Legacy Dental

Mouth Cancer Prevention Tips You Need To Know

Mouth cancer action month

Mouth cancer is a serious condition that can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, or throat. This month of November is Mouth Cancer Action Month — a time to highlight prevention and early detection to lower the risk of this life-threatening disease. Taking proactive steps, such as regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices, can help protect you from mouth cancer.

This blog will discuss essential mouth cancer prevention tips, including preventing its main causes and recognizing common symptoms.

Top Causes of Mouth Cancer

Here are the factors to be aware of to better understand and reduce your risk of mouth cancer:

Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes and cigars or using smokeless tobacco introduces harmful, cell-damaging chemicals into the mouth. Long-term use of tobacco is the most significant cause of mouth cancer as it affects both smokers and smokeless tobacco users.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption irritates the cells lining the mouth. Drinking excessively over time significantly raises the risk of developing mouth and throat cancers. The dangers are even greater when regular alcohol consumption is combined with chronic smoking.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

HPV (especially the HPV-16 strain) is linked to cancers in the mouth and throat that infect the mucosal tissues. The virus can cause cellular changes that increase cancer risk, particularly in younger adults who do not smoke.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting oral health can lead to chronic infections, inflammation, and the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Persistent bacteria can damage oral tissues and increase the likelihood of malignant transformations.

Excessive Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to UV rays without lip protection can lead to skin changes, such as lesions and abnormal cell growth. The damaging effects of UV radiation can cause mutations in skin cells, increasing the risk of cancer over time.

Genetic Factors

Inherited genetic mutations or a family history of cancer can increase an individual’s risk of developing oral cancer. Although genetic factors can’t be changed, knowing your family history helps with early detection and prevention strategies.

Common Mouth Cancer Symptoms

The following are the key signs of mouth cancer that may indicate a need for further evaluation:

8 Effective Mouth Cancer Prevention Tips

Listed below are mouth cancer prevention tips to help minimize your risk of developing the disease:

  1. Quit smoking. By quitting, you lower your chance of developing oral cancer and improve overall health.
  2. Limit alcohol consumption. Regulating or eliminating alcohol intake helps protect oral tissues and enhances your body’s natural defenses.
  3. Maintain good oral hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, prevents bacterial buildup and inflammation.
  4. Use sun protection on the lips. Using lip balm with SPF protects your lips from harmful sun exposure.
  5. Get vaccinated against HPV. Receiving the HPV vaccine lowers the risk of infections that can lead to cancer in the mouth and throat.
  6. Follow a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants strengthens the immune system and promotes oral health. These nutrients help minimize the risk of cancer by protecting cells from damage.
  7. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water keeps your mouth moist and helps wash away harmful substances. Staying hydrated also supports overall oral health.
  8. Schedule regular dental visits. Seeing your dentist regularly allows for the early detection of any abnormal changes in the mouth. Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successfully treating mouth cancer.

Safeguard Your Oral Health With Legacy Dental of PA’s Preventive Solutions!

At Legacy Dental of PA, we’re committed to helping you prevent serious conditions like mouth cancer through our comprehensive preventive program. Our team maintains excellent oral health through regular exams, cleanings, X-rays, and protective treatments like fluoride. By addressing potential issues early, we help you avoid costly dental problems and ensure your smile stays healthy and confident.

Contact us now and schedule your preventive care appointment today!

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Taylor - Assistant

Taylor is one of Dr. Peng’s dental assistants. Taylor’s main goal is to help each patient through their dental treatment journey by ensuring quality care and comfort. Taylor joined our practice in March of 2022 when she moved to the area from Florida. After taking a year off, she returned to our practice in April of 2025.

Taylor has been a dental assistant for almost a decade and is very passionate about her career. Taylor worked as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in Florida and is CPR and phlebotomy certified. Taylor’s favorite part about dentistry is helping her patients feel comfortable by gaining their smile back and to be excited to come to see the dentist.

