Meet the Team at Lakewood Dental Trails

Dr. Erin Kern

Dr. Kern is a native of Holland, Texas, and is excited to provide exceptional dental care to the Central Texas community where she was born and raised. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery with Distinction in Dental Education from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Kern’s passion for dentistry began at a very young age after having numerous positive experiences as a patient. As a result, she strives to positively affect her patients’ lives by improving their dental health and instilling confidence in their smiles. Her commitment to lifelong learning has translated into a strong dedication to providing the highest quality dental care using the newest technologies and techniques. Dr. Kern enjoys meeting new people and building relationships with her patients, considering that each patient is unique and requires compassionate, individualized care.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kern enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband Chase just welcomed their first child, Thomas, to the family and are enjoying watching him grow!

Dr. David Vu

Dr. David Vu is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and the scope of services he provides ranges from simple tooth extractions to complete facial reconstruction. He is also trained in plastic surgery, which augments his skills in reconstruction with a cosmetic skillset.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons require a minimum of four years of hospital-based training after dental school. With a strong desire to make a dramatic difference in people's lives, he attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for his medical training. He also completed his oral and maxillofacial residency at UTSMC in 2013 and his plastic surgery residency in 2016.

Dr. Vu plays a significant role at both, Temple Dental Trails and Lakewood Dental Trails, offering simple and surgical tooth extractions, impacted wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, jaw and TMJ surgery, and injectables, including BOTOX ® and fillers.

For Dr. Vu, the most satisfying aspects of working as a surgeon are identifying a patient's needs and offering solutions that address all of their concerns. He also enjoys the instant gratification of the results he can obtain from a surgical procedure.

Dr. Vu enjoys working on cars and home improvement projects, watching movies, and playing video games in his free time.

Dr. Rich Leung

Dr. Rich is a native of California, and it has always been his desire to provide quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside, in 1999 with a Bachelor of Business degree. After practicing financial consulting for five years, Dr. Rich went on to achieve his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2009 from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Rich’s clinical skills stood out early on as faculty recognized his passion for dentistry and commitment to ensuring patient comfort and well-being.

Since earning his DDS, Dr. Rich has carried the same dedication to excellence into his career. He has pursued advanced-level training in numerous areas. Some of these are cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Rich is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, and the International Association for Orthodontics.

As the owner of Temple Dental Trails and Lakewood Dental Trails, Dr. Rich brings his knowledge and skills to our community, working hard to maintain a high standard of care and office organization. When it comes to dentistry, patient comfort and experience are as important to Dr. Rich as the quality of care he delivers.

Dr. Rich is known for his gentle touch, compassionate nature, and skill. His passion is helping his patients overcome their dental fears. He also loves helping others feel better about their smiles and enjoys getting to know all of his patients personally.

In his personal life, Dr. Rich has several hobbies, including basketball, weight training, taekwondo, and video games. He is an avid athlete and a caring father. Focusing on the family is a key component of our practice philosophy and culture. Dr. Rich looks forward to getting to know you and your family!

Seeing Dr. Leung for your dental health needs is equivalent to consulting a top dentist in Temple, TX, and beyond. 

Dr. Amanda Craig

Dr. Amanda Craig holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry, where she also completed an advanced education in general dentistry and a program at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Administration in Temple. During her education, she was honored as the salutatorian of her graduating class. She received multiple awards, including the Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Dentistry Service, the McGuff Award for integrating oral and maxillofacial pathology into general dentistry, and the Academy of Dentistry International Student Service Leadership Award.

Dr. Craig brings a rich and diverse background in dentistry that started in her early teens. Her journey in this field began as a night janitor at her family's dental practice when she was just a freshman in high school, evolving into a role as a dental assistant during her college years. Dr. Craig graduated from dental school in 2023 and completed a rigorous one-year residency program in general dentistry in 2024.

Her passion for dentistry is deeply rooted in her desire to alleviate pain and fear, enhance patient confidence, and deliver compassionate care. Dr. Craig's commitment extended beyond the clinic as she engaged in dental mission work during her college years, which took her to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Her local service includes significant contributions at a refugee clinic in San Antonio, serving Middle Eastern communities, and volunteering at Church Under the Bridge and with her husband at Body of Christ Church in the Belton/Temple Area.

