Dr. Briggs purchased Athens Smiles on October 1, 2011. He received his Bachelor degree in Chemistry and Biology from Lamar University in 2002: he then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center- Houston Dental Branch in 2007. Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls where he completed his general practice residency. Dr. Briggs is diligent in his pursuit to stay current in providing the professions leading dental care procedures while utilizing state-of-the-art technology, supplies and equipment. Dr. Briggs and his wife Lyndi have 5 children, including a set of quadruplets. In his free time he enjoys making memories on the lake with his family.
Dr. Florence joined Athens Smiles in November 2012. He has successfully practiced dentistry for 45 years in Athens. In 1970 he joined the Air Force and served 2 years. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in May 1973 at the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston Dental Branch. His patients adore and trust his every word and Dr. Briggs often times requests a moment to be mentored by him. Dr. Florence and his wife, Carla have been married for many years and have 2 children together, Hollie and Bo. He enjoys spending time with his family and his 2 grandchildren along with piddling with his tractor and his guns.
Byron and Lyndi were married May 2001 in Houston. She completed nursing school at Lamar University in 2002. In July 2002 their first daughter was born, followed by Quadruplets in April 2004. When Lyndi is not working with the rest of the team she stays super busy with their children. She brings a beautiful vision for the future of Athens Smiles and enjoys being active in the community and local school. She is an advocate for those without a voice and an inspirational individual to many. She keeps us motivated to learn and grow! We are lucky to have her at the helm of our ship!!
Crystal joined Athens Smiles in 2007. Her passion for people and success, make her the perfect guide to helping this practice stay true to its mission. She is available to discuss and accommodate your every dental need and is always searching for ways to keep us moving as one. She is serious about her job, seeks to please, and is extremely flexible in helping you to discover a way to make treatment possible. She holds an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration from TJC. She enjoys the cold months, trying new recipes and vacationing with her husband David and their daughters.
Zina joined Athens Smiles in July 2011. Zina has been assisting for over 30 years. What Zina enjoys most about being a dental assistant is the warm interaction she shares with our patients to ease their anxiety during treatment. She has a particular love for sedation dentistry and loves being a part of major smile restorations. She has 2 children April and Tony and 6 grandchildren: Sydney, Jacob, Bryce, Alyssa, Erin and Callie. Outside of work, Zina enjoys spending time with family and working with her animals. She also enjoys being outdoors at the lake or at the drag races.
Jennifer joined Athens Smiles May 2010. She has been in the dental field since the age of 16 and earned her RDA license in 2009. She is also a CMA and Phlebotomist. Jen is dedicated to serving all of your insurance needs from verifying and maximizing your benefits to helping you understand how they will work together! She is well versed in insurance lingo and can help you navigate your policy rules and requirements. Jens hobbies include riding four wheelers, photography, hunting and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily joined Athens Smiles in June of 2017 after a move from Abilene, Texas. Emily is determined to give our patients the best financial experience possible by providing the most accurate estimate when it comes to the cost of treatment in our facility. Her wittiness and quirky character make her easy to talk to about hard situations, and she enjoys finding ways to make treatment possible for our patients! She has experience in a multitude of fields and has great stories to tell about her young life. Emily and her husband John have three kids and enjoy spending time outdoors. She is a rock music enthusiast and is currently pursuing her RDA license.
Tania joined Athens Smiles in May 2019. She graduated from UniTech Training Academy in Houma, Lousiana in 2013. Tania brings a communicative bilingualism to Athens Smiles that helps bridge the gap for Spanish speaking patrons to receive comfortable care. Tania is also our inventory specialist, one of the key things about operating a dental practice is the inventory and she keeps us stocked, up to date and organized. She is 1 of 11 siblings and refers to herself as number 7. She enjoys traveling and vacationing on the beach with her sisters in her free time.
Danice joined Athens Smiles in May 2012. She has been in the dental field for 39 years. She graduated from Cayuga High School in 1980 and immediately took a job for Dr. Richard Campbell here in Athens until his retirement in 2007. Her favorite part of the job is providing patients the experience of good dental care and the feeling of a great smiles. She also enjoys helping those in need with their dental health by volunteering her time at the local Disciples Clinic a couple of Saturdays a month. She has two grown children and two grandsons that she adores. She loves to host, garden, fish, and spend time with family and friends.
Karina joined Athens Smiles in September of 2020 and is the newest member of our team. She obtained her license from ATI, Dallas in 2009. Karina has knack for four-handed dentistry. She grasps and processes Dr. Briggs methods very quickly and we are thrilled she is her. She is task oriented and finishes what is required of her very quickly and efficiently resulting in quick and consistent patient care. Karina grew up in Athens and still resides here with her husband and two precious kiddos.
Denise joined Athens Smiles in June 2007 as a temp and then officially in November of that same year. She graduated TJC Hygiene Program in 2006 and enjoys getting to know her patients both professionally and personally. Denise encourages regular visits to maintain optimal dental health and would love for you to come see her. Originally from Kansas, she and husband Michael moved to Athens in 2002. They have two adult sons Alex and Nathan and two precious grandchildren, Elise and Addis. In her time away from work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outdoor life and traveling. She is active in her church groups and committees and since the boys have grown up and moved out she has taught herself to crochet and knit.
Nora joined Athens Smiles in October, 2008 . She has been practicing dental hygiene for 35 years in East Texas. She brings an uncanny amount of knowledge in both the real world and the dental hygiene field to our practice. She is our best educator in all things dental hygiene. Patients love her. Nora and her husband have two daughters, two granddaughters and one grandson. She enjoys reading, sewing, camping, spending time with her grandchildren and her pets.
Stephanie joined Athens Smiles June 2008. Born and raised here in Athens, she graduated with honors from Athens High School. Stephanie graduated the dental hygiene program at Tyler Junior College in 2008 with many accolades and recognitions. She is a skin care specialist with Rodan & Fields and is just as adamant about a good skin regimen as she is a good dental hygiene regimen. She loves getting to know her patients and building long-term relationships. Stephanie has two children, Eli and Kassidy. She is active in her local church and school programs. Stephanie and her kids enjoy and spend a lot of time with various activities and sports organizations throughout the community.
Cadey joined Athens Smiles in April of 2018. She graduated from Blinn College. Cadey is quick to make patients feel at ease by building confidence, trust and friendship with each patient. Her smile, boisterous laughter, and warm nature make it easy for patients to feel comfortable. She is extremely devoted to educating patients on their individual needs. Cadey grew up locally and still resides here with her husband, Jeremy and their two children. She is active in her local church and many of its groups and organizations and is a cheer coach for ACPA. She enjoys working in her yard and spending quality time with family and friends.