When Taylor is not at work she enjoys being outdoors, including golfing and watching her husband drag race. She is also a small business owner where she turned her hobby into her own business making candles, wax melts, and car air freshers.

Taylor grew up on the Treasure Coast of Florida where she met her husband. They have two dogs – a chocolate lab and a golden retriever – and one cat together. They moved to the area to be closer to her husband’s family in the Kulpmont area.

Cecilia - Hygienist

Cecilia is a Registered Dental Hygienist at the Kulpmont office. She joined Legacy Dental in April of 2025. She has been practicing dental hygiene since graduating Luzerne County Community College in 2013. She grew up and currently lives in Mt. Carmel with her husband and two dogs.

Cecilia provides thorough dental care in a comfortable environment. She is patient and accommodating. Cecilia works hard to provide her patients with a positive dental experience.

Cecilia spends her free time traveling and hiking with her husband and dogs. She likes to read, bake and volunteers at a local dog rescue.

Kendra - Hygienist

Kendra joined Legacy Dental in April of 2025. She grew up in and currently resides in Bloomsburg. She graduated from Bloomsburg Area High School in 2019 and earned her degree in Dental Hygiene at Luzerne County Community College in 2023.

Kendra loves to educate and develop a solid rapport with all her patients. She is driven, passionate, and dedicated to creating a safe and comfortable environment for her patients.

In Kendra’s free time she enjoys working out, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Christie - Hygienist

Christie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who started at the Kulpmont office in 2025. She has been a practicing dental hygienist since 2019. After graduating from Northampton Community College in 2019, she first started working in Berks County. She was born and raised in Schuylkill County, so her profession led her back to the area to continue working as a hygienist closer to her friends and family.

Christie likes to give her patients a safe and comfortable environment to express their needs and goals for better oral health. She is very thorough and informative when explaining treatment or existing conditions to patients. She loves learning about her patients and forming bonds with them.

Christie loves to be around her family and friends. She got married in October of 2024. She and her husband have a chocolate lab named Lumie. Christie enjoys gardening in the summer and being outside or at the beach. She also likes to maintain her health with weightlifting and staying active.

Christy – Front Office Assistant

Christy joined the Legacy Dental team in March of 2025. She brings over two decades of previous healthcare experience as an administrative assistant. Christy hopes to not only bring experience to our team but gain knowledge from our team as well.

Christy has spent most of her life in the Milton area. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. You can find her gardening in her free time or at a high school field hockey game.

Katie - Hygienist

Katie joined the practice in March of 2025 as a Registered Dental Hygienist based in the Danville office. She graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene from Luzerne County Community College in 2007 and has been practicing as a dental hygienist for almost two decades. 

She grew up in Nescopeck and graduated from Berwick High School. Katie enjoys getting to know her patients and giving them the best treatment possible.

Outside of work Katie enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading and going to the beach.

Cherese - Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Cherese joined Legacy Dental in July of 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in the dental field. She currently works as an assistant for Dr. Marr. She is a licensed Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and Dental Hygienist. She is very passionate about the dental field and enjoys making her patients smile, as well as being a team player.

In her spare time she loves going camping and to water parks with her husband and children.

Cheyanne – Assistant

Cheyanne graduated from Nativity BVM High School in 2018. Cheyanne started at Legacy Dental as a dental assistant in June of 2024, located primarily in the Kulpmont office. Prior to working here Cheyanne was a dental assistant at another local practice for 3 years. Cheyanne enjoys making the workplace stress free and tends to care a lot about the patients making their experience a happy one!

Outside of work, Cheyanne enjoys spending time with friends and family and her boyfriend, Danny. Cheyanne enjoys going to country concerts with her boyfriend, playing with her dog, Gemma, and shopping. She is always planning her next concert and where to shop next!

Kelsey – Sterilization Tech

Kelsey joined Legacy Dental in June of 2024 as a sterilization tech in our Northumberland office. She is new to the dental field but is looking forward to learning and growing so she can help patients get the beautiful smile they deserve!

