treating teeth—it means understanding each person’s experiences, anxieties, and goals. By building trust and working together, my goal is to help every patient become the healthiest version of themselves, both in their smile and in their overall well-being.

Precision Engineering Meets Compassionate Care

Dr. Rivera brings a unique perspective to the Branin Center team.She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico in a family that valued hard work and caring for others. Healthcare was always a part of her life—both her father and sister work in the field—which helped shape her interest in pursuing a career that allowed her to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. 

Before she was crafting smiles, she earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. This background in structural design and physics gives her an "engineer’s eye" for the precision required in modern restorative dentistry. 

While she enjoyed the problem-solving and technical aspects of engineering, she realized she wanted a career that allowed her to work directly with people, rather than spending her days behind a computer. Dentistry quickly stood out as the perfect balance—it combines precision, creativity, science, and hands-on care. In many ways, she likes to think of dentistry as the “engineering of teeth”. Dr. Rivera feels incredibly fortunate to have found a profession I truly love.

Outside of the office, Dr. Rivera enjoys spending time with her husband, whom she’s been with for nearly a decade before tying the knot last year. They share their home with their two golden retrievers, Harley and Coach, who keep life entertaining. When not practicing dentistry, you’ll often find Dr. Rivera exploring the outdoors, trying new restaurants and local spots, traveling, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying the occasional concert.

A Team Player on and Off the Field

While studying engineering, Dr. Rivera also competed as a Varsity Women’s Soccer player. That same drive, discipline, and collaborative spirit she honed on the field now define her approach to patient care. She understands that a great dental experience is a team effort, and she views her patients as her most important partners.

Service-Driven Education

Dr. Rivera earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University, a program renowned for its emphasis on service and "putting the patient first." This philosophy remains the heartbeat of her practice today. Whether she is utilizing advanced CAD/CAM (CEREC) technology to design custom crowns or working with patients who feel anxious about the chair, her goal is simple: to ensure you feel heard, comfortable, and cared for from start to finish.

Advanced Training & Expertise

Dr. Rivera is committed to lifelong learning to provide the most modern treatments available:

  • Restorative Excellence: Completed advanced training at Spear Education and Pankey Essentials.
  • Patient Comfort: Licensed in Minimal Oral Sedation to help nervous patients feel at ease.
  • High-Tech Solutions: Expert in CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, and CEREC same-day restorations.
  • Inclusive Care: Extensive experience working with children and patients with special needs.

At a Glance

  • Education: Creighton University School of Dentistry (DDS), Colorado School of Mines (BS, Mechanical Engineering).
  • Memberships: Boulder-Broomfield Dental Society, Spear Study Club.
  • Personal Interests: A former collegiate athlete and engineering mind who loves the collaborative environment of a patient-focused practice.
     

Service Focus & Expertise