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 several grandchildren.
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. She is also a CDOCS fellow and maintains certifications in sedation, pediatrics, botox, and laser dentistry.
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.
Kelsey Clifton, DMD
Originally from Lexington, KY, Dr. Clifton has been practicing dentistry in Paducah for the past six years. Her passion for dentistry began during a study-abroad experience in Ecuador, where she had the opportunity to apply fluoride varnish and realized she had found the perfect career.
Dr. Clifton loves combining healthcare, artistry, and problem-solving to help patients feel healthier and more confident. Her approach is simple: no judgment—just compassionate care, education, and support to help every patient feel comfortable and confident in their dental journey.
Outside the office, Dr. Clifton enjoys spending time at the lake, cheering on all things UK sports, playing pickleball, and making memories at the park with her two little girls, who have the biggest personalities! Her favorite color is green, her go-to food is pineapple pizza, and a fun fact you may not know—Dr. Clifton is scuba certified!
Laura, Registered Dental Hygienist
Laura joined our team in 2025. She graduated from Bluegrass Community & Technical College in 2021. She loves helping patients achieve their best smiles and taking care of their oral health. Laura has a son in college and a daughter in high school. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her children and puppy, exercising at the gym, being outdoors, and traveling. Laura’s certifications and additional training include: Local Anesthesia, General Supervision, and Dental Laser Certification.
Kris, Registered Dental Hygienist
Kris graduated from Western Kentucky University’s Dental Hygiene program. She relocated to Elizabethtown with her husband and two Maine Coon cats three years ago to be closer to family. In Boston, Massachusetts she worked 30 years for a family practice. Kris loved getting to know her patients and developed many long term relationships with them. She especially enjoys teaching her patients about the importance of oral hygiene and how it impacts the entire body. Kris’ motto is: “only floss the teeth you want to keep!” Outside of the office, Kris enjoys reading, attending live music shows, and spending time with her husband, cats, friends, and extended family. Kris and her husband have become feral cat custodians of their neighborhood.
Makinzee, Registered Dental Hygienist
Makinzee is originally from Louisville, KY, She joined our team passionate about helping others and giving patients a reason to smile. She is dedicated to educating patients on the vital link between oral health and overall wellness, ensuring everyone leaves feeling confident and cared for. Outside of the office, Makinzee is an avid reader and a proud cat mom to three. A fun fact about her? She’s ambidextrous!
Makinzee’s Tip for Patients: “Be sure to arrive a little early for your appointment so we can get you checked in smoothly!”
Elisabeth, 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.
Jennifer, Dental Assistant
Jennifer joined our team in January of 2025 as a dental assistant. She graduated from Kentucky Dental Academy in December of 2024. Jennifer is married to Bryant and they have two boys, Xander and Ryker. When not working, Jennifer can be found on the football and soccer fields, cheering on her boys or spending time with her nephew, Krew.
Grace, Dental Assistant
Grace joined our team in July of 2025. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from The University of Alabama. Grace plans on becoming a dentist and is spending time working on our team to gain patient experience while applying to school. She enjoys assisting our staff and interacting with patients, making sure they feel welcome and comfortable while in the chair. In her free time, Grace enjoys spending time with her dogs, traveling, and cooking.
Amanda, Dental Assistant
Amanda graduated from the Kentucky Dental Academy in April of 2025. She has loved dentistry since she was a child. Helping patients maintain or correct their smiles brings joy to her heart. Amanda is married to her husband, Cameron, and they have two children. In her spare time, she is either at the softball field or at a thrift store finding antiques. Amanda loves home decor and anything DIY!
Emi, Dental Assistant
Emi has been a dental assistant for over five years. She is married to a military service member, and they have two children. Emi and her family enjoy traveling the world together. They have been to 18 countries across the world during their travels.
Kelsey, Lead Patient Care Coordinator
Kelsey joined our team in August of 2020 as a Patient Care Coordinator. She graduated from Medquest college in 2014. She is a proud wife and mom to two amazing daughters, Harleigh and Lacie. Her husband, Cody, stay busy with family life, especially cheering on our girls. She is definitely an animal lover —they have 5 dogs, 1 cat, and 3 chickens that keep life interesting! She also love to travel, make memories with family, and enjoy the little moments in life. Family, laughter, and adventure is a big part of Kelsey!
Danielle, Patient Care Coordinator
Born and raised in Elizabethtown, Danielle is proud to call this community home. She is also a mom to an amazing 12-year-old daughter who keeps her busy most of the time—and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Outside of the office, Danielle enjoys spending time outdoors, going for walks, and taking in the beauty and scenery around her.
Danielle loves working at the front desk because she genuinely enjoys interacting with people and creating a warm, welcoming environment for patients. Being part of a family-owned and operated dental office gives the practice a special small-town feel where patients can feel comfortable, cared for, and truly known.
One of Danielle’s favorite parts of her job is building relationships with patients and getting to know them over time. She loves being a friendly face they can count on and helping make every visit a positive experience.
