Our staff is in the people business. We are experienced in creating the best possible smile for you. Every smile problem has a solution, including yours. We take the time to get to know you and the smile you want.
Clifton C. Higgins, D. D. S.
Born in West Memphis, AR May 17, 1969. Dr. Higgins was raised on a cotton, rice and soybean farm south of Marked Tree, Arkansas. He attended grade school and high school at Marked Tree. He graduated with Honors from Marked Tree High School in 1987. Dr. Higgins attended college at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, then he attended dental school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, where he graduated with High Honors. Dr. Higgins has been practicing general dentistry in Jonesboro since 1994.
He has been married to Leiandrea Smith since 1992. They have four children: Sydney, Nathan, Landon, and Ashlyn.
Dr. Higgins hobbies include: Hunting, Fishing, Singing, Playing the guitar
Dr. Higgins and his family are members of Walnut Street Baptist Church where they are very active. He serves as a deacon, teaches Sunday School, and sings in the church choir.
What he likes most about dentistry is: getting to know and help so many different people and their families.
Jennifer R. Barnett, Registered Dental Hygienist
Jennifer has worked with Dr. Higgins since June 1994. After graduating with honors from Trumann High School in 1994, she attended ASU in Jonesboro and started working part time in Dr. Higgins’ Business office as a dental assistant. After attending ASU for 2 years she transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she received a Bachelors Degree in Dental Hygiene in 1998. Jennifer is responsible for helping manage the business office as well as all aspects of patient care relating to dental hygiene. She reviews medical histories, performs oral cancer and periodontal disease screenings. She performs prophylaxis (cleanings), periodontal therapy, and applies sealants. She also offers Oral Hygiene Instructions and has done presentations in area elementary schools. To enhance your comfort level, she is also licensed in local anesthesia and can administer nitrous oxide (gas). Jennifer is a member of the American Dental Hygienist Association and the Northeast Arkansas Dental Hygiene Association.
Jennifer is married to Kevin Barnett of Bay. She has been married for the since August 1994. They have 2 sons Matthew Curtis and Michael Cade. Jennifer and Kevin are members of South Ridge General Baptist Church in Jonesboro where they serve as various positions. She enjoys spending time with her family, working with children, going to Lake Norfork, scrapbooking and reading.
Missy Gairhan, RDH
Missy has worked with Dr. Higgins for one year now. She has been a lifetime resident of Jonesboro, AR. She graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. She was given the Career Award from UAMS Faculty, and has been practicing for seven years. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association and a past president of the Northeast Arkansas Dental Hygienists Association. Currently she is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Arkansas State Dental Hygienists Association and a volunteer for the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council to provide dental screenings for underprivileged children. She is licensed in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation to make patient visits more comfortable, and conducts periodontal therapy. Missy likes to educate patients about oral hygiene in order to keep their mouth in optimal oral health.
Missy is married to Chris Gairhan, and has one son named Grayson. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Leiandrea Higgins, Business Administrator
Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas August 4, 1971. Leiandrea was raised in Trumann, Arkansas. She attended grade school and high school at Trumann Public Schools. She was a 1989 Honor graduate of Trumann High School. She attended college at Arkansas State University. She graduated Cum Laude from Arkansas State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a minor in Chemistry. Leiandrea is also a Registered Dental Assistant.
Leiandrea is married to Cliff Higgins since 1992. They have four children: Sydney, Nathan, Landon and Ashlyn.
Leiandrea's hobbies inlcude scrap booking, playing saxophone, swimming, skiing, cross-stitching, playing with her children, and spending time with family and friends.
Leiandrea and her family are members of Walnut Street Baptist Church where they are very active. Leiandrea plays saxophone in the church orchestra. She is a member of the church Hand Bell Choir. She teaches in the Children’s Department and she is also an AWANA Leader.
Leiandrea's duties involve Accounts Payable and Payroll. She is also involved with all aspects of office including assisting Dr. Higgins with patient care and all business aspects of the office. Leiandrea has been employed with Dr. Higgins since 1994.
Mindy Watkins, Office Manager
Mindy handles all aspects of our business office, including: Accounting, Insurance, Treatment Planning, Billing, Checking out patients and more. She has worked for Dr. Higgins since 2001 and is a graduate of Trumann High School. Mindy attended Arkansas State University.
Mindy has been married since 2002 to Chris Watkins, and has two daughters: Taylor and Kailee. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Mindy and her family attend Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church where she serves as a Sunday school teacher and Church Treasurer.
Tina Inzer, Business Office
Tina is a graduate of Jonesboro High School in 1991 and has also attended Arkansas State University. Her duties include all aspects of our business office including: Recall, Scheduling appointments, Checking out patients and more.
Tina has been married since 1996 to Derick Inzer, and has two daughters: Skyler and Rachel. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. Tina and her family are members of Walnut Street Baptist Church.
April Smith, Certified Dental Assistant, Chairside Assistant
April has worked for Dr. Higgins for since 1999. She is a graduate of Nettleton High School and also graduated from Pulaski Technical College as a Registered Dental Assistant. She is a member of the Dental Assisting National Board as a Certified Dental Assistant. Her duties include all aspects of Chair side assisting including: Assist Dr. Higgins with patient care, Sterilization, Lab work, and Order supplies.
April has been married since 2002 to Adam Smith, and has two stepsons: Zack and Aiden. She enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with her family.
Sandy Bryant, Registered Dental Assistant
Sandy attended Jonesboro High School and is a graduate of Concord Career College in Memphis, TN. She has worked for Dr. Higgins since 2002 and her duties include: Assisting Dr. Higgins chair side and with patient care, Lab work, and Sterilization.
Sandy has been married since 2001 to Barry Bryant and has three children: Tera, Spencer, and Ben. She enjoys bowling, NASCAR racing and going to the lake. Sandy and her family attend Magnolia Road Baptist Church.
