“For many patients that means going beyond getting strong, healthy teeth and gums to address cosmetic problems,” says Dr. Tracy Davis.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. The study was commissioned by the AAO, conducted by Wakefield Research and published in November 2012. (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-shows-that-one-third-of-american-adults-are-unhappy-with-their-smile-179281261.html)

“Some patients are self-conscious or embarrassed about their teeth because they are crooked, crowded or displaced,” says Dr. Marc Barnett. “We can help fix that.”

Our Springfield MO dentistry practice offers two different teeth straightening options: Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. Both types of braces are ideal for adults and can be used for teenagers who have all their permanent teeth.

“These braces don’t come with the infamous tin grin that was common decades ago,” says Dr. Nick Matthews. “It’s very possible to go through orthodontic treatment without anyone seeing anything except your beautiful, more confident smile.”

Six Month Smiles is a revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques and modern materials used to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months. The brackets are clear, and the tooth-colored wires are practically invisible. Most adults are good candidates for this method. However, these braces cannot correct certain orthodontic problems like a severe overbite or underbite.

“We offer a complimentary cosmetic consultation to determine if a patient is a candidate for Six Month Smiles or our other orthodontic option Invisalign in Springfield MO,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett.

Invisalign is an orthodontic method that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Not only do these invisible braces eliminate the traditional metal brackets and wires, they offer benefits in addition to better aesthetics. The aligners are removable, so the patient can clean teeth, gums and the mouth much easier. That typically means a healthier mouth.

Other patients are self-conscious about discolored or missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures. We can give them the freedom to laugh, smile and eat comfortably by replacing missing teeth or securing dentures with dental implants. Our office has a state-of-the-art teeth whitening procedure that can lighten stained teeth by as many as 10 shades in an hour, and our Springfield MO dentists also offer custom tray bleaching and in-office laser bleaching. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/cosmeticcorner.php)

“Whether you want to improve your smile to gain more confidence at work, get ready for a special party, event or reunion or simply to feel better about yourself, we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“All types of cancer and every death caused by them is tragic, but what makes this even worse is that had these cases been caught early enough, they probably would not have died,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who has been a one of Springfield MO dentists since 1984.

In April, which is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, our office will be offering free oral cancer screenings like we have done in previous years. We are joining with the Oral Cancer Foundation to raise awareness.

Although oral cancer is a serious disease, 90 percent of cases can be cured if found in their earliest stages, according to the OCF. Lack of awareness about oral, head and neck cancers and lack of routine screenings are the biggest problems.

“We need to raise awareness and continue to draw attention to how essential it is to get routine screenings that check for the signs and symptoms of oral cancer,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a Nixa dentist.

This type of cancer is very treatable. The OCF estimates that 90 percent of the cases can be cured when diagnosed early. Too often the cancer is discovered because it metastasized to another location, typically lymph nodes in the neck. When cancer has metastasized, the prognosis is much worse than when the cancer is still localized in the oral area.

“Annual screenings are very important, but you need to be aware of any changes in your mouth or throat as well,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an award-winning cosmetic dental expert. “If you spot any of the symptoms, please contact us or your general physician immediately.”

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer (http://oralcancerfoundation.org/diagnosis/index.htm)

• A sore or lesion in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.

• A lump or thickening in the cheek.

• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth.

• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue.

• Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.

• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

• Chronic hoarseness.

The majority of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use, but there is another risk factor that continues to increase and seems to effect young, non-tobacco users. According to Johns Hopkins Head & Neck Cancer Center as many as 80 percent of oropharyngeal— the tonsils and the back of the tongue — cancers in the U.S. are due to infection with the HPV virus. The risk of oral cancer can be reduced by avoiding all tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake and practicing safe sex. (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/centers/head_neck/HPV_and_head_and_neck_cancer/hpv.html)

“Routine dental check-ups, cleanings and screenings can be your first line of defense in detecting many life-threatening ailments, including oral cancer,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a porcelain veneers expert. “Call us and schedule your appointment. It is a quick, simple, free procedure that could save your life.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“Our practice approaches dental health comprehensively,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Branson teeth whitening expert. “We’re not here to simply do fillings and cleanings. We treat people, not just their teeth and want our patients to be healthy overall. That is why we focus on patient education, which encompasses nutrition, and prevention.”

