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 Baker
Dr. Lee Baker, a pediatric dentist in Augusta, and his team of expertly trained professionals create a welcoming and upbeat environment for your child’s dental experience. The Center for Pediatric Dentistry has seen kids and teens in Augusta and the surrounding areas since 2003.
Using state-of-the-art technology and Alaskan-themed treatment rooms, our goal is to make dentistry comfortable for your child. We strive to educate children and parents on proper oral hygiene habits and diet to prevent cavities before they form.
We believe every child should be treated the way we would expect our own children to be treated. Our entire staff puts the needs of our patients first and we encourage parents to ask questions. Whether it is about their treatment plan or home care, questions are encouraged to properly educate you about the dental needs of your children.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, Augusta resident Dr. Baker and his staff are second to none. You can expect high quality care with honesty and integrity from every member of our staff.
Dr. 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.
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, he brought a sample of the Alaskan wilderness back to Augusta, as seen in our office design and décor.
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 is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Baker continues to attend numerous education seminars each year to keep him in the forefront of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Baker is blessed with a beautiful wife, Susie and four wonderful children, Lee Jr., Mary Ellis, Alden and Ben.

Dr. Kelly Hughes
Dr. Kelly Hughes joined our team in June of 2012. She is a native Augustan with over 7 years of experience as a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Hughes graduated from Georgia College and State University in 1999 with a B.S. degree in Biology, and from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 2003 with a D.M.D. degree. After completing a two-year pediatric residency program at the Medical College of Georgia in 2005 she was in private practice in Atlanta for three years and has served the pediatric dental needs of Augusta children since 2008.
Dr. Hughes is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Southeastern Society for Pediatric Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Augusta Dental Society. She is certified in basic life support as well as pediatric advanced life support. She currently has privileges at Doctors Hospital, where she provides dental rehabilitation for pediatric and special needs patients. Dr. Hughes attends continuing education seminar annually to stay abreast of the most current standards in pediatric dentistry
She and her husband, Billy have two young sons, Will and Joshua. They are active in their church, Quest United Methodist and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

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Administrative Staff
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Mary Kay Shirley - Practice Administrator
 I joined Center for Pediatric Dentistry in June 2003 as a front desk coordinator. I began a lifelong career in dentistry after graduating from Augusta Technical Institute’s dental assistant program in 1988. I have been privileged to work as a dental assistant, in the front office and 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 United Methodist church and am active in church activities.
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Louise Maxwell - Front Desk Coordinator
I joined the staff at the Center for Pediatric dentistry in October 2003. I was born and raised in Augusta. I earned my B.A. 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. Working in dentistry has been very rewarding and I feel lucky to work with such a wonderful group of people. Everyone at the Center for Pediatric Dentistry enjoys their job and our patients can tell. Our goal is to help the kids enjoy the dentist and we succeed!
In my free time I enjoy exercising, shopping and spending time with friends.
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Sheila Kenney - Front Desk Coordinator
I've worked for the Center for Pediatric Dentistry since spring 2010. I enjoy working with children and seeing them smile every day. I'm so blessed to work with such a great staff. Everyone at the Center For Pediatric Dentistry truly cares about children and works hard to give them a positive experience at the dentist.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Matthew, our dog Lucy, family and friends, attending church and camping.
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Cristina Pumphrey - Front Desk Coordinator
I have been with the Center for Pediatric Dentistry since May 2011. I graduated from Florida State University in 2007 with a B.A. in interior design and minor in art history. Shortly after, I started my dental career in Atlanta, Georgia as a patient coordinator. I moved to Augusta in May 2011 after marrying my husband Brock, who is in the dental program at Georgia Health Sciences University. My favorite aspect of this job is the patients. I love the relationships I have established and am blessed to work 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.
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Nikki Smith - Front Dest Coordinator |
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I joined the staff at Center for Pediatric Dentistry in July 2012. I graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology and in May 2012 began attending Augusta State University in the Masters of Education, School Counseling program. I am originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado but moved to Augusta from Monterey, CA in January 2012 to follow my husband’s military career. I am excited to be a part of the team at Center for Pediatric Dentistry!
In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors camping and hiking, spending time with my husband, and being active.
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Jeny Grijalva - Treatment Coordinator
 I joined the team at the Center for Pediatric Dentistry in June of 2012. I have been in the dental field since 1999 and have worked as a both chairside dental assisant and treatment coordinator. I am excited to be working with such a great team and look forward to learning all about pediatric dentistry.
I relocated to Augusta in 2011 with my family which includes my husband, Robert and my son, Trevor. When not at work I enjoy crocheting, photography, and watching my son play baseball.
