Clinical Team
Dental Hygienist
Shelby
Shelby graduated from Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia with an Associate of Dental Hygiene degree. While at FHTC, Shelby was awarded the Golden Scaler Award. After practicing for a few years, she attended Wichita State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and recently obtained a Masters in Human Resource Management degree.
Shelby moved to Wichita in 2016 when she joined Implant and Perio Center of Kansas. Since being at I&P, she has worked as both a registered dental hygienist and a surgical assistant. Shelby is also certified in the Advanced Laser Training with the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. She is a member of American Association of Dental Office Managers. In 2019, Shelby was a part of the Implant and Perio Center of Kansas dental assistant’s team that was awarded the Eileen Ahern Dental Assistants Team of Distinction at the Dental Assistants National Conference of Excellence (DANCE). In 2021, Shelby was nationally recognized by Elite Dental Alliance as Dental Hygienist Employee of the Month. Shelby also manages the Implant and Perio Hygiene Study Club.
In 2023, Shelby accepted the role of Integrator for Implant and Perio Center of Kansas and Care Esthetics of Wichita, where she orchestrates the major functions of the two offices.
In her spare time, Shelby enjoys going to concerts and loves watching and attending sporting events with her friends and family.
Dental Hygienist
Stephanie
Stephanie has been working in the dental field since 2005. She started as a dental assistant in general dentistry where she quickly became passionate about dentistry and decided to pursue her dental career in dental hygiene. She graduated from Wichita State University with her Associates of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2009. Stephanie has been working as a dental hygienist in the periodontal field for most of her dental hygiene career. She has been part of the Implant and Perio Center of Kansas team for over 10 years.
She is trained and certified in Dental Perioscopy and Advanced Laser Training. Stephanie is also trained as a surgical assistant where she works chairside with Dr. Sams. In 2019, Stephanie was a part of the Implant and Perio Center of Kansas dental assistant’s team that was awarded the Eileen Ahern Dental Assistants Team of Distinction at the Dental Assistants National Conference of Excellence (DANCE)
When Stephanie’s not at work, she is a busy mom of 4 beautiful daughters and has a loving husband of 18 years.
Dental Hygienist
Megan
Megan is a Wichita native where she has spent the last 6 practicing Dental Hygiene. Megan spent 5 years in General Dentistry before joining Implant and Perio Center of Kansas.
Megan graduated in 2016 with her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. She has Advanced Laser Dental Training. During your appointment Megan does her best to make sure her patients are educated and comfortable for their appointments.
Megan is married to her husband, Jacob, with who she shares two dogs. Megan enjoys traveling and reading, but during football season you’ll find her cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with her husband.
Dental Hygienist
Ngoc
Ngoc is a native of Wichita. She had 13 years of Dental Hygiene experience before joining Dr. Sam’s team in 2020.
Ngoc graduated with her Associate’s in Dental Hygiene at Wichita State University in 2006. She is certified in Advanced Laser Technology. She is also certified in the Perioscope. Ngoc loves getting to know her patients and providing them the tools they need to maintain their overall oral health.
Ngoc is married and has two children, who keep her very busy. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, eating good food, and traveling.
Dental Hygienist
Stacee
Stacee is a registered dental hygienist at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas. She is a New Mexico native and has lived in the Wichita area for the last six years. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 20 years and they have two beautiful teenagers. She has dedicated the last 11 years to the dental field because of her passion to educate and help others. Being a dental hygienist has allowed Stacee to fulfill her desire to achieve this goal. She graduated from Wichita State University Magna Cum Laude, was inducted into the Alpha Eta Society for allied health professionals, and received the Golden Scaler Award from faculty by demonstrating remarkable skill and talent of the course of her classes. “The encouragement I received has allowed me to fulfill my dream and help every patient I meet. I have the pleasure of working with different people from different walks of life on a daily basis, and I am forever grateful.”
Dental Hygienist
Cameren
Cameren is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has always had a passion for caring for people. She graduated from Dodge City Community College with her Associate of Science degree in 2021. During these two years of study, she participated on the cross country and track team. She has recently graduated from Wichita State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. Cameren joined/started her career with the Implant and Perio Center of Kansas team in 2023. While at WSU Cameren was awarded the Sigma Phi Alpha award for being one of the top in her graduating class. In addition to this she was on the Dean’s Honor Roll each semester she attended WSU.
When she is out of the office, Cameren enjoys staying active outdoors and in the gym. You can also find her going to concerts and hanging out with friends and family. Cameren moved to Wichita 2 years ago from the small town of Cimarron, KS where she grew up, and has since enjoyed her time in the city.
Dental Hygienist
Kacie
Kacie is a Registered Dental Hygienist at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas. She has recently graduated from Wichita State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and minor in Public Health and Health Management. While at Wichita State, she was involved in the Student Dental Hygienist Association, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and was awarded and inducted to Sigma Phi Alpha national honor society of Dental Hygiene for her top academic achievement.
