MEET THE DENTISTS

Dr. Herring is passionate about dentistry, and, having 40 years of dental experience in the Starkville Community, doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. He has a wealth of knowledge through this experience and having over 5,000 hours of continuing education.  He enjoys all aspects of dental health and restorations, but greatly enjoys orthodontics.  The problem solving and depth of involvement with each patient make orthodontics his favorite!

Dr. Herring is most known by his patients as jovial, kind, and gentle.  He wants to provide his patients and his team with a comforting environment in which to receive dental treatment and work.  Starkville Smiles has become ‘family’ to many people because of this.

Dr. Herring is a ‘townie’ through and through.  Born and raised in Starkville, he graduated from Starkville High School in 1973. He graduated with “highest distinction” from Mississippi State University in 1977 with a General Science degree and then graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1980.  After graduating, he came right back to Starkville to work with his uncle.   He then bought his first practice from Dr. Black, in the space where Deep South Pout is now!  After quickly growing, he built his current office in 1987.

Dr. Herring has been married to Karen for 37 years and has two daughters. Their daughter, Kathryn, graduated from Mississippi State and is working in Tupelo, Mississippi. Their daughter, Elizabeth, has graduated dental hygiene school from the University of Mississippi and is working with us. She is married to Dr. Jon Woolfolk, a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. Jon joined our practice in July 2011, making this a true “family practice.”

Dr. Woolfolk is ‘well beyond his years’ in dental experience. This is due to being part of the National Guard, where he does hundreds of dental exams on soldiers every month, in addition to his full time career at Starkville Smiles. He excels in treatment planning and execution, as well as doing root canals which is his favorite procedure.

Dr. Woolfolk is most known by his patients as attentive, honest, intuitive and great with children.  He wants his patients to know exactly what is going to happen during each procedure and explains needs in clear ways.  Dr. Woolfolk has a way of reading people quickly and can give them the type of assurance and comfort they need.  Having three children at home, Dr. Woolfolk is excellent at managing all ages and enjoys making the appointment easy and fun for them.

Dr. Woolfolk was born and raised in Senatobia, MS.  His parents both being in the medical field and advocates of reading, instilled in him a love for learning and an interest in the medical profession.  He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2006 with a degree in Chemistry, and began working on his Doctorate in Chemistry, during which time he married Elizabeth Herring.  He was accepted to dental school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and began his studies 6 months after getting married!  After earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine, he and Elizabeth returned to Starkville to begin their careers at Starkville Smiles. They now have three beautiful children, John Parker, Natalie, and Andrew.

Dr. Sydney Sanford is a native of Kosciusko, MS. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School of Dentistry. She is a member of the Mississippi Dental Association and American Dental Association. She is currently serving as the Mississippi Dental Association District 1 Secretary and Treasurer. Dr. Sanford has been married to her husband, William since 2017. They attend First Baptist Church in Columbus and enjoy going to Mississippi State sporting events, traveling, and spending time with their chocolate lab, Josie.