Make 2011 the Year to Improve your Oral Health

Many folks in Missouri consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? The Dental Excellence team recommends that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at Dental Excellence

And the winner of the 2010 Ugliest Sweater or Sweatshirt Contest is....Trish!

Thanks to all of our patients who voted on our Facebook page in Dental Excellence's Ugliest Sweater or Sweatshirt Contest. The winner is “A,” Dr. Van Biber’s dental assistant Trish. She was presented with a gift certificate from Dr. Hawkins to the On the Border Restaurant.

Congratulations Trish!

A few patient reviews for Dental Excellence

Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, Wiley and team, serving Independence Missouri deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"I cannot stress enough how efficient, professional, and caring the staff and doctors at Dental Excellence are. I have never been treated better or more effectively by any medical professional."
-Thomas

"My wife and I have been patients for over 35 years and have always been pleased with the excellent dental care we received and, if we had a problem, the treatment we received to correct the problem. We started there because my wife's boss was a patient and recommend the dental office highly and we have always been glad that we took his advice. We are retired now and live at the Lake of the Ozarks but we still come back to Independence for our dental work because of the excellent treatment we have always received."
-Donald

"Dr Hawkins made what might have been a frightening experience very pleasant for our son. Thanks Dr Hawkins and staff for all you do!"
-Jacob

We need your help! Help us Vote for The UGLIEST Christmas Sweater/Sweatshirt.

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful patients!

Last night we had our office Christmas party and it was filled with food and fun! We asked our employees to participate in a contest by wearing the ugliest sweater or sweatshirt they could find to the party. But, we need your HELP!

We are asking our patients to help us decide the winner by voting on the top 3 ugliest sweaters or sweatshirts from the party. We just couldn’t decide!! You can vote by choosing either A, B or C as the ugliest Christmas sweater or sweatshirt. You can vote by letting us know on our blog, our Facebook Page or during your next visit to Dental Excellence. We need your vote by December 21st so we can announce the winner on December 23rd.

We look forward to seeing what you guys think!
--Dental Excellence

Stay healthy this Holiday Season--Replace your Toothbrush!

After recovering from a cold or flu, Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, and Wiley will all tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Dental Excellence if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Staying connected with Dental Excellence

At Dental Excellence, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Independence, Missouri.

As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook page. For social media to work, however, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media moving forward, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dental Excellence!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, our entire staff at Dental Excellence wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice here in Independence, Missouri thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Happy Birthday Dr. Wiley and Kay!

Birthdays in our office this week! Dr. Matt Wiley and our scheduling coordinator, Kay share the same birthday date, November 20th. This is Dr. Wiley’s 40th Birthday as you can see by the sign and his cake below. Do cakes get smaller as you get older?



Happy Birthday Dr. Wiley and Kay from all of your friends at Dental Excellence!

Year-end insurance reminder from Dental Excellence

Our entire team at Dental Excellence would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it’s about that time to schedule your dental visits so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call at our Independence office at 816-795-9500! Have a wonderful rest of the week everybody!

More happy smiles at Dental Excellence!

What are happy patients saying about our team at Dental Excellence lately? Check it out!

"Always treated courteously. Tried to work me in within a short asking time. Always does a thorough job, never rushing me through." ~ Barbara R.

"I find Dr. LaBarca and his crew to be friendly and professional. They care about their patients. They listen to their clients issues/questions and act upon them in a positive and professional manner. I would highly recommend IDC and I do not give 5 stars very often." ~ Kathy H.

"Great dental care, and friendly people." ~ Meredith H.

"My son, Tanner, has been seeing Dr. Carr and Kristen for 6 years now! We think they are great!!! Through the removal of his extra teeth, the tons of fillings, getting his braces, accidents with his braces, and regular 6 month check ups, they have been awesome! They make Tanner feel very comfortable every time he is the...re and always ask him about school and his activities! He loves that he can sit back and watch cartoons on the TV and that he gets to choose a toy from the prize box at the end! Even Dr. Mantegari called us AT HOME after Tanner's surgeries to make sure Tanner was doing okay. I recommend Dental Excellence every chance I get!! Keep up the good work and excellent patient care!!" ~ Tanner Y.

"I swear you all gotta come to these guys! THEY ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD!! They are the best dentists ever! They are so nice and friendly! I love going there! I go every six months and they are so good to me! I swear - best dentists ever! Dr. Hawkins is the best!" ~ Daniel M.

