Susan A. Vanstone
DMD, PSC
I started out in the dental field as a dental assistant. I fell in love with the dental office and knew I wanted to stay. As time went on, I advanced as far as I could in my dental assisting career by becoming a registered dental assistant.
My son, Troy, had been present during many of my dental assisting duties, and when he entered college he decided to be a dentist. We checked out University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, and Troy became a student there in 1989. I visited for Parents’ Day and was so excited to be in a dental school that the professors encouraged me to apply. I was accepted and began dental school in 1990. The Dean at the time did some research and discovered my son and I to be the only recorded “mother following son” family in any dental school!
Since my graduation, I have taken hands-on cosmetic courses, Invisalign® courses, and implant restoration courses.
I am happy to say that after more than twenty years of practicing as a dentist, I still have a passion and love for dentistry. In fact, my enjoyment has grown tremendously!
Of course, all of these accomplishments have been by the grace of God and the love and support of my husband, Denny. We just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary! In my spare time, I have a second business making and selling both steampunk and chainmail jewelry. I was accepted into the Kentucky Crafted Guild in 2013, which is an artistic achievement! Making jewelry is fun and also helps maintain finger mobility.
My goal in dentistry has always been to make people feel comfortable and welcome, to treat all patients as I would like to be treated, and to show love and care to all.
I keep informed and continue to learn and grow in my ability to treat dental disease. I am passionate about staying up to date with the newest and best technology. I expect professionalism and a high level of skills from all of my team, myself included. I would love to share my skills and talents with you in my office!
Rita
Office Administration
After high school, I went to vocational business college. I have also taken many classes while working here to enhance my technical and patient skills. I joined the team at Great Grins in March 2000 in administration. I love that we all work together as a team. They are like my second family. I am usually the first person a patient sees, and I always greet them with a smile. I also work to get patients in with their schedule as much as I can. I also work with their insurance to find out benefits, etc.
I am a native of Madison County. My husband George and I have two daughters and four grandchildren. George runs his own business, Brockman’s Automotive. I am an outdoor person. I love to go boating at the lake and also work in my flower gardens. I love spending time with the grandchildren and family.
Marla
Registered Dental Hygienist
I am originally from Ewing, Virginia. I have lived in Kentucky for the last 18 years. My husband, Garry, is a detective for the Lexington Police Department and my daughter, Kirsten, is a student at Madison Southern High School in Berea, where we live.
I have been a registered dental hygienist since 1994. I have worked for Dr. Vanstone since January 1997. I am certified in general supervision and local anesthesia.
I would say that my job is to help patients live healthier lives by providing my services and working with them one on one to provide the education and oral habits needed to be successful with current and long-term home care.
I am a people person, so not only do I teach my patients, but I also learn something from someone every day. I have done this job for a long time and no day has ever gone by that I feel like I have not made a difference in someone’s life!
