Rylee Brand, Dental Assistant

Leisure Activities: In my free time, I am most likely being active. Whether it’s tennis, running, or a workout class, I like to stay moving!

Fun Fact: I am currently getting my undergraduate in biochemistry at MTSU.

How do you interact with patients? I do the new patient exams, and I always love meeting all the new patients!

Favorite part about my job? I love assisting with surgeries! Every surgery is different and I learn something new in every one.

Why do you love working with your Doctor? Dr. Gaither is always teaching! Whether it’s with me or the patients, he’ll make sure everyone knows what’s going on.

Hannah Champion RDH, Surgical Hygienist

Leisure Activities: In my spare time, I like to long-board, play softball, and run long distance. I am very interested in learning new things. Recently, I have been learning balance tricks. You can often find me upside down, practicing handstands.

Fun Fact: I have a soft spot for all animals. As a child, my parents have always told me almost every month I would “save” a new animal I had found in the backyard. Whether it’s a toad, a turtle, rabbits, bees, and even a possum, I would try to pet them and/or take them in.

How do you interact with patients? I interact with patients by getting to know them. I don’t look at them as patients, but as friends and/or family. I love to listen to the stories they tell me. I have learned more from my patients than schooling will ever teach me.

Favorite part of the job?  I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to be a surgical hygienist because it always keeps me on my toes. I don’t just get to clean teeth, but I get to assist during surgery, which makes work very interesting.

Why do you love working with your doctor?  Dr. Gaither and I have very similar work ethics. We do not stand for anything less than perfection. He also makes work very enjoyable when we aren’t chair side. Dr. Gaither can sometimes be caught teaching me how to Ollie on my skateboard when we have downtime.

Leslie Christensen, Registered Dental Assistant

Leisure Activities: Drawing, painting, gardening, and yoga.

Fun Fact: I lived in Germany for 3 years.

How do you interact with patients? In many ways, from scheduling to assisting in surgeries.

Favorite part about my job? Getting to see how happy patients are with our work.

Why do you love working with your Doctor? He is never willing to sacrifice quality and his results show it!

Makayla Garrett, Scheduling Coordinator, RDA

Leisure Activities: I love to spend my free time traveling to see the amazing country we live in. My goal is to make it to all 50 states one day. So far the most impressive states I've been to are New York, Colorado, and Hawaii. My favorite place, however, will always remain in Destin, Florida.

Fun Fact: I can name every body part and cut of a cow. I used to be very involved in both livestock and dairy judging as an FFA member.

Favorite part about my job? What I cherish most about my job is getting to know each patient. Every person that walks through the door has a story and life comparable to my own. I love finding similarities in strangers and building a relationship. Especially considering most of our perio patients are with us for their lifetime.

Why do you love working with your Doctor? One thing that I love about Dr.Gaither is how patient and passionate he is about not only his work but his patients. He is unlike most doctors and prefers to take his time. He listens to his patients and strives to not only supply exceptional treatment but also educate patients so they do not feel as if they are in the dark.

Casey Lewis, Treatment Coordinator & Insurance Specialist

Leisure Activities: I have a daughter who keeps me busy with fun outdoor activities. I also love seasonally decorating my home for every occasion and holiday.

Fun Fact: I have been singing since I was five years old. I have done many competitions with Generation for Creation, I was placed top 15 in The Next Rising Star of Tennessee, and I was a part of the Advanced Women’s Choir in high school.

How do you interact with patients?: I interact with patients by greeting them with a warm welcome as they come into the lobby. I enjoy seeing their positive expressions as I get to know each and every one of them before they walk back to their appointment.

Favorite part about my job?: The people! My coworkers, Susan, and Dr. Gaither are the best people I have ever met. The patients that come in are so amazing. I am so grateful for this positive work culture I am in.

Why do you love working with your Doctor? Dr. Gaither is such a kind person and just being around him is comforting. He has such a great personality that we and all of our patients love!

Kiara Mayes, Dental Assistant

Leisure Activities: I enjoy spending time with family and traveling. I also enjoy shopping!

Fun Fact: I’m from Michigan!

How do you interact with patients? By creating a welcoming and trusting experience!

Favorite part about my job? Seeing optimal results afterwards procedures!

Why do you love working with your Doctor? He’s very informative! Patient and has a comforting personality very thorough and precise with everything he does.

Susan Gaither, Office Administrator

Leisure Activities: Travel, tennis, and spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.

Fun Fact: I have sailed across the Gulf of Mexico.

How do you interact with patients? I mostly work behind the scene's but I love talk to people.

Favorite part of the job? Working with such an awesome doctor and support staff.

Why do you love working with your doctor? Seeing his love of Periodontal and overall health of his patients. He has impeccable attention to detail as well.