Dr. Gardner began his childhood in Clarksdale, Missouri and later graduated from Maysville High School. He continued his education at the University of Missouri, Columbia and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. Immediately following Mizzou, he entered dental school at the University Of Missouri Kansas City School Of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1997.
After spending three years in Indianola, Iowa with a small group practice, Dr. Gardner and his wife, Darchelle chose Maryville as the place they wanted call home. Today they are blessed with two children, Alex and Katie. Alex completed his undergrad at Mizzou in May of 2021, and is excelling in dental school at UMKC. Katie graduated in May 2023 from Oklahoma State University and has joined the team at United Electric.
Dr. Gardner is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association and Northwest Missouri Dental Society where he has served as President and Treasurer. He is an active member of the Maryville Host Lions Club, the Mozingo Advisory Board and Countryside Christian Church.
In his time away from the office, Dr. Gardner enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing and working on his farm to improve wildlife habitat.
Daedra Powers, Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi! I'm Daedra (pronounced Day-dra) and I have been a hygienist for Dr. Gardner since 2012. I attended MWSU and transferred to NCMC to my degree in dental hygiene.
I got married in October 2016 to my husband, Brad. We had our son, Carter, in 2018. We currently live just outside of St. Joseph. When I'm not working, I love watching my son in baseball, basketball, soccer and golf. We love playing golf, traveling and attending as many Royals games as possible.
Gardner Family Dentistry has an amazing team of skilled professionals to help take care of you smile. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Hi! I'm Danielle, one of Dr. Gardner's Registered Dental Hygienists! I grew up in Bedford, IA and graduated from Bedford High School. After high school, I attended Des Moines Area Community College where I took my general education courses to get into the hygiene program. During my waiting period of getting into the program, I was a dental assistant for 2 years. I graduated in May of 2016 and I practiced in Iowa until starting with Dr. Gardner in October 2016. In 2021, I expanded my knowledge and completed my certification for restorative in March 2021.
I had the pleasure of marrying my husband Jason, in March 2017 and we welcomed our daughter in March 2018 named Blaire. Our son Rylan completed our beautiful family in September 2021. When I'm not working, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and chasing around our two beautiful children! Gardner Family Dentistry is a great place to work and we have a great team of dental professionals. I hope to meet you soon and be able to help with your overall oral health.
Darchelle Gardner, Office Manager
Hi! My name is Darchelle. You wont see me in the office much anymore, but I still do some work behind the scenes!
In my spare time, I enjoy visiting Alex at UMKC School of Dentistry and cooking his favorite meals when he comes home. Katie graduated in May 2023, with a degree in Business and Accounting from Oklahoma! Our family enjoys spending time at our farm with our two dogs: Jag, the Brittany and Willow, who is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. We also enjoy traveling as a family and visiting new destinations.
Jeff and I feel passionately about the organizations that we support including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Countryside Christian Church, Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) and the Belize Mission Project. Each year we make it a point to close the office to attend MOMOM and donate our time to provide free dental care to those in need. In October of 2018, Katie and I were blessed to be able to go on the Belize Mission Project where we were part of a team that provided dental services including restorations, extractions, and preventative care to the under-served people of Belize.
If you see me out and about please be sure to stop and say hi!!
Torrie Runyan, Dental Assistant
Hi! My name is Torrie Runyan and I am one of Dr Gardner's assistants. I grew up in Albany, MO and I graduated in 2021. I have always had an interest in dentistry. I am looking forward to continuing my education and getting my expanded functions. I also hope to become a dental hygienist in the future. I have 2 dogs, Winston who is a Bernese Mountain Dog and Opal, who is a Golden Retriever. They are my babies! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. I also love to sew and quilt.
I enjoy helping our patients love their smiles and look forward to getting to know you!
Jordan Milke, Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi all! My name is Jordan. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist here at Gardner Family Dental. I grew up in Sioux Falls, SD before attending the University of Nebraska. Go Big Red! From there I received my bachelors in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
I moved to Maryville in 2019, and have come to learn what an amazing community I serve! The favorite part of my job is connecting with my patients, and fostering relationships. I cannot wait to meet you at your next appointment!
In July 2022, I married my husband Ryan! We just bought our 1st home here in Maryville! In our spare time we enjoy attending any and all Bearcat sporting events, golfing or baking!
Chelsi Praiswater, Administrative Coordinator
Hi I'm Chelsi! You can find me at the front desk greeting patients and building relationships. After graduating high school, I moved to Barnard, MO with my high school sweetheart Trevor where we have built our own little farm. We primarily raise goats, but have other animals as well. I love the simple life that we have created! We had our son, Swayde, in 2013 and he completes us! He is getting ready to start middle school and is involved in baseball, basketball and football so he keeps us busy year round! We enjoying cheering on the Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals!
I really enjoy working with the public and I look forward to meeting you all and taking care of your dental needs!