"I have this "thing" about going to the dentist. I've even put off having an abcess treated for 4 years because I dislike going to the dentist so much. This week I broke a tooth and HAD to go. I called the Dental Excellence office and was scheduled IMMEDIATELY. I arrived, was seen on time, was told exactly what was going on and what they needed to do and then they contacted my insurance company and explained exactly what my share of the cost would be - before committing me to anything. I experienced NO pain during the process of receiving a temporary crown and they scheduled my next appointment for me on the spot. Wish I had received that kind of treatment when I was a kid...maybe I wouldn't have such a phobia. Thank you Dental Excellence!" ~ Cynthia T.

Lee National Denim Days wrap-up at Dental Excellence

To complete our month of Breast Cancer Awareness, we celebrated with a Chili & Soup lunch on Tuesday. There was so much good food! After much anticipation, the winning ticket was drawn from the Denim Quilt Raffle. Mary K. was thrilled to win the quilt! Great job, Mary!

For all the photos from Lee National Denim Days at Dental Excellence, we invite you to head to our Facebook page! While you're there, we encourage you to "Like" us!

Dental Excellence supports StandUp Blue Springs!

Our doctors at Dental Excellence participate with a program in Blue Springs, Mo called Dental For Kids. This is a program where children are identified by need and families by income for free dental care with participating dentists. StandUp Blue Springs, originally formed as Blue Springs WellLink, launched Dental for Kids in July 2003 after learning from Blue Springs School District officials that thousands of children do not get to the dentist. These children are either uninsured, or they are covered by Medicaid, which is accepted by very few dentists in Eastern Jackson County (and only one in Blue Springs). They are the children of the working poor and in some cases, the homeless.

We are one of those offices who offer free dental care for kids who qualify. In 2009, Dental Excellence provided $9,902 in dental care. The total amount of services provided by Dental Excellence since Dental for Kids began is $142,944.

Here's what the Program Coordinator at Dental For Kids had to say about our partnership:

"Amazing!!! We so very much appreciate the support everyone gives this program. You all are making incredible differences in the lives of sooooo many children. THANK YOU!!!"

"We are so grateful to the Doctors at Dental Excellence who donate their time to provide free treatment to the children enrolled in Dental for Kids."

Dental Excellence raise more than $200 for breast cancer research!

Our staff at Dental Excellence held a bake sale this week to raise funds for breast cancer research. We had lots of wonderful treats and raised more than $200!

Breast cancer affects more than 175,000 women and around 50,000 women are killed from the disease annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. The disease is the leading killer of women worldwide.

More photos can be found on our Facebook page!

Lee National Denim Days at Dental Excellence!

This week the staff at Dental Excellence is participating in the Lee National Denim Days. We paid to wear jeans to work on both Thursday, October 7th and Friday, October 8th to help raise money for Breast Cancer Research. We will have more fundraisers for this worthy cause throughout the month.

At Dental Excellence, October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

Ah, October is here. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days are getting shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds around Independence. For our staff at Dental Excellence, October is known as National Dental Hygiene Month. We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

This year's theme is “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” which focuses on prevention. At Dental Excellence, we know everyone is busy; living a life on-the-go is difficult for most people, but our staff is here to tell you keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Dental Excellence on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website for tips on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Dental Excellence? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at 816-795-9500 to set up an appointment. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

What are patients saying about Dental Excellence?

Serving Independence, Missouri and surrounding areas, our knowledgeable staff at Dental Excellence create individualized treatment plans for each patient's unique dental needs and goals. Just take a look at what a few of our patients are saying!

"Dental Excellence is overall the best dental service and care I have had to date. The staff is nice, friendly and above all else...professional. I had a root canal and it was the most pain-free dental work one could hope for." ~ Brent E.

"My experience with Dental Excellence has been more than satisfactory." ~ Robert S.

"If you want to be treated like a long-time friend instead of just another patient, this is the dental office for you. Anytime treatment is suggessted, detailed information related to the total cost, insurance covered portion and patient responsibility is provided making it even easier for you to make an informed decision." ~ Justin J.

