Kathy grew up in central Massachusetts, the third child of a florist and an artist. Of all her siblings, she was the one most likely to be upstairs reading a book while the rest of the family watched TV. All of her siblings inherited some of mothers artistic ability and pursued careers that were related in some way to art. Kathy was the brainiest kid in her family and combined art with science and became a dentist.

When our children were all in school, I got a part time job working in a dental office doing light office work. Occasionally the dentist would have me help him with a patient when his dental assistant was busy. I loved those times. I asked him if he would train me in dental assisting, and he agreed. One evening when my husband David and I were sitting at the dinner table chatting about the days events, I mentioned casually that if I could have any job, I would work as a dentist. At that moment I had a silent but strong impression that this was something I should pursue. I hadnt been in school for over 20 years, so I returned to Houston Community College to brush up, and eventually was accepted into the Honors College at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry in 2001, the same year two of our sons graduated from college, and our youngest son graduated from high school. I spent several years with a group dental practice, Dundee Family Dental, before opening DeFord Family Dental in Papillion. I really enjoy my work.

Just like some people say its comforting, or therapeutic to sew, knit or work on another type of project, Kathy finds comfort in fixing teeth. She especially likes working to improve the look of someones smile.

Kathys husband David has worked in management information systems in the past and now has his own consulting business David DeFord Creative Consulting. He also is a certified contract trainer for Fred Pryor Seminars.

Brandy, our dental hygienist, is a native of Omaha and a graduate of Westside High School. She attended Iowa Western's dental hygiene program, and before joining DeFord Family Dental, practiced with a mobile dental group that visited nursing homes.

Roxanna, our office manager, is a native of Omaha and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. She graduated from Metropolitan Community College's Dental Assisting program with honors, and has been with DeFord Family Dental ever since that time. She received office manager training through Patterson Dental.

Laura, our dental assistant, was born and raised in Omaha. She attended Burke High School where she was on the Drill Team. After graduation and working in customer service for a number of years, Laura attended Metropolitan Community College, and graduated at the top of her class with an Associate's Degree in General Health Studies, and a certificate in Dental Assisting.

Marnie, a dental hygienist, is a native of Cozad, Nebraska. She grew up in McCook, NE and attended the Dental Hygiene Program at UNMC in Lincoln, and practiced in Lexington, Nebraska for many years. She is the mother of twins, a boy and a girl.

Allie, a dental hygienist is an Omaha native who graduated from Marion High School. She attended UNL, and then the Dental Hygiene Program at UNMC in Lincoln, In addition to working at DeFord Family Dental, Allie also practices with her childhood dentist in Omaha. She has a dog named Quinn.

Max, our office dog, is a rescue dog, adopted from Muddy Paws Pet Rescue in Omaha. He is a Pomeranian Poodle mix, with soft fur and minimal to no shedding. Shortly after Dr. DeFord and her husband adopted Max, they sent him for basic obedience training at Follow Me K-9 Training in Bellevue, with Johanna Mayer. Max has the perfect temperament for an office dog. He loves babies, kids and grownups, and will sit on your lap during your dental procedure if you would like. We keep him very clean. Our patients love Max.

Dr. DeFord is the dentist and the business owner. She can give individualized treatment unconstrained by any corporate policies that might limit the availability of the best materials, equipment and dental laboratories.

and will work with your insurance company to get you the benefits to which you are entitled. Our office manager, Roxanna, knows insurance and can usually immediately answer your questions about your individual benefits.

and thorough when she cleans your teeth. She will help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums with individualized advice about which teeth cleaning products and methods would work well for you.