Dr. Tameka Hall is an orthodontist in Lithia Springs, Georgia, who specializes in providing superior care for adults and children.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from Binghamton University in New York in 1998, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003 from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Hall was one of a few select students inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

After graduation, she studied an additional two years and received her Certificate in Orthodontics from Columbia University in New York.

A National Dean’s List Scholar, Dr. Hall has received many awards, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Aptitude and Achievement Award and the United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar Collegiate Award.

Dr. Hall is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association.

The New York native now resides in Atlanta. She enjoys the theater, traveling and spending time with her family.

Look for Dr. Tameka Hall in the next edition of People You Need to Know. Her office can be reached 770.732.6008

What is Kissable? Is it some irresistible charm, mysterious good looks, or charisma? It is all of these and also the toothpaste developed by Dr. Danielle Wilson, president of Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta. Dr. Wilson says, “With healthy teeth and fresh breath, everyone can ‘Be Kissable’.”

Kissable, a new toothpaste developed by Dr. Wilson, hit the marketplace in early 2009. It brings together natural ingredients and sensational taste for an experience that appeals to consumers’ growing desire to pair holistic health techniques with the best in beauty and cosmetic improvements.

Kissable contains the highest-quality of natural ingredients, chosen for their cleansing, restorative, and freshening properties. The most exciting of the natural ingredients used in Kissable is cranberry extract. Research has shown that cranberry acts like Teflon® for teeth, making it difficult for the bacteria that causes cavities to cling to tooth surfaces.

Aloe Vera, long known for its moisturizing effect on skin and its ability to help heal wounds, is also a key active ingredient in Kissable. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties combine with powerful antioxidant characteristics to boost health for gums and mouth tissues. Xylitol, a sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables, also offers an alternative to the artificial products often found in many toothpastes.

Dr. Wilson is the primary practitioner at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, based in Atlanta, GA. She distinguishes herself as one of the few private practitioners who provide personalized service and the level of expertise that comes from her education at Morgan State University, the University of Maryland Dental School, and the New Zealand University of Waikato, as a Fulbright Scholar.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta’s purpose is to educate the public about the importance of oral health and to provide cosmetic options that have an impact on general well-being and self-esteem. Dr. Danielle Wilson is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta is currently accepting new patients and is located at 1188 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd, Suite 101, Atlanta, 30310. Contact Dr. Wilson at 404-758-0770 or bekissable.com.

Have you thought about getting a brighter, more attractive smile? At the Dental Spa, cosmetic dentistry techniques provide more options than ever to help you get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Shai Hall will be glad to explain to you the various types of cosmetic dental treatments that are available today.

Please call their office to make your free, no-obligation consultation appointment…770.563.8100.

Why wait any longer? Find out how easy it is to get a beautiful smile and build your confidence.

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WHAT I LOVE THE MOST ABOUT MY JOB - What I love the most about my job is the ability to help others. It is great to help people feel better about themselves.

MY HOMETOWN - I am from a small town in North Carolina called Riegelwood. My parents and their families actually grew up there. It is a very quiet and peaceful place.

WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT ATLANTA - I like Atlanta because it is a large city with that country or small town feel.

THE MOUNTAINS, THE BEACH OR THE LAKE? - The beach, I grew up on the East Coast.

FAVORITE OLD SCHOOL SONG - Fire and Desire by Rick James and Teena Marie.

FAVORITE GEORGIA GETAWAY - Any golf course (with my fellas) or a Bed and Breakfast, if with the Wife.

FAVORITE DESSERT - Banana Pudding and Devils Food Chocolate Cake.

I AM MOST PROUD OF - My Family.

I WISH I HAD KNOWN TWENTY YEARS AGO - That I would have my own business.

FAVORITE MOVIE - Imitation of Life and Harlem Nights.

CELEBRITY I WOULD LIKE TO EAT LUNCH WITH - President Barack Obama.

THE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT MOST – Africa.

WHAT MAKES ME LAUGH? - Anything funny.

