JOHN D. CARTER, D.M.D.

I was born and raised in Oklahoma, and practiced General Dentistry with my dad for three years in my hometown of Tonkawa.  I completed my Pediatric Dental Residency in May of 1980 and subsequently began my practice in Tyler in June of 1980.  We were in the same location for 26 years but were fortunate to move into our current location in February of 2006.

I enjoy the outdoors, especially fishing, but spend the major part of my time out of the office toward future plans for moving to the country.

I have been blessed with a wonderful family and Tyler has been a great place to live.  I am fortunate that a large number of our early patients are now bringing their children to our office for dental care.

I hope to continue practicing and enjoying the relationships we have formed with our patients and their families.  I am very thankful that I enjoy my chosen profession, and hope I can make a positive impression on the children we take care of.

YUONNA CARTER

My title is Office Manager, and with the backing of a wonderful office staff, my job is a daily blessing of holding us all together!

I was born and raised on a cotton farm in Lubbock, Texas.  I worked as a Radiation Therapy Technologist for eighteen years and then had the good fortune to meet and marry Dr. Carter, who I have worked with for fourteen years.  I've always felt he is a "little kid in a big kid suit"!  His ability to soothe fears and instill confidence is a constant amazement to me, even after all these years.

We have been blessed with three wonderful children and a work environment of friends in our office staff.

LINDA RAYFORD

I have worked for Dr. Carter for 21 years.  I was thrilled the day I got the position in the front office.  Since that day I have worked as a receptionist, surgery scheduler, and insurance and billing clerk.

The thing I enjoy most in my job is helping others and seeing the children who come in scared leave with a smile.

GAYLE CARUTHERS, RDA

I have worked for Dr. Carter 28 years as a chairside assistant.  I am a graduate of Tyler Jr. College with a Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Assisting as well as certification in nitrous monitoring and pit and fissure sealant application.

I love children and helping them develop a good experience in the dental office.

When not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, Johnny of 32 years, visiting my three grown boys, Jeremy, Ryan and Josh and playing with my two grandchildren Cale and Cayden.  My hobbies are, working out, cycling and instructing 3 & 4 year olds in my church chior.

TARA SMITH, RDA

I joined Dr. Carter's practice in November, 2001, as a surgery coordinator and transitioned to a Registered Dental Assistant, holding certificates in nitrous oxide monitoring and pit and fissure sealant application.

I am married to Rodney and have a blended family of four kids, Brodi, Alyssa, Julie and Rylan.  When not working I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping and scrapbooking.

NICKIE HALL, RDH

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist.  I have been a hygienist in our office since 2004.  I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tyler Junior College with a degree in Dental Hygiene.  I am a proud member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and have spent time volunteering for Texas Missions of Mercy, Bethesda Dental Clinic, Saint Paul's Dental Clinic, Give a Kid a Smile Day and Sealants Across Texas.

Pediatrics is truly where my heart is.  I enjoy coming to work every day and seeing all the sweet, smiling faces!  I take pride in teaching them about their oral health and how to make good nutritional choices that will keep their teeth and their body healthy for a lifetime!

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, watching movies and living on the lake.

PATTY WALTON, RDH

I have worked for Dr. Carter for 12 years.  I am a graduate of Wharton County Junior college, class of 1978, with a degree in Dental Hygiene.

I love working with all the children in our practice.  It is very rewarding seeing them grow through the years.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and shopping.

KRISTIE BASS

I have been with Dr. Carter since 2005 and I love working with the kids!  I work our front desk, so will greet you with a smile as you enter and help you with your next appointment as you leave.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

ARACELI GARCIA

I have been a hygiene assistant for Dr. Carter for 2 years.  I am currently attending Tyler Junior college as a pre-dental Student.

I love working with children and making them smile.

My hobbies are spending time with my sweetheart Martin and daughter Jesilynn, shopping, and watching movies with my family.

CAITLYN PORTWOOD

I am a 2002 graduate of Texas A&M University and have been working in the dental field since 2006.  I assist our patients with their scheduling needs and work with them to assure that each and every visit to our office is a pleasant one.  My experience with, and knowledge of, dental insurance allows me to give parents a better understanding of their benefits and financial commitments if their children should require treatment.  I also schedule all of our sedation surgeries and work closely with each of the families in need of this type of dental care.

I was born and raised in Tyler and I am also a former patient!  From the ages of 4 to 18, I remember getting excited about going to see the dentist, and now I hope to make everyone's visits just as wonderful as mine were.

While away from the office, I enjoy spending time on Lake Tyler with my family, friends and three basset hounds Sarge, Faith and Chloe.