Gail McKnight, CDA, EFDA

Gail McKnight has been dedicated to the dental field for over 37 years and serves as a Certified Dental Assistant and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) at Scioto Smiles. She began her career after completing the Dental Assisting Program at Scioto County Career Technical Center in 1989 and later expanded her clinical skills through The Ohio State University’s Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary program in 2006. Gail has continued advancing her education throughout her career, including completing the Bioclear Tooth Rejuvenation Program in 2021.

Gail chose dentistry because she loves helping patients feel as comfortable as possible during their dental treatment while giving them the confidence they deserve in their smiles. After many years in the field, one of the things she values most is the meaningful relationships she has built with both coworkers and patients.

As an EFDA, Gail finds it especially rewarding to be part of restoring someone’s smile and helping patients feel at ease during their visits.

Outside of the office, Gail enjoys babysitting her three grandsons on Mondays and spending quality time with her family. Her hobbies include cooking, nature photography, and relaxing on the pontoon at Grayson Lake. She also runs a Facebook page called “Gail’s Scenery Through the Lens,” where she shares her photography.

Her tip for a healthy smile: Prevention is key. Brushing, flossing, fluoride, and routine dental visits help keep teeth and gums healthy and can prevent bigger dental issues down the road.

Mona Diller, Dental Assistant

Mona Diller has been working in dentistry since 2006 and brings more than 20 years of experience to the Scioto Smiles team. With over 30 years of combined training and experience in the field, Mona has dedicated her career to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for during their dental visits.

Mona chose dentistry because she enjoys helping others and making a positive impact in people’s lives. At Scioto Smiles, one of the things she loves most is working alongside coworkers who feel more like friends, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for both staff and patients.

Her favorite part of helping patients is knowing that she is making a difference in their experience and their oral health.

Outside of the office, Mona enjoys spending time with her family and staying active outdoors. One of her favorite hobbies is hiking.

A fun fact about Mona is that she enjoys finding items that have been lost—something that often comes in handy both at home and in the dental office!

Her tip for a healthy smile: Always listen to your dentist’s recommendations.

Kristi Carter, RDH – Dental Hygienist

Kristi Carter has been working in dentistry since 2000 and brings more than 26 years of experience to the Scioto Smiles team. She completed her dental hygiene education at Shawnee State University and has also received additional training in local anesthesia through The Ohio State University. Kristi’s interest in dentistry first began when she experienced orthodontic treatment herself, which sparked her passion for the field.

At Scioto Smiles, Kristi loves the close-knit relationships she has built with both coworkers and patients. She enjoys being part of a supportive team environment and appreciates the joyful atmosphere that makes the office feel welcoming for everyone.

Her favorite part of helping patients is providing comfort during their visits and getting to watch them grow and move through different stages of life over the years. Building long-term relationships with patients is one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

Outside of the office, Kristi stays busy with her family and enjoys making memories together. Her hobbies include participating in kids’ activities, pageants, scrapbooking, and baking. A fun fact about Kristi is that she has both a porch goose and a desk goose!

Her tip for a healthy smile: Stay consistent with regular checkups, X-rays, and cleanings—and use a Sonicare toothbrush for great home care.

Ronita Murray CFO, CODA EFDA

Kellie Bell-Frazier, Administrative Director

Kellie Bell-Frazier serves as the Administrative Director at Scioto Smiles and brings over 20 years of experience in the dental field. She joined the Scioto Smiles team in 2015 and plays a vital role in helping the practice run smoothly while ensuring patients receive the highest level of care and support. Kellie completed her education at SCJVS and Shawnee State University.

Kellie chose dentistry because she is passionate about dental health and patient education. She enjoys helping patients understand the importance of oral health and empowering them to take control of their smiles. One of Kellie’s favorite things about working at Scioto Smiles is the genuine care and compassion the team provides to every patient who walks through the door. She takes pride in helping accommodate patients’ needs and making sure they feel informed and supported throughout their dental experience.

Outside of the office, Kellie enjoys spending time at home and making memories with her family. Her hobbies include gardening and traveling on vacations with loved ones.

A fun fact about Kellie is that she is also a respiratory therapist, bringing additional healthcare knowledge and experience to her role.

Her tip for maintaining a healthy smile: Using high-fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Hope Wolfe, EFDA, CDA – Operations Team Leader

Hope Wolfe has been part of the dental field since 2009, bringing over 17 years of experience and passion for patient care to the Scioto Smiles team. She began her journey in dentistry after completing the Dental Assisting program at SCCTC in 2009. Hope continued expanding her clinical skills by earning certification in coronal polishing through OSU in 2018 and completing the EFDA program at Sinclair College in 2019. She has also pursued advanced education, including the Bioclear Tooth Rejuvenation Program in 2024.

Hope chose dentistry because she loves helping patients regain confidence in their smiles and feel good about themselves again. At Scioto Smiles, one of her favorite parts of the job is the strong relationships she builds with both her coworkers and her patients. She especially enjoys helping patients feel comfortable, cared for, and at ease during their visits.

Outside of the office, Hope enjoys spending time with her husband, Jamie, and their kids, Jayden and Kellan. In her free time, she loves reading, journaling, and participating in Bible studies.

A fun fact about Hope is that she originally started in a nursing program before switching to dentistry during her second year—and she’s never looked back.

Her best advice for a healthy smile: stay consistent with your home care and keep up with your dental checkups every six months.

