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.