Dr. Braid was glad to have the opportunity to come back home to Southern Illinois when she opened Dental Care for Kids in 2008. She considers herself blessed to work with an amazing team who help serve the dental needs of the hard working families of Southern Illinois.
Dr. Braid received her dental degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois. She received her certificate in pediatric dentistry from University of Missouri-Kansas City in affiliation with Children’s Mercy Hospital. There she received specialized training that allows her to provide oral conscious sedation and provide services in an operating room environment. She is a proud Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Braid dedicates a great deal of time to her practice and other professional and community organizations including her church and the dental society. What Dr. Braid enjoys most is spending time with her husband, children, dogs Oscar & Otis, as well as her extended family, who also reside here in Southern Illinois. They spend a lot of time hiking, reading, baking, boating and camping.
Dr. Wyatt is a general dentist who grew up right here in Southern Illinois. Although she is not a pediatric dentist, her passion has always been working with kids. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Saint Louis University, Dr. Wyatt decided to pursue a degree in dentistry at Southern Illinois University-School of Dental Medicine. In 2006, she returned to Southern Illinois to work with children at the Adolescent Health Center. In 2008, Dr. Wyatt began working at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in their dental hygiene program and Community Dental Center. Dr. Wyatt continues to work part time at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Dr. Wyatt loves to volunteer at dental events and is hoping to start participating in dental service trips in the Caribbean. Dr. Jodi is thrilled that Dr. Wyatt shares her enthusiasm for providing high quality dental care for our kids.
Denise is a business assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. She has worked in the dental field since 2006. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is that everyone works well together and it feels like home. Denise’s favorite part about her job is meeting new people and knowing that she is making their experience as good as possible. In her free time Denise likes to go camping and boating with her family and friends. Denise’s ideal vacation spot is anywhere that has a beach.
Heather is a dental assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. She has worked in dentistry since 1995. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is working with kids and making a difference. She is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she knows she works with a great group of ladies and knows they all strive to make a difference with each child. Heather’s favorite part about her job is watching the kids grow over the years and gain dental confidence. On her free time she likes to spend time with her family, friends and dogs.
Heather also enjoys her summertime weekends at her pool. Her favorite vacation spot is St. Pete Beach, Florida.
Kayli is a dental assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. Kayli is new to dentistry, she started her dental career in January 2025 and is loving it. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is having the opportunity to learn something new each day. Kayli is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she knows that she is part of a great team that gives quality care to each patient that comes through the door. Kayli enjoys spending time with her family and spending time with all her dogs. If Kayli had to pick her favorite vacation spot it would be Lake Tahoe.
Emily is a certified dental assistant at Dental Care for Kids. She has worked in dentistry for 6 years. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is helping children work through their fear of the dentist. Emily is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she enjoys seeing all the children happy and having a good time in our office while completing their treatment in order to have healthy smiles. In Emily’s free time she enjoys reading, riding horses, playing with her dogs along with spending time with her husband, son and family. Emily’s favorite vacation spot is Gatlinburg, TN and Grand Turk.
Abbey is a dental hygienist here at Dental Care for Kids. Abbey received her Bachelor’s degree from SIU School of Dental Hygiene in 2025. Abbey has been in dentistry since 2022. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is the team and the energy in the office. She is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she wants to dispel the anxieties that many children have about dentistry. Abbey is committed to provide all the resources for a happy and healthy smile. Abbey enjoys baking, reading, working out and finding good coffee shops. If Abbey had to pick her favorite vacation spot it would be any place with a body of water and a cozy spot to read.
Sam is a dental assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. She has worked in dentistry since August 2021. Her favorite part about
working at Dental Care for Kids is helping the kids conquer their fears of being at the dentist, but also having a job where her
coworkers treat her like family. She is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she knows the great care that is given to the patients from the dentist and the team. On her free time she likes
to spend time with her friends and family, nieces and nephews, taking her 5 dogs for walks and car rides. Sam likes writing and
playing music with her brother. Sam also enjoys hunting, fishing and off roading. Her favorite vacation spot is Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Kate is a dental assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. She is new to dentistry and says that she looks forward to learning and growing with her new career. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is being able to make the children’s experience at the dentist positive and comfortable, especially when they are nervous. She is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she knows she is able to create a positive space for every child that comes into the office. On her free time she loves to shop, spend time with family and friends, and travel as much as possible. Her favorite vacation spot would be anywhere that has a beach.
Mazie is a dental assistant here at Dental Care for Kids. She has worked in dentistry for 4 years. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is that she gets to make a positive impact on kid’s experiences with dentistry. Mazie is committed to Dental Care for Kids because she believes in being part of a team that makes a difference for kids. On her free time she likes to bake and hangout with her husband Drew and her dog Nash. Her favorite vacation spot is Mexico.
Chelsy has been a business assistant here at Dental Care for Kids since December of 2021. Her favorite part about working at Dental Care for Kids is seeing the children every day. Chelsy’s favorite part of her job is the team she works with and how everyone has became like family. In her free time Chelsy likes to go camping, watch her children play sports and travel to concerts with her husband and adult children. Chelsy’s ideal vacation spot is anywhere in the mountains.