'Come as a patient, leave as a friend' is acommonly used phrase and personal philosophy of Dr. Amanda Darling that completely summarizes our practice,Legacy Dental Care. With over thirty years of reputable dental care experience, continued and rigorous clinical skill growth, and advancements in technological practices, the quality of care you will receive will leave you feeling like more than 'just a patient:' You will feel like family.

Born and raised in Southern Mississippi, Dr. Darling was unique in that she knew from a young age that she was going to be a dentist when she grew up. Not in the way that most of us want to be an astronaut or fireman;she knew this was her calling. Diligently, she planned and prepared for college, completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Southern Mississippi at an expeditious pace, and was awarded acceptance into the Louisiana State University Dental School in New Orleans. By the young age of 25, she had completed her goal and was ready to take on the world.

Her dental career began right here in St. Louis, MOwhere she practicedas an associate dentist for four years. Ready for a bigger challenge and another level of service, she accepted a position in the National Health Service Corps and relocated to Arkansaswhere she was the Dental Director of a community health center. During her time there, she found not only professional success but personal. Having met her husband, RJ, years before in St. Louis, they crossed paths again while both living in Little Rock. This time, fate had different plans. Within a year, they were married and prepared for a life of adventures together.

With her aspirations of becoming a dentist and finding the perfect partner in life completed, her next dream was to become a successful business owner. However, as RJ's career advanced, the timing was just not ideal for the two of them. Dr. Darling continued working as an associate dentist in Dallas, TX and Denver, CO as they chased RJ's dream job together. In 2008, fate stepped in yet again and provided RJ with the opportunity to work remotely, giving Dr. Darling the chance to settle and purchase her own practice. They researched and discussed their options thoroughly. A practice in Castle Rock, CO with majestic views or a well-established, long-time practice in Ballwin, MO. Having met in St. Louis and started their careers there, they decided to follow the call home, and Legacy Dental Care came to fruition!

Dr. Darling and RJ currently reside in Wildwood, MO and enjoy the company of their three dogs, cat, and their pet squirrels. They are well-known in their community for being generous, friendly neighbors.

When we say 'come as a patient, leave as a friend,' we truly mean that. Not only will you receive comprehensive evaluations and explanations of your treatment, top-notch skills, and quality of dental care, but you may even get a recipe for Dr. Darling 's amazing shrimp and sausage gumbo, a good laugh, or a warm hug and an open ear when life goes astray. Her reputation speaks for itself both professionally and personally.

Our most experienced hygienist, Carrie Nolan, has 21 years of trusted practice behind her reputable name. Originally from the Grafton, IL area, she studied dental assisting and hygiene at Clark Community College in Godfrey. She went to work in Ballwin, MO for 10 years and has been an indispensable teammate at Legacy Dental Care since 2010.

Personally, Carrie excels as a wife and mother. She ismarried to her husband, Tim, and has two children, Caleb and Kinley. Tim and Caleb are both diesel mechanics and part-time farmerswhile Kinley loves gymnastics. As a family, they live for being outdoors. Stories of 4-wheel races, barrel races, and weekend trips to the farm are all staples when conversing with Carrie.

Kindness and familiarity are two great ways to describe your experience with our beloved Carrie. Her extensive knowledge and skill set combined with her ability to make you feel at home are what make her such a key member of our team and family.

The newest edition to our hygiene team, Vanessa Rojashas been an incredible match for our practice since January 2021. Graduating in 2020 from St. Louis Community College, Vanessa was rated one of the top clinicians in her class. Since joining us,she has been combining the extensive training from her educational program with the long-term expertise of her mentoring hygienists, Carrie and Amy.

Vanessa is a first-generation Mexican American who was raised in the small town of Purdy, MO. She married her high school sweetheart, Chris, a mechanical engineer, and has two twin boys, Manny and Mikey. Her family loves spending time together and being outdoors and exploring. She is an amazing cook and baker and is always bestowing us with delicioussweet and savory Hispanic foods for us to try and enjoy.

Another priceless asset of Vanessa is that she isbilingual. Many of our Spanish-speaking patients have enjoyed and/or been comforted by her ability to communicate with them in their native language. Her ever-expanding skill set, gentle deposition, and budding confidence are just some of the traits we have seen that make us confident she will be a long-term asset to our team.

Our hygienist, Amy Perkins-Strawn, has been an integral part of our team since 2011. She has been practicing since 2009after completing an associatedegree in dental hygiene from Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, MO. After graduating at the top of her class and receiving the Missouri DentalHygiene Association Most Outstanding Graduating Student Award, she practiced just over a year in Sullivan, MObefore joining the Legacy Dental Care family.

Amy is a native of St. Louis, residing in Valley Park, MO with her husband, Brian, and their three daughters, Charley, Charlotte, and Riley. Her hobbies outside of work include working out daily, coaching her daughter's softball team, and watching her husband play drums in two local tribute bands.

Vast knowledge and experience in the dental field are just a few qualities you will receive when being treated by Amy. Her gentleyet thorough techniques will have you leaving the office feeling squeaky clean. And her warm and personable personality will make you feel like a friend or family member.