Meet the talented team that makes Center for Advanced Dentistry so special.

Meet the Team

Dr. Mckinnon Forbes, DDS

Family has always been at the center of everything he does. He and his wife, Andrea, are raising four children, and when he isn’t at the office, you can usually find him spending time with his family, working out, enjoying the outdoors, or tackling a project with his hands.

As a fourth-generation dentist, Dr. Forbes grew up surrounded by the profession and saw firsthand the relationships that can be built through caring for patients and their families. While dentistry may be in his blood, his own path to the profession, and ultimately to biological dentistry, has been uniquely his own.

Before becoming a dentist and practice owner, Dr. Forbes proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army. He began his military career as an infantry officer and later served as an Army dentist, an experience that shaped not only the clinician he is today, but also his approach to leadership, service, and caring for others.

Today, Dr. Forbes and Andrea have built Center for Advanced Dentistry around many of the same values that guide their own family: taking care of your health, asking questions, continuing to learn, and never settling for doing something simply because “that’s the way it has always been done.”

Dr. Forbes completed his undergraduate education at Clemson University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine.

As his philosophy of dentistry evolved, he sought out advanced education from leaders in biological and whole-body dentistry. Dr. Forbes has completed training through The Bio Dentist Way and has had the opportunity to be personally mentored and trained by Dr. Thomas Lokensgard, further developing his understanding of biological dentistry and how oral health connects to the health of the entire body.

He has also pursued advanced training in ceramic implant dentistry through Swiss Dental Solutions, expanding his ability to offer metal-free implant options while incorporating biological surgical principles into patient care.

Dr. Forbes is SMART Certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). He has completed advanced Fotona laser training, allowing him to incorporate laser technology into both surgical and restorative care. This training complements his focus on minimally invasive techniques, precision, and supporting the body's natural healing process whenever possible.

For him, continuing education isn't about collecting credentials. It's about continually improving the way he cares for his patients and being willing to question whether there may be a safer, more thoughtful, or more biologically compatible approach.

Education and Training

Dr. Emily Henderson, DDS

A native Texan, Dr. Emily Henderson’s path to dentistry was anything but ordinary. Before pursuing dentistry, she spent more than seven years dedicated to percussion performance before following a different calling and trading her drumsticks for dental instruments.

As the first person in her family to pursue dental school, Dr. Henderson feels incredibly blessed to have found a career that combines her love of working with her hands, building meaningful relationships, and serving others. She views dentistry as a unique mission field and an opportunity to care for people in a way that extends far beyond their teeth.

Patients often describe Dr. Henderson as down-to-earth, compassionate, and easy to talk to. She has a natural ability to help patients feel comfortable and cared for, often creating a strong sense of trust from the very first visit. She believes taking the time to listen is just as important as the treatment itself and wants every patient to feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.

Outside of the office, Dr. Henderson loves photography and spending as much time outdoors as possible with her husband and their two German Shorthaired Pointers, Maverick and Knox.

Dr. Henderson earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas.

Following dental school, she proudly served for three years as an officer in the United States Air Force Dental Corps. During her military service, she also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, providing her with extensive additional training and hands-on experience across multiple areas of dentistry.

It was during this advanced training that Dr. Henderson was introduced to the powerful connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. That discovery changed the way she viewed dentistry and ultimately shaped her passion for oral-systemic health and a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

Dr. Henderson is also SMART Certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) certification includes specialized education and protocols designed to reduce mercury exposure during the removal of existing amalgam fillings.

Her training and experience allow her to look beyond an individual tooth and consider how oral health may relate to a patient's overall health and well-being. She continues to pursue advanced education in biological and whole-body dentistry while bringing the strong clinical foundation she developed through her residency and military service to every patient she treats.

For Dr. Henderson, dentistry is a combination of science, artistry, service, and human connection—and she considers it a privilege to walk alongside her patients as they pursue better oral and overall health.