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and we’re using it to highlight the part that nutrition plays in dental health. (http://www.eatright.org/)
Here are just a few examples of how the foods you eat and the beverages you drink can impact your oral health:

• A diet full of sugar and carbohydrates makes the mouth a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria, increasing the chance of tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.

• Insufficient calcium and Vitamin D can result in weak or brittle teeth and bones.

• Drinking a lot of acidic or sugary beverages like sports drinks, sweet teas and sodas increases tooth decay and can cause enamel erosion.

“Snacking all day is a culprit that people often don’t realize can be harming their dental health,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who is a Nixa denture provider. “Even if the food itself is healthy, it is creating an environment in the mouth that is conducive for bacteria to grow. That’s why it is important to brush after eating.”

The slogan for this year’s nutrition campaign is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” and encourages personalized healthy eating styles that take into account food preferences, lifestyle, health concerns, and cultural and ethnic traditions.
“A well balanced diet improves overall health and energy levels, sets the stage for good dental health and gives you a reason to smile more often,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a dental implants expert in Springfield Missouri mini.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy diet is predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, but it also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. The ideal diet for overall health is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/)

“If you’re trying to cut back on sugars, make sure you know all of its aliases because it tends to hide in a lot of food and drinks,” says Dr. Tracy Davis. “Sugar can also be listed on nutrition labels as high fructose corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar, corn sweetener, raw sugar, syrup, honey, fruit juice concentrates and words ending in “ose,” such as maltose or sucrose.

Education + Prevention = Dental Health

A good diet is a key aspect of overall dental health but without good dental hygiene, you’ll only be halfway there. Following the American Dental Association guidelines for dental care is the other half of the equation for keeping teeth, gums and bones healthy: brush at least twice a day, floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day and get professional cleanings and examinations twice a year. You should also get an annual oral cancer screening and in between cleanings watch for signs of periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue of the mouth.

“Ultimately, you want to be proactive about oral health and treat problems right away to keep your mouth healthy,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who founded the Ozark dental clinic in 1984. “Education about proper nutrition and dental hygiene plus diligent prevention methods are what you need to maintain your teeth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

What an award winning office! In August last year, Dr. Barnett and her partners were all voted Top Dentists for the fifth year in a row in a separate 417 Magazine feature. Then, in October, Dr. Barnett was saluted by the Springfield Business Journal for being a Health Care Champion. Just last month, the practice topped the readership poll as Best Dentist Office in the Ozarks for the sixth year in a row in the Springfield News-Leader. And now, Dr. Barnett has been honored again.

“We are so proud to announce that Dr. Kelly Barnett has been voted the best cosmetic dentist in Springfield, MO in the February 2013 issue of 417 Magazine,” says Dr. Davis, a Nixa dentures provider.

The award is part of 417 Magazine’s annual rundown of their readers’ favorite people, places, foods and things about living in 417-land. (http://www.417mag.com/417-Magazine/February-2013/Best-of-417-2013/) The selection process began last September when the magazine started taking nominations from readers in dozens of categories, including cosmetic dentistry providers. Once the nominations were tallied up, the editors put together a list of finalists and readers chose their favorites.

“We knew that Kelly was a finalist, but we didn’t know if she had won,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, her husband who practices alongside her at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “We were waiting on pins and needles to find out the results, and then when we did hear, we had to wait to announce it when the magazine published.”

Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett, Tracy Davis and Nick Matthews provide a broad variety of cosmetic dentistry services at the dental clinic, including teeth whitening, repairing or replacing teeth, veneers and whole – mouth makeovers. We treat children and adults and offer the full spectrum of general dentistry services. Education is an important aspect of our treatment approach with patients because of oral health’s impact on the body. Preventing problems before they happen and treating issues early is the best way to avoid serious, costly dental problems and larger health issues.

“I’m so honored that my patients, colleagues and associates took the time to vote for me as the best cosmetic dentist in the Greater Springfield area,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett. “Thank you to everyone who voted. It’s been my privilege to dedicate all my energy and enthusiasm to dentistry, my patients and our community.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“That’s right,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Rogersville MO dentist since 1984. “There is a link between your oral health and your heart health. Research has shown that keeping your mouth healthy can help reduce your risk of problems with cardiovascular disease.”

