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# Decatur Dental Care

## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Why Does Your Tooth Hurt Only When You Bite?](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/why-does-your-tooth-hurt-when-you-bite/): Dental crowns in Decatur may help protect certain cracked or weakened teeth. However, your dentist must first determine the location and extent of the damage.
- [Small Tooth Chip, Big Smile Concern: Can Bonding Fix It?](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dental-bonding-for-chipped-teeth/): Dental bonding in Decatur may be considered for minor chips, uneven edges, or small spaces. Your dentist will examine your teeth before discussing whether bonding can produce the desired result.
- [Are Dental Sealants Just for Kids? Adults Should Ask Too](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/can-adults-get-dental-sealants/): Dental sealants in Decatur are one preventive option families can discuss during routine examinations.
- [What Happens to Your Jawbone After a Tooth Extraction?](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/what-happens-to-jawbone-after-tooth-extraction/): Tooth extraction in Decatur should involve a discussion about what happens after removal. Planning helps patients understand whether socket preservation might be useful.
- [Why Do Teeth Shift Again Years After Braces?](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/can-invisalign-fix-teeth-shifting-after-braces/): Invisalign in Decatur offers an option for patients seeking discreet orthodontic correction. Your dentist must assess your teeth and bite before recommending treatment.
- [Waking Up With Jaw Pain? Nighttime Clenching Could Be Why](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/night-guards-for-jaw-pain-and-teeth-grinding/): At Decatur Dental Care, patients can receive TMJ treatment in Decatur for teeth grinding and nighttime clenching related concerns. The practice also provides custom night guards when clinically appropriate.
- [Nervous About the Dentist? What Does Laughing Gas Really Feel Like?](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dental-anxiety-nitrous-oxide-guide/): Nitrous oxide sedation in Decatur may be an option for patients who struggle with dental anxiety. Your dentist will determine whether it is appropriate for your health and treatment needs.

## Pages
- [Dr. Efrain Vargas](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dr-efrain-vargas/): I was born and raised in Mexico, I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (2007–2013). I then spent eight years practicing in Puerto Vallarta, focusing on restorative dentistry, during which I completed extensive continuing education in minor oral surgery, orthodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and prosthodontics. In 2021, I relocated to the United States to reunite with my family. I completed a postdoctoral program in Advanced Restorative Dentistry at UCLA (2023-2025 generation), earning a Master’s Degree in Biomimetic Dentistry (2024-2026)—a modern approach that now forms the core of my clinical practice.
- [Nitrous Oxide Sedation](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/nitrous-oxide-sedation/): Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas administered through a small mask that fits over the nose. It is blended with oxygen and inhaled normally throughout your appointment, producing a calm, slightly detached sensation while you remain fully awake, aware and able to respond and communicate.
- [Arestin Treatment](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/arestin-treatment/): Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic used alongside scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. The active ingredient is minocycline, delivered as microspheres barely visible, placed directly into the periodontal pocket immediately after the root surface has been cleaned.
- [Scaling and Root Planing](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/scaling-and-root-planing/): Scaling and root planing is the foundational treatment for gum disease that has progressed past gingivitis. It is often called a deep cleaning, and while that description is accurate enough, it undersells what is actually happening.
- [Bone Grafting](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/bone-grafting/): Dental bone grafting is a procedure that adds volume to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost or has never been sufficient. Graft material is placed into the deficient site, where it functions as a scaffold. Over the following months your own bone cells migrate into that scaffold, gradually replacing it with living, vascularized bone capable of supporting a dental implant.
- [Emergency Dentistry](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/emergency-dentistry/): A cracked tooth, sudden toothache, or lost filling can happen at the worst possible time, and it is never something you should have to manage on your own. At Decatur Dental Care, we do our best to reserve space on our schedule for dental emergencies for our current patients, so if you are already part of our practice, we are here to help when you need us most.
- [Tooth Extractions](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/tooth-extractions/): Modern dentistry is built around saving natural teeth. Fillings, crowns and root canal therapy exist precisely so that damaged teeth can stay in the mouth and keep working, and nothing replaces a natural root for maintaining bone and transmitting chewing forces the way the body designed.
