Meet our Riverbend Dentistry Team

 

Dr. Tyler Slaughter, DDS / Owner & Founder

I am incredibly honored to return to Jefferson City. To be able to practice in my hometown is a dream come true.

I graduated from Helias High School then attended Mizzou where I graduated with honors (with a Fisheries and Wildlife/Pre-Dental degree!) I attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry where I received the Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry.

Although I could have practiced right after graduation, I decided to apply to the General Practice Residency Program at Truman Medical Center-Lakewood to expand my knowledge and skills. I believe it was this training that takes our services to the next level for our patients; I received extensive training in performing multidisciplinary comprehensive dental care to a varied patient base.

I practiced here in Jefferson City for 9 months prior to opening Riverbend Dentistry in April of 2014, providing family and advanced cosmetic dentistry. We jumped in with both feet–completing a full remodel of the office, added two additional staff members, added additional office hours, and we haven’t looked back!

My wife, Kim, and I have a son and a daughter.  We spend much of our time outdoors with our dog.  I love to hunt, fish, camp, and float, which gave me inspiration for the name Riverbend Dentistry, while also honoring our great river city. We are members of St. Peter Parish and are involved in a number of other community activities. I thank you for welcoming me home and for letting me be your dentist. [Dr. Slaughter is a multi-year winner of  City's Best Dentist & 2020 recipient of St. Peter Interparish School Distinguished Alumni Award.]

 
 
 

Dr. Wes Christiansen, DDS / Associate Dentist

I was born and raised in Jefferson City and was excited to join Riverbend Dentistry in 2021. I knew ever since having braces that I wanted to be a dentist! I am honored to be able to provide dentistry to my community.

I graduated from Jefferson City High School (where I met my now wife, Taylor) then obtained a Bachelor’s in Biology with a Psychology minor from Mizzou. I attended the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry.

Taylor and I like to do anything outdoors like traveling, swimming, or going on walks with our dog, Koda. I also enjoy fishing and hunting. Something you may not know about me is that I have owned and operated a seasonal fireworks stand!

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Amy R, Office Coordinator

After working in the medical administration field for 20 years, I was excited to expand my knowledge base to dentistry. I enjoy being outdoors with my two kids, Cole and Cayley. I graduated from Blair Oaks High School and lived in the Wardsville area ever since. I have been at Riverbend Dentistry since the spring of 2015;  it’s been a joy to get to know all of the wonderful patients who have come to this office for years or they’re meeting us for the first time. It’s great knowing that we help adults and kids have the best dental office experience possible.

 
 
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Cassie, EFDA, FAADOM / Practice Manager & Treatment Coordinator

I joined Riverbend Dentistry in October of 2018. I am so happy to be part of Riverbend Dentistry because they make dentistry fun for patients and employees!

I was born in Mexico, MO., but have lived in Jefferson City most of my life.  I graduated from Jefferson City High School in 2002.  I then graduated from Nichols Career Center in 2008 as a Certified Expanded Functions dental assistant.  From there I spent 9 years working at the Community Health Center taking on many roles (and also worked with Dr. Slaughter briefly there).  In 2019, I finished my Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.  Working at Riverbend Dentistry, they have allowed me to continue my education and during my time here I have obtained my Restorative II certificate and my fellowship with the American Association of Dental Office Managers.

I have been married to my husband, Chuck, since 2011 and we have three sons: Zain, Landon, and Phoenix.  We enjoy camping, canoeing, and going to the movies and concerts!

Amy F, Patient Administrator

I joined Riverbend Dentistry in February of 2023. I am so excited and happy to be a part of such an incredible and talented group of people. 

I am a lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area. I graduated from Jefferson City High School, part of the class of 1992. I furthered my education at Merrell University, graduating in 1993. After working in the hair industry for over 30 years, I was ready for a change.  Riverbend has proven to be just the change I needed. 

My husband Shannon and I have been married for almost 25 years. Together we have two children, Leighton (husband, Weston) and Mason. We also have four grandchildren: 2 girls, Addalyn and Hadley, and twin boys, Daxton and Judson. 

When I’m not at work you can find me hanging out with my family or at the pool catching some rays. 

 
 
 
 

Brian, Registered Dental Hygienist

I started my life in dentistry at a young age of 16 when my family dentist asked me if I wanted a job. After that first week, I knew my career pathway would involve teeth in some fashion. I have been in dentistry for over 25 years and 21 of them as a registered dental hygienist. I moved here from New Jersey in 2022 to help take care of my elderly parents. I am excited to explore the Jefferson City area as my family and I enjoy traveling to national parks & sports venues and hunting collectibles, especially toys from 70’s-90’s!!

