Diplomate of American Board of Periodontology Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Practice Limited to Dental Implants and Periodontics

Dr. Kovacs is one of only four dual board certified specialists in periodontics and prosthodontics in the USA. This means he is a specialist in both the surgical and restorative aspects of dental implants. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years. He moved to Minneapolis, MN where he completed a three-year residency in Prosthodontics as well as his Masters of Science degree at the University of Minnesota (UMN). He then moved on to a private practice in Edina, MN, where he practiced full-time for three years. During that time he decided to return to school to complete an additional residency program in Periodontics at UMN. Early during his training he also completed a clinical certificate program for treating elderly and medically compromised patients (OHSOA certificate) at UMN and earned the equivalent of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Certificate

His training on dental implants accounts for more than 10,000 hours of continuing education. He strives to practice the very best in evidence-based dentistry and stays abreast of the most current trends in all aspects of periodontics and implant dentistry. He utilizes his knowledge and skills to provide patients with the best possible treatment and clinical experience in a stress-free environment. He is a true believer in lifetime dental care and is exceptionally passionate about his profession.

One of Dr. Kovacs interests is treating patients with dental anxiety. He uses his training in sedation dentistry to help patients overcome fear so they can visit the dentist and get necessary care. He has advanced training in medical emergencies and holds a certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Kovacs enjoys teaching. He was appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota where he gets to spend time teaching graduate students about complex implant dentistry. He also lectures locally, nationally and internationally on a variety of topics including implant dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics. He directs the East Texas Dental Hygiene Study Club, a non-profit organization focused on furthering knowledge of local dentists, hygienists and dental assistants. He has also published papers in major dental implant journals.

American Board of Prosthodontics, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, Active Member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Osseointegration, Texas Dental Association and East Texas Dental Society.

When he is not in the office, teaching or lecturing, Dr. Kovacs loves spending time with his wife, seven-year-old son, three year old daughter and one year old daughter. He enjoys the outdoors and likes hiking, biking, fishing and even though not very good at it, he likes playing golf.

Dr. Smith attended the University of Texas Dental Branch and received his DDS degree in 1967. After serving in the United States Army, he attended Baylor College of Dentistry for specialty training in periodontics. He began his private practice in Longview in 1972. Dr. Smith is active in his profession at both the local and state levels, having served as President of the East Texas Dental Society and on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Society of Periodontists. He has also served as president of the Texas Society of Periodontists. Dr. Smith is a participating member of several local and regional study clubs. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and American Academy of Periodontology.

Kris started with Pinnacle Implants and Periodontics 5 years ago after re-locating to Longview from Minneapolis, Minnesota. For the past 36 years, she has worked in the positions of front desk, insurance coordinator, and office manager in multiple dental practices in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and now Texas. Although Minnesota was home for much of her life, she is loving the people, the warmth and sunshine of east Texas and is grateful to now call Longview home. Kris has been married for 36 years and has one grown daughter. She loves music, travel, scrapbooking, and time with family and friends.

Kim has been with the practice since 1999, serving with multiple roles from Clinical Administrator to Dental Assistant. She has been married since 1989 and they have one son. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to concerts and watching football. Go Patriots!

Eli joined Pinnacle Implants and Periodontics, originally to assist in the remodel of the office. As an interior designer, it was a dream come true to work on the project and 18 months later, Eli continues to be part of the Pinnacle Team. Her expanded duties include but are not limited to working with our accounts payable and taking care of our Spanish speaking patients, which Eli states has been a pleasure.

Chelsey graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Vista College in June 2017 with the high honor of Salutatorian. Chelsey joined the Pinnacle team in July as a business assistant where she takes pride in being one of the first smiling faces patients see when they come in. In her free time, Chelsey loves to spend time with her family watching movies and going fishing.

Nyssa joined Pinnacle Implants and Periodontics in December 2017. She graduated from Eastexas Dental Academy as valedictorian. She enjoys working and spending time with her family and loves to socialize with family and friends.

Ector joined our office in 2019 and is a valued member of our team of Registered Dental Assistants. In addition to assisting, Ector is our Clinical Coordinator and part of our leadership team. Born and raised in Longview, Texas, Ector attended and graduated from Pine Tree High School. After high school, Ector enjoyed a sabbatical and took the opportunity to travel. Later on, he attended Vista College where he graduated with honors as Salutatorian and as a member of Sigma Alpha Pi where he was awarded by The National Society of Leadership and Success. Being from a small town, Ector enjoys going to the lake during the summer, spending time with his family, and getting away to travel when he can.

Eleah graduated from Kilgore College with an Associates degree. She started with our practice in October of 2021 and has enjoyed working in a field that benefits and helps so many do one of the most important things, smile. Eleah loves spending time with her family and friends.

Kristen joined our Pinnacle Dental team in November of 2021 after moving to Texas. She has been a dental assistant for over 12 years and continues to enjoy being a part of the dental field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen, cooking and baking, as well as being in the outdoors gardening.

Kimberly joined the practice in December 2020. Kimberlys role with Pinnacle Implants and Periodontics is multi-faceted. She is one of a team that sees to it that the front desk operations run smoothly. In addition, she plays a vital role in the training of all administrative staff when they join us. She recently got engaged and likes to fish and spend time with her family.

Taylor joined Pinnacle Implants and Periodontics in October 2021. She attended Vista College and graduated in January 2019 and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and her family.

Arlene has over 30 years dental hygiene experience in general dentistry and periodontics. She is a lifelong native of the Longview/Hallsville area. Arlene enjoys seeing the progress and improvement her patients have and celebrates their successes with them. She married the love of her life in 1982 and has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. In her free time, Arlene enjoys traveling, working out at bootcamp, and spending time with her family.