James W. Gabhart II, DMD
Dr. Gabhart is proud to provide superior dental services in a pleasant atmosphere to families throughout Hardin County and surrounding areas.
An undergraduate of University of Kentucky and a graduate of University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Dr. Gabhart and his family have lived in Elizabethtown since 1993. He and his wife, Kimbra, have three children, Kaylee, Garrett, Jessica, and one Grandson Sullivan.
He is a leader in his profession and community, serving professional organizations, teaching dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting to students at area colleges and volunteering his time to a number of community organizations. Dr. Gabhart is also a part-time farmer and in his spare time he enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with his family.
Professional Organizations
American Dental Association
Kentucky Dental Association
Louisville Dental Society
Hardin County Dental Association
Kentucky Society of Dentistry for Children, past president
Delegate for Kentucky Dental Association
Faculty, University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Faculty, ECTC/KCTCS dental hygiene/dental assisting
Civic and Community Organizations
Hardin County A.M. Rotary Club
Paul Harris Fellow Rotary International
Hardin County Chamber of Commerce
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Advisory Board, Dental Hygiene/Dental Assisting
Volunteer, Community Health Clinic of Hardin and LaRue Counties
Volunteer Coach, EYSA, EABC, Upward Basketball
Smile Hardin County program, dental screening and treatment
Certifications and Additional Training
Alabama Implant Education: Advanced Implant Residency Program
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
Dental Laser Certificate
DOCS Education: IV and Oral Sedation Training
Invisalign Fundamentals: Removable Orthodontic Appliances
Oregon AGD: Pediatric Patient Management
Jessica Gabhart Smith, DMD
Dr. Jessica is committed to providing high quality dental care based on mutual trust and effective communication with her patients. She strives to create individualized patient treatment plans that will improve oral health, increase quality of life, and deliver smiles that last a lifetime.
Dr. Jessica was born and raised in Elizabethtown. After graduating from E-town High School in 2012, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville in 2016, then completed her doctorate of Dental Medicine at University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2020. During dental school, Dr. Jessica fell in love with outreach dentistry. Along with serving children through the Smile KY program every year, she traveled to Jamaica for several dental
missions during school and hopes to return throughout her career.
Dr. Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her husband (Austin) and their rescue dog (Bear), family, and friends. Other interests include traveling to new places, cross-fit, cooking, and being outdoors.
Certifications and Additional Training
Alabama Implant Education: Advanced Implant Residency Program
Dental Laser Certificate
Professional Organizations
American Dental Society
Kentucky Dental Society
Louisville Dental Society
Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
Melanie Keesee, Practice Manager
Melanie joined the Gabhart Team in September 2018. Melanie’s background is primarily in Business Management, Human Resources, and Finance and Accounting. She came to the Gabhart team after several years in medical and dental office management. She received her BSBA in Management from Sullivan University. Melanie’s phenomenal work as “Chaos Coordinator” has helped grow our practice and build an office culture unlike any other!
Melanie joined the American Association for Dental Office Management (AADOM) in 2021 and helped implement the first Kentucky Chapter the following year. She is currently a member of two AADOM Chapters and Tri State Dental Managers.
Melanie has been married to Michael Keesee for over 25 years. They live on their farm in Custer, KY, along with their two adorable dogs, Chopper and Cooper. When she isn’t working, Melanie visits the beach as much as possible.
Elisabeth Clowser, Lead Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Elisabeth has worked in the dental profession since 2009 and joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in September 2015. She says working as an expanded duties dental assistant is especially fulfilling because she knows a great smile is always a boost to a patient’s confidence. In the office, she takes care of a variety of tasks including, x-rays, invisalign treatment, ordering supplies and much more.
Born and raised in Germany, Elisabeth now resides in Radcliff with her husband Robert and her son Jameson. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys being outdoors with her family, nail art and NFL football.
