Michael K. Pace, DDS

Dr. Pace has been practicing dentistry in Austell since 1984. He was born in Kearney, Nebraska (the midpoint of the USA) in 1954 and graduated from high school in Merritt Island, Florida in 1972. Dr. Pace received a Bachelor of Science from Emory University in 1976 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1980. The following year, he completed a General Practice Residency in the US Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He served as a dental officer from 1981-1984 in Wiesbaden, Germany. After leaving the Army in 1984, he worked as a clinical instructor in the Crown and Bridge Department at Emory University School of Dentistry and later that year began his private dental practice.

Dr. Pace has been a member of the Academy of General Dentistry since 1980 and received Fellowship from the organization in 1985.

Dr. Pace resides in Douglasville, Georgia with his wife Dana and their three children. Along with a busy schedule at Austell Dental Associates, he enjoys playing the piano and organ, gardening, traveling, cooking and fishing. An avid sports fan, Dr. Pace coached soccer for many years and enjoys watching baseball, soccer and football.

Heather R. Bussey, DMD

Richard S. Gardner, DMD

 

Nina Downer, Office Manager

 

Nina's career in dentistry began in 1989 working in the front office of Dr. Richard Buhl's orthodontic practice in Marietta. She joined the Austell Dental family part-time in 1992 as the orthodontic scheduler for Dr. Buhl's Austell Dental patients. In 1994 Nina began working full time in the general dentistry practice of Austell Dental and five years later was promoted to office manager. Her job is to insure that the practice has the staff, procedures and supplies in place to meet the needs of our patients.

Nina lives with her husband Tony in Roswell. Their two children have presented her with the opportunity to spoil seven grandchildren when the occasion arises. Nina enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and volunteering in her church nursery.

Kathy Tibbetts, Assistant Office Manager

 

Kathy, better known as "KT", joined the Austell Dental family as an employee in 1999. Prior to that she had been a patient of the practice for twelve years. With over 25 years of experience in the insurance field, KT sees that all pre-estimates, claims and payments are handled in a timely manner. Since we realize that dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and stressful, we are pleased that we have an experienced person handling this task.

KT and her husband are both life-long residents of the Atlanta area. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons and one grandson. KT's favorite past-time is shopping at TJ Maxx.

Wysteria Sheats, Registered Dental Hygienist

 

Wysteria has been a part of the Austell Dental Associates family since 1985. She attended the University of Georgia and earned her degree in dental hygiene from The Medical College of Georgia.

Helping you to understand the importance of oral hygiene is a priority for Wysteria. She enjoys visiting with her patients and her laughter will brighten your day.

Wysteria resides in Douglasville with her children, Ebony and Terrence. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her children and participating in their school activities. Go Spartans!!!!

Shelly Howard, Registered Dental Hygienist

 

Shelly has been a part of the Austell Dental Associates family since 1989. She earned her degree in dental hygiene from Lexington Community College/University of Kentucky in 1988.

Shelly resides in Acworth with her husband Jeff and their two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kassidy. She enjoys cooking, volunteering and being outdoors with her family.

Tonya Lawrence, Registered Dental Hygienist

 

Tonya joined the Austell Dental Associates family in 1996 as a part-time employee while in high school. She earned her degree in dental hygiene from West Central Technical College in Carrollton, Georgia in 2000.

Tonya and her husband Bryan love spending time with their two year old son, Preston. She enjoys shopping, traveling and time with her family.

Dee Boudreau, Registered Dental Hygienist

 

Dee has been a part of the Austell Dental Associates family since 1997. She earned her degree in dental hygiene from Central Florida Community College.

As part of our hygiene team, Dee helps to educate our patients about the importance of oral healthcare.

Dee lives in Marietta with her husband Kevin. Her daughter, Summer, is attending college in Hawaii. Dee enjoys growing orchids and plumeria, as well as bird-watching, reading and working out.

Kaila Graves, Dental Assistant

 

Kaila joined the Austell Dental Associates family in 2004. She has been in the dental field for five years. Working as Dr. Pace's assistant, her goal is to see that the patient's needs and concerns are addressed and that your appointment goes smoothly.

As one of the youngest members of our team, Kaila brings a youthful energy to our office. She enjoys spending time at the lake, going to sporting events and playing with her golden retriever, Zoe.

Michelle Turner, Dental Assistant

 

Michelle, the newest addition to Austell Dental Associates, joined us in 2006. She fulfilled her externship in our office prior to graduating from the Medix School in June 2006. Working with all of our doctors as needed, her goal is to see that the patient's needs and concerns are handled and that your appointment goes smoothly.

Michelle resides in Villa Rica. She enjoys spending time with her three children and participating in their school activities. Michelle also enjoys riding motorcycles.

Mary Boddington, Front Office Assistant

 

Mary joined the Austell Dental Associates family in 2004. She earned her Associates Science Degree from Miami-Dade Community College. As part of the front office team, Mary looks forward to assisting our patients in scheduling appointments, answering questions and helping to make your visit a pleasant experience.

Mary enjoys spending time with her husband Jim, and their three children, Julie, Matt and Emily. Her favorite pastimes are traveling and going to yard sales.

Jennifer Newton, Dental Assistant

 

Jennifer has been a part of the Austell Dental family since 2001 shortly after graduating from Pebblebrook High School. Recently she has moved into a full time assisting position with Dr. Gardner. While she is enjoying the change of scenery she still enjoys assisting with technical and front office tasks. A number one goal that Jennifer has is to see that our patients are comfortable during their visits and that any questions, comments and concerns are handled in a prompt manner. Patient care is our highest priority.

During her time away from work Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband Shayne and their two daughters, Caitlyn and Taylor. Even though chasing two, beautiful, daughters is a full time job she also makes time to volunteer at school functions and assist in the Children's Department at their church.

Diely Puaching, Dental Lab Technician

 

Austell Dental Associates has had the privilege of having Diely do their crown and bridge work since 1986. She was born and raised in the Philippines. Diely received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines in 1980.

Diely came to the United States and settled in Cobb County, Georgia in 1983. She graduated with academic excellence from Atlanta Technology School in 1985.

In her leisure time, Diely enjoys spending time with her daughter and participating in her school activities