Outside of work Kelsey enjoys hunting, fishing, art, and spending time with her family and friends.

Patricia – Front Office Assistant

Patricia joined the front office staff in June of 2024. With years’ worth of retail work under her belt, she is excited to serve the valued patients at Legacy Dental with a smile. She was born and raised in Danville and holds a special affinity towards her hometown roots. After graduating from Danville High School in 2018, she went on to major in Communication Arts at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville Ohio. Her most prized college memory was studying abroad in Austria her senior year, getting to explore twelve new countries while overseas, making new friends along the way at each stop.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and newly adopted goldendoodle puppy. She has a great passion for music and loves attending live concerts. She is also an avid reader and loves to write as well.

Marlene - Hygienist

Marlene graduated from Mount Carmel Area High School and earned her Associates
Degree in Allied Health from Northampton Community College in 1989.

She is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over three decades of experience working
in general and periodontal practices. She joined Legacy Dental in May of 2024,
based primarily in the Northumberland location. She takes pride in being a
thorough, gentle and caring hygienist. She also enjoys getting to know her patients
on a personal level while providing them with excellent dental care.

Marlene resides in Selinsgrove with her miniature dachshund Coco Chanel and is a
very proud mother of her daughter, Madison, who is pursuing her career in ballet. In
Marlene’s free time she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
She also loves relaxing on the beach, gardening, decorating her home and is always
up for a classic rock concert or a trip to the wineries.

Tina - Hygienist

Tina graduated from Mount Carmel Area High School in 1985. She then attended Northampton College and received her degree in Dental Hygiene in 1987.

Tina has over three decades of experience in the dental field. She has a passion for getting to know her patients on a personal level and educating them on how to maintain a healthy smile. She is very thorough and ensures the patient is getting the best possible care. Tina is compassionate and is able to put her patients at ease to ensure a positive dental experience. She believes that creating a healthy oral environment leads to overall better health.

Tina resides in Bloomsburg and enjoys landscaping, riding bikes, spending time with family and friends, and attending her son’s sporting events. 

Madison – Assistant

Madison joined Legacy Dental in February of 2022. After working as a hygienist in our practice for three years, she transitioned to one of Dr. Murdock’s assistants in May of 2025. She is from and is currently living in Elysburg. Madison graduated from Southern Columbia High School in 2018 and earned her associates degree and bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Previously Madison was a Dental Hygienist in Madison, Wisconsin.  

Madison enjoys building relationships and trust with each one of her patients. She is motivated to provide the best individualized care to each patient to help them gain the confidence they deserve. She is very thankful she joined this practice as she has learned so much and enjoys working with each dentist. 

Madison played basketball in college, enjoys going to Wisconsin Badger football games, working out, spending time with family, going to country concerts, and spending time at her pool. 

Lacey – Hygienist

Lacey is a registered Dental Hygienist in the Northumberland office. She grew up in Emporium, PA and graduated from Cameron County High School. Lacey received her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2022. 

Lacey truly values the time she gets with her patients. She enjoys getting to know them, educating them about their oral health, and making them comfortable while in our office and hygiene chair.  

Lacey resides in Danville with her fiance and her golden doodle, Henry. Lacey enjoys watching outdoor movies, walking her dog, spending time with her nephews, country concerts, and going to baseball games, especially the Yankees. 

Kristy – Hygienist

Kristy grew up on the eastern shore of Delaware and moved to the area in September of 2023. She is thrilled to continue her Dental Hygiene career at Legacy Dental. She graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2009 with her Associates degree in Allied Health, and has been practicing dental hygiene ever since.

Kristy thoroughly enjoys building relationships with her patients and providing quality of care, doing so allows her to proving care that best suits their needs. Kristy focuses on providing thorough dental care, ensuring her patients have a first-rate experience, is at the top of her priority. She too loves to educate her patients to help future their oral health.

