Dr. Esther Machen, D.D.S.

Esther Bishop Machen, DDS, graduated from Ricks College and then Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. After practicing as a dental hygienist for four years, she attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry where she graduated in June 2010. She practiced as a general dentist in Independence, Missouri prior to moving back home to Southeast Idaho in July of 2011.

While in dental school, Dr. Machen received a Presidential Citation from the Missouri Dental Association for leading the efforts to change legislation for the protection of the dental consumer in Missouri. She was awarded the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Award and the Pierre Fauchard Academy Scholarship in 2009. In 2010, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. After being invited into the Honors Program in Pediatric Dentistry, she was able to complete advanced studies in the area of pediatric dentistry. Upon graduation, Dr. Machen received the Certificate of Merit from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for the class of 2010. Rather than just treating symptoms, Dr. Machen is an Idaho Falls dentist that believes in a comprehensive approach to dental health. She loves the long-term relationships she has created with her patients.

Dr. Machen was born in Rexburg and raised in Chester, and she attended North Fremont High School. Growing up in a large family and working in the family logging business gave her the drive to get an education, although she still enjoys running a chain saw. Throughout her life, she has enjoyed participating in athletics especially track, cross country, and Spartan racing. She was a high school athletic standout, a state champion, and was a collegiate runner for Ricks College. She met her husband and love of her life, Shane, while attending Ricks College and they completed their dental and medical educations together in Kansas City. 

Dr. Machen, her husband, and four children are grateful to live in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains and the place that she was so lucky to enjoy in her childhood. 

The dental field was not a natural choice for Dr. Machen, having no family in the medical field, and only going to the dentist once as a child due to financial issues. However, after being exposed to the dental field through dental hygiene, Dr. Machen knew she found a profession that she would love. Dr. Machen truly enjoys all aspects of dentistry and loves taking care of her patients.