Meet the Team

Introducing your top-rated dental professionals who'll quickly feel like family.
Front Desk
You can relax... we'll make sure your visit goes smoothly and in absolute comfort.

Click on each image to see our bios.

A team member smiling as she wears a black shirt and a silver necklace
Melissa

Office Manager

I live in Lumberton, MS, and have been married for more than 20 years. I also have an 11-year-old daughter.

I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, but the hospital setting wasn’t too appealing for me. I thought dentistry had a friendly small business feel with the benefits of helping people achieve renewed health.

My journey into dentistry started when I was in school for medical transcription. A dentist approached me and wanted to train me as a dental assistant. I worked for him for nine months before returning to school, and then landed a job as a dental assistant at Oak Grove Family Dentistry…Learn more about us on our homepage….

I’ve been working in this dental practice for more than 18 years. I have worked in many areas of the practice. I began as a dental assistant, then cross-trained as a receptionist and now hold the office manager position.

I enjoy making people laugh, and seeing them smile. Helping our patients feel better about themselves and guiding them to improved overall health is definitely the best part of my job.

Interesting Fact:

I love to dance. I have danced from the time I was five into my early twenties. I was on the dance team in junior high, high school, and then in college.

Our team member, Connie, smiling
Connie

Front Desk

I was born in Tupelo, MS, but I have lived in South Mississippi for most of my life. I’ve been married for more than 30 years to my high school sweetheart, and together we have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.

As a former patient of Oak Grove Family Dentistry…Visit our homepage…, I found each visit was pleasant, and the staff was always very friendly. I often joked that after I retired from teaching, I wanted to work at this practice. My joke became a reality!

I’m a very cheerful person, and even though the front desk can be very chaotic at times, I always put a smile on my face when serving our patients with the respect they deserve.

Interesting Fact:

I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy relaxing at the beach with a good book in hand and would like to do some traveling soon (maybe the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or New York).

A member of our front desk team, wearing her dental uniform and smiling
Lisa G.

Front Desk

I was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS. I’ve been married to my husband, Bobby, for more than 26 years. Together we have three beautiful children and one grandson.

I joined Oak Grove Family Dentistry in 2004, having previously been a patient. I always loved the cheerful atmosphere and friendly team when I visited the office.

Throughout the years, I’ve worked on the front desk, helped with patient accounts, and also filed insurance. This has afforded me the possibility to develop new skills and, most importantly, help our patients achieve their dental goals.

The best part of my job is building friendships with our patients. I get to know them on a personal basis, and I make sure they know I genuinely care about them and their well-being.

In addition, I truly love our team. Our office name has “Family” in it. That is what all my co-workers feel like to me; a Family of Sisters!

Interesting Fact:

My mom is my hero. She raised four children in the 1960/70’s while working a full-time job. She is so caring and supportive of our family.

Dental Assistants

We're by your side - no matter what.

Click on each image to see our bios.

Our dental assistant, Allison, smiling for her headshot
Allison

I am a wife and also a mother to two incredible children. We all live in Sumrall, MS, where we attend the local church.

I’ve been a dental assistant for almost 20 years. I chose this profession because it is so gratifying to be able to change our patients’ lives by creating beautiful smiles.

I consider myself an outgoing and friendly person. At each appointment, I try my best to make our patients feel comfortable and valued. One of the best parts of this job is getting to know you on a personal level and helping you with your dental needs.

Interesting Fact:

The theme song of my life would be, “Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright” by Bob Marley.

A member of our assisting team smiling
DeLora

I’m happily married and I am the proud mother of a son. I currently work as a dental assistant to Dr. Crawford…Learn more about our implant dentist… at Oak Grove Family Dentistry.

One of the reasons I chose dentistry was because I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I also thrive when talking to patients and helping each person feel comfortable in our office.

The best part of my job is helping patients with their oral health and bringing a beautiful smile back to their lives.

Interesting Fact:

I enjoy being outdoors with my boys, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Life is good!

One of our team members smiling with shoulder-length hair
Kerri

I’m originally from Purvis, MS, and graduated from Purvis High School. I’m a proud owner of two cheerful dogs, Josephine and Abigail.

As a child, I had a fantastic dentist and enjoyed going to my appointments. This inspired me to want to help others have the same positive experience and change the stigma associated with going to the dentist.

I feel like I have a great sense of humor, and I often use it to connect with patients and build meaningful relationships. The motto I live by is, “if you’re not having fun, you aren’t doing it right.”

Interesting Fact:

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love cooking, entertaining, and have a strong desire to travel. One day, I would like to visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

Our dental assistant, Lois is smiling while wearing her dental uniform
Lois

I am from the town of Brooklyn, MS, and because not many people know where it is located, they always assume I’m from Brooklyn, NY. I come from a family of four sisters and one brother.

I genuinely find dentistry to be an enriching career. I love knowing I was able to help a patient be free from pain and that they feel more confident in their smile.

I believe that I’m very good at understanding my patients. This helps me to create a bond in which you can trust me to help take care of your oral health. A significant factor to this is that I always make sure patients understand what’s going on, so you can always feel safe and comfortable.

Interesting Fact:

I love to paint during my free time because it helps me relax and live in the moment.

Rena, a member of our assisting team, wearing her work uniform
Rena

I’m happily married and a mother of two boys. My oldest son loves baseball, and I hope to take him to visit all of the Major League Baseball parks.