Kristy is married, a mother to two amazing young boys, and a dog mom. She loves the beach, and enjoys vacationing there. She’s developed a true passion for health and fitness and enjoys daily exercise. Her family loves camping and taking weekend trips.

Karen - Hygienist

Karen is a Registered Dental Hygienist in the Kulpmont office. She has been practicing dental hygiene and creating many fulfilling patient/clinician friendships for almost three decades. Karen graduated from Southern Columbia High School and received her Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from Penn College of Technology in 1994. She also has acquired her Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner license. Karen enjoys reading, campfires and spending time with family and friends.

Kaitlyn – Hygienist

Kaitlyn is a Registered Dental Hygienist in the Danville and Northumberland offices. Kaitlyn is originally from the Danville area and graduated from Columbia Montour Vo-Tech. Kaitlyn graduated with an associate of dental hygiene degree from Luzerne County Community College in 2014. She started at our practice in that same year. She now lives in Milton with her husband, Dustin, two sons, and two cats. Kaitlyn enjoys spending time outside riding her bike, playing softball, and listening to blue grass music. 

Jaime - Hygienist

Jaime graduated from the Luzerne County Community College Dental Hygiene program in 2002. With over 19 years of experience in periodontics and general dentistry, Jaime joined our office in July of 2021 and is primarily located in the Danville office. Jaime prides herself on her attention to detail and enthusiasm to maintain high and current standards within the dental profession. She has a passion of getting to know her patients on a personal level and educating them on how to maintain a healthy smile.

In her free time, you can find Jaime visiting wineries, kayaking, target shooting, practicing yoga and weight training. Jaime is a cat mom to ChiChi, Zander and Ziggy.

Brandi – Hygienist

Brandi is a Registered Dental Hygienist, primarily in the Danville office. She grew up in Nescopeck and graduated from Berwick High School. Brandi received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Bloomsburg University and an Associate of Dental Hygiene degree from Luzerne County Community College. She has worked with our office since 2017.

In her spare time Brandi enjoys being with friends and family, spending time outside with her dog, Penny, and practicing yoga.

Barb - Hygienist

Barb has been a dental hygienist for over three decades and is primary located in our Northumberland office. Her main focus is patient care, especially patient education as to proper home care. In addition to patient education, she strives to provide the best possible care and positive experiences.

Barb graduated from Middleburg High School in 1975 concurrent with her studies in the dental program at Sun Tech, graduating as a dental assistant in that same year. Barb worked in several private and group practices before returning to Williamsport Area Community College, which is now Penn College, where she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 1988.

While attending WACC, Barb served as President of the Student American Dental Hygiene Association and received the Outstanding Leadership Award. Upon graduation, Barb also received the Hu Friedy Golden Scaler Award, Clark J. Hollister Award, and the Northcentral Dental Hygiene Award.

Barb currently lives in New Columbia with her husband, Jim, and their five cats. Barb has two children, Scott and Holly, and one grandchild. Scott lives with his wife, Jamie and their son Logan, while Holly lives with her partner, Jess. In her free time, Barb enjoys flower gardening, food programs and enjoying her pool, hot tub and country living. Barb is also a substitute dental instructor at Sun Tech and a member of the Occupational Advisory Committee. She also accompanies her husband at Christmas time as Mrs. Claus to his Santa, and can be found at Susquehanna Valley Scholar concerts as usher and ticket taker. 

Tiffany - Assistant

Tiffany is dedicated to helping patients with every step of their dental visit. You will find that she is compassionate, able to put the patient at ease, and ensures a positive dental experience. 

She started her career in an orthodontist office while still in high school. That led to her becoming a dental assistant for almost three decades, with the prior dentist in our Kulpmont location until his retirement in 2020. She has certification in radiology and CPR. 

Tiffany has been married for over two decades and has three beautiful children and a German Short-Haired Pointer. In her spare time she loves to bake, attend her children’s sporting events and lounge by the pool.