Dr. Terrilyn J. Reynolds is a native of the Washington, D.C. area, where she attended Howard University College of Dentistry. She completed her undergraduate degree at Spelman College and decided to make Atlanta her home. Dr. Reynolds’ office is located in the downtown area of Atlanta’s Historic Inman Park. She has been practicing dentistry for almost 13 years.

As a child, Dr. Reynolds had a fascination with “pretty” teeth. In addition, she could also have been influenced to go into the dental profession because her father is a practicing dentist in the metropolitan area of Atlanta.

Gentle Dental Care, LLC is well named because Dr. Reynolds feels that dental treatment does not need to be painful (in any way). In general, most patients have an innate apprehension to the “Dentist” because the practitioners in the early years were not taught the nature of a good bedside manner.

Thankfully, times have changed considerably, and Dr. Reynolds and her staff take pride in making that extra step to ensure their patients’ needs are met.

Dr. Reynolds says, “Dentistry is more than the practice of restoring tooth health; it is the practice of restoring the first line of defense for generalized health.” In her practice, her goal is to provide comprehensive dentistry, including educating each patient on his/her oral health and how it has a direct link to their overall health.

Dr. Reynolds and her team are always working diligently to provide a relaxed environment for patients of all ages. She and her staff also encourage patients to ask as many questions as needed to help bring about a better understanding of the dental procedures as well as their insurance benefits.

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No other method of communication is used as often as a smile!

If you’re not smiling right now…you could be! If your smile is less than perfect, cosmetic dentistry might be ‘for you’. Simply put, cosmetic dentistry is the art of giving you a beautiful, younger looking, more attractive smile. Porcelain veneers and crowns replace your existing exposed tooth structure and completely erase stains, discolored restorations and uneven, jagged or imperfect teeth. Missing, recessed or jutting teeth are all candidates for cosmetic restoration. We offer “instant orthodontics” as well, meaning we straighten teeth with the veneering process. In short, almost anything you don’t like about your teeth can likely be radically changed with cosmetics.

If you want to find out how other people see your smile, try this trick: stand in front of your bathroom mirror. Now, laugh hard and loud. Do you see what everyone else sees? Most of your upper and part of your lower teeth are exposed. Some people’s teeth show all the way back to their molars. Many of our patients have tried this exercise and cover their mouths with their hands, attempting to hide a less than perfect smile.

You don’t have to laugh with your hand over your mouth any longer. With modern payment arrangements and the beauty of all-porcelain restorations, there is no reason for you to be anything less than electrified by your smile, right now. Ask any member of our team for more details; we’re here to help. We also offer:

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Dr. Jeremy Simms Alexander is the oldest of four children from Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in a very large and proud community called Cooper Road, and was raised by a strong family with grandparents as the centerpiece for direction.

He graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in biology. Dr. Alexander went on to attend Howard University College of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2007.

Dr. Alexander is very ambitious and has high aspirations; he recently opened his dental office, Premier Dental, in the Sandy Springs/ Dunwoody area. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

People You Need to Know, Inc. is proud to welcome Dr. Jeremy Simms Alexander to the network.

When should dental care begin?

Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Birth to 6 months of age:

Clean the infant’s mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime. Consult your child’s pediatrician regarding fluoride supplements. Regulate feeding habits (bottle feeding and breastfeeding).

Six to 12 months of age:

During this time, the first tooth should appear. Consult the Pediatric dentist for an examination. Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. As the child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental and/or facial injuries. Wean the child from breast or bottle by his/her first birthday.

Twelve to 24 months of age:

Follow the schedule of dental examinations and cleanings, as recommended by your child’s pediatric dentist. Generally, dental examinations and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.

As your child learns to rinse his/her mouth, and as most deciduous (baby) teeth have erupted by this age, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste becomes appropriate.

Facts about deciduous teeth:

Proper care of a child’s deciduous teeth (also known as “baby” or primary teeth) is very important as these teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.

If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.

Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of 4 - usually the front bottom teeth first. They continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through.

Thumb-Sucking and Dental Health

Generally, thumb-sucking before the age of two is normal and harmless. When thumb-sucking is not stopped by the appropriate age (generally by the age of five) then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb-sucking may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development and bite problems.

