Dental Staff

Fellow Academy of General Dentistry

Dr. Stidham is a life-long resident of Bartow and a graduate of Bartow High School.  After high school she attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida where she earned her BS.  With a passion for dentistry, she applied and was accepted to the University of Florida College of Dentistry (UFCD) in Gainesville.  She graduated in 1985 with her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).  She then completed the 'General Practice Residency' at UFCD and Shands Hospital, Gainesville, Florida
Professional memberships: 
Academy of General Dentistry 
American Dental Association
Florida Dental Association
West Coast Dental Society
Polk County Dental Association
International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Dr. Stidham understands that dentistry is always changing, and she is committed to seeking new ways to make your dental visit as easy as possible. The ability to have crowns made in the office in one visit through computer assistance 'CEREC' has been a big hit with patients.  Patients who are afraid to have dental work completed find their answer in 'Sedation Dentistry' offered by the Practice.  The proper medication taken orally can make a world of difference!  In addition, we have digital radiography, intra oral photography, and a soft tissue Laser which is used with certain procedures.  All of this and more is available to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Melanie has worked with Dr. Stidham since 1995, and is likely the first person you meet when you enter the office.  She is our go to person for insurance questions.  She will also help set your next appointment to be convenient for your schedule.  If you need to use 'Care Credit' to help you budget more extensive dental work, Melanie will walk you through the paperwork.  To become a more effective helper in the clinic area, she attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry division of continuing education for expanded functions of dental auxiliary personnel in 2000.

Lauren is our Patient Coordinator with a decade of experience in dentistry and takes pride in making sure our patients are warmly greeted with a smile. She’s Bilingual and enjoys knowing that she has done everything possible for our patients to understand their Treatment Plans, Insurance Benefits, and Procedures. As a Florida Native she enjoys the theme parks with her family, exploring the unknown, and treasures the beach.

Dana has worked with Dr. Stidham since 2000 when she graduated as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) from Travis Vocational Technical Center.   Dana is a member of the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB), an organization recognizing Dental Assistants who complete on-going education and participate in annual training.

Kay'Leigh recently joined our team and brought with her 10 years of dental experience. Kay'Leigh obtained her degree from Sanford Brown Tech Oct 2010 as a CDA with expanded duties.

Sherry has worked for Dr. Stidham since 2009. She is a 1986 graduate of Florida College of Medical and Dental Assisting, working as a dental assistant for 10 years. Sherry then continued her education attending St. Pete Junior College where she graduated in 1997 with an AS degree in dental hygiene along with Phi Theta Kappa honors. 

Sherry loves working with people and helping her patients obtain great dental as well as overall good health. Educating patients is Sherry's number one goal as well as providing a comfortable but thorough cleaning.

Karen has worked with Dr Stidham since 2005.  She is a 2001 graduate of Pensacola Junior College with an AS in Dental Hygiene.  Karen has more than 17 years experience in the dental office. She helps her patient understand that practicing good dental hygiene can lead to more than just healthy teeth and a beautiful smile:  It improves your general health, too, even helping avoid such problems as stroke, heart disease and diabetes!

She is a member of:
American Dental Hygiene Association
Florida Dental Hygiene Association
Polk County Dental Hygiene Association