“Committing to a healthier mouth is committing to a healthier body,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Nixa dentures provider since 1984. “Many people don’t realize it, but the benefits of dental health extend way, way beyond the mouth.”

Many studies have linked an unhealthy mouth with overall health problems, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory infection and diabetes. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/blog/good-oral-health-is-good-for-your-heart-too.php). Periodontal disease, which is also called gum disease, works as a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and because periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease it can complicate other diseases that cause inflammation in the body.

Consider making these five dental resolutions part of your list in 2013 for a healthier mouth and body:

1. Call the family dentist to schedule your first of two visits for this year.

“This resolution is easy and simple to keep,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an award-winning Springfield Missouri dentist. “It doesn’t require a lot of willpower each day or hours in the gym, just one quick phone call for the appointment. However, getting your teeth cleaned twice a year can improve your health significantly.”

At a routine dental appointment, your teeth get a deep, thorough cleaning and professional examination for any signs of decay or disease. Your mouth is checked for gum disease and other signs of problems.

2. Get in three minutes twice a day.

Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque, the sticky, colorless film of harmful bacteria that builds up on and in between teeth. The longer the plaque sits on your teeth, the more enamel-eroding acid it is able to produce and the more damage it does.

“Brushing your teeth twice a day is absolutely essential for warding off tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is one of the Branson dentists at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “Taking six minutes out of your day for dental care can save you so much heartache and money down the road, just in terms of dental restorations and tooth replacements.”

3. Find time to floss.

Only flossing removes the plaque that collects between teeth and below the gumline where decay and gum disease often starts. You can protect your teeth from cavities, your gums from periodontal disease and your face from signs of aging just by flossing thoroughly once a day.

“If flossing hurts, your technique might need some fine-tuning or you might have tender, swollen gums caused by the early stages of gum disease,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, who offers cosmetic dentistry services like Springfield MO tooth whitening. “We’ll be happy to help you learn the proper way to floss or treat conditions that make flossing uncomfortable.”

Keeping a container of floss in your gym bag, the glove compartment or your lunch bag is a good reminder, and it gives you no excuse not to floss if you forgot before heading out that morning.

4. Resolve to treat small dental problems now, not later.

Postponing dental work is something a lot of people do, but brushing off small cavities and other dental problems is a potentially dangerous and expensive gamble. Most dental problems start out innocuously and don’t hurt. Pain is often the last symptom of a dental problem, meaning that if you’ve put off getting something fixed until you experience pain, the problem is probably going to be serious.

“Our dental practice is one of the few in southwest Missouri to use dental lasers to treat many dental problems without the need for needles or a drill,” says Dr. Davis, Springfield Missouri cosmetic dentist. “Procedures done with a dental laser significantly reduce patient discomfort, minimize the need for anesthetic, limit post-operative swelling and discomfort, and cut down on the recovery time needed.”

5. Get an oral cancer screening at least once a year.

“A screening is fast, simple and painless,” says Dr. Marc Barnett. “But those five minutes could save your life.”

When caught in its early stages, the survival rates of oral cancer are very high. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/blog/early-detection-saves-lives-get-a-complimentary-screening-this-april.php)The best way to catch it early is to have regular oral cancer screenings that check for the signs and symptoms of any oral cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsil and throat. After the doctor does a visual examination of the oral tissues, he or she feels parts of the throat and the floor of the mouth to check for abnormalities.

“One of the ways to make you more likely to stick to New Year’s resolutions is to set small, attainable goals and build in rewards along the way,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett. “Consider making a Springfield Missouri cosmetic dentistry procedure like teeth whitening your reward when you keep your dental health resolutions.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“We’ll be celebrating with other award winners at a reception later this month, and the newspaper will announce the results officially to the public on Jan. 27,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Springfield, Missouri dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

Each year the newspaper asks readers to highlight the best people, places and activities that make the Ozarks a special place to live. Residents cast their votes via paper ballot and online survey from Dec. 3 to Dec. 11. More than 2,000 readers voted for the people and businesses they wanted to win this year.  The 2012 Best of the Ozarks winners and runners up will be featured in the print version and online edition of the newspaper.

“When we were first voted Best Dentist Office in 2007, we were so honored,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett. “Then year after year our community voted us Best Dentist Office again. We’re floored to receive the award for the sixth year in row. Thank you so much to everyone who voted.”