Education and Training

  • Ang is an experienced dental assistant with a passion for providing exceptional patient care. She earned her Oregon EFDA certification from Concorde Career Institute in Portland, OR, in 2005 and is certified through the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB).
    Ang began her career in pediatric dentistry, spending four years in Portland before moving to Seattle, where she continued serving children and families for 13 years. In 2023, she and her family relocated to Spring Hill, TN, where she transitioned into holistic dentistry. She has since completed extensive biological training through the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and now serves as Dr. Forbes’ right-hand woman, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of comprehensive, whole-body dental care.
    Outside of the office, Ang enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, and the family dog.

  • Kaitlyn is a Registered Dental Assistant with four years of experience in the dental field. She graduated from the Dental Staff School of Tennessee and has been passionate about patient care ever since. Kaitlyn loves helping create a positive, comfortable experience for every person who walks through the door, and she takes pride in supporting whole-body wellness through biological dentistry.

    When she’s not in the office, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her husband, Jaiden, and their two wonderful boys. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and that same warmth and care show in the way she treats her patients every day.

  • Miriam brings both skill and heart to her role as a dental hygienist. She attended the University of Tennessee Southern, where she also played on the golf team, before graduating from Remington College’s Dental Hygiene program in Nashville in January 2024. She is also a Certified Biological Dental Hygienist through the IAOMT, which allows her to provide care with a whole-body, holistic approach.
    What she loves most about hygiene is helping patients feel confident in their smiles—a passion that shines through in the way she cares for each person who sits in her chair.
    Outside the office, Miriam enjoys life with her husband, Ethan, their little girl, Wren, and their golden doodle, Rosie. Together, they love spending time outdoors, especially on the water—boating, tubing, and skiing. Miriam also enjoys golfing, going on walks, playing cards, and making memories with family and friends.

  • Julie brings more than 15 years of dental experience to our team, but what we love most about her is the warmth and genuine care she brings to the people around her. With experience in both clinical assisting and patient relations, Julie has a unique ability to understand dentistry from every angle while making patients feel comfortable, heard, and cared for.

    A Certified Dental Assistant since 1998, Julie has spent many years working chairside and helping patients navigate their dental care. Her experience also extends beyond the operatory into treatment presentation, patient communication, scheduling, insurance coordination, office operations, and team support. She truly understands how important every part of the patient experience is—from the first conversation to the final appointment.

    Julie earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting from Illinois Central College, where she was named to the Dean’s Honor List, and has continued to expand her knowledge through additional dental education over the years.

    Outside of the office, Julie loves spending time with her husband and their two sons. Family is incredibly important to her, and that same caring, family-oriented nature is something she naturally brings into the office each day.

  • With over 11 years of experience in dentistry, Jessica brings both skill and heart to every patient she cares for. She is a graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Dental Hygiene program and has worked across a variety of specialties, giving her a well-rounded background in comprehensive oral health care. Jessica is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, understood, and confident during their visits. She believes oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness and loves educating patients on how small changes can make a big impact on their health. Her gentle approach and calming presence help even the most anxious patients feel at ease. Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her husband and son. (Or the rest of her family, she is 1 of 8) You’ll often find her running, reading a good book, or relaxing anywhere near the water.

  • Whitley serves as our Lead Front Desk Administrator—a role that requires organization, patience, and a warm, welcoming personality. While her daily tasks are endless, she handles them all with grace and a smile. We first met Whitley as a patient and immediately knew she was something special. When the practice moved offices and our team began to grow, it felt only natural that she would become part of the CAD family. Whitley is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through the door, and she truly enjoys building lasting relationships with everyone she meets.
    A Franklin native—something rare these days—Whitley is proud to call Middle Tennessee home. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband rewatching The Office, playing board games, and spoiling their cat, Creed. The couple recently bought a home in Spring Hill and are excited to put down roots in the community.

  • Meg is the warm, welcoming presence at our front desk and one of the first smiles you’ll see when you walk through our doors. As a Front Desk Administrator, she brings a calm and professional energy to every interaction—whether she’s scheduling appointments, answering your questions, or making sure your visit runs smoothly from start to finish.

    Her attention to detail, positive attitude, and calm presence make her an essential part of our team. Whether you’re calling with a question or checking in for your appointment, Meg is here to make sure your visit is seamless and enjoyable.

    Outside of work, Meg loves spending time outdoors—especially on the hiking trails—and enjoys exploring new places with family and friends.

