Our Team

Direct access to specialists

Need implants? Full mouth restoration? Full teeth replacement? No problem. First Chair Dental can provide you one treatment plan and a seamless experience along with financing to get it all done. Drs. Blankenburg and Murphy are supported by a larger team of specialists.
Dr. Emily Malihi, Orthodontist

Dr. Emily Malihi, Orthodontist

Dr. Emily Malihi was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine where she was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. She continued on to earn her Master of Science degree and certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at University of Colorado. Dr. Malihi is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and prides herself in treating her patients ethically and compassionately.

When you choose Dr. Malihi, you’re selecting an orthodontist who is passionate about providing the highest quality care. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements ensures that her patients benefit from the latest techniques and technologies. With a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, she creates personalized treatment plans to achieve optimal results.

Dr. Malihi excels in treating complex orthodontic cases, including impacted teeth, severe crowding, and multidisciplinary cases. She enjoys collaborating with other dental specialists and general dentists to create comprehensive treatment plans that address patients’ unique needs. Her experience in treating adult patients requiring orthodontic treatment prior to restorative work is a testament to her versatility and skill.

When she’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Malihi enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring her culinary passions, and staying active through workouts and golf. She also finds relaxation in tending to her indoor plants.

Dr. Angela Schmidt, Prosthodontist

Dr. Angela Schmidt, Prosthodontist

Dr. Angela Schmidt, the fourth dentist in her family, was born and raised in Wisconsin and has made Colorado her second home since childhood. Dr. Schmidt started her education at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin where she earned her B.S. in Biology with a Biomedical Sciences concentration. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she was distinguished with the “Best of the Best in Prosthodontics” and “Outstanding Student in Implant Dentistry” awards. Dr. Schmidt then advanced her expertise at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Advanced Prosthodontics Program, receiving both a certificate in Prosthodontics and an M.S. in Oral Sciences.

Dr. Schmidt specializes in complex interdisciplinary care, with focuses on full arch rehabilitation utilizing both natural dentition and implant options and esthetic cases. She is known for her empathetic approach and commitment to caring for patients like they are family.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Schmidt loves the outdoors. You can often find her enjoying summer activities including golfing or hiking and skiing in the winter. A marathoner and self-proclaimed foodie, she balances her love for adventure with a passion for exploring new culinary experiences. Dr. Schmidt is excited to explore her new environment outside of the Midwest.

Dr. Becky Neitzke, Periodontist

Dr. Becky Neitzke, Periodontist

Dr. Becky Neitzke is originally from Grand Rapids, Minnesota where she grew up playing hockey, spending time on the lakes of Minnesota, and at her family cabin in western Montana. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Immediately following, Dr. Neitzke went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, she was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.
Dr. Andrew Griebel, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Andrew Griebel, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Griebel, a Hoosier and Midwesterner, has always had a desire to move to Colorado, and is excited to make that dream a reality! Dr. Griebel obtained his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, Dr. Griebel completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Griebel enjoys being around friends and family. You can spot him at the local park playing some frisbee, basketball, or tossing the football. He also enjoys reading and is a proud member of a book club. He enjoys cooking, playing board games, hiking, and skiing (which will be much more accessible in Denver than it was in Indiana)!.

Brian Minavi, DDS MSD, Endodontic Specialist

Dr. Brian Minavi, DDS MSD, Endodontic Specialist

Dr. Brian Minavi was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Texas A&M University at College Station and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston 2016. Dr Minavi completed his Endodontics residency at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.

Dr. Minavi is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, the Hispanic Dental Association, Spear Dental Study Club, and the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Minavi is dedicated to bringing quality care and comfort to all his patients here in beautiful Denver, Colorado.