Our commitment has always been to our patients and promoting their optimal oral health through first-rate patient care, whether we’re putting on dental crowns, fixing cosmetic dental problems with Invisalign or educating them about proper dental care and preventive measures.

“Just like any other health care practitioner or service, people want to use the doctors who come most highly recommended,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who is a Springfield, Missouri teeth whitening expert. “That’s why we’re so flattered to receive the community’s recommendation for so many years in a row.”

We serve patients of all ages and offer preventive care, restorative procedures and popular cosmetic dentistry services. Our office is very serious about education since oral health impacts the whole body, and we emphasize prevention as the way to avoid serious, costly dental problems and larger health issues.

“The highest praise this practice could ever receive is recognition from happy, healthy patients,” says Dr. Nick Matthews. “So we want to say thank you to each and every person who voted for our office. We’re very pleased to be listed among other businesses, people and activities known to bring happiness and quality to this area.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“The social events of the holiday season can get people thinking about their appearance, especially their smile,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Springfield MO dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “Patients tend to be more interested in teeth whitening services this time of year.”

Types Of Whitening
Stained teeth can be lightened by as many as 10 shades in just one hour-long office visit. We offer several types of bleaching systems, including custom tray bleaching, in-office laser bleaching and the most specialized in-office KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System.

• One whitening method that can be done easily at home is whitening with custom-made bleaching trays that slip onto upper and lower teeth. Patients put the prescription whitening agent into their custom made tray, put the tray over their teeth and then lightly press it into place. We recommend wearing the bleaching trays every day or evening for the prescribed length of time, typically one hour, and within two weeks patients will see noticeably lighter teeth.

Springfield laser teeth whitening treatment provides same-day results. We use a powerful prescription bleaching solution in combination with an FDA-approved dental laser to get teeth up to 10 shades lighter.
• The KöR system is ideal for patients with special whitening needs like patients with tooth sensitivity, tetracycline discoloration or dark, stubborn staining. After an office visit to make molds for customized mouth trays, we then do an office conditioning visit to prepare the teeth for bleaching. We give patients a two-week supply of prescription bleach to use in their custom trays at home. After two weeks of overnight bleaching at home, a chairside in-office power bleaching session completes the whitening process.

You can keep your smile lustrous and bright after the whitening procedure with good dental hygiene, regular dental appointments and periodic touch-ups.

“Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking, too,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who is a Nixa teeth whitening expert. “Certain types of foods and drinks can stain your smile, such as coffee, tea, dark colored soft drinks, berries, red wine and any food with artificial coloring.”

Sometimes patients want to get their teeth whitened, but they feel like they can’t justify the expense. Instead of thinking of whitening as only a cosmetic procedure, they should look at smile whitening in a different context: a boost to self-confidence and improvement in quality of life.

“When people are so self-conscious about their teeth that they’re afraid to smile in public or unhappy every time they look in the mirror, a yellow smile can be devastating,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield MO dentures provider. “Most patients are so happy with their whitening results and feel so much more self-confident when they smile.”

Our office offers many flexible payment options, including pre-payment accounting courtesies, credit cards and interest-free financing through our healthcare financial partners. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/paymentoptions.php) Our office is also having a fun contest right now called Grin2Win. You can submit a picture to our Grin2Win contest through our website or Facebook page for a chance to win a free teeth whitening procedure. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/grin2win/) Entries are accepted from the first through the last day of each month. The winner is chosen and notified by email on the fifth day of the following month.

“You can also put teeth whitening on your holiday wish list,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who does minimally invasive dental surgery to replace missing teeth. “We offer teeth bleaching gift certificates for you or someone you know who has wanted to get their teeth whitened.”

Call today to schedule a complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for one of the whitening procedures we offer at our practice.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Before you assume that you don’t have bad breath, remember that the brain’s ability to acclimate to smells means you aren’t able to smell your own breath even with the breathing into cupped hands and sniffing technique. Try a simple fresh breath self-test for a more accurate representation of what your breath smells like to others. Use a spoon to scrape from the very back portion of your tongue toward the front of your mouth. Let the saliva dry and take a whiff of the spoon. This is probably the way your breath smells.

“Bad breath, which is medically called halitosis, is not something you have to live with or try to ineffectively cover up with breath mints or gum,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is one of the Springfield MO dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “We can help you find out the source and get your breath smelling fresh again.”