Start early by teaching your children healthy dental habits that can last a lifetime. Dr. Chanda Culmer treats children and adults using the latest technology in general and cosmetic dentistry. For more information, call her office at 770-801-1641 or visit her website.

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1. If you are experiencing pain, your body is trying to tell you there is a problem. And generally, if you wait, the problem will get worse, which may lead to more pain, more expenses and/or loss of the tooth/teeth.

2. If you had a bad experience at a young age or otherwise, you tend not to go back. A way around this would be to ask for referrals from friends who had good experiences.

3. As a Healthcare Provider, I feel the patient is in charge when they come in for treatment. I am here to serve. As the patient, you have the right to ask questions, and accept or deny treatment.

4. As they say, “Your body is your temple.” Thus, without a healthy mouth, your body is not healthy. Any bacteria that you have in your mouth is transferred to all parts of your body. Without strong healthy teeth, your food cannot be broken down properly, leading to digestive and intestinal issues.

5. Some people are afraid to know if there is a problem, so they avoid having dental care. However, in the end, something small becomes larger, and more painful or costly. Go for regular check-ups to learn how to get and maintain a healthy mouth.

6. Patients have been victims of overpriced offices or misdiagnoses. To gain a better understanding of the recommended treatment, ask questions. Also, if further information is needed to feel comfortable, seek a second opinion.

7. Financial woes may cause fear for some because the treatment needed may be out of reach. There are options available: Dental Insurance Companies, Dental Finance Companies and individual office payment plans.

Dr. Terrilyn Reynolds recently opened her office in the Historic Fourth Ward, in Inman Park. She has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and is the proud product of Spelman College and Howard University College of Dentistry. She is committed to providing superb dental care and oral health education to all children and families and works diligently to make the Atlanta community a healthy community.

Meet Dr. Reynolds and her team and begin to receive the warm, caring service and the best oral healthcare from Gentle Dental Care. Her office provides special rates and discounts for schools and organizations. Call today for an appointment (404) 524-8444.

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People You Need to Know, a network of top professionals including dentists, attorneys, real estate agents, physicians, etc., in Atlanta, welcomes Dr. Trent Jones, President of All Smiles Atlanta.

Dr. Jones is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in biology. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Dr. Jones practices general dentistry with a cosmetic focus in Decatur and Midtown Atlanta locations. He is a certified Invisalign™ provider and is a Lumineer© veneer placement specialist. He is a member of the National Dental Association, American Dental Association, North Georgia Dental Society, Georgia Dental Society and The Decatur Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Look for Dr. Trent Jones in the 2009 Business Celebrities Edition of People You Need to Know. All Smiles Atlanta can be reached at 404-685-8605 or Email.

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When we first started this inspirational blog, our goal was to proudly salute successful business owners and professionals in metro Atlanta, by highlighting their achievements via interviews, audio introductions, biographical information and colorful ads.

After 100 posts, we’re still honored to salute people like Dr. Danielle Wilson, developer of Kissable toothpaste. She has already gone above and beyond, in serving her community and leaving a legacy.

Dr. Danielle Wilson’s achievements have been great, yet she has remained humble. Born in Queens, New York, Dr. Wilson knew she wanted to become a dentist at the age of six years old. She says, “I was always interested in science and helping other people. I persevered and it became a reality for me.”

Dr. Wilson received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She also graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School. In addition, she spent 10 months studying in New Zealand at the University of Waikato, as a Fulbright Scholar. On becoming a Fulbright Scholar, she reflects, “It was very competitive. We had to have a certain grade point average, write an essay, choose a country we’d like to visit and then compete with all the other students who were interested in that particular country.”

“I wrote my essay on a topic pertaining to science education,” she recalls. Her scholastic achievements and award-winning essay won her an opportunity to study at the University of Waikato. Dr. Wilson’s educational excellence didn’t stop there; she also received a NASA Fellowship to attend Morgan State University.

As a volunteer, Dr. Wilson lived for three weeks on an Indian Reservation making dentures for Native Americans. She has also provided dental screenings via a Colgate van for children who otherwise would not receive proper dental care. This diverse experience has helped her connect with her patients even more.