In her free time, Kacie loves visiting and spending time with her family in Medicine Lodge, KS. She enjoys reading, traveling, and walking her two dogs, Dexter and Daisy, with her fiance.
Dental Hygienist
Anita
Anita was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and began her career in the dental field in 2020 as a dental assistant in general dentistry. During this time, she discovered her passion for oral healthcare and decided to pursue dental hygiene to build stronger clinician-patient relationships. This led her to earn her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, graduating magna cum laude from Wichita State University.
While at Wichita State, Anita was an active leader, serving on the executive board of a multicultural club and as president of the Women’s Soccer Club. Outside of work and academics, she enjoys playing soccer, spending time with her family, and traveling to explore new places. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to personal growth, leadership, and patient care, as she strives to make a positive impact in dentistry.
Clinical Lead
Jennifer
Jennifer has completed some college and is currently enrolled at Butler Community College. Jennifer was born and raised here in Wichita, KS. She has worked at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas since 2021 as a surgical assistant. In 2023 she received her IV sedation certification. She is also a freelance interpreter.
Jennifer has a ten-year-old son who enjoys playing soccer and drawing.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys riding her motorcycle and loves doing science experiments with her son.
Dental Assistant
Jenn
Jenn has been a Dental Assistant at Implant and Perio since 2011, and is the resident expert in all the details of dental implants! In 2019, Jenn was a part of the Implant and Perio Center of Kansas dental assistant’s team that was awarded the Eileen Ahern Dental Assistants Team of Distinction Award at the Dental Assistants National Conference for Excellence in Chicago, IL.
Dental Assistant
Nikki
Nikki graduated from Accelerated Academy Dental Assisting in March of 2024, around the same time she joined the team at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas. She is planning to continue her education in the Fall of 2024. When not at the office, Nikki enjoys traveling with her children, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and hitting the gym.
Dental Assistant
Elena
Elena went to Wichita State University, where she studied psychology; after college Elena started working in the dental field, although she is no stranger to the dental field. Elena hopes to go back to college to get a Bachelors in Science for Nursing. In her free time Elena enjoys reading books, traveling, and taking her dog for long walks.
Sterilization Technician
Miranda
Miranda is the Sterilization Tech for Implant and Perio. She attended Hutchinson Community College and received an Associates in Arts. She previously worked as a CNA, but is planning on applying to dental hygiene school! She enjots this job because it is getting her experience in a dental office. Miranda enjoys spending time with family and friends when she is not at work.
Laboratory Technician
Barbara
Barbara is our Laboratory Technician. She has been in the dental field for the better part of ten years. While she has experience in dental assisting, her chosen career path is in the laboratory setting. The ever-changing nature of dental technology always provides a way to learn and grow. She is grateful to be a part of this wonderful team and the opportunity to help improve patients’ quality of life.
Barbara attended Butler Community College from 2010-2012, where she studied General Education; Heritage College from 2012-2013, for Dental Assisting and Radiology.
She enjoys crochet, hiking, and reading. Barbara lives in Wichita with her husband and four kids.
Sterilization Technician
Leilani
Leilani is a Sterilization Tech for Implant and Perio. She attended Centenary College of Louisiana where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and was a member of the gymnastics team. In her spare time Leilani coaches competitive gymnastics at a local gymnastics club, enjoys traveling and working out.
Business Team
Office Manager
Jessalyn
Jessy formerly was in the real estate industry and focused on multi-property management, but was ready for a career change that offered the healthy work-life blend she was looking for. After meeting the team at Implant and Perio, she instantly felt at home and knew she had found her perfect fit. Jessy has always been captivated by the dental industry, finding it truly inspiring to witness people gain confidence through their smiles. In her free time, she enjoys adventurous outings with her husband, son, and their four dogs. She is always eager to explore new experiences together.
CFO and Accountant
Haley
Haley grew up in South Texas, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2007 from Texas A&M University and MBA in 2012 from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. She aims to complete her CPA license requirements in 2024. After nearly a decade of owning and operating a small business of her own, she joined the Implant and Perio team in March 2024 as Accountant and CFO.
In her spare time, she loves baking and gardening, as well as traveling and spending time with her husband and their two sons.
Administrative Assistant
Katie
Katie is the Administrative Assistant at Implant and Perio. She comes from Restaurant Management and moved to Wichita to open a restaurant. She was looking for a job that would allow her to have the work/life balance her family needed, and she loves feeling like she is part of an amazing team and office that makes a difference in patients’ lives! Outside of work Katie likes working on home projects, spending time with family and going out to local restaurants.