- [Occlusal Adjustment](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/occlusal-adjustment/): Occlusion is the term for how your upper and lower teeth meet. In a balanced bite, contact is distributed across many teeth simultaneously, and the jaw closes into a position where the joints seat comfortably. When that distribution is disrupted, one or two teeth make contact fractionally before the others, and everything else follows from that.
- [Night Guards](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/night-guards/): Bruxism is the clinical term for grinding and clenching the teeth, and it happens most often during sleep when you have no conscious control over it. The forces involved are considerably higher than anything produced during normal chewing, and unlike chewing, they continue for extended stretches without the natural pauses that let muscles recover.
- [TMJ Treatment](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/tmj-treatment/): The temporomandibular joints sit just in front of each ear and connect your lower jaw to your skull. They are the most heavily used joints in the body, moving thousands of times a day for chewing, speaking, swallowing and yawning. Each one contains a small cartilage disc that cushions the joint and allows it to glide smoothly.
- [Blog](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/blog/)
- [Services](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/services/): Most dental practices handle the routine work and refer everything else out. That means starting over with an unfamiliar office, repeating your history, and being treated by someone who has never seen the rest of your mouth.
- [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/cosmetic-dentistry/): Cosmetic dentistry covers the treatments that change the shade, shape, size, alignment and proportion of your teeth. What separates a good result from an obvious one is restraint and planning. Teeth that are uniformly bright white, identical in shape and perfectly symmetrical read as artificial immediately, because real teeth have subtle variation in translucency, surface texture and edge contour.
- [Restorative Dentistry](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/restorative-dentistry/): Restorative dentistry covers everything involved in repairing teeth that have been damaged by decay, fracture or wear, and replacing teeth that are already gone. The goal is not simply to fill a hole or close a gap. It is to return your bite to a state where chewing forces distribute properly, food does not pack into places it should not, and no single tooth is carrying more load than it was built to handle.
- [General Dentistry](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/general-dentistry/): General dentistry covers the everyday care that most people need most often: professional cleanings, thorough examinations, protective treatments and early intervention when something changes. It is the least dramatic category in dentistry and by far the most valuable, because nearly every expensive dental problem began as something minor that went unnoticed.
- [Invisalign](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/invisalign/): Invisalign moves teeth using a sequence of clear, removable trays, each one manufactured to fit your teeth at a specific stage of the plan. Every aligner applies gentle, controlled pressure that shifts teeth a fraction of a millimeter, and progressing through the series moves them steadily from where they are to where they should be. The trays are made from a nearly invisible thermoplastic with no brackets, no wires and no metal. Because they come out for eating and brushing, there are no dietary restrictions and cleaning your teeth stays completely normal throughout treatment.
- [Teeth Whitening](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/teeth-whitening/): Tooth discoloration happens on two levels. Extrinsic staining sits on the outside of the enamel and comes from coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces and tobacco. Intrinsic discoloration lives within the tooth structure itself, developing gradually as enamel thins with age and the naturally yellower dentin beneath shows through more.
- [Lumineers](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/lumineers/): Lumineers are a brand of contact lens thin porcelain veneer, made from a proprietary ceramic strong enough to be fabricated at roughly the thickness of a contact lens. That thinness is the entire point. Because so little material is being added to the front of the tooth, little or often no enamel needs to be removed to accommodate it.
- [Porcelain Veneers](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/porcelain-veneers/): A porcelain veneer is a thin, individually crafted shell bonded permanently to the visible surface of a tooth. Each one is made for one specific tooth in one specific mouth, with the shade, translucency, surface texture and contour selected as part of a complete smile design rather than tooth by tooth.
- [Dental Bonding](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dental-bonding/): Dental bonding uses the same composite resin found in tooth colored fillings, applied here for appearance rather than for decay. The material is sculpted directly onto the tooth in thin layers, hardened with a curing light, then shaped and polished until it blends into the surrounding enamel.
- [Dentures](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dentures/): A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. A full denture restores an entire upper or lower arch, resting on the ridge and held by suction, tissue contour and muscle control. A partial denture fills in several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place, using precision clasps or attachments to hold securely without damaging those teeth.
- [Dental Bridges](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dental-bridges/): A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using the neighboring teeth as support. Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, and a replacement tooth, called a pontic, is joined between them as a single connected unit. Once cemented, the bridge is fixed permanently in place. It is not removed for cleaning and it does not shift while you eat or speak.
