Dennis J. Jenkins D.D.S
Dr. Jenkins completed his degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Now, for more than 20 years, Dr. Jenkins has excelled at providing exceptional dentistry to the Kentuckiana area.

His passion for dentistry does not stop at the door as Dr. Jenkins spends much of his free time traveling the country sharing his knowledge with dentists from around the globe.  “The opportunity to teach and learn from other dentists has allowed me to elevate my practice here in Southern Indiana.  My patients ultimately are the ones that benefits.”

Dr. Jenkins is also quite active in organized dentistry.  He is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Indiana Dental Association, the American Dental Association, but probably is most proud of the Greater Louisville Aesthetic Masters Study Club that he chartered in 2006.  This club has allowed a collection of Kentuckiana dentists to share, and raise the level of care throughout the area.

“Our patients are our total focus and we strive everyday to elevate them with great dental care.  Exceptional Dentistry is so much more than cleanings and fillings;  it is about raising up the way our patients feel about themselves through their smile.”

Our Mission:

   Exceptional Care
       Fabulous Service
           Quality of Life

Melinda Hostettler, Office Manager
Melinda has been the Office Manager for Designing Smiles for 12 years. She has a total of 17 years dental experience including chairside and surgical assisting. Melinda has had many years of training in practice management allowing her to oversee office operations as well daily interactions with patients.
Melinda is also the Course Administrator for the Greater Louisville Aesthetic Masters Study Club which consists of 25 local dentists who meet 7 to 8 times annually to take their educational goals to a higher level.

“I don’t see what I do as a job. I look forward to serving our patients as well as building relationships with them. I try to learn something unique about each patient and give them my undivided attention when needed. My patients know they can call on me to assist them with any facet of their dental needs. I try to put a personal touch into each patient’s care. My goal is to make sure that each and every patient is completely satisfied with their care from the time they enter our office until they leave and beyond.”

“The greatest reward in dentistry is when a patient has completed their treatment and we as a team have done all that we can to see that all of their needs and expectations were exceeded.”

Feel free to contact Melinda for help with insurance, scheduling, treatment inquiries or if you just want to tell us how well we did in providing your care. We love feedback and encourage testimonials.

Merideth Book, P.C.C.
Merideth comes to us with over 12 years of dental experience and has been Designing Smiles since 2006. Merideth has a very important role in our practice as the Patient Care Coordinator. She works closely with each patient to assure that all of their dental needs are met. Merideth will assist you from the first phone call to the office through completion of treatment. She is eager to help with all of your financial, treatment and scheduling needs.

“My goal is making sure that your treatment is provided with the highest level of excellence. I want your dental experience in our office to exceed your expectations. Your satisfaction is my number one priority.”

Feel free to contact me at anytime during the course of your treatment if you should have any questions or concerns.

Margaret Wigginton, R.D.H.
Margaret graduated from the University of Louisville's Dental Hygiene program in 1975. She has been a member of Dr. Jenkin's team since it's beginning in 1988, and has been with this practice since 1981. She is an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association, and enjoys continuing her education by attending dental hygiene seminars, hands on workshops, and through a newly formed local study club.

"After 30 plus years of continuous practice, I still find dental hygiene to be a very satisfying and rewarding career. I have seen so many changes in dentistry and feel fortunate to be associated with a practice that is cutting edge, and has allowed me to grow and improve my skills. We have wonderful patients at Designing Smiles, and I am proud to be able to offer them the best care possible."

Kitty Rhodes, D.A.
Kitty has been with the Designing Smiles practice for 23 years. She has assisted Dr. Jenkins for the past 20 years. Over the years, Kitty has provided care for many patients and takes pride in patient comfort. Her primary goal is to make sure all patients have a positive experience each time they are in the office.

Kitty enjoys furthering her dental education by attending many courses annually. She believes that keeping her skills to the highest levels allows her to make sure the patient is receiving the best care available.
Kitty’s other passion in dentistry is helping Dr. Jenkins give our patients the smiles that they have always wanted. Kitty and Dr. Jenkins together have given hundreds of patients a new lease on life by using their expertise in smile design.

Charlene Gibson, D.A.
Charlene has been a key team member with Designing Smiles for 12 years. Her role in the practice is crucial to the team and patients. Charlene manages the sterilization department and sets high standards for all sterilization procedures within our practice. Charlene is also in charge of personal communication with our world class dental laboratory. Charlene puts a personal touch on each patient case that is coordinated with the dental laboratory.

Charlene is responsible for all of the dental materials and supplies used within the practice. She is constantly working closely with Dr. Jenkins to research the latest materials available to assure that only the best and most reliable are purchased.

Marcy Ettel, E.D.D.A.
Marcy has been a dental assistant for 19 years and assistant to Dr. Jenkins for the past 7 years. Marcy is certified as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant and is highly qualified in many dental assistant procedures as well as radiology. Marcy has extensive knowledge of cosmetic dentistry and works closely with Dr. Jenkins to provide the best dental care available.

Marcy has had attended numerous continuing education courses and received multiple certifications. Marcy is also on staff with the Hornbrook Group teaching institution that allows dentist and team members world wide to learn hands on about the latest procedures in cosmetic and full mouth rehabilitation. Marcy is the course cooridinator for the Greater Louisville Aesthetic Masters, and also has a close connection with our dental laboratory. She makes sure that the laboratory has all of the necessary information to process your restorations to expectation.

“I look forward to each and every day of providing care for our patients. I feel like I connect with most patients on a personal level. This helps the patient feel more at home during their treatment. Patient comfort and care are very important to me. I want each patient to feel special and that their needs were our utmost concern.”

Brittany Tolliver, RDH
A 2005 graduate from the University School of Dental Hygiene, Brittany is one of our newest team members and has brought a nice mix of youth and energy to our practice.  She also provides an awesome experience for her patients.

Brittany has practiced Dental Hygiene for 4 years now and has developed a unique style that allows her to present to her patients with optimal care.

“I love that I can take time with my patients and offer them a customized approach to maintaining a healthy beautiful smile. The “Patient First” team approach at Designing Smiles really allows for a great experience.”

Jessi Nance , RDH
Jessi is one of the newest members of our dental hygiene team. She graduated from the University of Louisville in 1993 with a degree in dental health sciences. She brings 22 years of experience in dentistry to our practice. She is most excited about the latest technology that Designing Smiles offers in diagnosing and treating our patients. Spend a moment with Jessi and you can sense her passion for dentistry.

"I am very proud to be a part of the Designing Smiles team. I love offering the best products and having the latest technology for my patients. Dr. Jenkins takes dentistry to the next level. I like that he holds me accountable to strive to be the best clinician that I can be for my patients. The thing that I always value most as a dental hygienist is the bond or friendship that I form with my patients."