Our Team

Dr. Daniel Jurgens is a native of Decatur, IL.  He attended Holy Family Catholic School and St. Teresa High School. During his summer vacations throughout grade school, high school, and into college, he worked in various capacities for Dr. Carol Cunningham in the dental practice.  He swam competitively for the Decatur Swim Club since age 5. He attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and received his undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology.  Dr. Jurgens went on to train at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine , where he completed his dental degree. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, cooking, reading, hiking, and resistance training.

Dr. Jurgens has a passion for providing comprehensive dental care to his patients.  He is particularly interested in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and keeping up with the most current advances in cosmetic and digital dentistry.  He is excited to join Dr. Cunningham and her team, where he will demonstrate his enthusiasm for the profession and dedication to patient care.

Dr. Cunningham received her dental degree from Loyola University Dental School, where she graduated with clinical honors and did a residency in hospital dentistry.  She is a member of the American Dental Association , the Illinois State Dental Society , the Chicago Dental Society and the Decatur District Dental Society , where she served as president from 1994 to 1995.  She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and has her fellowship degree. She is also a member of the American Equilibration Society , the American Society of Osseointegration, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists , and the American College of Oral Implantology.  She has received further advanced education at the Pankey Institute, where she has studied myofascial pain, the temporomandibular joint, and occlusion.  For further information on the Pankey Institute, please click here .

Dentistry is not only a profession but also a passion for Dr. Cunningham.  She feels dentistry is a wonderful combination of both art and science that allows her to care for her patients so that they may experience a lifetime of beautiful smiles and function.  She is committed to practice with the latest techniques and scientific advances in dentistry.

Dr. Cunningham is married and has five grown children.  She enjoys photography, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Michael has been working at the Gentle Art of Dentistry since 2015.  He is a graduate of St. Louis University with a degree in biology and is trained in CPR, coronal polishing,  dental sealants, Zoom Bleaching, and Trios 3shape scanning.  Michael has an amazing knowledge of science and technology and has been an integral part of our team, helping us to stay current with constantly changing advancements in computer technology and software.

His calm and reassuring manner helps to put patients at ease and make their visits more pleasant.  He enjoys being in an environment where he can really get to know each patient and see the transition of their smiles from start to finish.  When he changes out of his scrubs, Michael enjoys working out, running, and spending time with friends, family, and his own dogs and cats.

Christopher began his journey with the Gentle Art of Dentistry team in May of 2023.  He is a graduate of Richland Community College with a degree in computer science.  His skill set in all things computer related, along with his amazing people skills, have made him an indispensable asset to our office.  Christopher also brings with him 11 years worth of experience as a Navy Medic ranging from combat medicine, nursing, AEMT training and a passionately developed commitment to patient care.  The office regularly enjoys his animated and jovial personality, which is greatly uplifting for both patient and office morale.  Outside of the world of dentistry, Christopher entertains himself with the nerdier side of things all with the company of his energetic cat.

Mallory has been a welcome addition to the Gentle Art of Dentistry’s team as a dental hygienist since 2005.  She received her associate’s degree from Parkland College and is certified in CPR, Zoom Bleaching, dental sealants, and Trios 3shape Scanning.  Her favorite parts of her job are working with people and enhancing their lives through their smiles.  An educator at heart, she loves to use her teaching skills to help patients understand how to best keep their smiles for a lifetime.

Mallory’s bubbly personality and gentle touch combine to create a wonderful experience for our patients where they receive the attention and care they deserve.  Mallory is married and has a wonderful son and daughter.   She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

Brittany is a  southern belle and the newest addition to our team as a dental hygienist. She moved from Texas in 2020 and is excited to be able to go sledding during winters. She received an associate's degree from Tyler Junior College and is certified in CPR and dental sealants. She has a great sense of humor, loves meeting new people, and will put a smile on your face. With a calm and friendly demeanor, she knows how to take care of her patients well and make them comfortable in a dental chair. She is an excellent educator and will share all her dental secrets to enable patients to keep their smiles looking amazing.  In her free time, Brittany enjoys playing pickle ball and spending time with her adorable kittens.

Kaylyn began working with us in June of 2024. She attended Midwest Technical Institute beginning in October of 2023 followed by an externship in April of 2024. She enjoys working in the profession knowing she is a part of improving the smiles and lives of each patient. In addition to helping patients, she adores the new technological advances that dentistry continues to present. In her free time, she enjoys listening to new music, spending time with family and close friends, and binge watching new TV shows. 

Nathan started working at the Gentle Art of Dentistry in December of 2023. He has received an associate’s degree in science from Richland Community College. Nathan is currently attending the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary health sciences. Nathan has hopes of going to dental school, as he will be applying in 2025. 

Nathan joined us as a chairside assistant in 2023 and has been a fantastic addition to our office. It has been an amazing experience to watch him develop in his role. He demonstrates genuine compassion for the dental needs of our patients. When he treats patients, he does so with profound sensitivity and gentleness. 

Nathan believes dentistry is the perfect intersection of everything he values: science, service, creativity, and human connection. When he is not at work or school, Nathan enjoys playing golf, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Murphy.