ABOUT SHALLOWFORD FAMILY DENTAL GROUP

Misty joined us in March of 2017, bringing over 14 years of experience as a Registered Dental Assistant. She chose to transition from assisting to working in the front office and has “loved every minute of it.” She truly enjoys helping people receive the treatment they need with the help of their insurance benefits or other means of financial assistance.

Misty has been happily married to Michael since 2001 and they have 2 beautiful teenage daughters. When not busy with the girls’ travel softball teams and other ‘teenage’ activities, they enjoy camping and beach trips. Misty even plays softball herself by participating in an adult women’s softball league.

Tammy joined Shallowford Family Dental Group in June 2013, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in dentistry, insurance and patient advocacy. After 21 years living in Michigan, she is happy to be back “home” since she was born and raised in Georgetown, Tennessee.

“Dentistry and people are my passion! I truly enjoy assisting patients in becoming healthier through their dental care and seeing them smile their “best smile”. I cannot imagine doing anything else! I am so excited to join such an amazing group of talented professionals and I feel blessed to be able to do what I love”

When not working, she enjoys the great outdoors, fishing , hunting, gardening and photography. She is the proud mom of three great children: Jonathan, Garrick and MiKayla.

Lee joined SFDG in 2017 after working in her father’s dental practice for 16 years. Lee graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a master’s degree where she was a member of the track team. Lee is an avid runner, loves spending time outdoors, and adores live music. When she is not working she can be found with her husband and two daughters enjoying all that nature has to offer, camping, hiking and traveling.

After moving back from Tampa, FL, he came to SFDG in 2011, to help with the renovation of an additional acquired dental practice. His connection to SFDG was Dr. Gardenhire, Dr. Lewis and he all grew up in East Ridge. The three month job has turned into a job that he truly loves. He says he meet lots of great people and even sees some of his ol’ friends here.

Pat’s background has been in golf since 1983, first as a club professional in Birmingham and then as a caddie on the Champions Tour. The most famous player that he worked for was Chi Chi Rodriguez and his best win was with Bob Duval, the same week his son, David Duval, won the Players Championship.

Away from work, you may find him playing an occasional round of golf but he still loves to travel. His wife, Tracy, and he loves to take weekend trips and take in a concert or two!

Tina joined Shallowford Family Dental Group in 2020 after six years in the hospitality industry.

Born and raised in Chattanooga, TN, Tina graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in marketing. She has a true passion for building relationships with patients! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Candy has been a dental hygienist with Dr. Lewis since 1992! The past 10 years have been here with Shallowford Family Dental Group. She values the relationships she has developed over the years with her patients and continually strives to meet their dental needs.

When asked about what she likes about being here, Candy says, “I am proud of the quality of care that we provide our patients and the camaraderie of the staff which makes work fun!”

Life outside the office is filled with family, friends, gardening and walking. She especially loves spending time spoiling her grandson, Devin.

Amanda moved from Flint, Michigan to Chattanooga in 2013, and joined SFDG April of 2014. She is passionate about her patient relationships and is dedicated to educating them about their proper oral health. She graduated from Mott Community College (Flint, MI) and was president of her class.

She has a very bubbly personality and loves conversation. When she is away from the office she enjoys exercising, outdoor activities and scrapbooking. Amanda enjoys spending time at her home in beautiful Jasper, Tennessee with family and her loving pets.

Laura moved from Dayton, Ohio to Chattanooga in 2015 where she practiced as a hygienist since 2011. She attended Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) where she earned degrees in Accounting, Marketing and Spanish. Her path to dental hygiene was slightly non-traditional. After working as an auditor for a large accounting firm, she felt she needed to pursue her childhood dreams of working in the dental field and returned to school to become a dental hygienist.

Laura loves working as a hygienist and enjoys building relationships with her patients and helping them to achieve their oral health goals.

In her spare time . . she enjoys spending time with her husband, Don, and their children. She also enjoys traveling, time with friends, cooking, decorating her house and reading.

Christina has been a practicing dental hygienist since 2006. She attended and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from East Tennessee State University. She enjoys several aspects of dental hygiene but what she enjoys the most is the connection that she makes with her patients through dental hygiene.

Christina lives in Ooltewah with her husband, Jeremy, and their son, Jayce, and daughter, Ava. She enjoys spending time with her family and being creative with her arts and crafts.

Keri has joined SFDG, after the merger of Dr. Gaddis’ practice. After graduating from Dental Hygiene School, she started with Dr. Gaddis in 1987.

“It has been so exciting to be able to bring my long term patients with me as I join this new practice. I have always enjoyed getting to know my patients and building life-long relationships and couldn’t be happier to continue my future of working with a large staff of amazing professionals who strive for excellence every day.”

Keri enjoys spending time with her husband, Thom, and their 6 children. They love to travel internationally.

Malinda brings over 10 years of dental assisting experience to our office.

She enjoys helping patients understand procedures and to feel more at ease in the dental chair. “We want to help our patients to obtain a healthy smile they can be proud of,” Malinda says.

Malinda resides in Hixson and enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Kala has been a dental assistant for Dr. Gardenhire since 2008. She loves making patients feel at ease when coming to the dentist. Kala continues to advance her career through yearly continuing education classes to keep her up-to-date on new materials and techniques.

Kala lives in Birchwood, Tn. She spends her free time on the lake with her husband, Clay, and also enjoys time with her family.

Leah has been a member of the clinical staff at Shallowford Family Dental Group since 2009. She is a graduate from Chattanooga State. She is a resident of Trenton, GA.

“Shallowford Family Dental Group is devoted to the highest quality of patient care. I’m proud to be a part of such a respected team!”

Sheree joined the Shallowford Family Dental Group in 2016. She began her dental career in 2005 after her high school days at Ridgeland. She was a member of the Volleyball team, voted Most Dependable and elected Class Vice President all four years.

Her family, husband Jason and her kids Harper, Boston, Taylor and Jacob, requires most of her time away from the practice. When she gets an opportunity she enjoys antiques and painting them. “I’m a closet antique picker lol.”

We are proud that Jessica has joined the clinical staff at SFDG in February of 2013. She is a 2010 Graduate of Chattanooga College.

She has two wonderful boys, Zakk and Landon, and seems to find herself at a park with them in her free time. She also loves country music.

“I love developing new and lasting relationships with my patients here.”

Danitra joined us in 2016. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at UTC and attended Chattanooga State for her Associate’s Degree in Dental Assisting . . cum laude. She is a registered and certified dental assistant. She is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association.

She enjoys building a personal relationship with her patients and their conversations!

Away from the office she enjoys traveling, crafting and has a passion for
fashion. Shopping??? Absolutely! “I also love spending time with my wonderful
nieces and nephews.”

Emeri joined SFDG in 2020. She graduated from the Dental
Assisting program at Chattanooga State. Emeri is committed to continuing
her education in this field and to keep up-to-date with the new
techniques and materials.

Emeri currently lives in the Ooltewah area. In her free time she enjoys
spending time with her family and dogs, Bentley and Elvis.

I am originally from Ooltewah and have been a dental assistant since 2007. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ratchford since 2010. I love being an assistant and am working towards creating a special bond with every patient. I strive to make a patient’s experience as pleasant as possible.

I have one son, Jacob, and a spoiled French Bulldog named Miggie. I attend Silverdale Baptist Church , where I volunteer as a greeter. I enjoy running several miles daily, working out, listening to live music and being outside as much as I can.