Our mission is to provide patients with the highest standard of care and to assist patients in achieving the dental health they deserve. Our team excels at providing a warm, comfortable environment. From our teams gentle demeanor to our offices many amenities, we want you to know that we value taking care of you and your family.
I am a Springfield native, born and raised. I attended Drury College where I received my BA in Biology in 1993. I then attended Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago to receive my Doctorate of Dental Surgery, graduating in 1997. I returned to Springfield and began practicing dentistry in the Fall of that year.
In 2008, I started up my first solo practice in the Wedgewood Dental Offices before I finally made my dental home here in the Woodhurst Office Park. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to care for so many wonderful people and families. I knew in the third grade that I wanted to be a dentist and I am blessed to have this career.
I am a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, the Greater Springfield Dental Society, and the American Association of Women Dentists. I have had the privilege of serving on the GSDS Board for almost 10 years in different positions. I volunteer for school screenings and dental health month presentations at elementary schools. I also enjoy participating in the Give Kids A Smile voucher program. I have volunteered for three Missouri Missions of Mercy events and they were truly life changing.
I have had the opportunity to work on an occasional Friday on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, or the Tooth Truck for the last four years as a community dentist. I also have served on the Tooth Truck Board. The dedication of the incredible team and staff of this organization has helped so many children receive dental care. It is near and dear to my heart. Taking care of children has truly been a highlight of my career.
At home, my world is run by our daughter Mallorie. My husband Brad and I have a full schedule with her school, activities, and interests. I enjoy spending time at the lake, reading, sewing, and enjoy spending time with our three pet dogs (two Miniature Schnauzers and a Caviler King Charles Spaniel).
I am originally from Little America,WY but have lived in Missouri most of my life. My husband Brian and I have two beautiful children Kate and Brent. We enjoy hunting, fishing and bike riding. I attended Ozark Technical Community College where I received my dental hygiene degree in 2006. I am certified in the administration of local anesthesia, CPR, nitrous oxide administration and oral sedation certification. I joined Dr. Sheltons wonderful team in 2009. It is an absolute joy to be able to serve patients and their dental needs. When you develop a relationship and trust between you and the patient and their family it makes it so much easier for the patient to achieve their brightest and healthiest smile.
I grew up in California before moving to Springfield, Missouri for a year while my parents looked for a farm. We eventually settled in Marshfield, Missouri, to an 84 -acre farm, where I had the most wonderful childhood filled with cats, dogs, cows, horses, and 4-H. At 45, after many different job paths, I graduated from the dental assisting program at Ozarks Technical Community College with my certification in Dental Assisting and my expanded functions. Upon passing my DANB exam, I became a Certified Dental Assistant. I worked for three and a half years on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, fondly known as the Tooth Truck one of the most fulfilling jobs Ive ever held. While teaching dental assisting in the OTC Dental Programs, I went back to school and graduated from MSU, in 2019, with a BS in Health Services. I met Dr. Shelton while working on the Tooth Truck and finally, after 6 years, we are able to work together every day.
I am married to my husband, Chris, and we have three children-Ashton (and our grand-dog, Brody), Ania (and our grand-dog, Myrtle Mae), and Evan, with our dog, Archie. We live in Springfield, close to church, work and school. Our spare time is spent watching Evan play baseball, for the boys its fishing and hunting; and for me, knitting, crocheting, making rosaries, jewelry and soap. I am on the parish council and Evan serves during Mass at our church. I truly enjoy building relationships with our wonderful patients and their families and so thankful for the opportunity to help improve their smiles, and boost their confidence.
I grew up two hours north of Springfield. I moved to Kentucky in my early 20s. There I started as an office manager for a small husband/wife dental office. After a few years in that practice I began to cross train as an assistant to help with scheduling/staffing conflicts. I found I enjoyed the hands on work and patient interaction of assisting. After eleven years in Kentucky I moved back to Missouri to be closer to family. Upon moving back, I began working as an assistant for a specialist but found I missed the hands on of general dentistry. I have been a general dentistry assistant for over 17 years now.
In Kentucky I belonged to a womans group where I earned several awards for my volunteer work for community fundraising as well as serving as Vice President for a college scholarship program for local high school girls. In Springfield I joined the Elks Lodge to continue my community support and volunteerism for local charities in need. I have served in several officer positions within the lodge as well as several different chairman positions. My hobbies include spending time with my dog, Jordie and cat, Hopper, and also spending time with friends and family. I enjoy camping and golf.
