Dr. Grant R. Smith was born genetically predisposed to be a dentist. His father, Dr. Robert Smith, was a dentist and a pharmacist, and his mother is a dental hygienist. From both of them, Dr. Grant learned that teeth are where its at. Dr. Grant received a degree in Human Neuroanatomy and Physiology and went to dental school at UMKC. Following graduation, he worked with transplant, oncology and other patients who needed specialized care. Today, Dr. Grant proudly serves Prairie Village and surrounding areas.
Dr. Smith works with some of the best professionals in the area who also excel in people skills. Our staff members love what they do, and it shows! From our business manager to our dental hygienists, our patients can expect warm, compassionate attention. These are people who want to get to know you better and want your experience to be always pleasant. We want you to love going to the dentist!
You deserve the best that modern dentistry has to offer. To give you personalized care and a smile that is stunning, healthy and long-lasting, we invest in continuing education, cutting-edge technology, and talented, caring people. You can save time and money through our prevention-focused approach and comprehensive services for the whole family.
I was born genetically predisposed to be a dentist. My father was a dentist and a pharmacist. My mother is a dental hygienist with a degree in Physical Education, and the ability to instruct anyone in how to resuscitate their fellow man. From my father, I decided to try my hand at working in a pharmacy; from my mother, I learned an aversion to exercise, but from both of them I learned that teeth are where its at.
My parents raised my sister and I, sent us to scouts, tried to get us to learn an instrument or two, made sure that we could speak Spanish, took us on trips all over the place (mostly dental trips so that my father could write them off). Finally, my sister and I were sent to Shawnee Mission East High school, and then our parents sent us both up to Lawrence. My sister got a degree in Social Work, and I got a degree in Human Neuroanatomy and Physiology. Shortly before entering dental school, I met a Music major on the internet. She could dance, she could understand my jokes, and she would eat anything that I cooked for her (props to Alton BrownI owe him). It was love!
I went to dental school at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). When I was done with that, I did a residency in the special patient care clinic. There I worked with transplant patients, oncology patients, and others who needed more care than the rank and file at UMKC could provide, or they needed things done quickly to prepare for surgery. I learned more in this residency than I perhaps ever learned in my whole life.
While I worked there, Melissa (the Music major) had started as a dental hygiene student. She evidently thought my parents were right as well about teeth being where its at. I started practicing with my father, and shortly after that, Melissa and I were married.
My wife and I then decided that there should be more Smiths in the world, so we had a couple of kids! I bought the practice from my father and Melissa came to work with me. Now shes the office manager, which is fun as shes now the one responsible for telling me what to do. Eva, one of our kids, is in charge of our social media campaigns, and Eric, our other kid, has decided that he might want to learn to pull teeth out professionally. Who knows whats going to happen next? But I know it will always make for an adventure!
After 30 years in one office in Prairie Village, a change of scenery beckoned. I packed up my solo office and moved away: about two blocks east on 83rd Street to join with Dr. Grant Smith at Prairie Village Dentists. This has provided me a stimulating experience of working with a group of talented team members who are conscientious, caring, and ethical.
Though the trip over 83rd Street is a straight line, my destination into dentistry was definitely a zigzag path. With a degree in English literature from KU, I was not really sure of what should follow. So, for two years I had a variety of opportunities, from driving a forklift, to repairing binoculars and telescopes, to delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service.
Along with obtaining an English degree, I had taken courses to complete prerequisites for the health sciences. Would it be graduate school in English or dental school? I already knew how to read, but I did not know the dental arts. It was off to UMKC School of Dentistry. After time in a hospital clinic, I entered private practice.
My wife Nancy and I were married just before I began dental school. She had been teaching English at Lees Summit High School and continued to do so while completing her masters degree in education at UMKC. Several years ago Nancy came to help in the office on a temporary basis, but shes still here. Perhaps she prefers dental office duties to grading high school English essays.
Nancy and I, as well as our daughter and son, attended Shawnee Mission East (a few years apart though). Three of us became Jayhawks, while our son turned up as a Nebraska Cornhusker. Currently our daughter and son-in-law are living in Adelaide, Australia, where he grew up. (They met in Poland, but thats another story altogether.) Our son and daughter-in-law and year-old grandson live in York, Pennsylvania.
My journey began when I was a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School participating in an afternoon work placement program. I was originally hired as the receptionist for Prairie Village Dentists, and now over 40 years later I am still going strong as our Business Manager. I work hard to keep everyone busy, on time, and always with quality production. I strive to ensure that each patient has not only the best experience but leaves feeling like family. In my spare time I enjoy karaoke, yearly trips to Florida with my sister to visit Mom, and spending time with my dog, Piper.
