Dr. Lee Baker
Dr. Melissa Shaw
1243 Augusta West Pkwy.
Augusta, GA 30909
706-855-8989
706-855-0321 fax
appointments@drleebaker.com
All our professionals at Center For Pediatric Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry.
Dr. Lee BakerDr. Lee Baker is passionate about kids and helping them achieve the best dental and oral health.
As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Baker has completed an advanced program of education. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery in 1993 at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, Dr. Baker completed his two-year pediatric dentistry residency program at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Dr. Baker has recently been awarded Diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Following his education, Dr. Baker started his career as a pediatric dentist in Anchorage, Alaska. The beauty and grandeur of this untouched wilderness has left a lasting impression on Dr. Baker and his family. As a result, Dr. Baker has brought a sample of the Alaskan wilderness back to Augusta, as seen in our office design, decor, and now our website.
Dr. Baker takes an active role in meeting and exceeding the standards of his profession. He is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Eastern District Georgia Dental Society, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and is also PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified.
Dr. Baker continues to attend numerous pediatric education seminars each year to keep him in the forefront of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Baker gave a presentation at the annual American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry “String of Pearls” lecture in 2003.
Dr. Baker is blessed with a beautiful wife, Susie and four wonderful children, Lee Jr., Mary Ellis, Alden and Ben.

Dr. Melissa ShawWe are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Melissa Shaw to our practice, beginning July 2009. Dr. Shaw is excited about beginning her pediatric dental career and desires to be a positive influence on her patients.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in biology and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Agnes Scott College, Dr. Shaw began attending Medical College of Georgia. She received her doctor of dental medicine degree from Medical College of Georgia in 2007 and began her pediatric residency program soon after. Dr. Shaw has received two years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry and will complete her residency in June 2009.
Dr. Shaw maintains membership in many professional organizations to keep her abreast of advancements in pediatric dentistry. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Eastern District Georgia Dental Association, American Association of Dental Research, American Dental Education Association, Student Clinicians of the American Dental Association, and is PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Certified.
When not at the office, Dr. Shaw spends time with her husband, Micah, who is a dental student at the Medical College of Georgia, and their new baby boy, Paul.

| Joyce Brimage - Clinical Supervisor | |
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I began my career in General Dentistry in 1997, by successfully completing a training program for dental assistants. Over the course of my career I have completed additional courses to expand my dental assisting qualification. In 2004, I started as a Dental Assistant at Center for Pediatric Dentistry. In 2010, I became the Clinical Supervisor for the practice. In this position I support our staff members in providing the highest quality of care for all of our patients. The field of dentistry has been a long time interest of mine because I enjoy helping others improve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. I have been married to my husband Charon for over fifteen years and we have two beautiful children Justin, Samira, and a dog named Lei Lei. Away from work I love traveling and spending time with my family and friends. |
| Fran Jones - Dental Assistant | |
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I began my career as a Certified Dental Assistant with Expanded duties in Jacksonville, Fl in 2004. I always had a love for children and was blessed with the opportunity to work for Center for Pediatric Dentistry in 2010. My years in dentistry have been rewarding, educational, and a great challenge. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to educate others about their oral hygiene and how to maintain it. My husband Javaris and two beautiful children Ervin and Jada are very supportive in my career. Outside of work I love to sing, shop, cook and be with family and friends. |
| Christie Deutsch - Dental Hygienist | |
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I have been with Center for Pediatric Dentistry since May of 2008. I graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 2007 with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene. My passion is working with children and teaching them about oral health. Their sweet smiles make my days worthwhile as a hygienist. I have been married to my best friend, Christian, since 2005. We have two dogs and were blessed with the addition of our beautiful baby girl, Peyton in January 2011. Outside of work, I enjoy scrapbooking, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, and good times with friends and family. |
| Ismael Gutierrez - Dental Hygienist | |
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I graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2005, where I earned a BS in Dental Hygiene. I have been with The Center for Pediatric Dentistry since March of 2007, where I have had the privilege to work with an excellent staff. It has been continual joy to work with children where I am able to have a positive effect on their dental health and diet. I have been married to my wife Nicole since 2005, we have a beautiful daughter Marcelina and have a dog Honey. I adore spending time with my family and friends. |
| Lindsey Duren-Dental Hygienist | |
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Since graduating for Medical College of Georgia in 2008, I have enjoyed my work as a dental hygienist. My first year of work was spent filling in when needed at a variety of dental offices. Those experiences helped me to decide what specialty best suited my personality. After helping out at Center For Pediatric Dentistry, I was grateful for the opportunity to join the staff full time. I began full time with them in May 2009 and thoroughly enjoy working with children. I love helping them learn how to care for their teeth with brushing and flossing instruction as well how to have a healthy diet! When not working I enjoy bike riding, reading, anything outdoors and spending time with family and friends. |
| Farrar Brown - Dental Hygienist | |