- [Dental Crowns](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dental-crowns/): A dental crown is a custom made covering that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its original size, shape and function. Where a filling patches a portion of a tooth, a crown encircles it, which changes how chewing forces travel through the structure. Instead of pressure wedging apart a weakened wall, the crown holds everything together and distributes load evenly.
- [Composite Fillings](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/composite-fillings/): Composite resin is a mercury-free material made of finely milled glass particles suspended in a durable plastic matrix. It is placed as a soft putty, shaped directly against the surrounding tooth structure, then hardened with a curing light. Because it bonds chemically to enamel and dentin rather than simply sitting in a prepared hole, less healthy tooth has to be removed to hold it in place.
- [Kid-Friendly Dentistry](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/kid-friendly-dentistry/): Children are not small adults, and treating them well takes a different pace. Our team explains instruments before using them, gives kids a moment to look at things and ask questions, and lets a child set the rhythm of the visit whenever possible. Nothing gets forced, and nothing gets rushed.
- [Mouth Guards](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/mouth-guards/): A mouth guard only works if it is being worn, and comfort is what determines whether it stays in. Guards pulled off a shelf have to be held in place by clenching, which interferes with breathing and speech, so athletes take them out. A custom guard is fabricated from a precise model of your own teeth, retains itself without effort, and maintains protective thickness exactly where impact forces land.
- [Dental Sealants](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dental-sealants/): Molars and premolars are built with deep pits and fissures across their chewing surfaces, and in many people those grooves are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle. Food particles and bacteria settle inside and remain there regardless of how carefully the tooth is brushed. This is why the majority of cavities in school-aged children form on chewing surfaces rather than between the teeth.
- [Decatur, IL](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/)
- [Dental Cleanings & Exams](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/decatur-il/dental-cleanings-exams/): Cavities and gum disease rarely announce themselves. Decay forming between two molars causes no discomfort until it reaches the nerve, and gum inflammation can quietly progress into bone loss without ever becoming painful. By the time a tooth hurts, the simple solution has usually passed.
- [Warrensburg](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/areas-we-serve/warrensburg/): 3737 E State Route 36, Decatur, IL, 62521
- [Forsyth](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/areas-we-serve/forsyth/): 3737 E State Route 36, Decatur, IL, 62521
- [Mt. Zion](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/areas-we-serve/mt-zion/): 3737 E State Route 36, Decatur, IL, 62521
- [Areas We Serve](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/areas-we-serve/): Learn More
- [Request an Appointment](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/request-an-appointment/): Use the online form below to request an appointment at your convenience. Once we receive your request, our team will contact you with available times and help you choose an option that works best for you.
- [Surgical Instructions](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/surgical-instructions/): Preparing You for a Successful Procedure It is important to us that our patients are informed during every step of their treatment so that they are well prepared and have the chance to ask questions. The following information is a starting point for researching your procedure and should assist in developing a list of questions to ask during your consultation. After Wisdom Tooth RemovalWisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 45 minutes, and then discarded after that. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. As with any oral surgery, refrain from drinking through a straw as doing so creates suction and may disrupt the sutures. After Dental Implant SurgeryAfter dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you take at easy for 48-72 hours. Resting assists the healing process and limits after surgery bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for the 2 days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after surgery. You will feel slightly uncomfortable the first two days following surgery, but the third day is generally better. An increase in temperature of about 1 to 2 degrees is to be expected and is not a cause for concern. Finally, while you can eat when you are hungry, do not chew directly onto the bone graft. After Impacted Tooth
A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room to accommodate the space in the dental arch and growth becomes impossible. After surgery to remove an impacted tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected. This is part of the process and should not alarm you. You may use cold compresses to alleviate the swelling. In addition, your doctor will prescribe pain medication, which should be taken as directed. Patients are also advised to favor the extraction area and modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing. Multiple Tooth ExtractionsThe removal of one or two teeth is a simple procedure. Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. You may experience the following after a multiple tooth extraction procedure. Within two days, you will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye as well. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. This is normal as well as the corners of your mouth becoming dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. In most cases, you will have a follow up appointment with your dentist within 48 hours after surgery to discuss any post surgery symptoms that you are experiencing. New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome! Request Appointment
217-423-2400
- [Post-Op Instructions](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/post-op-instructions/): Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.