"My husband had a VERY bad accident in Dallas and from the time I knew just some of his mouth injuries I was talking to Lauren Carr and asking if she was on board knowing she would need a team that she could set up. Not only was she on board but she assembled several top people and started to explain procedures to me. She instantly put my mind to rest. Upon arriving at our home Lauren made a house call to do assessment and start the plan. She also diagnosed thrush which the hospital missed. Our first appointed was scheduled and we were greeted with smiles from all the staff as well as true concern, love, and the promise of continued prayer. Where do you find all of this in our world today? they have been and continue to be a true blessing in our lives." ~ Liz S.

Share your experience at Dental Excellence with the world!

For 42 years, the team of Dental Excellence has been providing the community of Independence MO with the care and service that you desire and deserve.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about your experience at Dental Excellence! There are lots of places on the Web where you may share your reviews, but we'd like to direct you to our Google Local Page to write a review of us - it only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you in advance and enjoy the rest of your week!

Dental Excellence, your Independence, MO sleep apnea specialists

Our staff at Dental Excellence know that sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Who suffers from sleep apnea? Those under age four (large tonsils) and those between the ages of 55 to 59. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, please give us a call and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist here in Independence. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Dental Excellence, reminding you September is National Gum Care Month!

At Dental Excellence, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

One of our five experienced doctors will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to healthy gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

At our convenient Independence office, we know these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our doctors and staff can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you had a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! See you soon!

At Dental Excellence, easy & convenient access to your account information

At Dental Excellence, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Independence, Missouri.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at 816-795-9500 if you have any questions about getting started! Happy Monday!

Smile more, and you might just live longer!

Great news to report! It turns out that people with big smiles (and who smile more frequently) may live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study from Michigan’s Wayne State University. Our doctors at Dental Excellence have known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950.

The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance.

The researchers found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

Our big take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting our convenient Independence office lately? If not, give us a call at 816-795-9500 and set up an appointment! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ask Dr. Wiley: What's the difference between a dentist and cosmetic dentist?

Our staff at Dental Excellence like to tell our patients that with us, you get two dentists for one (well, actually you get five experienced and knowledgeable dentists). You get the care and attention to your good oral health that any good general dentist provides. But on top of that, you get dental professionals who understand the impact of a bright smile and straight teeth. After all, we pride ourselves in providing you the best that technology and skill can offer.

Cosmetic dentists undergo extra training to stay on the leading edge of restorative techniques. We can whiten teeth, perform implants, add veneers and even straighten minor crooked teeth with Invisalign treatment (we'll get into Invisalign in future posts). All the while, we’re always keeping an eye on your dental health and making sure your teeth will be in great shape, and your smile will be stunning!

We invite you to give us a call at 816-795-9500. At Dental Excellence, we are always happy to welcome new patients into our dental family!

The importance of regular checkups, from Dental Excellence

Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after meals? If yes, that’s wonderful. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Dental Excellence every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Our doctors can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited Dental Excellence in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment at 816-795-9500! Summer is a great time for a visit!

What are happy patients saying about our office?

"Dr. Matt Wiley is quite possibly the best dentist I've encountered thus far in my life. His ability, professionalism, attitude, and bedside manner are superb." ~ Tom B.

"Dr. Labarca is an excellent dentist. Judy is a very good hygienist and very personable. I often recommend Independence Dental Excellence, Dr. Labarca and Judy to coworkers when I am asked if I know a good dentist." ~ Bonnie A.

"Dr. Hawkins is up-to-date on the latest techniques, he's kind, particular, has a sense of humor and he's cute. I can say that, he was in school with my daughter. He has called to check on me when I had some extra work done." ~ Jean L.

"This was my first visit with Dr. Carr. She listened to all of my concerns and questions. Together we were able to work on a plan of care for myself and my son. I liked being included in the plan." ~ Joan M.

"He's just friendly - I have gone to Dr. Smith since I was a child." ~ Mary R.

What do you love about Dental Excellence?

From your very first visit to Dental Excellence, our staff strives to provide superior dental treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by the work of Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith or Wiley? Did our professional and dedicated team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

For 42 years, the Dental Excellence team has been providing the Independence, Missouri community with the excellent care and service that you desire and deserve. We pride ourselves in providing you the best that technology and skill can offer.

Whether you’ve just come in for a single cleaning or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback! Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call at 816-795-9500!

Meet Drs. Smith and Wiley

Dr. Smith is the senior dentist of the group, having been with them since 1981.

After graduation from Graceland College in 1970, Dr. Smith served as a pilot in the US Air Force flying cargo planes.

After the Air Force, Dr. Smith attended UMKC School of Dentistry, graduating in 1980.

He enjoys all phases of dentistry and, like all the dentists at Dental Excellence, continually participates in classes to keep up to date with the most current trends in dentistry. Dr. Smith is especially interested in surgery and implants.

Dr. Smith and his wife have been married 37 years and have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. His interests include spending time with his family, traveling, playing the piano, restoring classic cars, and flying.



Dr. Matt Wiley was born and raised in Independence, MO. He attended Graceland College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993. He went to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where he graduated in 1997. Dr. Wiley then pursued a residency in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the UMKC School of Dentistry. This year-long program provides additional training on all aspects of dentistry, including cosmetics and implants.

Dr. Wiley enjoys all facets of patient care and recognizes that each patient is unique. Whether it is creating a beautiful smile, seeing a child for their first visit, or relieving discomfort or fear, he enjoys meeting the individual needs of his patients.

Dr. Wiley is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, and the Greater Kansas City Dental Society of which he is a past board member. He was awarded fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry which represents a significant commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning. He participates with the local Dental for Kids program to help underserved children in the community. Dr. Wiley is also certified with Invisalign®.

Dr. Wiley has two sons. Away from the office he enjoys spending time with his family, church involvement, and being active with sports and fitness.

Meet Drs. Hawkins and LaBarca

Dr. Hawkins has been practicing at Dental Excellence since 1987. He and his assistants Dianne, Stacy, Alison, and Aid have worked together for 20 years. They create a caring and progressive practice where patients become 'family.' This team enjoys restoring smiles through all phases of dentistry with state-of-the-art procedures focused on cosmetics and implants.

Dr. Hawkins received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri. He then attended UMKC School of Dentistry.

Dr. Hawkins enjoys seeking out challenging continuing education opportunities. He has completed course work with Clinical Research Associates in Utah, Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in ceramic veneers in San Francisco, and Nobel Biocare mini-residency in implants in Los Angeles. Dr. Hawkins attends the annual conferences of the Academy of Osseointegration (implants) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in which he holds memberships. He also attends the American Dental Association annual conference. Dr. Hawkins is a member of the Missouri Dental Association and the Greater Kansas City Dental Association.

A member of the Health Ministries Association, Dr. Hawkins returned again on a health mission to Honduras in 2003 where he treated children at El Refugio orphanage. He supports other Central American health care initiatives as well. He is a participant in Dental For Kids, a dental care program for underserved children through the Blue Springs school district. Dr. Hawkins volunteers at area elementary school fluoride and screening programs.

Dr. Hawkins enjoys spending time with his wife and two children in the outdoors. Whenever possible, he enjoys hiking, swimming, snow and water skiing, and scuba diving. He participates in regional triathlons in the summer months. He also enjoys reading history when time permits.



Dr. LaBarca completed his undergraduate degree at Westminster College, Fulton, MO in 1990. He then went on to UMKC Dental School, graduating in 1994.

Dr. LaBarca is passionate about using the latest in technology to find the most comfortable and convenient way to treat his patients. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Missouri Dental Association (MDA), Greater Kansas City Dental Society (GKCDS), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and is certified with Invisalign®.

Dr. LaBarca volunteers at the Blue Springs School District Elementary Health Fair program and the St. John LaLande preschool dental education. He is the co-developer of and volunteers for Dental-4-Kids, a free dental program for underprivileged families in the Blue Springs School District.

Dr. LaBarca and his wife Karen Lea have two children.

Meet Dr. Carr

Dr. Lauren Carr has been providing beautiful smiles and enriching the lives of her patients at Dental Excellence since 1991. Prior to moving to Missouri she practiced dentistry for 5 years with her brothers and father in her hometown of Elkton, Maryland.

Dr. Carr focuses on aesthetic and restorative dentistry and strives to provide the ultimate in beauty, function, and health through the use of the most current proven techniques and materials in an environment of comfort and relaxation. She enjoys working with patients of all ages.

Dr. Carr received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1980 from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She graduated in 1986 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery with her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree.

Dr. Carr is an active member of the American Dental Association, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Greater Kansas City Dental Association, and the Eastern Jackson County Dental Society. Dr. Carr spends her time out of the office with her husband and their daughters.