I started out as a music major in voice and flute at Missouri Western State College in 1997, but then I met Dr. Grant and he convinced me that a degree in dental hygiene was the way to go! So, I took the well-rounded scenic route and went to Longview Community College to finish up my basics and then proceeded to go to UMKC School of Dentistry where I graduated at the top of my class in Dental Hygiene in 2003. I have since been the President of the Greater Kansas City Dental Hygienists Association and I enjoy taking an active role in learning how to advance the field of dentistry. In the summer of 2021, I graduated with distinction as a fellow in the American Association in Dental Office Managers (FAADOM).
A few years ago, I transitioned into a position out of clinical work to one of working with patients up front while sitting up straight! I enjoy broadening my horizons and am learning a lot about what happens behind-the-curtain in quality patient care. What I love more than anything in my career, whether its at the front desk or working as a hygienist, is being able to share a smile and laugh with anyone who walks in the door!
Ever since we joined Dr. Smiths practice in April of 2019, I have felt so welcomed and surrounded by all of our extremely qualified and friendly staff members! I love our Prairie Village location, and I am so happy to welcome our patients to such a warm and technologically advanced office!
Im a proud Jayhawk with a degree in secondary education, and a former English and substitute teacher in the Lees Summit and Shawnee Mission school districts. Ive been happily married to Dr. Reichman since before he went to dental school. When his previous office in Prairie Village needed a receptionist, I began helping out part-time and really enjoyed it!
We are both natives of Kansas City, & both we, plus our 2 children, all graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. Our daughter and her husband currently live in Adelaide, Australia, and our son, his wife, and our adorable one-year-old grandson live in York, Pennsylvania.
I enjoy being outside, doing yardwork, going for walks, and listening to all kinds of music. I am also enjoying learning the computer system and helping out at the front desk with everyone in this amazing office!
I met my husband at KU and we just celebrated our 27th year anniversary. We have 2 grown boys, Jacob and Josh. Empty nesting is our season of life right now and honestly, its not too bad! My husband and I love to cook together. We plan a fun recipe to tackle on Sundays and go all out in the kitchen chopping, dicing, listening to music, and maybe have a glass of wine. We have deemed this Sunday Cook.
I enjoy hanging out on the deck spoiling my dogs Rizzie and Hoopie. I like to read and go to Jazzercise. Fall is my favorite season even though I am not a fan of anything pumpkin spice except candles! I look forward to seeing you at the office!
I started my dental career as a dental assistant and progressed to the front desk. I absolutely love working with patients and helping them with their dental needs. Seeing them smile when they leave gives me great joy.
I have two adult children, both girls, Kyndall 22, and Paige 20. I also get to enjoy my cute 1 1/2-year-old granddaughter Eastyn. I enjoy hiking and exploring anything KC has to offer, such as restaurants, museums, and local shops. I escape to The Lake of The Ozarks at least once a month with my sister to unwind.
Hi my name is Diane and I have been caring for patients at Prairie Village Dentists since 1992. Over the years I have seen a lot of changes and advancements in dentistry. As hard as change can be, I am happy that I am part of a team that embraces progress and keeps up with technology so we can provide our patients with the best care. People always ask me if I ever get tired of cleaning teeth, and thats very easy for me to answer. No way, I say. I still love it. Because along with every set of teeth is a unique person that I am fortunate enough to get to know. When I become familiar with someone, it makes it easier to make suggestions about your dental care that will fit your lifestyle.
Jennifer is a New York City girl transplanted to Kansas and Dentistry has been her passion and career choice for over 10 years. As a dental hygienist, she really loves getting to educate her patients in their dental health as well as getting to contribute to their overall health with dental cleanings. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two sons who are her heart and soul. Being a working mom doesnt leave her much time for hobbies but when she does get some free time she loves cooking especially a traditional Italian meal while listening to music and drinking a glass of wine. Her other pastime is watching historical drama shows/ movies preferably British and doing puzzles!
Growing up, I wanted nothing to do with the dental world. I was surrounded by parents and grandparents who talked teeth since the day I was born. In community college, I had a counselor who advised me to take a skills assessment test, and wouldnt you know, dentistry was a career that was suggested as being one that would work well with my skill set. This wise counselor told me I couldnt run from my destiny. Dr. Grant, Melissa, and I met at UMKC School of Dentistry. I was Melissas big sister in hygiene. All these years later, we are back together again.
My husband and I have been married for 16 years during which we lived in St. Louis, the San Francisco Bay Area twice, and Oahu, Hawaii. We settled back into Prairie Village in 2013 because it was most like our walking community in the Bay Area. Our daughter, Olive, is 10 this year. She enjoys acting and wants to be in movies some day. In my spare, I volunteer at Kansas City Christian School. I am also the Prairie Village Homeowners Association island volunteer who landscapes and maintains the neighborhood island located at Tomahawk and Nall, north of 75th Street.
I grew up right here in Kansas City. Ive been in the field for over 30 years. You can say I have a passion for my career. I attended UMKC with a Bachelors in Biochemistry and Dental Assisting School, then I continued my education in the dental field. I have been a Dental Instructor for 13 years and am now the Program Director for Midwest Dental Assisting School. My dad was a builder and passed on the love for refinishing furniture. Im an avid trained baker and I love spending time with my daughter, Katelyn, and my two standard poodles, Cooper and Jackson.
