jonesboro dentist

A native of northeast Arkansas, Dr. Southard attended the University of Arkansas for her undergraduate studies. She graduated from the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry in 2002.She feels very blessed to be practicing general dentistry in this wonderful town.

Over her years in practice, Dr. Southard became interested in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Dr. Southard understands this disorder from the patient's point of view, because she has suffered for years with the neck and shoulder aches, headaches, & vertigo that accompany this problem.

In 2011, Dr. Southard completed a mini-residency in orofacial pain at the University of Kentucky. She is currently working toward her fellowship in a year long program with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. This program consists of intense study of TMJ disorders, craniofacial pain, and dental sleep medicine. She stated, "I am very excited about the future of dental sleep medicine. Our ability as dentists to help people who struggle with sleep apnea and are intolerant of CPAP can be life changing for our patients."

The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain recommends that dentist treating OSA(obstructive sleep apnea) with an OAT (oral appliance therapy) be knowledgeable in treating TMD based on problems that can occur with mandibular repositioning.

Dr. Southard is a member of the American Dental Association, Arkansas State Dental Association, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.