Elizabeth Hughes, DMD

Dr. Elizabeth Hughes was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama. She attended Auburn University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science, followed by her Master’s degree in Biomedical Science.

Dr. Hughes received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. She has continued to pursue the advancement of her education by maintaining active membership in the prestigious Seattle Study Club and is also involved with the renowned Spear Institute. In addition to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hughes is also an Invisalign^Ⓡ provider. She is passionate about expanding her knowledge and providing individualized, patient-centered care. Dr. Hughes also focuses special attention to help her patients feel relaxed and comfortable in the dental chair.

In 2020, Dr. Hughes and her husband moved to Niceville to be near family. When Dr. Hughes is not at the office, she enjoys playing with her dog Charlie, relaxing at the beach, and traveling with her husband.

She brings an enthusiastic perspective to the practice and is overjoyed to grow in the field of dentistry with the Mid Bay Dental family. She is known for making lasting connections with her patients, and is excited to become more involved in the community and get to know you and your family!

Ronda
Registered Dental Hygienist

Ronda is originally from Indiana and began practicing dental hygiene at Mid Bay Dental in 2003. Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, she practiced locally as a certified orthodontic assistant for six years. She earned her RDH from Pensacola State College. Ronda tries to treat every patient like family and always provides quality care with a special touch.

When Ronda is not spoiling her three grandchildren, she loves to bake for friends and travel with her husband of 41 years.

Lee
Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist

Lee grew up in a military family traveling all over the world. She earned her Associate of Science in dental hygiene from Pensacola State College and her Bachelors in Healthcare Management from Northwest Florida State College. Lee enjoys working in an environment where we treat our patients like family, educate them on health issues, answer their questions, and ease any concerns about their treatment and care. She is able to help patients with all their oral health needs as a dental hygienist. As a myofunctional therapist, she specializes in helping patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Lee has Myofunctional training through The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), The Breathe Institute and MyoMentor. Through these training programs, along with many others, Lee has successfully helped many patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Lee is devoted to her work with both children and adults, using innovative ways to get people of all ages to strengthen and tone their facial muscles. Through Myofunctional therapy Lee can aid with noxious habit elimination, TMJ disorders, correction of tongue thrust and diagnosis of both tongue and lip ties Lee collaborates with ENT's, Orthodontist’s, SLP's, lactation consultants, and chiropractors.

Lee is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association, Florida Dental Hygienists Association, International Association of Airway Hygienists, International Association of Orofacial Myology, TBI Ambassador and Munchee Practitioner.

Arianne “Ari”
Registered Dental Hygienist

Prior to working in the dental field, Ari graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a BSBA in both

Marketing and Management. She started her dental career in 2004 working as a dental assistant. Wanting to work more independently, she decided to further her knowledge and graduated as valedictorian from Dental Hygiene school in 2012 from SFCC.

Ari worked in both Missouri and Kansas before her husband, Wil got orders to Eglin. At Midbay Dental, Ari makes it a priority to get to know her patients and to make them comfortable. She strives to continuously learn and improve her skills. Her passion is in periodontal therapy and biological dentistry. She loves educating patients with a microscope, showing them saliva samples with live bacteria.

When Ari is not at work, she enjoys working out, having movie and game nights with her family, and being involved with church.

Allison
Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Allison received her RDA, CDA and expanded functions training in her home state of California in 1981.  She has been serving as a licensed dental assistant for more than 40 years.  Allison has countless hours of continuing education with Spears Education, Clinical Mastery Series, National Sleep Alliance, and many others.  Most recently, she has received intense training in sleep apnea, including the use of specialized appliances that improve breathing during sleep (MAD).  Allison is dedicated to helping patients improve not only their dental health but also their overall health and wellness through better sleep and breathing.

Allison enjoys boating, riding motorcycles with her husband, golfing badly, and spoiling her family, especially her grandson!

Starleigh “Star”
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Star is a Registered Dental Assistant in the State of Florida and the State of Louisiana. She has been practicing since 2008. Star has her Expanded Functions, Radiology, and CPR Certifications.  She has 13 years of experience in pediatric dentistry as a Dental Assistant, Surgery Coordinator, and Office Manager. She joined our team in 2021 and is Dr. Hughes’ Lead Assistant. She strives to make patients feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments while providing exceptional care.

Star enjoys time with her family and friends, boating at the Springs and Beaches, and refurbishing projects.

Aubrey
Dental Assistant

Aubrey was born in Auburn, Alabama and later moved to Dayton, Ohio where she resided for over 20 years. While in Ohio, Aubrey spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry. Taking care of people and ensuring happiness has always been her passion!

After moving to Florida in 2019, Aubrey began her career with Mid Bay Dental. What started as a temporary position answering phones quickly became a permanent home working with the wonderful people of Niceville, Florida. Aubrey was trained in office and later went on to become a certified dental assistant through Western Florida University. Aubrey truly enjoys working with her patients and learning their stories as well as educating them on dental health and treatment. In addition to working as a dental assistant, you will find Aubrey working alongside the Tongue Tie team at Mid Bay Dental.

When she is not working, Aubrey loves spending time with her husband, Michael, and their two boys. Aubrey loves animals, and spends her time at home playing with her 3 cats and her chocolate lab. She is an avid Ohio state fan, and you may get an occasional “O-H” from her in the office!

Sonya
Comprehensive Administrative Leader

Sonya grew up in north Georgia. She spent more than 20years as an Air Once wife, traveling throughout the U.S. and Asia with her husband. Her educational and work background is in counseling. Sonya joined the Mid Bay Dental family in 2009 as a temporary stint and has been with us ever since. and has been with us ever since. She loves interacting with and assisting patients and fellow staff members in any way possible.

Away from the office, Sonya loves the family game night, entertaining friends, scrapbooking, and volunteering at her church. And, of course, yelling ROLL TIDE!