Over the years, she has formed bonds with many patients and has found it to be a rewarding feeling to be recognized as someone they trust. She has committed herself to the dental field and has shown great loyalty throughout her career.

Taylor - Assistant

Taylor is one of Dr. Peng’s dental assistants. Taylor’s main goal is to help each patient through their dental treatment journey by ensuring quality care and comfort. Taylor joined our practice in March of 2022 when she moved to the area from Florida. After taking a year off, she returned to our practice in April of 2025.

Taylor has been a dental assistant for almost a decade and is very passionate about her career. Taylor worked as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in Florida and is CPR and phlebotomy certified. Taylor’s favorite part about dentistry is helping her patients feel comfortable by gaining their smile back and to be excited to come to see the dentist.

When Taylor is not at work she enjoys being outdoors, including golfing and watching her husband drag race. She is also a small business owner where she turned her hobby into her own business making candles, wax melts, and car air freshers.

Taylor grew up on the Treasure Coast of Florida where she met her husband. They have two dogs – a chocolate lab and a golden retriever – and one cat together. They moved to the area to be closer to her husband’s family in the Kulpmont area.

Shannon – Sterilization Tech

Shannon joined our office in September of 2019. Prior to Legacy Dental, Shannon was a dental assistant for over 30 years.

Shannon grew up in Mocanaqua and graduated from John S. Fine High School. She continued her education at Luzerne County Community College in the dental assisting program.

Shannon resides in Berwick with her husband, Jeff, and fur babies. Shannon enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Shannon’s motto in life is “Live like there is no tomorrow. Love with all your heart. Laugh until your belly hurts. Believe anything is possible.” 

Rockell - Assistant

Rockell started with our office in 2021 as one of Dr. Murdock’s dental assistants. She graduated from Mifflinburg Area High School and the Sun Area Technical Institute Dental Program in 2021 with honors.

One of the reasons she wanted a full-time position after her co-op position at Legacy Dental office was because of the amazing staff. They are all so helpful, kind and knowledgeable. She is glad to be able to add to that hands-on patient experience with her love of helping people wherever they need her, whether it be giving her honest opinion on a shade color or assisting another coworker. In her words “Dr. Murdock is awesome, always a great teacher!”

In Rockell’s spare time you will find her with her family… mostly her Dad! Chasing the next big fish, hunting, or in the diva class racing go-karts on Saturday nights. No matter what it is, she is doing it with a smile on her face!

Riley - Assistant

Riley joined Legacy Dental in May 2021. Riley is a dental assistant working out of the Danville and Northumberland locations.

“My favorite part about the day is sending a patient out with a beautiful and happy smile.”

Riley studied dental assisting in New Berlin. She is a 2021 graduate of Sun Area Technical Institute and Selinsgrove Area High School.

Outside of the work area Riley enjoys being outside with her goats, working out, and making memories with friends and family.

Kenzy –Assistant

Kenzy is Dr. Marr’s dental assistant working out of both the Danville and Northumberland offices. She’s been in the dental field for over 15 years and loved her time spent specializing in pediatrics. Her number one mission is to make all of our patients as comfortable as possible throughout their entire treatment.

Kenzy graduated from Sun Area Technical Institute & Midd-West High School in 2005. She lives in Northumberland with her husband, Josh, her daughter Elly, and the cutest rescue hound, Milly.

Kenzy especially loves spending time with family and friends, as well as a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and having a green thumb.

Jenn – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Jenn is Dr. Murdock’s Treatment Plan Coordinator, as well as a Dental Hygienist and EFDA. She works out of the Danville and Northumberland locations. Jenn has been with the practice since September of 2010. 

Jenn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her Dental Hygiene licenses in May of 2007. She then went back two years later and received her licenses to administer anesthesia. In 2018, she graduated from Harrisburg Area Community College with her EFDA degree. Jenn has been in the dental field since the age of 17!

