Dr. Durling was born and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. John Durling, DVM. Dr. Durling graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1992 with a BS in biology and is a member of Beta, Beta, Beta Biology Honor Society. He graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1996. From 1996 - 1999, Dr. Durling practiced in Fort Scott and Pittsburg and joined Dr. John Durling and Associates in December of 1999 and purchased the practice in 2001.

"I enjoy helping people with their dental needs. By taking the time to listen to my patients, I can address their needs and wants, as well as offer information and an opportunity to accept the best dentistry available."

"I am thankful to be a part of this dental group. The staff, and my partners are very supportive and are an integral part of the growth of the Dr. John Durling and Associates family in Joplin, Springfield and Fort Scott."

"In addition to the support of the office, I am blessed to have a wonderful wife, Sherri, who encourages me and supports my efforts to be the best dentist possible. My sons, Jaden, Grant and Levi, are also an important source of inspiration."

"I look forward to serving the Joplin, Springfield and Fort Scott communities for many years to come."

Dr. Julia Skidmore, born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, relocated to Joplin after graduating from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry, where she achieved success by receiving honors from the Prosthodontics department and national recognition for public health. Dr. Skidmore received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, where she received departmental and university honors in Genetics. During her college years, she studied abroad for over a year in Newcastle, Australia, where she performed biochemical research. Because of her strong will to help others she served as the philanthropy chairman for the Kappa Delta Sorority and was recognized by societies such as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Beta Kappa.

Dr. Skidmore's thirst for knowledge continued after graduating from the Kansas City School of Dentistry and she went on to became certified to be an Invisalign provider, Lumineers provider, and frequently attends continuing education seminars.

Dr. Skidmore has loved her time in Joplin so far. Professionally, she strives to improve the lives of her patients through the highest-quality oral care in an inviting environment. For this approach, Dr. Skidmore has been recognized by Consumer Report's Top Dentists in America Award and Cambridge's Who's Who Recognition. She also enjoys teaching at Missouri Southern State University, and volunteering at the Joplin Community Clinic. For entertainment, she spends time with her family, enjoys the outdoors (especially in her garden) and volunteers at her church.

Dr. Brad Jenkins graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1999. After successfully completing his education, Dr. Jenkins wasted no time and quickly began practicing dentistry in many underserved areas throughout rural western Kansas.

Currently residing in Overland Park with his wife Dr. Jill Jenkins, DDS, a pediatric dentist, and his three children - Emma, Madelyn and Will, Dr. Jenkins is working Wednesdays and Thursdays in our Fort Scott office. There he is offering a wide scope of dental procedures including cosmetic, general, oral surgery and root canals and bringing his experience to residents in the area.

A member of the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association, Dr. Jenkins has spent his entire practice working in rural communities and is happy to serve his patients through Advance Dental Center in Fort Scott as well.

Dr. W. Stuart Dexter, born and raised in Lincoln Nebraska, now calls the Kansas City area home. Licensed to practice dentistry in Kansas and Missouri, Dr. Dexter began his studies at the Johnson County Community College, where he maintained a solid presence on the President's Honor Roll. After graduation, Dr. Dexter moved on to study Human Biology at the University of Kansas, where he was also a fixture on the Honor Roll as well as being a member of the Kansas Varsity Crew Team and Biology Club. Dr. Dexter accepted early admission into Dental School and went on to receive his degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry. During his time there, he remained consistent on the Honor Roll with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. He also worked abroad during the course of his studies by participating in a Dental Outreach Program to Venezuela in the summer and winter of 1986 and again in the winter of 1987.

Since completing his education, Dr. Dexter has gone on to specialize in Prosthodontics and completed both his general practice and Prosthodontic residencies at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City; he also took part in the Branemark Implant Training Course to round out his education. Following completion of his prosthodontic training he did an additional fellowship in maxillofacial prosthetics at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Dr. Dexter spent several years in an academic setting before turning his focus towards a private practice with an emphasis in Prosthodontics. He is pleased to be a part of the Advance Dental Center team and looks forward each day to providing his patients with excellent care.