- [Office Policies](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/office-policies/): Committed to Your Care and Safety At Decatur Dental Care, we want every patient to feel informed and comfortable, which is why we are transparent about how our office operates. Below is an overview of our facility standards, appointment process, payment options, and cancellation policy. Our Facility
We are proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the highest quality dental care available. Protecting the well-being of our patients is one of our top priorities. For this reason, our office meets and surpasses all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) standards. We welcome every patient like family, and we want you to feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Scheduling an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, simply contact our office by phone or email. Our team facilitates communication and emergency calls, and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking care. Financial Policy
We are happy to submit all insurance forms on your behalf and help you recover the maximum benefit available under your plan. Our team will do everything possible to help you afford the treatment you need. We accept check, cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and CareCredit financing. Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to keep an appointment, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice. This allows us to offer your appointment time to another patient who may need care. A fee may be charged for missed appointments without sufficient notice. New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome! Request Appointment
217-423-2400
- [Insurance & Financing](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/insurance-financing/): We believe cost should never stand in the way of a healthy smile. That is why we work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible financing options for patients throughout Decatur, Mt. Zion, Forsyth, and Warrensburg, IL. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and find a payment option that works for your budget.
- [Patient Forms](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/patient-forms/): Complete Your Forms Before Your Visit To help your first visit go as smoothly as possible, we ask new patients to complete a few simple forms ahead of time. Filling these out in advance means less time filling out paperwork in our Decatur, IL office and more time focused on your care. Simply download, print, and complete the forms below, then bring them with you to your appointment. Patient Registration Form Medical History Main Report New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome! Request Appointment
217-423-2400
- [New Patients](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/new-patients/): We are so glad you are considering us for your dental care. Starting with a new dentist can feel like a big decision, and we want to make that decision easy. Whether you are new to the Decatur area, switching dentists, or simply looking for a dental home you can trust in Decatur, Mt. Zion, Forsyth, or Warrensburg, IL, our team is here to welcome you with the same honest, personal care we have provided our patients since 2003.
- [Patient Reviews](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/patient-reviews/): New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome! Request Appointment
217-423-2400
- [Dental Technology](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dental-technology/): A panorex is an advanced piece of imaging equipment capable of identifying issues and structures that a standard X-ray cannot capture. During the scan, you will sit with your chin resting on a small support while the machine rotates around your entire head, capturing a full 360-degree view of your teeth, jaw, sinuses, and surrounding bone.
- [About Us](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/about-us/): Decatur Dental Care Care has been part of this community since 2003, when Dr. Kelly J. Clark joined the practice as an associate under longtime Decatur dentist Randy Van Alstine. What began as a small office on North Street has since grown into a full-service dental practice trusted by families throughout Decatur, Mt. Zion, Forsyth, and Warrensburg, IL. In 2009, the practice moved to a larger facility and became Decatur Dental Care, giving us the space and technology to serve more patients without losing the personal, small-town feel that our patients value most.
- [Office Tour](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/office-tour/): A Dental Office That Feels Like Home We know that stepping into a dental office can feel intimidating for some patients, which is why we designed our space to feel warm and welcoming rather than clinical. From our comfortable waiting area to our modern treatment rooms, every part of our Decatur, IL office was created with patient comfort in mind. Take a look around and see what to expect at your next visit. Administrative Area Administrative Area Doctors Operatory Hygiene Operatory Panoramic X-ray Room Play Area and Game Room Reception and Patient Waiting Room Reception and Patient Waiting Room Sterilization The Team New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome! Request Appointment
217-423-2400
- [Thank You](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/thank-you/): Thank you for choosing us for your dental care. We have successfully received your appointment request and look forward to welcoming you to our office.
