Why am I passionate about your teeth?
It may seem kind of crazy, but honestly I love teeth. My daughter often asks me when I leave for work, why am I fixing people’s teeth? I’ve told her, in a 4-year-old simplicity, that I do this to make people feel better and have happy teeth. In a very simple way this is what I hope to do each day practicing dentistry, help people. Dentistry is a unique outlet for me, it allows me to blend science and artistry to improve people’s lives.
Teeth can make or break someone’s self-confidence; you can see it in the way someone smiles. I’ve seen teenagers with cavities so significant they would never smile. After receiving care to improve their oral health, I have seen a transformation in them. I’ve seen tears of joy when they look at their smile; a smile they own and are confident to share. This is why I am a dentist, because I love people. My hope is that patients who come to see us at Urnise Dentistry, feel this in our practice. It is important to me that our patients feel comfortable and empowered about their treatment decisions and are able to ask questions. I want you to find not just a dentist, but a dental team who cares about you and keep you smiling.
Our Team
Dr. Karen Urnise D.D.S.
Dr. Karen Urnise is from Kansas City, Missouri. Before dental school, Karen's love for the outdoors inspired her to study and receive an Environmental Science degree. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2010 receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Karen and her husband Joe, a structural engineer for CDOT, are grateful to call Glenwood Springs home.
Dr. Urnise is devoted to providing her patients with the highest quality of service, making use of the most up-to-date science and techniques. Dr. Urnise approaches dentistry with full body wellness in mind, addressing not only the condition of your teeth but medical issues, behaviors and other factors that impact your oral health. Karen and Joe have two children, Hazel and Patrick. Karen enjoys spending time with her family and in the great outdoors. You may find her mountain biking, hiking or cooking up a gourmet meal at home.
Dr. Urnise currently is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA.org), Colorado State Dental Association, and a past President for (2016-2017) of the Western Colorado Dental Association.
Dr. Garry Millard D.D.S.
Periodontist
Dr. Millard is a specialist in Periodontics, treating gum problems and placing dental implants for patients. A native of Montana, Dr. Millard graduated summa cum laude from Montana State University with a degree in Biology. He then went on to dental school, and received Periodontal specialty training at the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Millard achieved Board Certification in 1995 and practiced as a periodontist in Chico, California for 15 years (1995—2010). In 2011, he and his family relocated to Colorado, where he joined the Mountain Family Health Centers, a local non-profit, as the Dental Director. Dr. Millard was nominated for the Garfield County Humanitarian of the Year award in 2017 for his work to increase access to dental care for low-income Garfield County students.
In 2018, Dr. Millard retired from Mountain Family Health Centers and joined Urnise Dentistry. He will be working 1-2 days per week at Urnise Dentistry. He and Dr. Urnise are excited to combine their skills to provide advanced implant services locally in Glenwood, rather than relying on providers outside of our area.
Dr. Millard and his wife Stacey have been married for over 30 years. They have have 3 daughters, a son and one grandchild— Alisha Riddile a local realtor with Sotheby’s, Justin who works for Microsoft in the Seattle area, Jorja, Jayla, and Emmy Rae Riddile their granddaughter. Dr. Millard enjoys hiking, golfing and skiing.
Dr. Stephen Glass D.D.S.
Dr. Glass grew up in North Carolina, where he received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University, and his D.D.S from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 2015. Since, Dr.Glass has worked as a dentist and the Dental Director for Mountain Family Health Centers from 2015-2023.
Dr. Glass discovered early on the difference quality dental care access can make for people throughout their life. He volunteered at medical mission events while in high school and learned firsthand how one dental appointment could impact someone's life for the better. Dr. Glass has a passion for minimally invasive dentistry, using prevention as the first line of treatment, allowing everyone we to more resilient to dental diseases and spend more time doing the things they love.
Dr. Glass, Kati (his wife) and Oso (dog) are appreciative and happy to call western Colorado home in every season
Angie Barnes
Dental Hygienist
Angie has over 20 years of experience in dental hygiene. She emphasizes whole body health and helps patients achieve their dental health goals.
Angie graduated with honors from the Colorado Northwestern Community College hygiene program in Rangely. She strives to help patients achieve their dental goals by creating an individualized plan for life time oral health. Drawing from her extensive experience, Angie prides herself on delivering the highest level of treatment, ensuring patient’s feel comfortable and at home.
Angie is married with 2 daughters and 1 granddaughter. She loves exploring the outdoors with her family in western Colorado and is blessed to call this valley home.
Marilyn Cupples
Front Office Staff
Marilyn Cupples is new to the Roaring Fork Valley. In September 2020, she started working at the Front Desk. Prior to working at Urnise Dentistry, Marilyn spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry. Along the way she worked for both Hilton and Hyatt Hotels in Catering Sales. Most recently, she worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, where her job responsibilities ranged for managing clubs on game day to executing special events throughout the year. She brings her customer service skills to our practice, her mantra, “I have never met a stranger, everyone is a friend”.
Fabiola Leyva-Black
Dental Assistant
Fabiola joined Urnise Dentistry in January 2017. She is a Certified Dental Assistant; she graduated from Vail Valley Dental School in 2016. Fabiola is fluent in both English and Spanish which helps her provide service to Spanish speaking patients and in her family business running two Subway restaurants. Fabiola and her husband have two adorable little boys ages four and two. When not working, Fabi enjoys spending time on the lake, hiking and traveling with her family.