Dr. Jay Shires believes a successful practice is one that can develop long-term relationships with patients while providing excellence in complete dental care. His initial visit encompasses performing a complete examination of the entire masticatory system, including not only the teeth and gums, but the muscles and temporomandibular joints. Additionally, Dr. Shires screens for and treats patients with sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. Clinical findings are then discussed with the patient in order to come up with the best possible treatment plan for that patient, using the latest technologies. This comprehensive approach increases the predictability of treatment outcomes and fosters trust between the patient and doctor. Patients receive personalized attention and can elect to have a massage and heat pad, blankets, or the option to listen to their favorite music during treatment.
Dr Shires has been recognized repeatedly by Baltimore magazine as a Top Dentist and past president of The Baltimore County Dental Association. He is an alumnus of the L. D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and the Dawson Academy. A member of the Deans Faculty at the University of Maryland, he is also a Crown Council member who donates all of his at-home bleaching proceeds to Smiles for Life, a group of childrens charities. He counts among his patients a number of fellow dentists and their families.
Dr. Schmidt is from a small town in northeast Ohio near Youngstown. He attended Miami University of Ohio and then went on to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry where he graduated in 1987. He moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Maryland Dental College where he completed a one year residency in General Dentistry. He then continued in this program as a full time clinical professor before joining his partner Dr. Paul Shires in 1989. Dr. Schmidt continued to instruct in this program on a part time basis until 2017. Because of his commitment to continuing education Dr. Schmidt is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization dedicated to continued learning, where he has earned there Fellowship award status.
One of Dr. Schmidts passion is using his skills and knowledge to give back to those who cannot afford or do not have access to quality dental care. He has taken mission trips to southern Russia and several to both northern and southern Thailand with the non-profit organization Smiles on Wings. Currently he works with the organization Medicine Arm In Arm, treating impoverished children in South Africa. On these trips he travels to remote locations in these countries and preforms dental services on these underserved populations. As an off shot of these trips in 2010 Dr. Schmidt began a Free Dental Day program in his office. Feeling there is a need for similar services closer to home, once a year Dr. Schmidt recruits several of his colleagues and staff members and friends and opens his office and treats up to 50 patients in a day who would otherwise not be able to afford dental care. He also gets help from his local Towsontowne Rotary club of which he has been a member since 2005.
Dr. Schmidt resides in Harford County with his wife Debbie. He has two daughters Rachel and Kimberly. He has also been blessed with 2 grandchildren Addison Harper, born in 2013, and Cory Benson, born in 2018. As seen in the picture, they bring him joy every single day.
Holly graduated from University Of Nebraska with a Bachelors in Nutrition. She then went on and got a second Bachelors in Dental Hygiene at the University Of Nebraska College Of Dentistry. Holly strives to provide excellent care while keeping her patients at ease. Hollys passion is overall health, nutrition and exercise. In her free time she loves to be outdoors with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Brianne attended the dental assisting program at Harford Community College. She enjoys coming to work every day and making the patients feel comfortable. She is always striving to learn new things about dentistry. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two border collies.
Kathy Wright has been with the practice for 12 years. She is our Office Manager and you will find her at the reception desk. Kathy graduated from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel) with a BA in Mathematics and from Johns Hopkins with a MAS. She worked for Verizon in various management positions for 30 years before joining our practice.
Andrea has been working with the practice for about 2 years. She is Dr. Shires Assistant. Andrea attended a Dental Assisting program at Fortis Institute. She graduated top of her class in 2017. What she enjoys most about dentistry is the camaraderie between Patient and Provider. In her spare-time she enjoys giving all her love and attention to her FUR-Baby Cash.
Both Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Shires have extensive experience performing a variety of general and advanced dentistry procedures. They have been practicing since 1989 and are dedicated to serving patients with a high standard of care. Both doctors have experience with teeth grinding and bruxism treatment to relieve jaw pain, orthodontics, dental implants, sleep apnea treatment, and periodontal therapies.
We encourage all patients to book their exams and teeth cleanings on schedule so that they can maintain optimal oral health. Seeing us regularly reduces your risk of gum disease and irreversible damage to the teeth and other oral structures. Based on your oral health status, Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Shires will determine how often you need to visit us for exams and cleanings.
Many patients do not realize that a variety of oral health issues occur below the gum line. You may not even notice a problem until you experience symptoms, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or tooth pain. A comprehensive exam will allow us to detect problems below the gum line that are not visible to the naked eye.
We recommend brushing your teeth at least three times a day this is the minimum amount recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). We encourage all patients to floss their teeth right after brushing and to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.
When searching for a dentist, it is important to find one who will offer the greatest overall patient experience. If you are seeking a family dentist in Towson, MD for general and cosmetic dentistry services or advanced treatments for TMJ, sleep apnea, or missing teeth, turn to Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Shires for their expertise and decades of combined experience. We serve our patients with a full range of modern dentistry treatments and maintain a high standard of care to ensure optimal results.