Treatment Coordinator
Christy
Christy was born and raised in Fredonia, KS. After graduating high school, she moved to Wichita and earned her degree in Dental Hygiene from Wichita State University in 1993. She is certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration. Prior to Dental Hygiene school, Christy worked as a dental assistant part time after high school for her childhood dentist and that is where her she knew she had found her calling. After graduating college, she worked in general dentistry as a hygienist for 4 years then joined this practice in 1997 as a full- time hygienist. In 2015, she transitioned from the clinic into the role of treatment consultant. Christy’s passion is patient education and helping people achieve their optimum oral health goals. She enjoys meeting new people every day!
Christy and her husband Kyle have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.
Treatment Coordinator
Natalie
Natalie Forest started her dental career in 2021 as a receptionist at McCabe Dentistry in Newton, Kansas, and later cross trained as a dental assistant in their office. In 2023, she worked clinically full time as a dental assistant at Sand Creek Family in Newton, Kansas, under Dr. Benjamin Lee. Natalie became a sterilization technician at Sand Creek as well. In August of 2024, she accepted a position with Dr. Sams as a treatment coordinator and is incredibly grateful to work with him and his highly professional and knowledgeable staff. She has a passion for patient care and education, striving to help each patient feel confident in their understanding of specific treatment needs, procedures, and investments.
Natalie will be married three years in December to her husband, Jackson. They enjoy going to the gym together, being with family and friends, cooking, and going on adventures. In her spare time, Natalie has a passion for pottery, and she runs her own small business: ForestFire Pottery. She sketches, paints, sings, and acts as well. She will be teaching acting and singing classes in the near future.
Hygiene Coordinator
Gavi
Gavi is our Hygiene Coordinator. She was born and raised in Wichita, KS. She completed some college in the medical field. After working and serving medical for 9 years she discovered that her passion was in dental. She comes to Implant and Perio with 7 and half years of dental experience. Outside of work she loves taking care of her big family! She loves watching football and supports her Kansas City Chiefs for the last 17+ years. She is well known in the Wichita community for her flavorful Gavi’s salsa. She’s always striving to gain more knowledge for the benefit of the patients.
Insurance and Financial Coordinator
Laken
Laken is the insurance and finance coordinator at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas. She was inspired to pursue a career in dental after seeing how a smile can change someone’s outlook on life. Prior to working at Implant and Perio Center of Kansas, she has previous experience in numerous dental offices ranging from general dentistry, pediatrics, and ortho. In her free time, she can be found at the lake with her family, concerts with her best friend, or at home listening to Crime Junkies with her three dogs.
Insurance Coordinator
Morgan
Morgan was born and raised in OKC, and moved to Wichita in 2024. She graduated in 2019, and started working her first dental position and loved it, and wants to stay in dental! She is the Insurance Coordinator at I&P and she enjoys being able to help patients with their claims. When not at work, Morgan loves sewing, listening to music and true crime podcasts, and she is an art lover. Her cat, Peanut, is her whole world!
Business Assistant
Ana
Ana worked in the beauty industry for 4 years, and in the customer service field for 8 years total. She saw that there was a need in healthcare to provide a high level of care to patients, and decided to join the dental field. She is thoroughly enjoying her role at Implant and Perio, being the first point of contact for new patients. Ana is always glad to welcome patients to the practice and ease their concerns when it comes to their oral health.
Ana moved to Wichita from Austin, TX in 2022. She spends her free time with her daughter, singing karaoke, spending time with her friends, and trying out new hobbies.
Business Assistant
Will
William is originally from Kentucky but has lived and worked in Wichita for the past 25+ years. William graduated from Wichita State University with his BBA and acquired his MBA from UOPX. William is an Entrepreneur and has worked at Franklins Barbershop for over 20 years. He also worked as an Opener for the North Ymca for 8 years before joining the Implant and Perio team in July 2024 as a Business Assistant. William has 4 kids, 2 College Grads (Michael & William) and 2 still attending (Tamara & Nevaeh), he is Truly Blessed. William enjoys Fast Cars, Fast Motorcycles, Music and LIFE.
Transcriptionist
Dianna
Dianna has been the transcriptionist for the office since 2009. She previously worked for GMAC before taking time to raise her three sons. She completed a transcription course and worked for several doctors before starting with Implant and Perio. She enjoys the flexibility this position gives her so she can travel to see her grandbabies! When she’s not working, Dianna enjoys hiking, biking, quilting, knitting, and spending time with her family.
Project Manager
Lynne
Lynne is the Project Manager at Implant and Perio, and previously worked with the front desk team for the office. Lynne has a Music Theatre degree from Friends University, and comes from a background in retail management. She enjoys planning the events the office hosts, coming up with new marketing ideas and handling any other projects that pop up! In her free time, Lynne enjoys reading, crafting and fixing up her 100+ year old home with her husband.