- [Meet Our Team](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/meet-our-team/): The People Who Make Your Visit Comfortable Great dental care goes beyond the dentist's chair. At Decatur Dental Care, our administrative team, hygienists, and dental assistants work together every day to make sure your visit is comfortable, efficient, and personal from the moment you walk in. Many of our team members have been with the practice for years and have gotten to know our patients like family. Administrative TeamDental HygienistsDental AssistantsMeet the Administrative Team Sherri Shelton
Office Manager View BioI grew up in Mt. Zion and graduated from Mt. Zion High School. After high school, I attended Illinois State University in Normal. I now live in Long Creek with my husband and yorkie Baxter. We have two daughters, two grandsons and one granddaughter. I love being a mom and Memaw! We enjoy spending time with our family and friends. I started working at Decatur Dental Care in 2009. I am fortunate to work with a great staff of loving, compassionate people who go out of their way to provide the best care to our patients. Learn More Pam Hood
Business Administrator View BioLauren is our lead dental assistant who has been making patients smile since 2018. She takes pride in providing the best care for her patients and loves being able to be alongside them during their oral health journey, whether it be minor things a patient wants to improve with their smile or full mouth restorations. When Lauren is not helping the world one smile at a time, you can find her at Lowe’s in the garden section, doing home improvement projects on her house or spending time with her nieces, nephews and family. Learn More Jami Meredith
Hygiene Coordinator View BioI am originally from the Niantic area but currently reside in Mt. Zion. I have an amazing husband and 3 kids. I love spending time with family and friends. I joined the Decatur Dental Care staff in November 2021 and I'm thankful to work with such great doctors and staff. Learn More Carlie Barton Administrative Assistant View BioI grew up in Argenta and graduated from Argenta-Oreana High School where I was a cheerleader. I currently reside in Maroa with my high school sweetheart. When I'm not working, I am spending time with my family. I am the second oldest of five siblings. I enjoy camping and boating. What I love most about working at Decatur Dental Care are my amazing and friendly coworkers. They welcomed me with open arms and I am forever grateful. It is truly a wonderful place to work.
Learn More Meet the Dental Hygienists Morgan Northington
Dental Hygienist View BioI was born and raised in Decatur. I graduated from the Lutheran School Association in 2009. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a Dental Hygienist. After high school, I continued my education at Parkland College, graduating in 2012. I love creating relationships with my patients and strive to make their experience the best. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am married and we have three sons. I grew up coming to Decatur Dental Care as a patient and I am so happy to be a part of this family.
Learn More Glenda Jarosz Dental Hygienist View BioI was born and raised in Decatur. I attended high school at Stephen Decatur and then went on to dental hygiene school at Parkland College in Champaign. I graduated in 2002 and I've been working at Decatur Dental Care since 2004. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and building relationships with my patients over the years. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 2 kids, family and friends. Learn More Molly Summers Dental Hygienist View BioI have been a practicing Licensed Dental Hygienist since 2004. I attended SIUC and attained my hygiene license at Parkland College in Champaign. I knew from a very young age that I would pursue a career in the dental field as I always loved going to the dentist. My love for people and beautiful smiles led me to become a hygienist. Outside the office, my husband Jason and I keep very busy raising our 5 children. We love to stay involved with all of their activities and sports! In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, gardening and barbequing with friends and family.
Learn More Carla Canada Dental Hygienist View BioI started as a dental assistant, later furthering my education to become a dental hygienist. I love getting to know my patients and building long term relationships. As a dental hygienist, my focus is on providing high quality care to my patients, educating them about the importance of oral health, and teaching them to lead healthier lives. I travel often and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, family and friends. Learn More Taunia Rentfrow
Dental Hygienist View BioI was born and raised in Decatur. I started my career as a dental assistant and loved the one on one interaction with patients, so I decided to further my education to become a dental hygienist. I genuinely enjoy the relationships that I build with my patients and I'm happy to educate them on the importance of oral health care. Outside of the office, I enjoy my family, my husband, our cat Oliver, and especially our grandkids. I love the outdoors, crafting, baking and lots of family time. I am very grateful to be a part of the wonderful office at Decatur Dental Care.
Learn More Barb Ward
Dental Hygienist View BioAfter spending the majority of my dental hygiene career working in Taylorville, I am very excited to have joined the Decatur Dental Care family. Building long term relationships with my patients while helping them achieve oral health is what motivates me every day. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my two grandkids, as well as reading and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.
Learn More Shannon Kennedy
Dental Hygienist View BioI graduated from Mattoon High School in 2007. In 2013, I graduated from Lake Land College, where I attained my dental hygiene license. I joined the Decatur Dental Care team in 2026. I look forward to seeing my patients and providing the best possible care while building trusting relationships. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, spending time with family and taking care of my two dogs, Skye and Mia.