Dr. Wilson decided to move to Atlanta because she had heard it was the land of opportunity - where people could come and be successful. As far as she is concerned, all that she heard has definitely been true.

After being unhappy with the brand of toothpaste she was providing in her practice, Dr. Wilson decided to develop her own. Her popular, flavorful and successful new line of toothpaste is called, Kissable. It contains healthy ingredients, which promote a bright smile, fresh breath and healthy gums.

Her advice to women in business is,“Stay focused on your ultimate goal.” She continued, “There will always be others who will try to sidetrack you. You must stay focused.”

For newspaper, radio or television interviews, contact People You Need to Know at atlanta.mecca@gmail.com.

Get ready to relax! Dental visits are no longer filled with anxiety, but are replaced with the comforts of a posh spa.

Since introducing The Dental Spa to the Marietta area in 2005, not only has Dr. Shai Hall received patients from all over the metro Atlanta area, but patients from as far away as California and Chicago have traveled to experience “Dentistry with a Pampering Touch.”

Dr. Shai Hall received a BS in biology from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, and her DDS degree from the University of Maryland - Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. During her dental school years, she did an externship at a Navaho Indian Reservation. After graduation, she served in the Air Force Dental Corps for six years in stations here in the states and Japan.

Her practice offers an array of dental services including Laser Teeth Whitening, Lumineers, Porcelain Veneers, Invisalign, Smile Makeovers, natural colored fillings, cleanings and much more.

Dr. Hall offers her patients an assortment of spa amenities, including an indulgent chair massage, paraffin hand wax treatment and aromatherapy during their visit. From a relaxing atmosphere to luxury spa services, The Dental Spa strives to provide you with a pampering experience. Be careful though, you just might fall asleep.

Dr. Karen R. Mills is a 1987 graduate of Howard University’s College of Dentistry in Washington D.C., where she was awarded the Percy A. Fitzgerald Outstanding Achievement Award in clinical crown and bridge. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, while working as a clinical dental assistant.

Dr. Mills began her career as a dentist in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan, and worked in private practice as an associate, as well as a public health care provider. She has been practicing in the Marietta area for sixteen years, rendering general and cosmetic services for adults and children.

Dr. Mills is an established practitioner whose practice is based on excellence in care. Her philosophy of practice is to render comprehensive care as an adjunct to total body health. She knows that a healthy mouth is an indicator of a healthy body. When you visit her practice, you will feel the difference. Her team prides themselves on going the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and special.

Dr. Mills is a member of various local and national dental associations. She is also an A.K.A, and mentors youth interested in the field of dentistry. She is the mother of two children and her hobbies include tennis, golf and skiing.

Look for Dr. Karen R. Mills on the cover of the 2009 Business Celebrities Edition of People You Need to Know. Her office can be reached at 770-499-7756.

Dr. Chanda Culmer is known for her gentle and creative touch. She enjoys helping each of her patients improve their health, appearance, and self-esteem by creating the smile of their dreams, as well as helping them maintain the health and function of their teeth, gums and bite.

She is a 1998 graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Advanced education and continuing dental study enable her to offer her patients a superior dental experience and an unparalled level of quality care. She is truly committed to excellence in everything she does. Their state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available. They offer digital X-Rays, intra-oral cameras, diagnostic lasers and Zoom!, the latest tooth whitening technique.

Patients may recognize the brand name Zoom! as the whitening procedure preferred by cosmetic dentists on ABC’s hit television show Extreme Makeover. Schedule your appointment today by calling 770-801-1641.

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It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Karen Mills, President of Advantage Dental has been serving metro Atlanta since 1992. She is certified as Cobb County’s Lumineers Dentist. Learn about Lumineers and find out how easy it is to get a Hollywood smile.

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Losing her mother at 28 years old was the lowest point in Dr. Danielle Wilson’s life. She shares her story of hope and inspiration that gives others the courage to continue to dream and achieve their goals.

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Did you know that what’s often hidden in your mouth could possibly lead to a heart attack or stroke?

Dr. Karen Mills, Cobb County’s Certified Lumineers Dentist and president of Advantage Dental, is going to share with us some of the causes and just how dangerous periodontal disease can be. In addition, she’ll also share with us what we can do about it.

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