Causes Of Bad Breath
There are many factors that could be contributing to halitosis, but bad breath boils down to one cause: oral bacteria. These are just a few of the factors that affect your breath:

• Untreated periodontal disease
• Eating food or drinking beverages with potent odors
• Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia
• Sinus infections, allergies or post nasal drip
• Digestive issues
• Acid reflux
• Poor dental hygiene and overdue dental visits
• Smoking and other tobacco product use

Dealing With Bad Breath
Since oral bacteria is the main source of all bad breath problems, treating halitosis means controlling the bacteria in the mouth by removing it, treating conditions that promote its growth and using products to clean bacteria off hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

“The first step is ruling out periodontal disease,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Springfield Missouri
Periodontist since 1984. “If you have that, we can treat it and breath will improve, but if gum disease isn’t to blame, then we can discuss other treatments or mouth rinses to get long-lasting fresh breath.”

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth, and it is characterized by swollen, red gums and a receding gum line. The bacteria from gum disease causes toxins to form in the mouth and left untreated will damage the gums and supporting jawbone until tooth loss occurs.

“Every time you eat or drink something, food particles and plaque get on and in between your teeth,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, who offers family and cosmetic dentistry services. “Brushing and flossing are on the first line of defense against bad breath and cavities because they remove the food source of the bacteria.”

However, oral bacteria reside in areas that can’t be brushed, such as the very back of the tongue, back of the throat, tonsils and deep below the gum line, which makes regular dental appointments essential. Your body’s natural defense for these areas is saliva because it moistens and cleanses the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks. Because saliva is so important, it is essential to deal with any condition causing dry mouth. Not only does dry mouth put you at an increased risk for cavities, it can cause bad breath.

“Some people may try mouthwash or breath mints to keep breath smelling fresh,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an Springfield Missouri Invisalign provider. “Those are only temporary fixes that mask odor. We can prescribe antiseptic mouth rinses that are far more effective and long lasting because they kill the germs that cause bad breath.”

Halitosis is not a condition that you need to continue to cover up be embarrassed about. Just call our office to schedule an appointment, and we can get you on your way to fresh breath and renewed confidence.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“Being the winner of this prestigious award is a huge honor for me,” says Dr. Barnett, who has practiced family dentistry since 1984. “It’s been my privilege to dedicate my energy and enthusiasm to benefit the dental profession, the people we serve and the communities in which we live.”

The award was presented on Oct. 25 during a joint event with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at the 2012 Salute to Health Care banquet at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center. Two physicians and 11 other health professionals-dentists, hospice workers, physical therapists and school nurses-also received awards.

“I’m so proud of my wife,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who is a porcelain veneers expert. “It’s a pleasure to see her recognized for all the hard work and passion she has poured into dentistry and our patients.”

Dr. Jerry Cash from Cash Family Orthodontics nominated her as a Health Care Champion, and a panel of five judges chose her as the winner. In his recommendation letter, Dr. Cash explained that her leadership and drive to help the community were part of the reasoning for his nomination, as well as her achievements.

“As the first female dentist ever in the Greater Springfield Dental Society, her efforts have made a significant impact on our local dental community,” the Springfield dentures provider wrote.

Not only that, Dr. Barnett went on to become the first female president of that same dental society and the first female dentist to preside over the Greater Springfield Dental Foundation, organizations that represent nearly 300 practicing dentists in 16 counties in Southwest Missouri.

“Kelly has been a friend and business partner for more than a decade,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Springfield, Missouri dentist. “I’ve observed her interaction with patients and watched as she took on leadership roles in dental foundations and societies. She deserves the title Health Care Champion, and we’re celebrating right along with her.”

In 2010, Dr. Barnett was elected into the American College of Dentists, the oldest major honorary professional organization for dentists that selects only those with the highest ethics-about two or three percent of the dentists in the United States.

“Working with one of Springfield’s best dentists is inspiring,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield MO Invisalign provider. “I hope to become as vital to the dental community as Dr. Barnett has been.”

She did her undergraduate work at the University of Kansas and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. After graduating, Dr. Barnett went into private practice while simultaneously teaching as a post-graduate clinical instructor at the University of Missouri.

“I strive to be a positive force in the recruitment of future dental professionals from our local schools and hope to continue serving my patients with the highest quality dental care,” says Dr. Barnett.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.