Meet the Team

Susan

Registered Dental Hygienist

“Our patients are my favorite part of my work. Every person offers a unique chance to learn and connect with someone new. I am happy to spend my days helping develop healthier smiles and improve their overall wellness.”

Susan joined Sterling Dental Care in 2007. She has a B.S. in Dental Hygiene, a graduate certificate in Health Ethics, and Expanded Functions certification for orthodontics and restorative. She provides thorough cleanings, preventive and maintenance care, and patient education so you can achieve your healthiest smile. Susan has been married for more than ten years and the couple has two children. The family enjoys participating in many activities with their church family.

Mary

Certified Dental Assistant

“I love working with our patients! They are some of the best people and I’m happy when they achieve optimal oral health and a smile they really love.”

Mary joined Sterling Dental Care in 2005, bringing with her many years of experience. She offers a range of patient care, assists Dr. Malakar with procedures, and makes sure every patient has a comfortable dental experience. Mary’s married, has twin boys, and recently became a mother-in-law. She loves to travel and that’s a good thing: one of her sons lives in Thailand! In addition to travel, Mary loves doing yoga, taking daily walks, and volunteering in our community.

Julie

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

“I love being part of a remarkable team, helping people love their smiles! Everyone at Sterling Dental Care is professional, kind, and friendly. My coworkers, along with Dr. Malaker, make sure our patients have comfortable visits and achieve their best smiles.”

 Julie found her professional home with us in 2010. Working in our clinic, she provides chairside assistance, educates patients about dental health and homecare, and offers patient care. Julie’s time off is usually spent with her family. She has a wonderful husband, seven kids (five girls and two boys), and her first grandbaby is on the way. Julie loves to travel and camp, as well as garden with her father and work with her mother at their family restaurant. She also enjoys kickboxing with coworkers during lunch.

Dusty

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

“I love being part of the Sterling Dental Care team. Dr. Malaker is great to work with and the ladies make it easy to come in and have a good time while helping Columbia smile easier.”

Dusty has been with us since 2014. As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, he’s licensed in Class 1 & 2 restorations, orthodontics, and full and partial dentures. Dusty spends his free time with his wife, Kim and their daughter, Mika. They’re expecting a second child in May 2018. The family is involved with their church and Dusty enjoys golfing, BBQs with friends, and trips to Dexter, his hometown, to visit with family and friends.

Shelby

Dental Assistant

“I enjoy interacting with all of our patients and helping keep their teeth healthy. I really like watching people move through orthodontic care and seeing their beautiful smiles change their lives!”

Shelby joined us in 2018. You’ll meet her in the clinic, where she assists Dr. Malakar during procedures and supports our patients as they improve their health. Shelby is from Cairo, MO, and enjoys spending time with her fiance and family. The couple has one dog, Maggie, and will be getting married in September 2023.

Amber

Certified Dental Assistant

“I really enjoy getting to know our patients and seeing how each progresses. When a person develops better dental health, and a smile they love, they’re so much happier!”

Amber’s been part of the Sterling Dental Care team since 2016. She’s both a Certified Dental Assistant and Certified Orthodontic Assistant. You’ll meet her in the clinic, where she assists Dr. Malaker with a range of dental and orthodontic procedures. Outside the office, Amber loves spending time with her pup, Layla, and her husband, Chance. 

Donna

Office Manager

“I love instilling confidence in our patients, allowing them to feel comfortable and at ease with our practice. We want people to feel at home here, secure in the knowledge they’re receiving the best dental care.”

Donna joined Sterling Dental Care in 2010 and, as our Office Manager, ensures everything runs smoothly. She’s the go-to person for questions about insurance, finances, as well as any concerns you might have. When not in the office, Donna enjoys time with her husband and two children: being with them is the highlight of her life! She also loves to travel, read, and has a passion for interior decorating. Donna enjoys spending her lunchtime in the basement, kickboxing with coworkers.

Sheridan

Financial Coordinator

“The thing I enjoy most about being at Sterling Dental Care is working with patients. It’s rewarding to help them understand their treatment plan, insurance benefits, and financials. Everyone deserves to be fully informed about their dentistry!”

Sheridan joined Dr. Malaker and our team in 2016. She’ll help you with the financial aspects of dental and orthodontic care, explaining your insurance benefits and working hard to ensure you get the most from your coverage. In her time away from the office, Sheridan enjoys traveling with her husband. She also loves being with family and friends, her Great Dane, Huskies, and three horses. Sheridan enjoys coaching her coworkers in kickboxing during lunch breaks, too.

Krissy 

Front Desk Coordinator

“I love that I am each patient’s first interaction with our office. It’s enjoyable to talk with and get to know people face-to-face, rather than simply over the phone, and make sure they feel comfortable with our office.”

Krissy joined Sterling Dental Care in 2021. Working at the front desk, she’ll welcome and check you in, verify your insurance, schedule visits, and do her best to make sure you’re in and out of the lobby in a timely manner. When not at Sterling Dental Care, Krissy enjoys spending time with her three children. She loves everything music but supporting local musicians is her favorite.