I chose dentistry because the first thing that people notice about you is your smile. I wanted to play a part in helping people smile with confidence while improving their oral health.

I’m extremely dedicated and determined to get things done. I translate that into my everyday role when treating each patient. I want to make you feel part of our family. My goal is to make sure you leave our office happy and smiling.

Interesting Fact:

My goal is to make people happy. The two ways I achieve this are through dentistry and cooking.

Our dental assistant smiling with her mouth closed
Sherra

I have a wonderful son, and we live in the beautiful town of Dixie, MS.

I first became interested in dentistry after a close friend suggested it to me. I ended up falling completely in love with the profession, and the rest is history.

Every day brings a new and exciting challenge, and every patient brings a unique story. Being able to help people is so rewarding. It just doesn’t get any better than this!

Interesting Fact:

Away from the office, I like to ride four-wheelers, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.

Dr. Lucas and the staff were awesome. I recommend them for all of your dental needs. Thank you so much for the outstanding service. They showed so much kindness in my time of extreme pain and were very informative on all procedures.

Dudley D. (Actual Patient)

Dental Hygienists

Enjoy a healthy, shimmering smile in no time.

Click on each image to see our bios.

A member of our hygiene team smiling
Ginny

I am a lifelong resident of Sumrall, MS. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Jeremy, for more than 13 years. Together, we have a boy named Hudson and a fur baby named Lula.

I started in dentistry because I always wanted to work in healthcare. Being a dental hygienist allowed me to work flexible hours and enjoy my family at the same time.

I have an outgoing, bubbly personality and consider myself a good listener. These aspects of my persona help me develop meaningful relationships with my patients. I truly appreciate getting to know them and their families.

Interesting Fact:

When not in the office, I enjoy being outdoors in the garden or on jeep rides.

Our dental hygienist Christy wearing her dental uniform
Christy

I have lived in Petal, MS, for more than 20 years with my husband. We are blessed with two wonderful children, and we enjoy spending time together as a family.

As a child, I always loved going to the dentist. The office I visited always created a friendly environment where I felt comfortable and safe. Now as a dental hygienist, I want my patients to have that same positive experience.

I sincerely care about my patients and their well-being. I want your family to feel that genuine warmth and concern from the moment you arrive at our office.

Through my nearly twenty years of dental hygiene, I have enjoyed building relationships with my patients and loved watching families grow.

Interesting Fact:

In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family and being involved in all of their activities.

Our dental hygienist smiling up-close
Lisa K.

I was born and raised in McComb, MS. I have been married to my husband for more than 20 years. We have three boys and enjoy spending time with them every chance we get.

Since I was a little girl, I have loved going to the dentist, and I was very interested in the field growing up. I have a very close friend that went to Dental Hygiene school before I did. After she graduated, I enjoyed going to observe her at the dental office. This spurred me on to start my career. Now, I have been practicing a profession I love for more than 33 years.

I genuinely enjoy getting to know new people and developing relationships with my patients and co-workers. I have been very fortunate to have worked with fantastic people, and I treasure these friendships.

Interesting Fact:

My father is my hero! He was such an amazing family man and was always there when I needed him. He loved my mom with all of his heart and always put her needs ahead of his own. I think of him and miss him daily.

Nancy, a member of our dental hygiene team, smiling in her uniform
Nancy

I grew up in Waveland, MS, but decided to move to Hattiesburg, MS, to attend college. This is where I met my husband. Together, we have two daughters.

I stepped into dentistry after following in my sister’s footsteps. After listening to her talk about how much she loved her job as a dental hygienist, I knew I wanted to feel the same way. I find the field very rewarding and have no regrets.

I get to work with an amazing team that strives to make people’s lives better. I not only get to help patients regain and maintain their oral health, but I get to know them on a personal level too.

Interesting Fact:

The best quote I’ve ever heard is, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” – Jesus Christ.

Our dental hygienist Renee, wearing her dental uniform and smiling
Renee

I was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS. I am married and have two grown children and five grandchildren. I have been with Oak Grove Family Dentistry…Learn about us on the homepage… since 1992!

My first experience as a professional was when I was still in high school at North Forrest. I worked as a dental assistant and loved it! I was so mesmerized that I wanted to further my education in the dental field. I chose dental hygiene and have never looked back.

I feel like after working in the dental field for all of my life, I’ve been able to make patients feel comfortable in this sometimes uncomfortable atmosphere. I look forward to helping your family feel at ease and relaxed throughout their dental experience.

Interesting Fact:

Outside of the office, I am a member of Crosspoint Community Church. I also love animals and have two Shih Tzus who I adore.

Our dental hygienist showing off her smile
Polly

I’m from a tiny town called Sandersville. I have been married for more than 38 years to my best friend, Rod. Together we have two grown daughters and six precious grandchildren that I adore!

I always wanted to work in healthcare because I considered myself a caregiver. Also, with a family, I couldn’t work weekends or holidays, so dentistry afforded me the type of lifestyle I needed.

I treasure the relationships I’ve built with my patients over the years and love being a team player. Also, I genuinely strive to be a great partner to all my co-workers so we can be the most productive team for every patient.

Interesting Fact:

I enjoy attending various sporting events and activities that my grandchildren participate in. In my free time, I love crafting, monogramming, and anything outdoors.

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