  • Andrea Forbes is the Director of Operations at Center for Advanced Dentistry, wearing many hats to keep the practice running smoothly. She has completed extensive biological training through the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), supporting the practice’s holistic approach to patient care. As Dr. Forbes’ wife and mother of their four children, she brings organization, energy, and care to every aspect of the office. Andrea oversees day-to-day operations, ensures supplies are stocked, motivates the CAD team, co-manages the practice’s social media presence, and is always looking for new ways to elevate the practice.
    You’ll often find her assisting patients, answering phones, confirming appointments, or jumping in wherever needed. Andrea loves connecting with patients and takes pride in creating a welcoming, personal experience for everyone who walks through the door.
    Before starting her family, Andrea attended Clemson University, where she majored in Early Childhood Education.

  • Sammie is the Director of Marketing at Center for Advanced Dentistry and a versatile member of the team who truly does a little bit of everything. She first joined the practice as a patient and quickly became a friend to everyone on the team. With a strong background in business and social media management, she brings creativity and strategy to the practice’s marketing, social media, and website.
    Sammie works closely with Andrea behind the scenes, helping manage administrative tasks, plan events, and support the team wherever needed—including jumping in to assist front desk coordinators. She also serves as Dr. Forbes’ personal assistant, handling emails and corresponding with other providers to build meaningful professional connections. Sammie’s dedication, adaptability, and organizational skills make her an indispensable part of the CAD family.

  • Crissy has been in dentistry for over twelve years! She spent eight years as a Registered Dental Hygienist before joining Center for Advanced Dentistry in 2021 as a New Patient Coordinator. Since then, she has continued her training with advanced studies in TMJ disorders, myofunctional therapy, breath work, and TMD treatment options, including dental splints, bite correction therapy, jaw surgery, and holistic non-surgical approaches.
    Crissy has a deep understanding of the root causes of oral health issues and loves guiding patients toward solutions that alleviate pain and improve overall well-being. Her extensive knowledge and expertise make her an invaluable member of the CAD team, and she ensures patients feel confident and cared for during every consultation.
    Outside of work, Crissy enjoys teaching and competing in country swing dance, riding dirt bikes and horses with friends, and caring for her three chickens—some of which were named by our patients!

  • Lindsey is a talented dental hygienist who grew up in the North Mississippi and Memphis area. She graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in downtown Memphis in 2016 and has been passionate about dental care ever since. Lindsey loves connecting with patients, building relationships that extend beyond the dental chair, and making every visit enjoyable through conversation and laughter.
    Outside of the office, Lindsey enjoys reading about health, wellness, and spirituality—anything that draws her closer to the Lord.

    She loves riding electric bikes with her husband and kids, staying active through workouts, Pilates, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun. Although she has lived in Central Florida for the past four years and misses the beach, she has grown to really enjoy the Nashville area. Lindsey dreams of one day opening her own Pilates studio.

  • Kristin brings a unique blend of heart, dedication, and energy to our front desk. With a background in pediatric cardiac surgery, she spent years in a field that demanded precision, compassion, and resilience—qualities she now brings to every interaction with our patients. Recently, she traded in surgical instruments for the welcoming atmosphere of our office, where she enjoys being the first smile patients see when they walk through the door.

    A proud law enforcement wife and wrestling mom, she spends most of her "free time" going to and from her sons' practices and cheering (the loudest!) at their tournaments! Whether she’s running between wrestling mats or greeting you at the front desk, Kristin brings the same trademark enthusiasm, warmth, and commitment she gave in the operating room to everyone she meets.

  • Sophia joins our team as an Administrative Assistant, bringing valuable experience and a strong customer-service background. At just 19 years old, she has already demonstrated exceptional confidence, professionalism, and leadership skills through her previous role managing the front desk at a busy dermatology practice.

    Known for her friendly demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to keep operations running smoothly, Sophia excels at creating a welcoming experience for every patient who walks through the door. Her organizational skills, positive attitude, and commitment to excellent service make her a wonderful addition to our team.

    We are excited to have Sophia as part of our practice and look forward to the energy, dedication, and expertise she brings to our patients and staff each day.

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