our team at hal patton dental

My passion for this profession started over forty years ago when I was injured while playing baseball. The emergency and follow-up care I received proved to me that dentistry could be performed in a comfortable way, contrary to the perceived reputation. I wanted to become a dentist that employed the latest techniques of cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages in the same caring and compassionate environment I was treated.

 
After graduating from Edwardsville High School, I completed my undergraduate degree in biology at Centenary College in Louisiana and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from University of Minnesota. My wife, Carrie, and I opened the practice in September of 1994. We have three children, too many pets, and enjoy giving back to the community that has been so good to us.
Most importantly, we are very proud of the dental team we have brought together over the last 28 years. They are friendly, professional, and enjoy providing the high quality and caring dentistry we set out to achieve from the beginning. We look forward to taking care of you the same way we would want to be treated ourselves.

I joined Patton Dental in 2024 starting with shadowing Dr. Patton in my final years of dental school, and as a a full-time Dentist in summer of 2025. What really drew me to Patton Dental is the patient-centered culture. The whole team is supportive of each other and there is emphasis on collaboration and constant improvement.

Before dentistry, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Minnesota and spent a decade working as an engineer before pursuing my passion for dental medicine. I graduated in the top 10 of my class from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. While there I was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship and the Illinois State Dental Society Scholarship in recognition of my academic excellence and leadership. I also served as President of Delta Sigma Delta, the dental professional fraternity, where I further honed my commitment to service and collaboration.

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Hannah and my two dogs, while preparing for the arrival of our first child!

I'm the voice and backbone of the front desk for the past 24 years. I have helped the office transition from paper claims and charts to an office that is almost paperless and using the latest technology available. I truly love my job, especially when I get to work with a great team and patients that you consider part of your dental family.  

Outside of the office, I love to garden!  If you don't find me in my yard, I spend most of my spare time with my grandson, two adult children, my husband, and two dogs traveling, camping and fly fishing. 

I graduated from SIUC in 1984 from the dental hygiene program.  I value sharing my knowledge and educating our patients on the importance of good oral health.  I enjoy seeing the difference this can make in our patient's lives.  

In my time away from the office, l love spending time with my two adult children and I'm an avid pickleball player.  I'm also passionate about exercising, baking, and taking continuing education courses!!

I have been with Dr. Patton's office for over 20 years, and I have loved becoming a trusted dental hygienist to generations of patients at Patton Dental. I am passionate about providing gentle and thorough care to my patients and I truly value the relationships I have built in my chair over the years. My favorite part of being a dental hygienist is helping people feel comfortable and confident in their smiles!

Outside of work I love to spend time with my husband, my adult daughters, and my two grandsons. Whether I'm travelling or enjoying a weekend get together, family adventures are my favorite way to recharge.

After working eighteen years as a registered dental hygienist in another practice, I made the transition to Patton Dental in November 2021. I graduated from the Lewis & Clark Community College Dental Hygiene program in 2003.  I went into the hygiene program because I always liked going to the dentist and I loved my childhood dental hygienist. A trip to the dentist was always fun and I wanted others to have the same experience as I did. In my current position, I’m able to calm your fears, meet new people, catch up with current patients, and help you love your smile. 

When I’m not in the office, I love spending time with my two daughters, family, and friends.  My daughters are very active in club and school sanctioned sports, so a lot of my time is spent at their many activities.  If I’m not in the stands, I would love to be hiking.

I joined Dr. Patton and his team in January 2017 as his chairside assistant.  I've been in the dental field since 1994 after graduating from Lewis and Clark Community College as a Certified Dental Assistant.  The things I enjoy the most in dentistry - helping the patients, meeting new people, and assisting Dr. Patton with challenging procedures.  Outside of work, I enjoy spending my downtime with my husband, two adult children, family and friends.  

I graduated from Edwardsville High School in 2022, then spent two years attending Lewis and Clark Community College part-time before being accepted into their Dental Assisting Program. I have recently graduated and am loving every moment of learning about the world of dentistry. During my clinical rotations, I hade the amazing opportunity to be placed at Dr. Patton's office. I instantly connected with the staff, the patients, and the overall atmosphere of the practice. While working at Hal Patton Dental, I will be finishing up my bachelor's degree - with plans to attend dental school in the future!