Azure Bogue, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Azure is an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant who graduated from MedQuest College in 2014. She rejoined the Gabhart team in May 2023. Creating a quality patient experience is her priority and she works hard to make sure patients feel comfortable in our office. Her extensive knowledge and calming personality help to comfort patients before, during, and after their dental procedures. Azure enjoys helping people understand and implement their treatment plans.
Azure and her husband reside in Hart County along with her son and 2 dogs. Outside of the office, she likes soaking up every moment she can with her family, attending concerts, and traveling–especially to the beach!
Rachael Snyder, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Rachael recently graduated from the Kentucky Dental Academy. She is excited about her career and continues to learn new things every day. She was born and raised in Grayson County and still calls it home today. In her free time, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Patty Jones, Lead Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Patty Jones joined Dr Gabhart’s team in May 2020, she received her Dental Hygiene degree in 1998 from the University of Louisville. Patty has been serving the Hardin county dental community for over twenty years. She enjoys meeting new people and helping them feel comfortable in the dental chair. Patty is married to Marc Jones and have two children and one grandchild. When not at work she enjoys being at her Rineyville home spending time with her grandson, Forrest.
Sydney Ross, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Sydney joined the Gabhart Family Dentistry team in May of 2021, she received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Western Kentucky University. Sydney is passionate about educating patients on the best way to take care of their smile with the goal of making their visit to the dentist a positive experience.
Sydney was born at Fort Bragg, NC and was raised as an Army Brat, having lived in and visited many wonderful and exciting places. She now resides in Elizabethtown and enjoys spending time with her husband Jimmy, 3 dogs (Hank, Holley, and Charlie) and her cat Dottie. In her free time you can find Sydney traveling, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Sydney Coombs, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Sydney Coombs grew up in Elizabethtown. She graduated from Elizabethtown High School and then completed her Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Louisville in 2016. She loves getting to know her patients and helping them achieve a healthy smile. Outside of her profession, Sydney is married with 2 children and a second job as a “Baseball Mom”. She loves spending as much time as she can fit in her busy schedule at the beach!
Laura Whitlock, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Laura joined the Gabhart Family Dentistry team in May 2021. She received her degree in Dental Hygiene from Bluegrass Community & Technical College. Laura has great enthusiasm for taking care of patients and helping them achieve their best smile and she knows a great smile can boost anyone’s confidence in themselves. She grew up in Nicholasville, KY but now calls Campbellsville, KY home with her son, Ryan, and her daughter, Avery. Her children are very active in sports such as baseball, soccer, and golf. When she is not at the ballfield, Laura enjoys painting, spending time with her family, and being outdoors.
Kaylee Mattingly, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Kaylee recently graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and joined team Gabhart after graduation. Kaylee loves meeting new people and helping them create a great smile while improving their overall health.
She is originally from Brandenburg and loves to spend time with her family and friends in her free time. She also enjoys riding horses whenever she has the chance.
Kelsey Nalley, Lead Patient Care Coordinator
Kelsey joined our team in August of 2020 as a Patient Care Coordinator. She graduated from Medquest college in 2014. In her spare time you will find her taking pictures with her camera, spending time with her husband Cody and 2 children, being outdoors, and shopping.
Angela Mattingly, Patient Care Coordinator
Angela joined our team in March of 2022. She enjoys interacting with our patients and building relationships with them. Angela is married to her husband Andy, they have 4 children, and one granddaughter. When she is not in the office she’s cheering her kids on the basketball court and soccer field. She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends making memories. She is overjoyed to be joining such a wonderful team.
Misty Drane, Patient Care Coordinator
Misty joined GFD in December 2023 as a Patient Care Coordinator. She is the first smiling face you see when you enter our office! She makes sure each of our patients feel welcome and at ease during their appointment. She has 2 daughters. Amber is a Physical Therapist Assistant, and Paige is in Dental Hygiene school and will graduate in 2024. In her spare time, you will find Misty fishing with her significant other, Justin, and their dog Scout.
