Meet Our Team
When it comes to your smile and your oral health, the team at The Smile Studio is committed to excellence. They work passionately to deliver the very best to you and provide a level of care and comfort that is second to none. They provide unparalleled hospitality and their customer service is world-class. Every member of the team is trained to make your experience the best.
The team at The Smile Studio provides personal service and loves getting to know each and every patient. It is their mission to make you one-of-the-family and they treat you as such. The office team, hygiene team and assistants are committed to you. Dr. Coker and the team continually educate themselves on new and advanced procedures and treatments. When you come into the office, you know that we are using the most advanced technology and we are committed to your comfort.
Mary
Mary Paroline has been the Office Manager for Dr. Rick Coker's Smile Studio for over thirty years. Patients love her and she loves them right back. She is incredibly hardworking. She’s fun. She’s efficient. She’s friendly.
Mary is an expert in all things 'dental.' She has lectured to dentists and team members at several dental conferences. She trains new employees and teaches them how to value our patients. Everyone values her expertise.
But what she loves most are our patients. And, our patients definitely love her back!
According to Mary, when a patient says, ‘Everyone here makes me feel so special,’ or ‘I can’t believe I enjoyed coming to the dentist,’ or they just give us a hug – that makes working here so special. I can go home at night and say to myself, ‘I really helped to make a difference!'
Call (903) 581-1777 to make your appointment.
Wendy
Wendy Holdren is the hygienist for The Smile Studio. She will keep your mouth incredibly healthy by checking for the beginnings of periodontal disease and spirochete bacteria (the bad bacteria which can cause perio disease) and will even check for oral cancer.
Periodontal infections have been linked to heart disease and since CVD (cardio vascular disease) is the #1 killer of Americans, you don't want to have any gum inflammation.
Oral cancer can often be deadly, but is treatable with early detection. That’s why Wendy is diligent with her oral cancer screenings during your visit. She will feel your neck for lumps and inspect your lips and all inside surfaces of your mouth, including the back of your throat.
Oral cancer screenings are another good reason to make regular semi-annual visits to the dentist.
Patients love Wendy and they brag about her all the time. She is friendly and interested and does a remarkable cleaning.
Call (903) 581-1777 to make your appointment.
Kathy
Kathy Gipson is the lead dental assistant for Dr. Coker’s Smile Studio. She helps Dr. Coker during all phases of your dental treatment. She makes sure that all the materials and equipment needed during the procedure are close at hand. She keeps your mouth open and your teeth dry so that you get the best results possible.
Another of Kathy’s important technical duties, is to use the digital scanner to get impressions of your teeth. Previously we used an alginate material which we stuck in your mouth and waited for it to set up. Patients love that we no longer use that method, but we use a scanning wand connected to a computer to gently go over the surfaces of the teeth to make our digital study models.
Kathy also makes sure her patients are as comfortable as possible. She adds moisture to your lips, checks to see if you need a pillow behind your neck or your back, she offers you a blanket to keep you warm and cozy and even a headphone relaxation system called NuCalm to make sure you are even a little dreamy.
Kathy is friendly and so excited to be working for Dr. Coker. She absolutely loves our patients. Be sure to let her know how to make you comfortable.
Call (903) 581-1777 to make your appointment.