Learn More Meet the Dental Assistants Amy Fleming Assistant View BioI am a 1996 Mt. Zion High School graduate. I attended Lakeland Community College where I played basketball and softball. I have been a dental assistant since 2001. I received a dental assisting certificate in 2002 from Excel Training Systems, School of Dental Assisting. In 2004, I started working at Decatur Dental Care and married my wonderful husband. We have 3 children; Dylan, Macie and Maxwell. My kids are my world. I can truly say that I love coming to work every day. I enjoy working with patients and love to make them smile. I enjoy spending time with my kids and family. We love sports! So, if we are not home, you can find us at a sporting event. We also like to go boating and swimming when we have time. God Bless.
Learn More Laura Cooling
Assistant View BioI am from Decatur. I graduated from MacArthur High School in 2003. I then attended Kaplin College in Indianapolis, IN where I graduated in 2005 as a Dental Assistant. I have been with our office since 2011. I love working here and am very proud to say I work at Decatur Dental Care. We work in a very fun atmosphere with a great staff. Our doctors care a lot about our patients. I love being able to help patients, make them feel more comfortable about coming to the dentist, and help provide them with a healthy smile. In my free time, my husband, three dogs and I enjoy camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Learn More Audrey Loveall Assistant View BioI graduated from Warrensburg High School. I enjoy weight lifting, going to concerts and fostering kittens. I am the self-proclaimed best comedian in the office, though Dr Clark is a close second. I've been a patient at Decatur Dental Care since I was very young and it's been my dream to work here ever since. A lot of patients have had a history of negative experiences when going to the dentist and I love turning their dental appointment into a positive and fun experience that patients of every age can enjoy instead of fear. I'm very excited to have the privilege to work with you!
Learn More Heather Daniels Assistant View BioI was born in North Carolina and moved to the Decatur/Mt.Zion area my freshman year of high school. I have three incredible daughters and I'm a sports loving mom through and through. I have had the honor and privilege to work for Dr Clark at North Street Dental Care, Pana Family Dental and Decatur Dental Care. I love to come to work each day and I make patient care my top priority. At Decatur Dental Care, we strive to make sure that patients have a pleasant dental experience and personal care by each member of our staff. It is always my goal to have our patients leave the office with a smile.
Learn More Saylor Smith
Assistant View BioI grew up in Decatur. I graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 2022. I enjoy working at Decatur Dental Care and helping my patients. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Learn More Kyra McCarley
Assistant View BioI was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee. I moved to Decatur in 2010 and graduated from MacArthur High School in 2011. I have been in the dental field since 2021. In 2026, I joined Decatur Dental Care and was welcomed from the start. I look forward to learning and growing in my profession within this amazing dental practice while caring for my patients. I two beautiful girls Malaysia and Brielle. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my girls – going on scooter rides, visiting amusement park, eating out and playing their favorite sports: basketball and volleyball.
Learn More Welcoming New Patients from Decatur and Surrounding Areas Request Appointment
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- [Dr. Melissa Burnett](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dr-melissa-burnett/): I grew up in Mt. Zion, where I was a multisport athlete and involved in show choir. After graduating from high school in 2001, I attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I went to SIUE for three years and the Southern Illinois University-School of Dental Medicine for four years, earning my bachelors in Biological Sciences after my first year of dental school.
- [Dr. Kelly J. Clark](https://www.decaturdentalcare.com/dr-kelly-j-clark/): I grew up in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston. Since Jr. High, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I attended both the Academy of Science and Technology and Oak Ridge High where I participated in basketball. The day after high school graduation, I went to Marine Corps boot camp. I joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 1991 as a mortar man and served for 7 years. From there I attended Howard Payne University for my undergraduate degree, where I was able to continue to play basketball. My senior year I had the honor of playing in the NAIA National Championship Tournament. I went on from there to dental school at The University of Texas Health School of Dentistry in Houston. In my second year, I applied and received a health professions scholarship from the US Army. I was commissioned as an officer in April 1998, transferring from the Marine Corps into the Army. I graduated from dental school in June of 2000 and began my active duty Army career.
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