Gentle Healthy Smiles ' mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care in the most gentle, relaxed atmosphere. However, our unique mix of quality, fun and comfort is mostly due to the wonderful personalities of each member of our staff. Many patients travel hundreds of miles to make their dental visits in their 'dental home' with their lifelong friends.

Dr. Cedric Papa received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Biology at U.C Davis in Davis, California. He then graduated from the prestigious University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, California in 2012.

Dr. Papa and his wife, Stacy, have four amazing children. Spending time with his family is his self-professed main 'hobby' and how he chooses to spend every spare minute when not at the office. Dr. Papa and his children spend countless hours playing legos, wrestling, dancing, and telling jokes. He also enjoys spending the four seasons outdoors, enjoying the diversity that the Midwest seasons have to offer.

Dr. Papa also has a passion for helping others- including going on mission trips, to Central and South America- including Bolivia, Costa Rica and Honduras. His trips to Bolivia and Costa Rica werewith Spreading Smiles--the humanitarian organization he started while an under-grad at U.C. Davis., that continues to function today.

Shari has been a dental assistant for over 33years. She started in a private practice and was dentist-trained. After 11 years, Shari moved to corrections and was an assistant there for 16 years. In May of 2014, Shari moved back into private practice working for Gentle Healthy Smiles. In 1997, Shari completed the Academy for Advanced Radiographic Studies. In 2003, Shari passed the Basic Skills Mastery Exam. Shari is dedicated to her work and enjoys working hard. She feels this is where God wants her to be and has blessed her with a wonderful staff to work with. She is a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Shari is married to Kenny and they have four children- Alyse, Scott, Alex and Adam.

Carla has been a Dental Assistant in our office since 1986. She is certified in Dental Radiology and has successfully completed the Dental Skills Mastery Examination to perform expanded functions within the dental practice.

Tara has been a dental assistant since January of 1989. She graduated from Bryan Institute in St. Louis, MO in February of 1989. She is certified in Dental Radiology and has completed the A.D.A. Accredited Basic Skills Mastery Examination to perform expanded functions within the dental practice. Tara is married to her husband Brent and they have three beautiful daughters- Taylor, Gracey and Kelley. They are expecting their firstgrand-baby in February 2022! Tara loves being with her patients on a daily basis, helping them with all their needs. She also enjoys helping them feel more positive about themselves. Tara feels truly blessed to be where she is and doing what she does. She has a true passion for caring for the needs of others.

Shelby has been a dental assistant for 3 years. She lives on a farm outside Bowling Green, Missouri with her husband Damon. They have been married for 3 years. Shelby enjoys being apart of the GHS team and is looking forward to many years here.

Sam has been dental assistant for 4 years. She attended Sate Fair Community College and then a dental assistant program in Columbia, Mo. Sam is married to her husband, Steven and they live in Martinsburg, Mo. Sam loves working at GHS. She enjoys the small town atmosphere and the relationship she is able to have with her patients.

Jamie has been a certified dental assistant for over 15 years. She graduated class president of Nichols Career Center Dental Assisting Program in Jefferson City, Missouri on May 31, 2001- during which she completed Expanded Functions training. For 13 years, Jamie was employed by Dr. Bruce Garrett in Mexico, Missouri until his retirement. Jamie feels blessed every day for the opportunity that the Gentle Healthy Smiles team has given her to utilize and build on her current skillsfocusing on patient confidence, confidence and quality dental care. Jamie has been married to her husband Jeramie for 13 years. They enjoy hunting, fishing, canoeing, ATV riding, antiquing, home improvement projects and, most importantly, spending quality time with friends, family and their three dogs.