TEAM
Meet the Team
Dr. Nicole Yates
Dr. Nicole Yates grew up in Columbus, GA. She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and graduated from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia).
Upon graduating dental school Nicole, spent four years serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, during which a one year General Practice Residency was completed at a Naval Hospital. Subsequently, Dr. Yates completed implant training with the Zimmer Biomet Institute as well as the Misch Resnick Implant Institute, obtained cosmetic and dermal filler certifications from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and trained with Dr. David Galler, a premier Invisalign Provider.
Her husband, Steven, and their two young sons, Warren and Holden, welcomed a return to the sunshine of the southeast after being stationed in Rhode Island for three years. Outside of work, the Yates family enjoys being outdoors kayaking, fishing, or enjoying the beach. Warren and Holden obtained passports very young, as the family enjoys world traveling. On the rare occasion that there is time, Dr. Yates enjoys reading non-fiction, sewing, and cooking.
The Effingham Smiles team were honored with the title of “Effingham’s Most Fab Dentist” in 2021 and 2022 and strive to continually serve the Effingham County community.
Dr. Turner Welch
He and his wife and high school sweetheart, Megan, recently relocated to the area and are excited to become part of the community. In his free time, Dr. Welch enjoys playing pick-up basketball, mountain biking, cooking and exploring new places with his wife and adopted long-haired dachshund named Frank.
Dr. Grant Dye
Dr. Dye’s passion for surgery comes from his appreciation of how quickly surgery can improve a patient’s condition and bring their anatomy back to a functioning state. He possesses advanced training in, but not limited to: implants, bone grafting, periodontal surgery, tori removal, and wisdom teeth extractions. Dr. Dye is drawn to the learned and perceptual abilities in dentistry acquired to achieve not only successful esthetic and functional procedural outcomes, but also patient comfort during treatment. He has built a strong knowledge base with an expanded understanding of IV sedation in order to better treat those with dental anxiety.
When not treating patients, Dr. Dye enjoys activities such as water sports, fishing, downhill skiing, golf and spending time with family and friends. He has a passion for sports and enjoys staying active by competing in various adult leagues within the community. Dr. Dye looks forward to maintaining your dental health through a safe and welcoming environment for you and your family. He finds the most rewarding part of practicing dentistry is the relationships and friendships he has cultivated with his patients along with his team of dental professionals. He considers it an honor to be your dentist and have you as part of our family.
Jessica Hurst
Office Manager
What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to work with an awesome team and Doctors. On top of that, seeing smiling faces from our patients making working all worthwhile.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy spending time with my husband and girls. We enjoy outdoor sports from hunting to kayaking.
Andrea Cratty Murphy
Insurance Coordinator
I truly enjoy patient interaction. Additionally, it makes me so happy to watch patients come in with fear and need treatment then leave so much happier and relaxed. That is my favorite.
What do you do for fun?
As a mother of three, I have the most fun spending time with my children. I also enjoy reading, baking, and going to concerts.
Maggie Denney
Front Office Assistant
I love building a one-on-one relationship with our patients and giving them the best dental experience ever. We consider our patients like family and love seeing them leave with a satisfied smile.
What do you do for fun?
Family time is very important to me. I love spending time on our family farm, going to the beach, and enjoying every moment we have together.
Emily Harrison
Front Office Assistant
What I love most about my job is the environment I get to work in at Effingham Smiles. We are like a big family that works together!
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I like to spend time with my husband and daughter. We like to be outdoors chasing our two boykins, Duke and Daisy, around and watching Georgia football! Go Dawgs!
Marcie Marsh
Treatment Planning Coordinator
I love helping patients overcome their fear of the dentist and helping them have a positive experience. Also, helping one find their smile again by fixing small things.
What do you do for fun?
My little family and I love doing anything together outside!
Alicia McKinney
Hygiene Treatment Coordinator
I love getting to know my patients and seeing their smiling faces.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my son. We love riding dirt roads in our Ranger, kayaking and fishing.
Nikki Bell
Registered Dental Hygienist
It is very rewarding to help people stay healthy and feel great about themselves. I love getting to know my patients and their families. I want my patients to love their smile and have good oral health!
What do you do for fun?
In my spare time my husband and I enjoy training for local triathlons in the area. I like gardening and fitting in as many beach trips as possible.
Brooke Forehand
Registered Dental Hygienist
I love working with my team members to create a fun, family friendly environment for our patients. I enjoy working with my patients to help them achieve a healthy smile.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two girls. We like trips to the lake, fishing, camping, and many other outdoor activities. Spending time together with friends and family is what we like the most!
Lauren Saxon
Dental Assistant
I love being able to help put a beautiful smile on our patients faces. I look forward to coming to work and seeing the people I consider family every day.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family. We like traveling, being outdoors, and love making memories in every way we can.
Chandler Grassi
Hygiene Dental Assistant
I love my co-workers, because we are all very supportive of one another and work as a team. I also love the patients that we see. I love helping adults and kids overcome their dental anxiety, and reassuring them that we will do anything we can to deliver the best possible dental visit.
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my two kids at the beach. I always enjoy being outdoors with my loved ones and friends. I love watching sports, whether it is on TV or in-person and I am always down for road trips!
Kimberly Swindle
Dental Assistant
I love knowing I am helping someone regain the confidence that they once had, one smile at a time.
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my children, Terrell and Rico, and my fur baby, Koby. I also love traveling, shopping and catching a good movie.
Alana Shuman
Dental Assistant
I love working with an amazing team and most importantly getting to build relationships with our patients. I enjoy getting to know them all and them being confidant with their smiles. It is such a rewarding position. I love my Effingham Smiles family!
What do you do for fun?
I spend time with my family and our pups at home, riding back roads, anything that involves food, traveling, exploring the beauty of Savannah, and the occasional shopping spree! Those are my favorite things to do!
Heather Daughtry
Dental Assistant
I really enjoy coming into work everyday knowing that we have the best Doctors and Dental Team to care for our patients.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two boys, and bulldog, Tyson. We love going out on our boat, hanging out by the pool, drag racing, going to different skate parks and beaches.
