Meet The Doctors

Dr. Michael Holmes

Dr. Michael Holmes has been setting the highest standard of excellence in pediatric dentistry since 2000. He earned his undergraduate degree at Emory University in Atlanta and his dental degree from Northwestern University in Chicago before completing his specialized residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. An esteemed member of the dental community, Dr. Holmes is an active member in many leading dental organizations. He has been practicing pediatric dentistry in Gadsden, AL for 20 years! 

Dr. Holmes and his wife Raleigh have two sons, Michael Jr. and Alexander. For the past 16 years, Dr. Holmes and his family have lived in Trussville, AL. When Dr. Holmes isn’t in the office, he loves golfing, gardening, and travelling to the beach with his family.

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Carol Ann Nicrosi

Dr. Carol Ann D. Nicrosi

After graduating from Birmingham – Southern College in 1990, Dr. Carol Ann D. Nicrosi attended the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1995. She went on to complete her pediatric specialty at the University of Alabama with a three year Master’s program and served as Chief Resident. Dr. Carol Ann has enjoyed practicing in Gardendale since 1998. 

Dr. Carol Ann is a small town girl at heart growing up in Demopolis, AL. She and her husband, William have two children, Nancy Kate and Charles. She enjoys spending time with her active family, reading, and all outdoor activities.

  • American Academy of pediatric Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Birmingham District Dental Society
Dr. Barry Burgess (1)

Dr. J. Barry Burgess

Dr. J. Barry Burgess is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Burgess completed his pediatric dentistry residency at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Burgess founded North River Pediatric Dental (now known as Children & Teen Dental) in 1981.

When not at the office, Dr. Burgess enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, and reading. He also loves traveling with his daughters, Alleigh, Emileigh, and Annika. 

  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry – Board Certified, Diplomate 
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Fellow

Dr. Richard A. Simpson

Dr. Richard A. Simpson earned his BS from Auburn University and his DMD from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He completed a one-year Advanced Educational Program in General Dentistry with the US Army and is a veteran of 15 years of military service. Dr. Simpson completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry and hospital dentistry at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Simpson is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Management Leadership Institute, and he has held numerous leadership positions to include President of the Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Chair of the Oral Health Coalition of Alabama.. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Johns Hopkins University.

With strong interests in telehealth and digital health, dental-medical integration, and improving access to care, Dr. Simpson has been invited to serve as an international Thought Leader with TeethCloud, and on the Advisory Boards of several national and international companies to include Holland Healthcare, The Teledentists, Bionabu, and Smilesaver by Soluria.

Dr. Simpson is happily married to Jan (Breugem), a Tuscaloosa native, and they have two children, Connor and Zoey. He is an Eagle Scout, with over thirty years of scouting service, and is an active member of One Hope Church of Tuscaloosa. Dr. Simpson enjoys fitness training, obstacle course racing, and the outdoors.

  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry – Board Certified, Diplomate
  • American College of Dentists – Fellow
  • International College of Dentists – Fellow
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Fellow
  • Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama in Birmingham – Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor
  • American Academy of Pediatrics – Alabama Chapter Liaison
  • Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Former President
  • Oral Health Coalition of Alabama – Immediate Past President
  • American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance
  • American Dental Association
  • Alabama Dental Association
  • Alabama Dental Association Most Excellent Fellow Designation
  • Dentist Citizen of the Year Award
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Award for Distinguished Service
  • AAP Oral Health Service Award
  • DentaQuest “Health Equities Heroes” Award
drDon N

Dr. Donald Norby

For over 30 years, Dr. Donald Norby has been providing children with exceptional comprehensive pediatric dental care. Highly educated, he earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Auburn University before attending the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He was recognized by the American Society of Dentistry for Children for outstanding interest and proficiency in dentistry for children. After obtaining his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD), Dr. Norby completed a pediatric dental residency at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Norby serves as a part-time assistant clinical professor of pediatric dentistry at UAB School of Pediatric Dentistry. While Dr. Norby served as President and Vice President at the Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry he received the Leadership and Service Award. Dr. Norby feels it is important to stay on the cutting edge of pediatric dentistry. Thus, he maintains memberships in many prestigious professional organizations to keep up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology.

When not at the office, Dr. Norby is a vintage race car driver who enjoys playing guitar, hunting, and boating with his wife, daughters, and son-in-law.

  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry – Diplomate
  • Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • University of Alabama School of Dentistry Alumni
  • Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry –
    President & Vice President (2000-2004)
Dr. Mattie Bennett 2

Dr. Mattie Bennett

Dr. Mattie Bennett joined our practice in July 2018 and works with Dr. Norby. Dr. Bennett is a native of Heflin, AL and is a specialist in the dental health of infants, children, and adolescents. She has a big heart for serving her community and a strong desire to create a lasting impact on her patients.

Dr. Bennett is a summa cum laude honor graduate of Auburn University. She then obtained a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry in 2016. Dr. Bennett continued her studies at UAB in the Pediatric Dental Residency Program, where she has received extensive training in the treatment of children, adolescents and special needs patients.

Dr. Bennett is married to Ellis Bennett and they have a Goldendoodle, named Millie. Dr. Bennett’s personal interests include traveling, kayaking, spending time at the lake, and tailgating for football games.

Dr. Padma Gulur

Dr. Padma Gulur

Dr. Padma Gulur is originally from India and grew up in several small towns in India. After college, she received her bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from the internationally acclaimed Manipal University in India. She then decided to continue her education at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas where she pursued her master’s in public health. Once this endeavor was completed, Dr. Padma went on to achieve her doctorate in dental medicine from Boston University, located in Boston, Massachusetts. As fate would have it, she made a big move to Alabama and worked for a Public Health Pediatric Clinic in Anniston for nine years, and then in private practice for seven years. During this time, she gained expertise in working with children. She came to love working with kids, helping them overcome their fears, relieving their pain, and consequently earning their trust. Her love and enthusiasm for pediatric dentistry is clearly evident throughout the office. 

Dr. Padma is a proud mother of two children: Aditya (13 years old) and Anushka (9 years old). Her husband Ravi is an industrial engineer. When not at work, the soccer mom of a 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter is busy catering to their needs. She also enjoys her free time by watching movies.

Dr. Padma enjoys working with children to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles! She is as much a family woman as she is a successful dentist who leaves no stones unturned in order to keep the family and patients in high spirits.

Tanhina Smiley headshot

Dr. Tashina Smiley

Dr. Tashina Smiley was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She was educated in the Jefferson County School System and was among 20 students ranking number one in her graduating high school class. She continued her strive for excellence at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. Dr. Smiley graduated summa cum laude and received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Smiley became interested in dentistry as a young child. One of her favorite past times was “playing dentist” with her older brother as they developed ways to remove their primary teeth. After graduating from dental school, she worked for 3 years as a General Dentist at Vital Smiles, PC, an office that primarily serves the pediatric and adolescent population of Birmingham, AL. Dr. Smiley completed her 2-year pediatric dental residency with NYU Langone Health via Nashville, TN. 

Dr. Smiley enjoys working with children and helping them succeed. She hopes to become a source of knowledge for her surrounding community, making certain that each patient and parent she encounters understands the importance of dental health. She remains active in her community with service efforts coordinated within her sorority targeting financial literacy, women’s health, and the arts to name a few. As a former cheerleader, Dr. Smiley also enjoys spending time with local high and middle school students to assist in developing their skill sets to become competitive cheerleaders.

 Lastly, Dr. Smiley enjoys traveling, training at the gym, and exploring dining options throughout the city with her husband. Recently, she welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Knox. She cannot wait to meet you and your family!