Our Doctors
Mark H. Blankenship, D.M.D.
Dr. Blankenship has been serving the Athens area with quality and professional dental care for over 20 years. Dr. Blankenship graduated from Cedar Shoals High School in 1978, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia in 1982, and received his dental degree (DMD) in 1986 from the Medical College of Georgia.
Dr. Blankenship is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association and the Clarke County Dental Society. He has continued training in new and current dental techniques and technology by attending numerous continuing education courses. Dr. Blankenship is certified in soft tissue laser surgery, CEREC (computer designed porcelain restorations) and Lumineer smile makeovers.
Dr. Blankenship and his experienced, friendly team are committed to providing the highest quality comprehensive dental care for families of all ages in a caring, comfortable environment. We are here to create beautiful smiles, restore dental function and educate patients on how to maintain their dental health for their entire lives.
In addition to dentistry, Dr. Blankenship enjoys his family, golf, music, travel and photography.
Lane V. Barker, D.M.D.
Dr. Barker is originally from Athens, Georgia, where he graduated Valedictorian from Jefferson High School in 1990. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia in 1994. After graduating from Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1998, he returned home to Athens and joined Athena Dental Associates.
He has a lovely wife and two children, and they currently live in the Athens area of Hull, Georgia.
Professional Affiliations
- Member of American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Eastern District Dental Association and Clarke County Dental Association
- Member of Academy of General Dentistry
Civic Duties
- Member of various church organizations
- Past Eagle Scout
- Secretary of Madison County Youth Association (since 2007)
- Assistant Coach of football team and Little League baseball team
Hobbies
- Bowling
- Fishing
- Spending time with family and children
Our Front Office
Betty H. Staines, Office Manager
I attended Madison County High School, Athens Area Tech and the University of Georgia. I have both clinical and office experience in the dental field. I have taken numerous continuing education courses including, but not limited to, Hollander, CPR, Vizilite and insurance-related courses.
Most of the employees and doctors have been together more than six years, which makes our office somewhat different. We care about each other professionally and personally. We strive to show the same care and concern to our patients. We feel that our office is an extension of our family.
On the personal side, I have been employed with Athena Dental Associates since 1988. I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and husband.
Lori Chandler
I was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. I graduated from Clarke Central High School. My hobbies are shopping, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. We all have certification in CPR, Vizilite Oral Cancer Screening, Hollander Management training, Zoom/Sapphire Bleaching and Radiation training. I have been employed with Athena Dental Associates since May 1997.
I feel our office is unique because we are a very family-oriented office and we provide all our patients with the best care possible.
Kathy Meadows
I was born in Elberton, Georgia and attended school there. I graduated from Elbert County High School in 1966. After graduation, I was trained to become a dental assistant in the office of Dr. Joe S. Campbell, D.D.S. in Elberton. I was employed there for 17 years. I was certified in expanded duties for dental assistants by the Georgia Dental Association in 1992. I continued my dental career in 1999 when I moved to Athens, Georgia and was employed in the office of Dr. Tom McDonald for five years. My continuing education includes CPR, digital radiography, courses taken at the Hinman Dental Clinic, bleaching, endodontics, impressions and intraoral provisional restorations.
I am honored to be working with a wonderful, caring staff of dental professionals who are dedicated to their profession, but most of all to their patients. I enjoy reading, walking, playing with my grandchildren and being with family and friends.
Our Hygienists
Tracey Brown-Turner, RDH, BS
Born in Sarasota, Florida, I have lived in Athens since 1999. I attended the University of Central Florida and received my B.S. degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1997. I have been with Athena Dental Associates since May of 1999. Routinely, I further my dental education in subject areas such as orthodontics, oral cancer diagnostics and periodontology. In my spare time, I love being outside with my husband and three children.
I feel that our office uniqueness comes from the many years of combined experience.
Alison LeCroy Foster, RDH
I grew up in Carnesville, Georgia and graduated in 1993 from Greenville Technical College with a degree in Health Science, major in Dental Hygiene. I have been with the Athena Dental family since April 2000. My past continuing education courses have included ZOOM whitening and periodontal management. Each year, I continue these and other studies. I live in Hartwell with my husband of 14 years. When not practicing dental hygiene, I enjoy working on our cattle farm and spending time with my pets.
When visiting Athena Dental, you will find our staff listens to what you have to say. We want to talk to you about your dental concerns and help you relax. We find one of the easiest ways to do this is to talk you through the dental procedure.
Christi D. Ward, RDH, BS
I have been a member of the Athena Dental Associates family since 1999. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree at Columbus College in 1993. My passion for dentistry began when I was a dental assistant. In 2004, I decided to pursue my love of dentistry even further by becoming a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist. Some of my more recent continuing education courses include oral pathology, cosmetic dentistry/ implants, and periodontics. Outside of the office, I enjoy anything outdoors, spending time with my husband, reading, growing in my faith and playing with my pets.
Our office is unique in that we are a two-dentist practice, each with a different personality type to accommodate each of our patients' needs.
Our Assistants
Joan Heath
I was born in Greensboro, Georgia. I graduated from Greene County High School. I attended The Atlanta College of Medical and Dental Assistants and Atlanta Area Tech for my expanded duties. I have been employed with Athena Dental Associates since March 1995. I'm an amateur photographer.
Kelly C. Savage
After graduating from high school, I attended the University of Georgia and have been employed with Athena Dental Associates since 1988. I enjoy painting, interior design, reading and art. CE credits: Lumineers, Sapphire bleaching, Hollander Management, Vizilite (oral cancer screening), training with the Cerec CAD machine for porcelain restorations, and CPR.
Our belief is that every patient is entitled to a beautiful, healthy smile and it is our mission to make a difference in each of our patients' lives. Our staff has worked together for a long time; we treat each patient as if they were our own family member.
Jessica P. Simons, CDA, EFDA
I’m originally from Elberton, Georgia and moved to Royston in 1992. I graduated from Franklin County High School with honors in 2004 and Athens Technical College in 2006, where I received a diploma in dental assisting. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to church, vacationing at the beach and going fishing.
I’m certified in dental radiology, infection control, and general chairside assisting through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). I’m also certified in expanded functions/duties through the Georgia State Board of Dentistry and CPR-certified through The American Heart Association. I have been employed at Athena Dental since June 2006.
While with Athena Dental, I have attended continuing education courses on Lumineers placement training and Sapphire bleaching, Hollander Administrative Management courses, and Cerec CAD machine porcelain restorations training. All staff members have received training on Vizilite oral cancer screenings.
All staff members are eager to help. Our goal is to make every patient feel important and at ease. We thoroughly examine every new patient and do periodic exams at every cleaning appointment. We are confident and take pride in our work.
Fay Thompson
I am from Oglethorpe County and graduated in 1973. I have been employed by Athena Dental since April 2003. I enjoy camping, bowling and spending time with family.
I think Athena is such a great office to work in. Everyone gets along. It is like a second family and we try to help each other. I appreciate the people I work with.
Wendy Burns
I graduated from Madison County High School in 1994. I am married and have two children. I enjoy reading, camping and spending time with family and friends. I received training in Hollander Management courses, Vizilite oral cancer screening, and ZOOM in-office bleaching.
Our staff is more like one big happy family. We all work well together as a team.