One of the most remarkable things Ive learned in my 30 years of practice is that, while every person Ive met is unique, we are also very similar. We all share a desire to be cared for with compassion, to have our needs listened to, and to live the healthiest life possible. It is my goal, and the goal of everyone at Van Horn Family Dentistry, to fulfill those desires every single day.
I was born and raised in the greater Kittanning area of Pennsylvania. In 1966, I was drafted and joined the Navy. The Navy offered a choice of schools at which to be trained, and I got my seventh and last choice on my list:dental technician. Little did I know this would set into motion an entire career path.
My remaining time in the Navy was spent at the Naval Dental Station in Guam from 1969 to 1970. After being discharged in 1970, I got a job for the Seventh-day Adventist Churchs General Conference in the Far Eastern Division. From 1970 to 1973, I built and established the first and only dental laboratory in Guam. I also began pursuing my undergraduate work at the University of Guam.
In 1973, I moved to Collegedale, Tennessee to finish my Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry at Southern Adventist University, then known as Southern Missionary College. I attendeddental school at the Medical College of Georgia.
After graduating from undergraduate school in 1975, I relocated to Augustaand taught at the Medical College of Georgia:Augusta Area Techs co-op program, which offered an associates degree in dental laboratory technology. There, I taught ceramics, dental materials, and several other classes in crown and bridge.
In 1977 I started my studies at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 1981, when I moved to Calhoun. One year later, I decided to open my own practice, Dorsey L. Van Horns Family Dentistry. Now, more than 30 years later, I continue to update my education through involvement in the Seattle Study Club, Georgia Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.
I met my wife, Mary Ellen, while she was working as a dental assistant at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. We were married in 1968 and have been blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth and Michelle. Our two grandchildren, William and Tessa, light up our lives. Family is absolutely central to my life and friends are a close second.
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
I was born in Atlanta, but have lived in Calhoun most of my life. I attended Red Bud School systems kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduation, I was blessed to get my dream job as a dental assistant at Van Horn Dental, and I feel very thankful to be working here still. I consider Van Horn Dental an extension of my family, and I thoroughly enjoy the lifelong friendships Ive created with the many people I have met here. I invite everyone to come and be a part of our family at Van Horn Dental.
I married my high-school sweetheart and best friend, Larry Gilbert, and we have three wonderful children together:Matthew, Hunter, and Mackenzie. God and family are most important in my life. When I find time, I really enjoy spending time at the beach.
I was raised in Chatsworthand graduated from Murray County High School in 2009. In 2013, I received my dental assisting certificate from GNTC and was hired by Dr. Van Horn after my clinical rotation at his office. My job has a wide range of tasks, from patient care to having everything ready for the doctor to perform a procedure. Most importantly, I make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible while in our office. The best part of my job is seeing the happiness on a patients face after a cosmetic procedure. Thesmiles really make my day!
I was born and raised in Armucheeand graduated from Armuchee High School. I attended Georgia Highlands College where I obtained my degree in dental hygiene in 2011. I love my job at Van Horn Dental, and enjoy getting to know my patients while helping them maintain beautiful and healthy smiles!
I was born and raised in Calhounand attended Calhoun High School. I graduated from North Georgia School of Dental Assisting in 2007, as well as from Georgia Highlands College in 2012 with an Associate of Arts in psychology. Working at Van Horn Dental has been such a blessing; were all like family and truly care about each other.
I am married tomy husband Derek and we havetwoboys, Zaylen who is 9and Cuyler who is 1! I also have twodogs, Harley and Rockwell,who arejust like childrento me. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, shopping, and traveling. I plan on traveling to all 50 states and have already been to 21 of them!