About Ridge Kids Dental

Looking for a pediatric dentist? Ridge Kids Dental delivers the highest standard of dental care to child-aged patients. Located in Paragould, AR, our office has built an immaculate reputation throughout Greene County communities. Scroll to meet our dentists!

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pediatric dental office in Paragould, AR

An Introduction To
John Puckett, D.D.S.

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Dr. John H. Puckett graduated from White Hall High School and Arkansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He then moved to Oklahoma City to pursue a career in dentistry. While earning his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Dr. Puckett enjoyed an environment that emphasized pediatric and orthodontic dentistry, which would form the foundation of his practice.

More About Dr. Puckett

Dr. Puckett’s favorite part of dentistry is the personal interaction he enjoys with his patients. Although treating toothache and restoring oral health is important, it’s only half the job. He relishes the opportunity to impact his patients’ entire outlook on oral health and on the profession of dentistry as a whole.

Dr. Puckett feels that it is his job to physically care for his young patients while practicing in such a way that will motivate them and their parents to improve and maintain good overall health. He especially enjoys helping his younger patients conquer their fear of going to the dentist.

The Ridge Kids Dental team takes great pride in making sure patients have a great experience from beginning to end. Dr. Puckett wants them to feel valued and to know they are receiving the best care possible!

When away from the office, Dr. Puckett enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children – Jack, Anna-Tipton, and Liza.

Dr. Puckett’s memberships and affiliations include:

American Dental Association
Academy of Gp Orthodontics
Surgical Staff, Outpatient Surgery Center of Jonesboro
Recent certifications and training through continuing education include:
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
Moderate sedation permit Dental
Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS)
Pediatric mini-residency (University of Florida)
Two-year Comprehensive Orthodontic training (Academy of Gp Orthodontics)

An Introduction To Hayley Richardson, D.D.S.

Dr. Hayley Richardson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University before moving back to her hometown of Rector to work for her family dentist as an assistant. She went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. After working with patients of all ages at a previous practice, she decided her passion was to work solely with children, and she soon joined Dr. Puckett at Ridge Kids Dental.

More About Dr. Richardson

Away from the office, Dr. Richardson enjoys being involved in children’s ministry at First United Methodist Church in Paragould. She also enjoys traveling with her family. Their favorite spot to visit is Walt Disney World.

Dr. Richardson is a member of:
American Dental Association
Arkansas State Dental Association
Northeast District Dental Society

Always eager to expand her expertise, Dr. Richardson has regularly enhanced her education through continuing education courses. These course topics include:

Dental Organization for Conscious
Sedation (DOCS)
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Endodontics
Oral Health and Nutrition

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Our Support Staff

Kelly Ricker, Registered Dental Assistant

Kelly is one of Dr. Puckett’s lead assistants. She has been with the practice since its opening in 2009. She has over 20 years of experience in the dental field. Kelly is married to her husband, Tommy, and has 4 step-children, Skylar, Brayden, Riley, and Noah. She enjoys traveling, golfing, taking her dog Jag to the park, and spending time with family and friends.

Morgan Swick, Registered Dental Assistant

Morgan joined the office in 2011 and has over 8 years of experience. She has recently decided to go back to school for Dental Hygiene. She is married to her husband, Shane, and has 2 sons, Kainen and Knox. She also has 2 step-children, Shane Jr. and Chloe. Morgan enjoys spending time with family, going to the lake, and being there for her kids’ activities.

Ashley Dowler, Registered Dental Hygienist

Ashley joined the practice in March 2015. She has over 8 years of dental experience. She graduated with a Dental Hygiene degree in 2013. She is married to Jake and has two children, Creed and Amelia. She enjoys going to Crossfit and spending time with her family.

Monica Hoselton, Office Manager/Registered Dental Assistant

Monica joined the office is 2009 as one of Dr. Puckett’s main assistants. She is now Office Manager and has over 13 years of experience in the dental field. She is married to her husband, Brandon, they have one son together, River, and a dog named Buddy. She enjoys reading a good book, making shirts for friends, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Ashbaker, Insurance Specialist

Sarah joined the practice in May 2020. She has over 4 years of dental office experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management/Administration in 2016. She is married to Nick and has a son named Emmett along with two dogs (Sadie & Penny) and a cat (Rexxy). She recently moved to Jonesboro, AR, from St. Louis, MO. She enjoys the farmer’s markets, taking dogs on nature walks, hanging out with family, and relaxing.

Katie Alger, Registered Dental Assistant

Katie joined the office in 2019 and has over 3 years of experience. She is eager to help out wherever she is needed. Katie is married to her husband, Patrick, and they have one son together, Jack. She enjoys taking pictures, traveling, and spending time at the beach with her family.

Amber Hannah, Registered Dental Assistant

Amber is one of Dr. Puckett’s main assistants. She joined the office in 2021 and has over 2 years of experience. She is married to her husband, Matt, has 2 sons, Zander and Conner, and 1 step-daughter, Madison. Amber enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Karrington Johnson, Registered Dental Assistant

Karrington joined the office as a recent RDA graduate and she is very excited about starting her dental career. She is a great help wherever she is needed. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Nick, her dog, Bella, and her cat, Blu. She also enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Tiffany Rogers, Registered Dental Hygienist

Tiffany graduated with a Dental Hygiene degree in 2019 and joined our office in 2022. She is married to her husband, Brandon, and they have 1 daughter together, Emma. She enjoys going to the lake, ASU football games, and playing outside with her daughter.

Naomi Barajas, Registered Dental Assistant

Naomi joined our office in 2023 and has over 4 years in the dental field. She is one of Dr. Richardson’s lead assistants. She has a dog named Archie, and she enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, and watching a good scary movie.

Lexi Richey, Registered Dental Assistant

Lexi is a recent RDA graduate and joined our office right after graduating. She is one of Dr. Richardson’s lead assistants. She is married to her husband, Logan, and they have 2 children together, Kendal and Karter. She enjoys going to church, reading books, and spending time with family.

Jill Vaughn, Patient Coordinator/ Registered Dental Assistant

Jill joined the office in 2022 and has 5 years of previous dental experience as a RDA. She has 2 kids, Raylee and Oliver. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Chris, being with family, and helping out with things her kids are involved in.

“This was my son’s first dental appointment, and he was very nervous. The staff in the back was AMAZING to me and my son. I know without a doubt, it was because the staff made him at ease.” — Jamie

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