Jenn is originally from Baltimore, MD and now resides in Bloomsburg.

Chris – Lab Tech

Chris is the Lab Technician for all offices, but works out of the Danville office. She joined the team in July of 2019. Chris strives to do her best to give the patients a beautiful and functional smile.

Chris graduated from Columbia Montour Vo-Tech in 1983.

Chris lives in Berwick with her husband, Scott. They have three grown daughters, a son-in-law, and one fabulous grandson! Her passion is family and friends!

Brooke - Assistant

Brooke graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 2018. Brooke started at Legacy Dental in June of 2022 as a dental assistant. She is excited to learn all that she can to make the patients experience at the dentist stress free and a happy one!

Along with working at Legacy Dental, Brooke does outdoor landscaping on the weekends. With her free time she enjoys relaxing with her dog Peatea, being with all her animals on her farm and rabbit hunting with her boyfriend Josh and all their beagles. Brooke also loves watching the races and listening to the oldies but goodies.

Bobbi - Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Bobbi joined our practice in July of 2022 after working in Geisinger’s Oral Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry department for over two years. She enjoys working in dentistry to help bring patients their confidence back through their smile. She also enjoys getting to know the patients and making them feel comfortable while in the chair. Bobbi earned her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant degree in May of 2024 and is very excited to continue to learn and grow in the field.

Outside of work, Bobbi has a young son. They enjoy spending our time at their favorite place, Knoebels. You can also find Bobbi and her son spending time outside riding bikes, swimming, and playing freeze tag.

Bernae – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Bernae is Dr. Marr’s Treatment Coordinator & Dental Assistant working out of the Danville and Northumberland locations. Bernae ensures that all of her patients are comfortable and understands each procedure. Bernae also aids in scheduling her patients and reviewing finances. Bernae joined the practice in 2013.

“I enjoy helping patients boost their confidence, as well as making them feel comfortable in our office. I consider myself fortunate to work in an office where patient education and quality of care come first.”

Bernae graduated from Central Columbia High School. She obtained her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certification from Luzerne County Community College with honors in 2012. Bernae enjoys spending her time gardening, reading, camping, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Bernae is a volunteer firefighter at Mahoning Township East End Fire Company (Station 60). Bernae is originally from the Bloomsburg area & resides in Danville. Bernae has three pets (all rescues): her German Shepard, Zoey and her cats, Frannie and Sophie.

Sheri – Front Office Staff

Sheri joined the front office staff in March of 2022. She has been in the dental field for over 30 years after graduating from Williamsport Area Community College with an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science. Located in the Northumberland office, Sheri strives to treat each patient as she would want to be treated when entering an office.

In her free time, Sheri enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, their yellow lab, Sadie, reading, baking, walking and Penn State Football.

Mollie – Front Office Assistant

Mollie joined our practice in April of 2022. She is based out of our Danville location in the role of front desk. Mollie enjoys talking with patients and facilitating a positive dental experience! Prior to transitioning to her current role, Mollie held administrative assistant positions in healthcare. Mollie is excited to use her background in her previous roles to provide the highest level of care to the practice’s patients.

Mollie holds true to her college Alma Mater- the University of Minnesota. On Saturdays in the fall you will find her cheering on the Golden Gophers. Mollie also enjoys frequent travels to Philadelphia to root for her favorite NBA and NHL teams!

 

Mindy – Front Office Assistant

Mindy joined the front office staff in January of 2023. She is based out of our Danville location. Mindy is dedicated to providing excellent customer service with a smile, both on the phone and in the practice.

She graduated from Danville High School in 2008 and received her bachelor’s degree as a dual major in Special Education/General Education from Bloomsburg University in 2012. Prior to working at the practice, she served as an educator for over 10 years in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. She also lived abroad in India for a year and continues to have a passion for travel and adventures.

Mindy has returned to her hometown and currently resides in Danville. In her free time, Mindy enjoys reading books, working out, being outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, and spending quality time with her cat Lenny.