Nancy Hansen, Dental Hygienist

Nancy Hansen brings more than 40 years of experience in dentistry to the Scioto Smiles team. She began her career in 1986 and has dedicated her professional life to helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Nancy completed her dental hygiene education at Shawnee State University and has been passionate about patient care ever since.

Nancy originally started in dentistry through the program at Shawnee State University and quickly fell in love with the concept of helping people improve and change their smiles. At Scioto Smiles, one of her favorite parts of the job is working alongside her amazing coworkers and being part of such a supportive team.

Her favorite part of caring for patients is the relationships she has built over the years. Nancy enjoys getting to know her patients and watching those connections grow with each visit.

Outside of the office, Nancy enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and visiting with her kids and grandkids. She loves staying active outdoors with activities like hiking, kayaking, and walking, and also enjoys relaxing with a good true crime show.

A fun fact about Nancy is that she started her career as a dental assistant before stepping into dental hygiene.

Her best tip for a healthy smile? “Floss, floss, floss!”

Sheena Vernier, Operative Assistant

Sheena has been working in dentistry since 2019 and serves as an Operative Assistant at Scioto Smiles. She completed her education and training through Portsmouth West High School, SCJVS, and Shawnee State University, where she developed a strong interest in helping patients improve their oral health and confidence.

Sheena chose dentistry because she enjoys helping people feel confident about their smiles. At Scioto Smiles, she loves working alongside her coworkers and being part of a team that helps patients achieve healthier, happier smiles.

Her favorite part of helping patients is seeing their confidence grow when they leave the office with a healthier and brighter smile.

Outside of the office, Sheena stays busy attending Bryson’s sporting events or spending time at the gym. In her free time, she enjoys being with family, working out, and traveling.

A fun fact about Sheena is that she can do a back handspring!

Her tip for a healthy smile: Stay consistent with brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental visits.

Connie Carroll, RDH

Connie is a skilled and compassionate dental hygienist with 24 years of experience in helping patients achieve healthier, brighter smiles. A graduate of Lewis County High School, she continued her education at Shawnee State University’s Dental Hygiene Program and the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry’s Local Anesthesia Program.

Known for her calming presence and gentle touch, Connie takes pride in providing exceptional care to her patients. She is inspired daily by her loving husband and their two children.

In her free time, Connie enjoys walking, exploring the outdoors, going on cruises, and relaxing in the comfort of her home.

Rylee Ward, Dental Assistant

Rylee Ward joined the Scioto Smiles team in 2025 and is excited to begin her journey in the dental field. She completed her training through the Northwest High School vocational program, where she developed a passion for patient care and dentistry.

Rylee chose dentistry because she wanted to help people feel more confident about their smiles. She loves being part of a team that helps patients improve both their oral health and their self-confidence.

At Scioto Smiles, Rylee says her favorite part of the job is working with her coworkers and being part of such a supportive team environment. She especially enjoys helping patients feel comfortable during their appointments and doing her part to make each visit a little less stressful.

Outside of the office, Rylee enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. In her free time, she loves activities like feeding and fishing.

A fun fact about Rylee is that she enjoys being creative and loves painting, drawing, and coloring—anything art related.

Her tip for a healthy smile: Floss every day!

Whitney Igaz, RDH – Registered Dental Hygienist

Whitney Igaz is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined the dental field in 2022. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Shawnee State University and has quickly developed a passion for helping patients improve their oral health while building meaningful relationships with them.

Whitney chose dentistry because she wanted to help others feel more comfortable and confident with their smiles while also educating patients on the importance of maintaining good oral health. She enjoys being able to make a positive impact on patients by helping them understand how their oral health connects to their overall well-being.

At Scioto Smiles, Whitney loves the sense of family the office provides. She appreciates the supportive team environment and the welcoming atmosphere that makes both patients and staff feel comfortable and cared for.

Her favorite part of helping patients is connecting with them and getting to know who they are beyond their dental visit. Building those relationships allows her to provide care that feels personal and meaningful.

Outside of the office, Whitney enjoys spending time at home with her family. In her free time, she likes gardening and sketching.

A fun fact about Whitney is that she was adopted by her great-aunt and uncle, whose love and support inspired her passion for caring for others.

Her tip for a healthy smile: Don’t forget your tongue! Using a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria that cause bad breath and contribute to better overall oral health.

Beverly “Bev” Bowden, Financial Coordinator

Beverly “Bev” Bowden has been part of the dental field since 2014 and serves as the Financial Coordinator at Scioto Smiles. Through hands-on, on-the-job training, Bev has developed extensive knowledge in helping patients understand their treatment costs and insurance benefits while ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Bev chose dentistry because she loves serving others and cares deeply about helping people feel good about themselves. She finds great fulfillment in being part of a team that focuses on caring for patients and creating positive experiences.

One of Bev’s favorite things about working at Scioto Smiles is the incredible team she works alongside every day. She truly loves her coworkers and appreciates the supportive and uplifting environment that makes coming to work something she looks forward to.

Her favorite part of helping patients is getting to share good news—especially when insurance covers more than expected!

Outside of the office, Bev enjoys serving in her church, helping with the teens, singing with the worship team, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys singing in church and playing bingo with her husband and friends.

A fun fact about Bev is that she graduated from cosmetology school and still enjoys doing hair. In fact, her coworkers often let her braid their hair!

Her tip for a healthy smile: Using a sonic care toothbrush can make a big difference for both tooth and gum health.