I believe dentistry should feel different. More personal, more thoughtful, and centered on the person sitting in the chair.

My path to dentistry began with a little bit of curiosity and a lot of nerdiness. During my first college spring break, while most students were looking for somewhere warm to spend the week, I attended a dental conference in Atlanta. Somewhere between the lectures, I discovered the profound connection between oral health and overall health, and I knew I had found something I could be passionate about.

I didn’t want to simply treat teeth. I wanted to understand my patients, educate them about their health, and build relationships that would allow us to care for their smiles together.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia College & State University in 2013 and my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2020. Before dental school, I worked as a dental assistant, an experience that gave me an early appreciation for the teamwork, communication, and attention to detail that make exceptional patient care possible. One of my greatest mentors was a humble dentist who built genuine relationships with his patients. His example continues to influence the kind of dentist I strive to be.

A Practice Built on Relationships

My journey eventually brought me to Bristol. In January 2024, I joined Dr. Janet Rice and her team at Rice Dental Arts. I quickly came to appreciate the trust and relationships Dr. Rice had built with generations of patients and the personalized care that had become part of the practice’s identity.

When the opportunity came for me to become the owner, I knew I had found something special.

Today, I am honored to carry that foundation forward as the owner of Legacy Smile Co. I am not interested in simply preserving what has been built. I want to thoughtfully build upon it, combining the personal care and relationships that have always mattered with continued education, modern dentistry, and an experience designed around the individual patient.

For me, that is what a legacy means. Honoring what came before while thoughtfully building what comes next.

Always Learning, Always Growing

I believe being a dentist is a privilege, and that privilege comes with a responsibility to keep learning.

I have pursued additional education in areas including restorative dentistry, digital same-day crowns, laser dentistry, and oral tie release. I have completed hands-on training in CEREC crown design and fabrication at Dentsply Sirona headquarters and have pursued advanced hands-on CO₂ laser training with Dr. Larry Kotlow. I have also completed training in oral tie release through Tongue Tie Academy with Dr. Richard Baxter.

These experiences have expanded the ways I can care for my patients, but more importantly, they have reinforced something I believe strongly: education should never stop. I remain committed to continually refining my knowledge and clinical skills so I can provide the exceptional, personalized care my patients deserve.

I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in dental mission trips to Haiti. Those experiences brought me tremendous joy and reminded me that being a dentist is a gift and an opportunity to serve others.

Life Outside the Office

My greatest joys are found outside of dentistry, too.

My husband and I met at Georgia College & State University before he went on to Georgia Tech. After living in Texas and Kentucky, we settled in East Tennessee in 2019 when he began working for Eastman Chemical. We fell in love with this little slice of heaven and especially the Appalachian Mountains, which have become a favorite place for our family to explore.

We welcomed our son in 2022 and our daughter in 2025, and these days some of our favorite adventures involve getting outside together as a family. Hiking, camping, and exploring the mountains have become part of our family rhythm.

Faith and family are central to my life. I am grateful for the people who have shaped me, the community that has welcomed our family, and the opportunity to serve the people who entrust their care to me. My husband and I are active members at our Christ Fellowship in Kingsport.

I believe deeply that what we are is God’s gift to us, and what we become is our gift to God. I hope to honor that gift by caring for my patients with skill, compassion, gratitude, and genuine hospitality.

Welcome to Legacy Smile Co.

Whether you’ve been a patient of this practice for decades or you’re walking through our doors for the very first time, I want you to feel known, heard, and genuinely cared for.

Thank you for trusting me with your smile. It is an honor to care for you and your family, and I look forward to building something lasting together.