My passion for dentistry didnt come from a love of teeth or an excitement for going to the dentist. Like many of my patients, the idea of going to the dentist was met with anxiety, mostly due to a lack of great experiences.
My first passion was art: drawing, painting, sculpting, creating. This was an innate part of my life from a very young age. In school I gravitated towards science and biology, knowing that medicine was the path I was meant to follow. I began to realize that dentistry was sculpture in small scale and the principles of proportion, design, and symmetry that I had always been drawn to, existed in this career path.
Today I still have the same passionate drive for art and creativity. Im devoted to new technology and treatments that allow me to take care of my patients through less invasive yet more efficient procedures. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry but I am dedicated to implantology and rehabilitation with an eye for smile design. The best dentistry should be invisible and if my work looks so natural that my patients smile with pride, then that is true success.
My interest in medicine was evident from a young age, but it didnt translate into an interest in dentistry until I was in college. I was always drawn to medicine, partially due to a fascination with science, but mostly due to a love for helping others. When I entered college and chose my major, I believed that medicine was the only profession where I could blend my two passions into a career.
Big surprise, I was wrong! Through a family friend and mentor, I learned that dentistry was a beautiful profession where I could care for others, help improve their health and their daily lives, all while putting my passion for science and the human body to use. After realizing that dentistry was the obvious choice for me, I completed dental school and a general practice residency at the University of Kentucky
It was during my time in dental school and residency that I realized people just dont like the dentist. This is not exactly something you are taught in school. Peoples anxiety and discomfort in the dental chair sparked an even greater passion within me to focus on not only giving people quality dental care, but keeping them comfortable while doing so. This was a major factor in my decision to complete a residency program, to learn advanced sedation techniques that would serve my patients for years to come.
Most dentists wake up and go to work every day so that they can give people beautiful smiles, but for me its much more than that. My personal and professional fulfillment comes from knowing that I am treating my patients teeth like my own and that I have their best interest at heart. My goal is to create beautiful, healthy smiles for my patients so that they leave happier, healthier, and more confident without the anxiety that theyve experienced previously.
My appreciation for and interest in dentistry comes from a very personal place. While I cant say I knew I was destined to be a dentist from an early age, I can say with perfect honesty that dentistry has changed my life. Ive had nearly every dental procedure that we provide at Bluegrass Dentistryimplants, multiple rounds of orthodontics, wisdom teeth extracted, fillings, root canal. the list goes on. Through these procedures, my smile improved drastically, and my confidence soared. These experiences led me to pursue a career in dentistry.
For those who have had past negative experiences with dentistry, I want to help create new positive experiences. Sometimes this can only be achieved with sedation dentistry. I am licensed to safely provide my patients with oral sedation and IV sedation options.
While I never had any significant negative experiences with my own dental procedures/providers, I know the feeling of anxiety, vulnerability, and embarrassment that can come with having dental work done. If you are or have been putting off dentistry for any of these reasons, rest assured that youre in a safe place at Bluegrass Dentistry. We strive to set your mind at ease, explain your conditions and treatment options, and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. First, we will focus on achieving oral health, then we can begin creating the smile of your dreams!
Originally from Danville, Kentucky, Dr. Abby Kerbaugh began her college career at Denison University a liberal arts school outside of Columbus, Ohio. With a superior level of focus and dedication, she received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, while also playing collegiate soccer. Following graduation, Dr. Kerbaugh returned to her beloved Wildcats and attended the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry where she received a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree.
Dr. Kerbaugh specializes in cosmetic and modern-day dentistry, which allows her to utilize the best in technology, materials and techniques when treating her patients. With a gentle and empathetic method, Dr. Kerbaughs diagnostic approach is rooted in ongoing trust, which is a vital component of providing the personalized and comprehensive care she is known for.