Athena Dental Associates has been providing the Athens, GA area with complete and compassionate dental care services for over 30 years. We are a locally owned and operated dental practice dedicated to our patients’ oral health in a clean, warm and welcoming environment. From routine cleanings and check-ups to implant restorations and same day crowns, Athena Dental Associates is here for you. Give us a call today to book your next dental visit.
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.
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.
I was born in Tennessee and moved to Georgia at a young age. I graduated from Madison County High in 1999 with Honors. I obtained my bachelor’s degree, Alpha Sigma Lambda, from Ashford University as a member of the Golden Key International Honors Society, and pursued my Masters at Walden University. I have both clinical and office experience; have participated in creating office protocol, handbooks, and several insurance and office training courses for staff members. I completed additional training through Hollander, and Stratus.
I first came to Athena Dental Associates in 2005. After working with Dr. Blankenship for several years, I moved out of state. While in North Carolina, I worked as an Office Manager for Carolinas Dentist, continuing my dental career. After returning to Georgia in 2017, I returned to work with Dr. Blankenship and the amazing staff here at Athena Dental Associates. I have always admired the family atmosphere provided by Dr. Blankenship and his staff.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
I was born in Texas and grew up next door in Winder Ga. After deciding on a change after a career in restaurants and the hospitality industry.
I graduated in 2019 from Athens Technical College as a Registered Dental Hygienist. I enjoy getting the know my patients and talking with them about the importance of home care in their oral health.
In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and cuddling with my “fur baby” Reggie.
Our Assistants
BUSINESS HOURS
★★★★★
"I have been going to Athena Dental since I was 6 years old (almost 30 years). Going to their office is like going to see old family friends! They are incredibly professional with exceptional friendly service. Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation, I enthusiastically give them the contact information for Athena Dental. When a friend does go to Athena Dental based on my recommendation, they always tell me how they had a great experience! I cannot recommend them enough!"
— Craig P.
★★★★★
"My family of five has been going to Dr. Blankenship for many years. My three kids actually enjoy going to the dentist because of the excellent care they have always received. The Hygenists are wonderful and the equipment is top notch. I just had two crowns made in house on a machine that looked like it was from Star Trek!"
— M.E. P.
★★★★★
"I never thought I would be able to give a five star rating for a dentist visit. The staff are so friendly & Dr. Barker was great with both my 5 year old daughter as well as myself. My daughter proudly proclaimed near the end of her first visit, "Mom I really like going to the dentist!" This is what prompted my decision to schedule an appointment for myself. I feel like the prices are reasonable and the consultations are thorough.
Thank you Athena Dental! I can gladly recommend you with confidence to anyone needing your services."
— Carla B.
★★★★★
"Best experience ever! I had never liked going to the dentist but the entire staff here are amazing. Dr. B and Kelly are a great team. My daughter's 1st appointment is in a few months and Kelly went above and beyond to make her comfortable and show her what everything does. The facility is very clean and they seem to have the latest equipment. Thank you!"
— S. L.
★★★★★
"I've been going to them for years along with my wife and kids. They are all wonderful people and very skilled at what they do. The doctor's are at the top of their professions and are also wonderful people. You can see that wonderful attitude trickle down through the ranks. If anyone gave these guys a bad review, I would say "consider the source" because it was not due to their work ethic or level of caring."
— Archie R.
BUSINESS HOURS
★★★★★
"I have been going to Athena Dental since I was 6 years old (almost 30 years). Going to their office is like going to see old family friends! They are incredibly professional with exceptional friendly service. Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation, I enthusiastically give them the contact information for Athena Dental. When a friend does go to Athena Dental based on my recommendation, they always tell me how they had a great experience! I cannot recommend them enough!"
— Craig P.
★★★★★
"My family of five has been going to Dr. Blankenship for many years. My three kids actually enjoy going to the dentist because of the excellent care they have always received. The Hygenists are wonderful and the equipment is top notch. I just had two crowns made in house on a machine that looked like it was from Star Trek!"
— M.E. P.
★★★★★
"I never thought I would be able to give a five star rating for a dentist visit. The staff are so friendly & Dr. Barker was great with both my 5 year old daughter as well as myself. My daughter proudly proclaimed near the end of her first visit, "Mom I really like going to the dentist!" This is what prompted my decision to schedule an appointment for myself. I feel like the prices are reasonable and the consultations are thorough.
Thank you Athena Dental! I can gladly recommend you with confidence to anyone needing your services."
— Carla B.
★★★★★
"Best experience ever! I had never liked going to the dentist but the entire staff here are amazing. Dr. B and Kelly are a great team. My daughter's 1st appointment is in a few months and Kelly went above and beyond to make her comfortable and show her what everything does. The facility is very clean and they seem to have the latest equipment. Thank you!"
— S. L.
★★★★★
"I've been going to them for years along with my wife and kids. They are all wonderful people and very skilled at what they do. The doctor's are at the top of their professions and are also wonderful people. You can see that wonderful attitude trickle down through the ranks. If anyone gave these guys a bad review, I would say "consider the source" because it was not due to their work ethic or level of caring."
— Archie R.