Meet Our Doctors
Experienced, Compassionate Care You Can Trust
At Five Pines Dental, exceptional dentistry begins with exceptional people. Dr. Richard Zeller and Dr. Marissa Medina share a commitment to providing personalized, honest, and comprehensive dental care in a welcoming environment. Together, they combine advanced clinical training with a patient-first philosophy, helping individuals and families throughout Portland achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr. Richard Zeller
Dr. Richard Zeller founded Five Pines Dental in 2016 with a vision of creating a dental practice where patients feel informed, respected, and comfortable throughout every stage of their care. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2011 before relocating to Portland in 2012.
Dr. Zeller was drawn to dentistry because it combines science, artistry, engineering, and problem-solving into one rewarding profession. He enjoys helping patients understand their oral health and believes that the best treatment decisions are made through open communication and collaboration. His approach focuses on education, honesty, and utilizing modern technology to provide precise, long-lasting results.
Outside the office, Dr. Zeller enjoys woodworking, gardening, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife, Catharine, and their two children. Many of his handcrafted woodworking projects can be found throughout the Five Pines Dental office, reflecting the same attention to detail and craftsmanship he brings to every smile.
Professional Affiliations
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Oregon Dental Association
Misch Resnik Implant Institute
Spear Training
Q&A with Dr. Zeller
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After studying business and mathematics at Westminster College, I attended the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry before moving to Portland, where I’ve proudly called home for more than a decade.
I’ve always enjoyed building things and working with my hands. Dentistry allowed me to combine science, creativity, engineering, and helping others into a career that I truly enjoy.
I believe patients should understand their oral health and feel confident in their treatment decisions. My goal is to educate, answer questions honestly, and work together to create a personalized treatment plan that fits each patient’s needs.
I love building long-term relationships with patients and helping people improve both their oral health and confidence. Every day provides an opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life.
When I’m not practicing dentistry, you’ll usually find me in my woodshop, tending to my garden, hiking, snowboarding, cooking with my family, or tackling a new home project.
Dr. Marissa Medina
Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. Marissa Medina joined Five Pines Dental in 2025 after several years practicing comprehensive dentistry in private practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Spanish Linguistics from The University of Texas before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UT School of Dentistry at Houston in 2021.
Dr. Medina is passionate about creating a comfortable, judgment-free environment where every patient feels heard and supported. She enjoys continuing her education and has advanced training in implant dentistry, surgical extractions, and root canal therapy, allowing her to provide comprehensive care with confidence and precision.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Medina values building meaningful relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds and helping them feel comfortable throughout their dental experience.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys painting, digital art, embroidery, whittling, and spending time with her wife, Isabelle, along with their family and pets.
Q&A with Dr. Medina
I’m originally from Houston, Texas, where I completed both my undergraduate education and dental school before relocating to Portland.
During a volunteer medical brigade, I discovered how much of an impact oral health education could have on people’s confidence and overall well-being. That experience helped me realize dentistry was the perfect way to combine healthcare, creativity, and meaningful patient relationships.
I want every patient to feel safe, respected, and free from judgment. My goal is to create a supportive environment where we work together to improve oral health at a pace that’s comfortable for each individual.
The collaborative culture, commitment to continuing education, and genuine focus on patient care made Five Pines Dental the perfect place to practice. I appreciate working alongside a team that is always striving to provide the highest level of care.
I love that dentistry allows me to combine science, artistry, and problem-solving while helping people smile with confidence and live more comfortably.
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Isabelle, family, and friends, as well as exploring new creative hobbies like painting, embroidery, whittling, and digital art.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Team
Whether you’re visiting for preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, or restorative treatment, Dr. Zeller and Dr. Medina are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
They look forward to building a lasting relationship with you and providing the personalized dental care you deserve.