I have been lucky enough to start working at Riverbend Dentistry, with such an amazing team of highly skilled professionals. I thrive to create the ultimate patient experience with education, helping patients continually improve their oral health, and most importantly, laughter!

 
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Emily, Registered Dental Hygienist / Clinical Lead

My mother was a practicing Dental Hygienist here in Jefferson City for 35 years and I am proud to continue her tradition of great oral care! I graduated from Jefferson City High School in 2000 and attended Missouri Southern State University on a track/cross country scholarship. I graduated in 2004 as a Registered Dental Hygienist and moved back to Jefferson City, where I have worked as an RDH ever since.

My husband, Magnus, is a teacher and enjoys coaching track/cross country. We have twin girls that keep us laughing and on our toes; my family attends Capital City Christian Church. I am excited to be a part of the Riverbend Dentistry team and look forward to many more years serving the Jefferson City community.

 
 
 
 
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Elizabeth, Expanded Function Dental Assistant

I have been a dental assistant for 20 years and I know patients love seeing familiar faces every time they come in! I grew up in Westphalia and graduated from Fatima High School. I currently live in St. Elizabeth with my husband and two daughters. We operate a turkey farm and enjoy spending time with our friends, family, and being outdoors.

 
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Ashley, Expanded Function Dental Assistant

For the last 17 years, I’ve been a certified dental assistant with expanded functions–working at this office location since 2008. I was born and raised in Jefferson City and graduated Jeff City High School in 2002. I completed the Dental Assisting Program at Nichols Career Center in 2003.

I have been married to my husband, Brad, since 2006 and we have one daughter. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, to travel, and to be outdoors. Assisting with large, complex cases that often take weeks or months to complete is one of the things I enjoy about my job.

 
 
 
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Nicole, Registered Dental Hygienist

After observing at Riverbend Dentistry in the summer of 2017 (in order to apply to dental hygiene school), I was happy to come on board as a part-time hygiene assistant while I focused on my studies. I joined the Riverbend family as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2019!

Shelby, Registered Dental Hygienist

I am from the small town of Rich Fountain, MO. My dental career started when I went to dental assisting school at State Technical College in Linn, MO and graduated in 2018. I then worked a year in Pediatrics. After working a year, I decided to go back to school to reach my ultimate goal of being a dental hygienist. I went to Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and graduated with my Registered Dental Hygiene license in May of 2021. I went on to continue my education for a semester and finally finished schooling in December of 2021 with a degree in Bachelors of Science. I can’t wait to meet everyone as I start my dental hygiene career at Riverbend Dentistry!

Shelby, Expanded Function Dental Assistant

I graduated from State Technical College of Missouri in 2016 as a Certified Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions. I grew up and graduated from high school in the small town of New Bloomfield, Missouri. My favorites moments are spent under the sun and in the water, being around friends and family, and walking our three dogs.

 
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Kim Slaughter, MPA, FAADOM, Practice Administrator

Since high school, I knew that I wanted to work in the medical field and have worked in healthcare positions ever since. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Minor in Business from the University of Missouri – Columbia. While Tyler was receiving his degree in dentistry, I received a Master in Public Administration Degree with a dual emphasis in Medical Services Administration and Nonprofit Management from UMKC along with a Certificate in Fundraising. I recently obtained my fellowship with the American Association of Dental Office Managers.

At the office I lead accounts receivable/payable, database management, social media/marketing,  community outreach, and anything else we need at the moment! I love networking with local business owners and donating my time with the Chamber of Commerce, Young Professionals, and other nonprofit organizations.  Although I’m originally from the Chicago suburbs, I’m happy to call Jefferson City’s east-end our home! [Kim is a Jefferson City Magazine's Ones to Watch 2018 Honoree.]

 
 

Bre, Dental Assistant

Learn more about Bre soon!

 
 

Jordan, Registered Dental Hygienist

I graduated from State Fair Community College in 2022 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. I grew up and currently live in Jefferson City, MO, graduating from Jefferson City High School in 2018.

While I’m not at the office, I enjoy spending time in all things outdoors - archery, hunting, fishing, and spending time on the river are a just a few of my favorites. I am so excited to start my dental hygiene career with the Riverbend family.

 
 
 
 

We're happy to be your dental family!

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