Dr. Childers was born and raised in Marion, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He then received his Dental Degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master's Degree in Orthodontics from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Childers established his practice in Benton, in 1990.
Dr. Childers is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The ABO is the only organization for the specialty of orthodontics that is recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists.
The American Board of Orthodontics was established in 1929 and was the third certifying board in the health profession and the first in dentistry.
Board certification is an elective process, intended to provide assurance to the public that an orthodontist specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation process. This includes an examination designed to assess the knowledge, skills and clinical expertise required to provide quality patient care. Currently only 20% of the nation's orthodontists are Board Certified.
Dr. Childers is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and of the American Dental Association as well as the State and Local Chapters. Dr. Childers is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the executive committee for the Southern Illinois Dental Society. He is also an active member of a dental study club in St. Louis. Dr. Childers attends numerous continuous education seminars and is committed to remaining current in all aspects of his orthodontic practice.
Dr. Childers is a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, where he serves as Deacon and Sunday school teacher for the married couples class ages 20-30. He is currently a School Board member for Benton Consolidated High School.
Dr. Childers, Deidre, Mason, Katie, Alec, and Tessa
Katie, Tessa, Mason, and Alec
The Team
Our team members attend continuing education seminars to update their knowledge and techniques. They are dedicated to providing each patient with quality care. Although they take their work seriously, they pride themselves in providing a fun atmosphere for our patients. They want you to enjoy your visits to our office and to feel comfortable with the treatment you receive. As a team, they are committed to providing a unique personal experience for each of our patients and their families.
Dr. John R. Reel, DDS, MS
Our office has the good fortune to have an associate to work with us on a part time basis. Dr. John R. Reel, was born, raised and now resides in Harrisburg, IL. He maintained a private practice in Belleville, Illinois, for 25 years. During that period of time he was an Associate Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, teaching orthodontics on a graduate level. Dr. Reel, upon retiring and returning to Harrisburg, served as Assistant Professor and supervising dentist at the SIUC School of Dental Hygiene. For the past 5 years he has been working in our offices.
When Dr. Childers started his Benton practice in 1990, he worked one day a week in Dr. Reel's office in Belleville. That experience allows him to be extremely confident of Dr. Reel's clinical abilities and his dedication to his patients. Dr. Reel is working on a part-time basis in the Benton and Harrisburg offices and, upon completion, in the Herrin office.
My name is Kim Followell. I have worked for Dr. Childers since February of 1998. I work at the reception desk as a scheduling coordinator. I live in Benton with my husband and two dogs, Rex a Doberman and Punkin a Peek-a-poo. We have two children, Matthew who is 23 and Allyson who is 19 and a freshman at SIUE. We are members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. I enjoy shopping, being active such as playing volleyball and walking, and socializing with family and friends.
My name is Glenda Walker. I have worked for Dr. Childers as a scheduling coordinator since June of 1999. I live in Benton with my husband Ken and we have two grown children. Our daughter Lesley and husband Matt had our first grandbaby, Brooke Elise born February 10th. We also have two step grandchildren, Drew and Cailin. They live in Nashville, TN. Our son Chad lives in Franklin, TN, where he is a teacher and counselor for Edmendson Elementary in Brentwood. He and his wife are expecting their first child in July. Some of the things I enjoy are visiting my kids and grandkids, shopping the antique stores and motorcycle riding.
My name is Michelle Bigham. I began working for Dr. Childers as a chair side assistant in May of 2000 and currently hold the position of Marketing Coordinator. I help organize fun activities for patients, keep statistics, and sometimes meet with new patients. I am a 1995 graduate of SIU. I currently reside in Herrin with my husband Clinton, daughter Kayla, and son Chase. I enjoy decorating, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends.
My name is Kandace Porter. I have been a treatment coordinator for Dr. Childers since April 2002. My husband David and I reside in DuQuoin with our three children Drew, Chase, and Ali. We also have two dogs, Max and Champ. I love spending time with my family and friends. When time allows, I also enjoy shopping, weekend get-a-ways, and dining out.
My name is Susan Flowers. I'm the office Lab Technician and have worked for Dr. Childers since July of 1992. My husband Randy and I reside in Benton. We have two daughters, Brooke and Rachel. We also have two cats, Scout and Sophie. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching sporting events.
My name is Denice Bailey. I have worked for Dr. Childers as a patient manager since August of 1995. I have been married to Michael since September of 1995. We have 2 little girls, Gracie age 8 and Josie age 6. We also have 3 maltese dogs, Maggie, Emma, and Ellie. I enjoy spending time with my little girls and family. I also enjoy shopping, walking, gardening and decorating birthday and wedding cakes.
My name is Tammy Noel. I have worked for Dr. Childers as a patient manager since June 1994. I live in Buckner with my husband Jim and two children Amanda 16, and Levi 14. I enjoy reading and working in my flower garden. I am also an animal lover. I have 3 dogs and two cats. I keep very busy with work and my family activities, but it is all worth it.
Hi! My name is Susan Buchanan. I have worked as a patient manager since May 1999. I enjoy my job and getting to know all of my patients. I live in Benton and I have one daughter, Melissa, who is 25. She lives in Ft. Myers, Florida with her husband Chad. She plans to pursue a career as a P.A. I enjoy going out to eat, cooking and spending time with family.
Hi! My name is Misty Wyant. I have been working for Dr. Childers as a patient manager since June 1999. I love my job and look forward to helping my patients create a beautiful smile. I live in Benton with my husband Justin and our 3 year old son, Asher. We also have a Boston terrier named Addison. My favorite past-time is hanging out with my family and friends. I also enjoy decorating, shopping and traveling when I can.
Aloha! My name is Donica Melvin. I am a licensed Certified Orthodontic Assistant, and have worked for Dr. Childers as a patient manager since April of 2001. I live in West Frankfort with my husband Tim and our dog Rowdy. In our spare time we enjoy traveling.
Hi! My name is Amy Jarrett. I am a certified Orthodontic Assistant as well as certified Dental Assistant, and have worked for Dr. Childers since January 2002. I live in Zeigler with my two sons, Jonathan and Taylor. In my spare time I like to shop, scrapbook, hang out by the pool and spend time with my kids.
Hi! I'm Heather Peach and I've been with the practice since August of 2002. My family (Kelsea, Gage, and Aiden) and I reside in Woodlawn. I'm a graduate of Benton High School as well as Rend Lake College. In my spare time I enjoy boating, reading, watching my son play soccer and my daughter perform in band concerts. I've been with the practice for over 3 years and am looking forward to many more!
My name is Kathy Gower I returned to work for Dr. Childers in 2004. I had worked as financial coordinator for 5 years previously and left to travel the country with my husband Bill. We now live in Bonnie with our two yorkie-poos Maxie and Trixie. We have three grown children, Michelle who lives in Leroy, IL with her husband and daughters Sarah and Krysta. Christine lives in Mt. Vernon with her husband Jerrod and new baby Mckenna, and Phillip who lives in Carbondale. We are members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. We enjoy playing golf and visiting our children and grandchildren as often as we can.
Hi! My name is Stephanie Pinkham. I returned to work for Dr. Childers as a Patient Manager in June 2006. I live in Mulkeytown with my husband Dale and our 10 month old daughter, Madyison. I also have a 15 year old stepson, Dustin who stays with us part-time. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and spending time with my family.