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I graduated in 2005 with a BS in dental hygiene from The Medical College of Georgia. I have been an employee at Center for Pediatric Dentistry since 2005 and thoroughly enjoy such an adventurous environment. Working with children to develop healthy dental attitudes is an everyday reward. It is my hope that my patients grow to appreciate dental care rather than fear it! I love music, my two dogs and Georgia Tech football. |
| Sarah Jo Labrador - Dental Hygienist | |
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I earned both my B.S. in Dental Hygiene in 2010 and M.S. in Allied Health in 2011 from the Medical College of Georgia. In May 2011, I joined the Center for Pediatric Dentistry and it has been a rewarding experience to be part of a great team. My dedication for teaching children about oral health while providing a positive environment has allowed me to grow not only as a hygienist, but also a person. I have been engaged to my fiancé, Al, since Thanksgiving 2010, and we have 2 dogs, Chico and Omega. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball, shopping, and hula dancing. |
| Lauren Shoemaker - Sterilization Technician | |
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I began working for Center For Pediatric Dentistry in September of 2009 as a front desk coordinator and have since been trained at a sterilization technician. My previous job experience was as a hairstylist in Atlanta. My husband and I moved to Augusta so he could begin dental school at Medical College of Georgia. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to join the amazing team at Dr. Baker’s. I have enjoyed learning about all aspects of pediatric dentistry. I love how much effort we put into making each child’s visit as wonderful as possible and I am grateful to be a part of that. Away from work I love spending time with my husband Andrew and exploring Augusta. |
| Mary Kay Shirley - Practice Administrator | |
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I began as a Front Desk coordinator with Center For Pediatric Dentistry in June of 2003 when we began our practice. I have over 20 years of experience in the dental field, having worked as a dental assistant, front desk coordinator and now as practice administrator. My prior experience in dentistry allows me to help in all areas of the office if needed. I also enjoy helping our families with any concerns they have about any aspect of their treatment here. When not at work I enjoy reading, swimming, biking, spending time with my son, Jacob and with my family and friends. I am a member at The Quest church and am active in church activities. |
| Angela Westenfeld - Treatment Coordinator | |
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After studying sociology at South Georgia College, my 23-year career has spanned general dentistry, orthodontics, and now pediatric dentistry. I am a certified orthodontic assistant, and have experience at chair-side as well as the front office. I can honestly say that we have the best team here at the Center for Pediatric Dentistry. Everyone in our office cares about our patients and their quality of care. Our patients genuinely enjoy visits to our office, removing the potential stress of a visit with the dentist. We are all very proud of our workplace, Dr. Baker, and the service we provide to families in our area. When I’m not at work, you can find me with my husband Terry and our two sons, Chaz and J.T., watching baseball and football, playing Wii, or cheering on the Florida Gators. |
| Louise Maxwell - Front Desk Coordinator | |
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I joined the staff at Center For Pediatric dentistry in October 2003. I was born and raised in Augusta. I earned a BA in Psychology from Augusta State in 1987. Most of my adult career has been spent in retail. I have always enjoyed working with people. Dr. Baker is a wonderful dentist and we have a great team. This is my first job in dentistry and I feel lucky to work with such a wonderful group of people. Everyone at Dr. Baker’s enjoys their job and our patients can tell. Our goal is to help the kids enjoy the dentist and we succeed! |
| Sheila Kenney - Front Desk Coordinator | |
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I've worked for Center for Pediatric Dentistry since spring 2010. I enjoy working with children and seeing them smile every day. |
| Cristina Pumphrey - Front Desk Coordinator | |
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I have been with Center for Pediatric Dentistry since May of 2011. I graduated from Florida State University in 2007 with a BA in Interior Design and Minor in Art History. Shortly after, I started my Dental Career in Atlanta Georgia as a Patient Coordinator. I recently moved to Augusta after marrying my husband Brock who is in the Dental Program at Georgia Health Sciences University. My favorite aspect of this job are the patients. I love the patient relationships I establish and am blessed to be working with such a passionate group of individuals! In my spare time I enjoy maintaining interior design jobs on the side, running with my dog Otis and spending time with my husband and family. |
| Joane Peredo - Insurance Coordinator | |
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With a BA in French and a minor in Spanish from Augusta State University, I never dreamed that I would discover a rewarding occupation in the dental field. I’ve been working at Center for Pediatric Dentistry since 2007 and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my job—whether it was making an appointment as a Front Desk Coordinator or educating patients and parents about dental hygiene as a Dental Assistant. And, now as I make the transition to Insurance Coordinator, I’m positive that helping families get the most out of their insurance needs will be just as fulfilling. It has been such a blessing to grow within this practice and it is a pleasure working with the best staff in the area. We are all committed to making each child’s visit great—be it their first time or their 10th. Quality and compassion is what each family deserves and what they will get when they choose Center for Pediatric Dentistry. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and two dogs, reading, singing karaoke, camping, and hanging out with family and friends. |
| Marsy Smith - Insurance Coordinator | |
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I joined the team at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in June of 2010. The atmosphere is definitely created for kids. We have an awesome team that I am happy to be a part of. I was born and raised in Augusta, am married with 3 grown sons. My previous employment included working at Medical College of Georgia's school of Dentistry until the birth of my triplet sons. I was a stay at home mom until the boys were school aged and then worked in accounting for twelve years. It was always my desire to return to the dental field. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing and chilling on the beach! |