Dr. 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 for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Kimbra, have three children, Kaylee, Garrett and Jessica.
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
Smile Kentucky and Sealant Program at Kentucky State Fair
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
Other Organizations
Kentucky Corp of Long Riflemen, Board Member
Bucksnort Longhunters, Board Member
NWTF, D.U., Youth Gone Wild programs
QDMA, Committee Member
NFIB, Member
Melanie Keesee/Office Manager
Melanie joined the elite team at Gabhart Family Dentistry, as Office Manager in September of 2018. Her background is primarily in Business Management, Human Resources, and Finance and Accounting. She comes to this position with several years in medical and dental office management. She received her BSBA in Management from Sullivan University. She assumes this position to manage the practice as it is a growing practice with a culture that is unlike other dental offices. Her passion is to lead a team of professionals that grow together to provide exceptional patient care that sets our office apart from
others.
Melanie has been married for 22 years to Michael Keesee and they live on their farm in Custer, KY with their Beagle named Chopper. When she is not working, she is either on the beach or on a cruise!!
Hannah Nelson, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Hannah joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in January 2014 as an extern, and was officially hired in March later that year. She has loved her job since day one and can’t imagine doing anything else. Her favorite part of being an expanded duties dental assistant is helping anxious patients while giving them confidence in their smile. She resides in Grayson County with her son and little brother where she enjoys
being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Elisabeth Clowser, 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, dental impressions and much more.
Born and raised in Germany, Elisabeth now resides in Radcliff with her husband, a U.S. Army veteran. She enjoys caring for their pets – two dogs and a cat – and spending time with family, including her nieces and nephews.
Whitney Tarkington, Registered Dental Hygienist
Whitney joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in April of 2018 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Whitney, originally from Alabama, moved to Kentucky in 2016. She received her Associate Degree from Wallace State Community College in 2008, where she was also awarded the Golden Scaler Award for her amazing clinical skills. Whitney is a proud military spouse! Moving with the military has allowed
Whitney to work in many different dental settings. She and her husband have been blessed with two children. She loves being able to help put nervous patients at ease during their visits. She also loves helping her patients feel confident with their smiles.
In her free time, Whitney loves spending time with her family, reading, and/or watching Alabama football! Roll Tide!
Ashley Jewell- Financial Coordinator
Ashley joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in October of 2018. She loves working with her patients to maximize their insurance benefits and coordinate financial arrangements to meet their needs. She graduated from the Kentucky Dental Academy in 2012, and has been working in the dental field ever since. She started out clinically assisting before moving to the front office position and learning all about insurance. Ashley resides in Lebanon with her daughter. She loves make up, movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Katie Bradshaw, Dental Hygienist
Katie joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in October of 2018 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She received her associate degree from Bluegrass Community and Technical College in 2018. Katie loves helping patients feel confident about their smiles and puts patients at ease when coming to the dentist. Katie recently got married in May of 2018 and looks forward to starting a family. She resides in Marion County on her family farm. In her free time, Katie enjoys farming, being outdoors, spending time with family and watching UK Basketball!
Lauren Bishop – Registered Dental Hygienist
Lauren joined Gabhart Family Dentistry in the fall of 2018 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She was born and raised in Bardstown; graduated as a dental hygienist in May 2018 from Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington. She enjoys working in dentistry to boost each patient’s confidence in their smile and
create a pleasant environment for every patient at their dental visit. During her free time, she enjoys caring for her 4 beagles and 2 cats, spending time at the lake and being outdoors in general.
Erin Newton-Registered Dental Hygienist
Erin graduated from the University of Louisville to obtain her Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2018. Erin joined Dr. Gabhart’s team in August of 2018 and is passionate about educating her patients in the importance of oral hygiene. Her professionalism and passion for patient care exemplify what Gabhart Family Dentistry is all about. Erin resides in Bardstown and is recently engaged. In her spare time she enjoys baking and
spending time with her family.
Tesha Foushee- Patient Care Coordinator
Tesha joined our team in November of 2018 as Patient Care Coordinator! She enjoys coming to work and interacting with patients each and every day. She is the proud wife of law enforcement officer, Josh, and they have 4 beautiful children. In her free time, Tesha enjoys boating, being outdoors, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
