Meet the Hite Family Dentistry Team
Meet the Caring People Behind Your Judgment-free Dental Experience
Get to know the people who make our judgment-free practice feel like family. You will meet our doctors, hygienists, assistants, coordinators, and Duke, our office therapy dog, and learn how their different roles come together to support comfortable care for patients of all ages.
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Kendra Clayton
Office ManagerKendra has been part of our team since 2017, supporting doctors, team members, and patients with questions, concerns, and treatment decisions. She builds the systems that keep everything running behind the scenes. Kendra holds a Bachelor of Science from SIUE, enjoys time outdoors, and takes unplanned road trips. -
Keva Lee
Implant & Marketing Treatment CoordinatorKeva found her calling at a dental hygiene open house and has spent more than 20 years helping patients feel confident in their smiles. She joined us in 2012, guiding patients through treatment options toward better oral health. Outside the office, she hikes, paddle boards, and travels. -
Samantha Patterson
Treatment & Sleep CoordinatorSamantha joined us in June 2023 and helps patients understand their treatment plans, insurance, and financial options. Trained by her teammates, she finds real satisfaction in listening to concerns and easing stress. At home she keeps up with two young children, reads, and grows succulents and monsteras indoors. -
Lesley Wise
Front Desk & Hygiene Schedule CoordinatorLesley started in dentistry in 1998 with the practice's previous owner and stayed 19 years before Dr. Hite took over in 2017. As hygiene coordinator, she makes sure patients feel welcome from arrival to checkout. She walks with her husband, cheers at her kids' games, and walks impressively fast. -
Susan Wolz
Registered Dental HygienistSue knew by sixth grade she wanted to be a hygienist, inspired by one who let her watch during childhood orthodontic visits. Practicing since 1982, she loves teaching patients to keep their smiles for life. The office calls her Tinkerbell for fixing everything. -
Nena Hornbuckle
Registered Dental HygienistNena's respect for dental health led her into the field, and she has practiced since 2001 after training at Lewis and Clark Community College. She joined us in 2022 and loves learning about her patients' lives while keeping them relaxed. She walks her dog, reads, and has never had a cavity. -
Annie Lifritz
Registered Dental HygienistAnnie found dentistry while making deliveries for a dental lab in college, drawn to offices full of people who loved their work. She joined us in 2023 with over 20 years of experience and a gift for putting families at ease. She boats, cheers on her boys' soccer, and dances constantly. -
Michelle Stowe
Registered Dental HygienistMichelle never saw a dentist until adulthood, and the hygienist who treated her without judgment inspired her own career. Trained at Lewis and Clark Community College, she joined us in 2025 and has a calming way with anxious patients. She belongs to two book clubs and adores rescue dogs. -
Abigail Harrop
Lab TechnicianAbby believes a smile is one of the first things people notice, so she loves helping patients leave happier with theirs. She trained at Advanced Dental Careers, started in 2016, and joined us in 2021. Weekends bring bingo, pickleball, crocheting, and her daughter's volleyball games. Cows are her favorite animal. -
Stephanie Traylor
Dental AssistantStephanie always enjoyed the dentist as a child, and that early comfort became a career. She graduated from Missouri College's dental assisting program in 2015 and joined us in 2021, working alongside each of our doctors. She loves day trips, new restaurants, and dreams of living near the ocean. -
Mackenzie Goldizen
Dental AssistantMakenzie joined us in 2025, drawn to healthcare and the chance to make a difference. She completed her training right here at Hite Family Dentistry and takes pride in turning nervous patients' anxiety into confidence. Outside the office she travels with her husband, bakes original recipes, and always carries iced coffee. -
Suzie Sanabria
Sedation NurseSusie chose her career after meeting a sedation nurse during her own dental visit. An SIUE School of Nursing graduate, she came to us in 2023 and works alongside our dentists during IV sedation so patients can complete several procedures in one visit. She joins medical mission trips, gardens, fishes, and cooks global cuisines. -
Duke
The Dental DogWoof! I'm Duke, Dr. Hite's best friend and office shadow. He handles teeth; I handle tail wags and snuggles. Plenty of patients ask for me by name, and I take my therapy dog duties seriously, offering a friendly paw whenever someone needs one. A happy practice is a healthy practice!
Meet Our Doctors
Experienced Dentists Who Genuinely Love What They Do
At Hite Family Dentistry, we pair serious clinical skill with a warm, easygoing atmosphere. Our doctors focus on comfortable, patient-first care, with special attention to anyone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist.
DMD
Dr. Hite brings a hands-on, detail-focused approach shaped by his early years in dental lab work. With advanced training in implants, endodontics, and soft-tissue laser dentistry, he loves using technology like same-day crowns and 3D printing to help you eat comfortably and smile with confidence. He’s a perfectionist with a good sense of humor.
Practicing since 2005, Dr. Kniffin has a special heart for patients who’ve avoided the dentist for years. She takes real pride in helping anxious patients complete treatment comfortably, often using sedation to ease the process. Inspired by her mother’s long medical career, she’s driven daily by the difference she can make in your life.
A 2024 graduate of SIU School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Blickhan brings a well-rounded background in biological sciences to her care. Her greatest passion is helping patients move past dental anxiety, turning nervous first visits into genuine confidence. A natural problem-solver, she pays close attention to the details that make your experience better.
Ready to Meet Your Dentist?
Our team takes the time to listen, plan carefully, and treat you like family from day one.
Before and After Results
Natural Results That Build Confidence
From small refinements to full-mouth restoration, these results show what careful planning and years of hands-on work can do. The smiles look balanced and natural, and the patients behind them left with stronger chewing, easier meals, and real confidence in how they look.
Before
After
After
After
Your Transformation Starts Here
Schedule an appointment and start your smile journey today.
Same Day
Emergency Appointments
98%
Satisfaction Rate
40+
Years Combined Experience
500+
Implants Placed
3
Sedation Options
4.8
Average Rating
Come Visit Us
Your Neighborhood Dental Home in Edwardsville
We’re conveniently located on Lewis Road in the heart of Edwardsville, just off Route 157 and easy to reach from home, work, or school. Whether you’re near SIUE, downtown, or the surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll find friendly, personalized care close by.
Find Us Easily and Plan Your Next Visit Today
Creating Smiles, Building Confidence
Feel Known, Supported, and Confident with a Dental Family That Meets You Where You Are
- Care that feels personal
- Confidence in your next steps
- Comfort from familiar faces