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Amanda Ellzey-Financial Coordinator
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I graduated in 2010 from Augusta State University with a B.S. degree in Finance. I began working with Dr. Baker in late 2011 and am excited to learn about insurance benifits to assist our patients and their families with their insurance questions.
I currently live in Augusta with my husband, Branndon and our dog, Gia.
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Rubi Figueroa-Garcia-Financial Coordinator |
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I joined the team at the Center for Pediatric Dentistry in July of 2012. I previously worked in the dental field and always desired to be involved in dentistry again. I am very happy and blessed to be working with such a great group of individuals. As a Financial Coordinator I am able to help patients and their families with any questions they may have regarding their account and insurance benefits to help them understand how we can help them and provide the excellent dental care their children deserve. I am also fluent in Spanish which allows me to assist Spanish speaking families who need assistance. I live in the Grovetown area with my husband Raul. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. |
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Clinical Staff
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Joyce Bannister - Dental Assistant/Clinical Supervisor |
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I began my career in general dentistry in 1997 after successfully completing a training program for dental assistants. Over the course of my career I have completed additional courses to expand my dental assisting qualifications. The field of dentistry has been a long time interest of mine because I enjoy helping others maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. In 2004, I started as a dental assistant at the 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.
I have two beautiful children Justin, Samira and a dog named Lei Lei. Away from work I love going to my church, Tabernacle, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
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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.
I have two beautiful children Ervin and Jada who are very supportive of my career. Outside of work I love to sing, shop, cook and be with family and friends.
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Kathryn Ladomirak - Dental Assistant |
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I joined the staff at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in July of 2012 after obtaining my certificate in Dental Assisting from Augusta Institute Of Dental Assisting. It has always been my desire to work with children and working as a nanny while in school helped me to understand and relate to children. I am excited to be a part of the great staff at Center For Pediatric Dentistry and look forward to helping children have happy dental experiences!
Outside of work, I spend time with my family, including my husband and new son who joined us in October 2012. I also enjoy, crafts, spending time at the lake and reading.
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Sarah Jo Fleming - Dental Hygienist/Hygiene Supervisor |
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I earned 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 as a person.
I married my husband Al, in 2011 and our family includes two dogs Chico and Omega. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball, shopping, and hula dancing.
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Stacey Arrington-Dental Hygienist |
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I earned my B.S. in Dental Hygiene from the Medical College of Georgia in 2009. I joined the team at Center for Pediatric Dentistry in June 2012. It is a privilege to provide dental health care to children in a fun, positive atmosphere. I seek to obtain the trust of children in meeting their oral hygiene needs.
My hobbies include church, exercising, reading and traveling.
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Rebekah Brown- Dental Hygienist |
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After graduating from Medical College of Georgia with a BS in Dental Hygiene I began working as a pediatric dental hygienist. I joined the staff at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in August of 2012. I enjoy my interactions with our children patients, and their family members. I hope every child I see has a great dental experience at our office.
I enjoy spending time with my family when not working which includes my husband and precious little boy.
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Lani Huey- Dental Hygienist |
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I began my career as a dental hygienist after graduating from the Medical College of Georgia in 2004. With experience working in pediatric dentistry for 8 years, I joined the team at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in July 2012. I look forward to bringing a smile to my patient’s faces and easing any fears they may have. I love working with children, and strive to make every visit a fun, positive experience.
When not at work I enjoy being a mom to my two girls, Anna Claire and Layla, spending time with family and friends, and shopping.
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Jennifer Omstead - Dental Hygienist |
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I began my dental career as a dental assistant and after working for several years I was able to complete my training to become a dental hygienist. I graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 2012 and with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. I joined the staff at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in July of 2012 after I did part of my student training at the office. I am rewarded daily by the ability to help children understand how to care for and keep their teeth healthy.
I enjoy running, exercise and spending time with family and friends when not working.
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Farrar Seymour - Dental Hygienist |
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I graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in dental hygiene from the Medical College of Georgia. I have been an employee at the 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 cats and Georgia Tech football. |
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Amberly Murphy-Sterilization Technician |
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I graduated from Westside High School in May of 2011 and joined the staff at Center For Pediatric Dentistry in April 2012. I have enjoyed learning about dentistry and want to continue learning and being trained as a dental assistant. Working with children is always exciting and fulfilling and I enjoy helping our patients feel comfortable and happy at their visits. I’m very thankful to be working with such a great group of people.
I’m from Augusta and live with my mom, brother, and two dogs Murphy and Rock. When not at work I enjoy playing softball, exercising, shopping and spending time with my family and friends.
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