Merissa – Front Office Assistant

Merissa started working at Legacy Dental in May 2021 as part of the front desk staff, specifically in the Kulpmont office. Prior to working here, she was employed at Phoenix Rehabilitation as a front desk receptionist for three years. Merissa enjoys working with and around patients and wants to make their experience here 100%. 

Merissa graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 2010. She currently resides in Coal Township. Merissa’s world are her two kids. In her free time, you can find Merissa talking on the phone, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying the outdoors. 

Katie – Front Office Assistant

Katie graduated from Berwick High School in 2008. She attended King’s College for Elementary Education but soon after, turned her focus to the healthcare field. Katie has been a Certified Nursing Assistant for over 10 years. Her healthcare career placed her in different settings such as nursing homes, home health and medical reception. Katie joined Legacy Dental in August of 2023 as a Front Office Assistant. Katie’s goal in her position at our office is to assist in any way she can to make sure the patients get the best care and have a positive experience.

In her free time, Katie enjoys watching and playing sports of all kinds. She enjoys being outdoors, camping, fishing, biking, and swimming. She spends as much time with her family as she can, and her two “kittos,” Chub and Reese.

Erin – Front Office Assistant

Erin gladly joined the front office staff in September of 2021. Her main priority at the office is ensuring that all patients’ needs are met. She looks forward to greeting you with a smile and answering any questions that you might have. 

Erin grew up in Shamokin, PA and is a 2002 graduate of Shamokin Area High School. She has over 20 years of experience in customer service and has spent the last seven years gaining experience in the medical field. She currently resides in Locust Gap, PA. 

You’ll find Erin spending her days with her husband, kids and their two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking and shopping with her daughter. Her weekends are spent with family and friends or cheering her son on at his baseball games. She is most proud of her son and daughter. 

Andrea – Front Office Assistant

Andrea joined the practice in December of 2022. She has been working in the healthcare and customer service field for over 20 years, focusing on patient care and making sure the patients have a positive experience.

Andrea is from Northumberland and graduated from Shikellamy High School in 2003. She loves spending time with her fiancé, John. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her friends and family, and enjoying the love and attention from her fur babies.

Melissa – Front Office Lead

As a member of the front office team since October of 2020, Melissa strives to make each patient feel comfortable and cared for from the minute they walk through the front door to the time their appointment has finished. Located primarily in the Danville office, Melissa is committed to ensure patients receive the highest level of care to meet their individual needs. She was promoted to Front Office Lead in July of 2023. 

Melissa is a graduate of Southern Columbia High School and in 2003, obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College. Melissa spent the first 12+ years of her career working in the Financial and Home Health/Home Care fields. Melissa relocated back to her hometown of Elysburg with her son in 2019. When Melissa is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, and planning her next traveling adventure. 

Jeanne R – Financial Coordinator

Jeanne is the Financial Coordinator for Legacy Dental. Jeanne joined our team in March of 2021. Jeanne’s background includes extensive experience in many facets of banking, including Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Retail Banking and executive administration.

Jeanne and her family moved to Pennsylvania from Michigan in 2003. She enjoys many outdoor activities and reading while camping with her husband and rescue cat. She has two grown sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and one grandson. 

Sarah D, Office Manager

Sarah is the Office Manager for all three offices. Sarah is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the practice. Along with the practice’s mission, Sarah’s number one priority is patient care and making sure they have the best possible experience every time they visit any of our offices! She has been working at Legacy Dental since January of 2020.

Sarah graduated from Danville High School in 2008 and received her bachelor’s degree in advertising/public relations and psychology from Penn State University in 2012. After spending six years between Chicago and New York City, Sarah decided to move back to her hometown to be near her family and put down her own roots.

Sarah currently lives in Riverside with her husband, Derek, and their rescue dog, Leo, a chocolate lab mix. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling, hiking, working out, doing puzzles, reading, spending time with her family and friends, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions.