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.