Meet the Doctors at Plaza Dental Group

General Dentistry, Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry in Columbia, MO 

Dr. Deppe Plaza Dental Group

Dr. Richard Deppe, DDS

General Dentist

I am active in the dental field, which I love. I view myself as a continual student, with a special interest in working with the elderly, children and the physically/mentally impaired. I’m excited about where I am in my career and the expertise that I can provide. I am now licensed in Illinois and Missouri and do most all aspects of general dentistry. I have worked and continue to work private as well as the corporate side of dentistry. I accept all types of assignments and love the challenge and opportunities presented in meeting new people. I see myself as a provider as well as making a difference in the office environments I encounter.

Dr. Christian Francis,
DDS, MS

Orthodontist

Dr. Francis supports the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children be seen by an orthodontist beginning at age seven.  Certain dental and jaw relationships can only be treated early to avoid surgery or further compromise later.  However, research shows that orthodontic treatment is most efficient in a single phase of comprehensive treatment when possible and that is Dr. Francis’ preference as well.

Dr. Francis grew up in Bozeman, Montana.  He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Brigham Young University and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas School of Dentistry.  It was during his orthodontic residency at the University of Kentucky that he and his wife first visited central Missouri and considered relocating to the area.  Dr. Francis and his wife Shannon have four sons: Tyson, Austin, Neal and Gregory.  They love hiking and camping and spend most of their family time playing games together and riding bicycles and tricycles around the neighborhood.

“The power of a healthy, attractive smile really enhances self-confidence. I learned this personally as I finally opened up with my smile after years of not showing my teeth when I smiled due to embarrassment. That personal transformation that accompanied my own orthodontic treatment led me to begin working at an orthodontic office from the age of 16. To this day, that contagious smile from a patient with newly aligned teeth is still the most exciting and rewarding aspect of my work.” –Dr. Francis

Dr. Esther Luo - Plaza Dental Group

Dr. Esther Luo, DDS

Children's Dentist

Dr. Esther Luo is passionate about dentistry because it enables her to have a direct and positive impact on patients’ lives by resolving their problems and restoring the quality of their lives. She is especially interested in dentistry for kids!

Her goal is to ensure her patients are 100% satisfied and worry free when going home.

One thing she would like to tell all patients is that “if they seek help from me and take good care of their oral hygiene starting from today, they can maintain a good oral health throughout of their lives”.

When Dr. Luo is not in the office you can find her spending time with her husband, two children, and pets! Some of her favorite things to do are play board games, watch Korean TV Dramas, and watch Japanese animated TV series. An interesting fact about her is that she does not have a Facebook account!

Education:
SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY in Guangzhou, China
Texas Tech University – PhD in Molecular Biology
University of Missouri Kansas City – School of Dentistry

Dr. Eliane Fossatti

General Dentist

Dr. Fossatti (or Dr. E) received her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in 2001. She became a specialist in Orthodontics, and completed a 2 years post-graduation program in dental implants. She continued her education and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry after she moved to the USA. She is Brazilian by birth and arrived in the USA in 2014, and what she loves the most is the people and the American culture.  She used to say that she is an American that was born in the wrong place. She speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. 

She thoroughly enjoys patient care and creates an excellent rapport with patients of all ages, allowing her to tailor the care and treatment plan for each individual patient keeping not only the patient’s needs, but also their desires in mind. 

Her passion for dentistry is rooted in her love for science and art, creating beautiful smiles and fostering meaningful relationships with her patients. Dr. Fossatti is member of the American Dental Association and of the Academy of General Dentistry, she has completed several of continued education courses in all aspects of general dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign®, root canal therapy (endodontics), dental extractions etc. For more than 20 years she is committed to excellence and to continue updating and improving technical skills to ensure her patients will have outstanding oral care and wear a beautiful smile for life. 

With her love of the great outdoors, she decided that Columbia would be a great fit for her lifestyle. Outside of the office, she truly enjoys hiking, biking, and yoga in her spare time. She enjoys spending time with her cats. Dr. Fossatti is married to Marcelo, who is also a Brazilian Dentist and now a Dental Hygienist and is passionate about DIY and technology. Their sons, Pedro and Antonio, like sports and video games.

Meet the Team

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Insurance and Billing

We can help you maximize your benefits. We recommend that you contact our office prior to your appointment to provide us with insurance information for verification of benefits. We accept most major dental insurances and will file most claims for you as a courtesy. We will provide you with an explanation of your dental benefits and financial responsibilities up front, and work with you to ensure financing if needed.

Financial Information

We provide multiple financing options to ensure you can receive the treatments you need with a plan you can afford.

Patient in dental office  - Plaza Dental Group
What Patients Are Saying! - Plaza Dental Group

What Patients Are Saying!

Top Dentist & Orthodontist in Columbia, MO

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Betty Orourke
12 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Such very friendly and helpful staff. A joy to be around.
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Christopher Hester
12 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always top notch. Friendly and helpful.
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ahmed salim
12 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I hadn't visited a dental clinic in many years until my wife and I had a dental emergency. When I tried this clinic, I loved everything about it especially their approach to the treatment plan and the professionalism of the doctor and assistants in providing complete care for their patients. ​I highly recommend Plaza Dental Group to anyone who feels hesitant or anxious about visiting the dentist
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Jennifer leaton
11 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Got me in on time, and the staff are very friendly and are great at their job. I Enjoy going to this dentist!!
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Antares Scorpio
10 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Everyone was so friendly and helpful! They even walked me over to the orthodontist next door to help me book a consultation.
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Nicole Albert
8 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The staff here are all friendly and knowledgeable! Always a great experience when I go, and their main concern has always been if I am comfortable, no pain, and have my best interest at heart.
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Parimal Sheth
7 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very heartwarming experience on our First Visit, well organized and courteous staff
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Jessica Hatch
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Have had appts at the general dentistry, pediatric and ortho sides, all have been so great!!! Very calm, comfortable environment and great with children, fast replies and made insurance work a breeze!
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Rob Ritter
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Richard Deppe is an outstanding oral surgeon. He's done two of my implants, three crowns, and several dental restorations. I completely trust him for all my dental care, and the outcomes have always been outstanding. I have great confidence and peace when I'm in his gifted hands. I trust every recommendation he makes to improve, restore and maintain the highest level of dental health possible. I wouldn't go anywhere else than Plaza Dental and Dr. Deppe.
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Stephanie Warnhoff
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great communication, professional and clean office, excellent hygienists for my kids!
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Sarah Breshears
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I was SO pleased with our experience today. Both of the dental hygienists went above and beyond for both of my kiddos making it such a good experience for them both!
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Ronald Lynn
30 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
VERY GOOD SERVICE & STAFF
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Linda West
28 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had an excellent checkup! My hygienist was great! The whole staff is very friendly and helpful as well! The dentist let me know what I need to have done and is working with my insurance to get it cost effective!! Thank you! I recommend them highly!
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Ronda Cummings
28 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Real great and respectful staff and very clean and the dr.is so nice would recommend
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jeremy Estes AIFD
28 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Hands down the best dental experience I have ever had. From the front desk and beyond, the customer service is top notch. Everyone is professional, kind and made me feel welcome from the start. I had a deep cleaning and felt very little, they are thorough and extremely efficient. I have already recommended plaza dental to a couple of friends and will continue to recommend anyone who is looking for quality dental care! Thank you Plaza Dental 10/10!!!