Meet Our Team

Dr. Dee, as her patients know her, has been part of Barden Family Dentistry for 10 years and has practiced dentistry for 11. She loves working with patients of every age and helping them see the real value in their smile, and she works hard to keep the office easy-going so every visit feels positive, caring, and a little fun. One of her favorite parts of the job is watching patients who come in nervous realize, once it's over, that it really wasn't a big deal—and seeing their confidence grow from there.

Dr. Dee feels lucky to work alongside a team of encouraging, light-hearted women who share her compassion and empathy for patients, and her hope is that everyone who walks through the door leaves feeling like part of the dental family, encouraged to care for their smile long after they leave. Outside the office, she lives with her husband and stepson and stays busy trying new restaurants, traveling, riding motorcycles, sailing, and scuba diving, along with lifting weights as she works her way back to running, cycling, and tennis. She also treasures time with her parents, cheering on her niece and nephew, and catching concerts by favorites like OAR, Taking Back Sunday, Andrew McMahon, and MGK.

Elaine has been part of the Barden Family Dentistry team since 1994, and after more than 30 years in dentistry, she still says no two days are ever the same. She's a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) who credits much of what she's learned to working alongside both Dr. Bardens over the years, and so many of the patients she sees have become like family and friends. Her favorite part of the job is watching patients settle in enough to start sharing a little about themselves, and she hopes everyone who sits in her chair leaves trusting that the whole team always has their best interest at heart.

Elaine calls Paola home, where she shares life with her husband, Darrel, their kids Preston and Meagan, their grandsons Jace and Jensyn, and their dog, Ollie. She's adventurous and community-minded through and through, staying busy with local fundraisers and volunteer events and always up for planning the next get-together. Outside the office, you'll likely find her playing pool, riding side-by-sides, or boating—proof that she brings the same easygoing, dependable spirit home that she brings to work every day.

Kortney has spent more than a decade in dentistry and loves getting to know the patients she cares for. For her, one of the best parts of dental hygiene is helping people feel comfortable and welcome while building relationships that extend beyond a single appointment.

A graduate of Osawatomie High School who now calls Osawatomie home, Kortney especially enjoys being part of a locally owned practice where she gets to care for people she knows from the community. She has additional training in nitrous oxide, local anesthesia delivery, and soft-tissue laser care. At home, Kortney keeps busy with her son Calvin, who recently started preschool, and their two dogs, Luna and Herby. Outside the office, she also enjoys traveling—especially when a beach is involved.

Erin is a hygienist with seven years of experience in dentistry, including the past year at Barden Family Dentistry. She loves connecting with her patients and helping them feel motivated to reach their oral health goals, and she's laser certified to help make care even more comfortable. Erin hopes every patient who sits in her chair feels welcomed and at ease talking through their care with her.

Erin's hometown is Odessa, Missouri, but she currently calls Paola home, and outside the office she's kept happily busy as a mom to two little ones, Josie and Cooper, alongside her husband, Parker. She's always looking to grow in her field and has a particular interest in botox and myofunctional therapy. When she gets a free moment, Erin loves traveling and unwinding to some good country music.

Nat has worked in dentistry for a decade, including the last year and a half at Barden Family Dentistry. As a dental assistant, her favorite part of the job is connecting with patients, and nothing beats seeing their reaction once treatment is done and their confidence shines through. She's First Aid certified and keeps things light with plenty of laughter, both with patients and the rest of the team, hoping everyone leaves feeling happy and comfortable.

Nat calls the Olathe and Paola area home, where she shares life with her daughter, son, and three granddaughters. Outside the office, she loves traveling to new places, trying new foods (though pizza remains her favorite), gardening, boating, and hiking, plus the occasional beer with friends. She's also passionate about giving back, volunteering for local veteran charity events whenever she can.

Riley's favorite part of the job is simply getting to know the patients who come through the door—building relationships with them, easing any worries they have about their visit, and answering whatever questions come up along the way. Her interests span every corner of dentistry, and what she enjoys most about working at Barden Family Dentistry is the close-knit team and how supportive everyone is of one another.

Riley grew up in Olathe and now calls Osawatomie home. Outside the office, she's usually riding horses, playing with her Great Pyrenees, Buck (named after the Ohio State Buckeyes), working on Lego sets, or coloring. She played soccer all through her time at Benedictine College.