Our Staff

Dr. Cory Thompson, DMD

Dr. Cory Thompson attended Arizona State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Dr. Thompson then went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine out east where he loved the seasons but learned to appreciate the fact that you never have to shovel sunshine. At his family’s request/urging, Dr. Thompson set out to practice in the southwest desert . After some time spent in Arizona, Las Cruces became home and he and his family have grown to love the area and the people.
“There is a uniqueness about Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico that I really enjoy. I love the spectacular mountain views and White Sands National Park. This is a place that my family and I are excited to call home. I am looking forward to helping the people of Las Cruces with their dental needs and I am excited about the many wonderful options that we can provide for you at Hillrise Dental.”

Dr. Robert Espinoza, DDS

Born and raised in New Mexico, at a young age Dr. Espinoza knew he wanted to be a dentist. The path was not always straight and clear but with encouragement from his family, friends and church he had faith he would achieve his goal. He started to develop a hard work ethic while attending Las Cruces High School and working at Memorial Medical Center as a Sanitation Aid. 
After graduating from high school and completing a certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistance, he worked at Las Cruces Nursing Center and attended NMSU School of Business and College of Arts and Sciences to complete pre-dental requirements. Upon completing his Bachelors in Business Administration and all pre-dental requirements, he was accepted into Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. There he served as class president all four years and was a part of the Dean's List for academic achievements. In his senior year he was nominated and won several leadership awards including recognition by the California Dental Association for research and the Prince Award. 
Dr. Espinoza was accepted into the University of New Mexico Advanced General Dentistry program. He studied an extra year of day-to-day dental procedures in a clinic and hospital setting, as well as LV. sedation, dental implants, endodontic, fixed and removal prosthodontics, advanced pediatric cases, periodontal surgeries, impacted wisdom teeth removal, emergency dentistry and preventative dentistry. It was an intense year but working with specialists in each of those areas has helped mold him into a better dentist that wants to continue to grow and learn. 
“There is a uniqueness about Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico that I really enjoy. I love the spectacular mountain views and White Sands National Park. This is a place that my family and I are excited to call home. I am looking forward to helping the people of Las Cruces with their dental needs and I am excited about the many wonderful options that we can provide for you at Hillrise Dental.”

Dr. Joshua Elliss, DMD

During his undergraduate studies at Dixie State College – St. George and Utah State College, Josh Elliss was awarded the Dr. Barnum Research award and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Dr. Elliss then attended the University of Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine; he was also an extern at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where he was exposed to modern cosmetic and occlusion techniques. Upon graduation from UNLV, he was awarded the Quintessence Award for his research during school and the Outstanding Student Award from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. After schooling, Dr. Ellis practiced in Dallas, Texas, prior to moving his family to New Mexico.
“Growing up in a small town next to Zion’s National Park in southern Utah, I cultivated a love for outdoors and hiking at an early age. I am grateful to now look out my window every day and see the beautiful Organ Mountains so close by. New Mexico is a unique and diverse place and my family feels at home here.”
Dr. Elliss is currently involved in local cub scouts and enjoys being a supporter of NMSU athletics and student organizations.

Dr. David Chodosh, DDS

Dr. David Chodosh is a general dentist currently practicing in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Originally from Connecticut, he completed both his undergraduate studies and dental degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating from dental school in 2017. Since then, Dr. Chodosh has been committed to providing comprehensive dental care, initially practicing in the Albuquerque area for eight years before relocating to Southern New Mexico. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys traveling, reading, and hiking, and appreciates living in the Southwest for its stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and warm, welcoming community.

Dr. Chodosh has a broad range of interests within dentistry, with a particular passion for fixed restorative procedures, oral surgery, and the provision of sleep apnea appliances. He also enjoys working with removable prosthetics and cosmetic dentistry, striving to enhance both the function and aesthetics of his patients' smiles. Above all, Dr. Chodosh is dedicated to providing excellent bedside manner, ensuring that every patient feels heard, comfortable, and confident that their individual needs are addressed with care and respect. His diverse skill set allows him to offer personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. 

Dr. Casandra Barba, DDS

Dr. Casandra Barba grew up in the close-knit community of Deming, New Mexico, where she developed a passion for helping others and a deep appreciation for her hometown values. After graduating from Deming High School, she attended New Mexico State University for her undergraduate education, where she built a strong foundation in the sciences and prepared for a career in healthcare.

Following her time at NMSU, Dr. Barba pursued her dream of becoming a dentist at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from Creighton in 2025, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and gaining comprehensive training in all aspects of general dentistry.

Dr. Barba is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care to her patients while fostering a welcoming and comfortable environment. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Barba enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her patients and serving her community with excellence.

Jorge Prieto, Dental Hygienist

'I decided to enter the dental hygiene industry over 18 years ago after watching my wife's love of her career in the dental field. One of my favorite aspects of my position is getting to hear all my patient's life stories! Helping a patient learn how to achieve their personal oral hygiene goals is so satisfying to me!'

In Jorge's free time, he enjoys studying the bible and listening to music in all genres (primarily the 'oldies' and 'soft rock')!  Enjoying time with his family is a precious commodity he treasures and makes the most of! 

Randi Quinones, Office Manager

'Being able to put a smile on our patient's faces always puts a smile on mine!'

Randi is one of the very first smiling faces you will see when you arrive at Hillrise Dental and the last right before you leave. Her years of experience in front desk operations is a priceless addition to our practice. 

When Randi isn't helping patients and is on her off time, she loves reading a great book! She loves taking advantage of the outdoors whether it's running or anything sport-related.

Our Staff

575.522.0454