I was born and raised right here in Kansas City. I love spending time with my family and my pets. I have a chihuahua and pit bull mix, Maizy and Bella, who are my world. I was an avid sports player growing up, so now I enjoy attending all different types of sport events around KC and other cities. Although I do not do it very often, I love spending time in the kitchen baking, and I have been deemed the pie baker of the family. I also enjoy spending time relaxing and watching all different types of documentaries. I graduated from JCCC in the spring of 2021 with my Associates degree in General Studies. I was not quite sure what career path I wanted to take until I unexpectedly found myself working as a dental assistant here at PVD. I have loved every minute of being part of this great environment they have created in the office. I am passionate about educating and helping patients achieve their goals at maiming good oral health.
My name is McKinlay and I am the office rover! Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am a big animal lover and also ride horses at every opportunity that is presented! I used to spend my summers helping on a ranch in beautiful Big Sky Montana! My job includes helping the providers and administrators maintain an efficient workflow. I have been in the dental field now for approximately a year, and have loved every moment.
I am currently a student at JCCC aiming for my associates degree. I am hopeful that my experience in the office will help me to decide on further education! I am very fortunate to shadow the amazing providers at PVD every day. It is because of excellent patient care through my childhood that I discovered my love for dentistry. I see it as an amazingly aesthetic art form, which also improves the overall health of people.
I am a therapy dog! I was the runt of my Wheaten Terrier litter and even full grown now at 7 years old, I only weigh 26 pounds. (Most Wheatens weigh around 35-40 pounds). I am the most sweet, gentle pup around! I have never growled at anyone or showed any signs of anything other than pure excitement and love for every face I see (unless its nap time and its quite hard to get me to show any interest in anything!). My hobbies include going for my daily walk/jog with Dr. Grant and Melissa (ok, just my four times a week jog), playing tug of war, doing tricks for goodies, perfecting my Salvador Doggie (youll just have to ask)and lots of napping! I also have experience doing hospice work. My downfall is occasional jumping (Im working on itits in my breeds nature). I dont shed and am one of the more hypoallergenic breeds and Im super soft and cuddly! I am not in the office as much as I used to be since I like napping so much!
When a poodle and an Australian Shepard wished to bring the happiest of creatures into the world, they made ME! Im a silly, noodley ball of goofy fuzz! Ive been affectionately nick-named Bennigan, Benzocaine, puddle of fuzz and Three-poops-McGee! I love to ponk kisses with my nose and acorns are my favorite fall treat (even without pumpkin spice! And like my sister, Bruna, Im here to provide comfort and therapy for all of my favorite two-legged friends! I am also pretty hypoallergenic and dont shed much at all. Big sis Bruna has been helping me learn how to do tricks, but really, Id rather play all day! If you want a smile on your face, the best bet is to come see me!
Our practice is also known for our people skills. We love what we do and we genuinely care about our patients. We get to know patients better, so their visits with us are always pleasant. Our office is warm, friendly, and its definitely a very fun place to be.
Prairie Village Dentist is value-oriented. You get the best value because we are thorough, gentle and good at what we do. Patients have a say in everything that has to do with their dental health. Well give you the information and present treatment options and then well provide the services that YOU choose.
Cant have anesthesia because youre afraid of needles and drugs? We have solutions for you. Some patients are not thrilled about having plastics in their body, some are allergic to many dental products, and some are special needs patients, so we find ways to provide them the dental care they need.
You can trust your Prairie Village, KS dentist for worry-free family dental care. Please feel free to browse our website to get a better feel of what we offer and why we are the best people for the job. We want you to feel confident that youre working with qualified, experienced and caring professionals when you choose us to take care of your dental health.
Our approach is patient-centered, not doctor-centered. You have full control of every aspect of your dental care, from choosing the treatment you want and the materials used for dental restorations. Your Prairie Village dentists try to educate and engage patients so that they understand all available options and know what to expect from each procedure.
Dr. Smith has invested in the latest tools and techniques to make procedures safer, faster and more comfortable. We have low-radiation digital X-rays, soft-tissue lasers to reduce trauma and recovery time, an advanced cavity prevention system, Dental Vibe pain-free injections, single-tooth anesthetic machine, and eight dental operatories with high-screen monitors.
From the moment you step into our office, we make sure that you are comfortable. We have comfy chairs you can relax in, chilled bottled water in the reception area, the latest magazines, and a wheelchair for patients who need it. If you need anything or you have questions, dont hesitate to ask our friendly staff members.
Its hard to find another practice that is more accommodating to a patients special needs. Some of our patients absolutely hate needles and drugs, so we find a way to do dental work without anesthetic. Others dont like having resin or plastic in their body, so we create glass or gold restorations. We also care for patients with allergies, wheelchair-bound patients, and patients from assisted-living facilities.