Originally from Forest City, Iowa, Dr. Craig moved to Texas to enjoy the milder winters and be closer to her husband James’s family in Central Texas. In her spare time, Dr. Craig loves being outdoors, going for walks with her husband, experimenting with new recipes, and visiting Iowa to spend time with family. She is an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoys tackling home improvement projects with her husband.

Zoe

Registered Dental Hygienist

Zoe was born and raised in the Belton/Temple area and received her education at Temple College, graduating in 2024 with an Associate degree in dental hygiene. Before starting her formal education, Zoe worked as a dental assistant for about a year, reinforcing her passion for dental hygiene. She was honored to receive the Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) for her compassion in patient care, enthusiasm for community service, and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene.

Zoe's journey to becoming a dental hygienist began in elementary school, inspired by the positive experiences she consistently had with her dental hygienist. She is passionate about positively impacting her patients' lives and raising awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. Zoe is committed to providing quality care and strives to change the negative stigma associated with dentistry.

In her spare time, Zoe enjoys going to the gym, spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, and trying new things.

Hailey

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hailey is one of our talented dental hygienists and has been in the dental profession since 2020. She is also attaining certification in nitrous oxide administration, helping our patients stay relaxed while we look after their smiles.

A Texas A&M and Wharton College graduate, Hailey also met her husband, Luke, at university. They now live in Lorena, Texas.

Hailey loves building one-on-one personal relationships with her patients while giving them the tools and techniques they need to attain a happy and healthy oral hygiene regimen. She loves when she can help patients feel at ease in the dental chair.

When she is away from the dental office, you will find Hailey camping and exploring the southwest US with her husband, finding the best breweries in central Texas, and relaxing with their sassy orange tabby cat named Kevin. They also love catching up on the latest Netflix series.

Elizabeth

Registered Dental Hygienist

Elizabeth started her professional journey in 2007 and joined the Lakewood Dental Trails team in 2023. She served as an oral surgeon assistant for a year before being accepted into dental hygiene school. Elizabeth attended Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington, where she received her Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene. She is CPR/BLS certified through the American Heart Association and is certified in nitrous oxide through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Elizabeth also holds dental hygiene licenses in the states of Texas and Washington.

Elizabeth’s interest in dentistry was sparked by her aunt, a dental hygienist. Through her aunt, she witnessed the relationships formed with patients who became like family to her. Elizabeth’s interactions with her patients mirror this bond, and she values the lasting connections she makes. While many patients come to her dreading dentistry, she turns their negative experiences into positive ones, where they actually start looking forward to their visits.

A native of University Place, Washington, Elizabeth moved to Texas in 2022. Her husband is a Battalion Executive Officer for the Army, and they have three children: Lucas, Ava, and Carly. Between running kids to soccer games and trying to keep up with a one-year-old, Elizabeth loves traveling, hiking, and working out.

Lindsey

Registered Dental Hygienist

Lindsey has been working in the dental profession since 2006 and joined our sister office, Temple Dental Trails in 2020. We are lucky to now have her a part of the Lakewood Dental Trails team. A native of Covina, California, she attended Citrus Community College in Glendora, where she received an associate’s degree in dental assisting and child development. Lindsey then attended Concorde Career College in San Bernardino, where she graduated with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 2012.

Lindsey enjoys the dental profession and being a hygienist because she finds it very rewarding to educate patients on their oral health and help them feel good about their smiles. Like many of our team members, Lindsey wears several hats and also holds certifications in laser dentistry and nitrous oxide sedation.

Outside of work, Lindsey has been married to her husband Brandon since 2011. They have three children and three Labradors who keep them very busy. In her free time, she enjoys going to her son’s baseball games, baking with her oldest daughter, and watching her youngest daughter ride her bike and play in the mud. She and her husband also like to barbeque and walk to the lake.

Lindsey

Registered Dental Hygienist

Lindsey has been working as a dental hygienist since 2007. She attended Dental Assistance Training School in Temple, Texas, graduating in 2003. Lindsey worked as a dental assistant until 2005, when she attended Temple College and earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. She has been working as a dental hygienist since 2007 and is also certified in nitrous oxide. 

We were pleased to welcome Lindsey to Lakewood Dental Trails in 2021, and she says her favorite part of the job is one-on-one patient care and the connections she makes with her patients. She is proud to play a part in helping them improve their oral health so they can feel confident about their smiles.

A native of Killeen, Texas, Lindsey and her husband Derrick have been married since 2007 and have two wonderful kids—two sons and one daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys being involved with their academics, school functions, and sports activities.  

Cydni

Registered Dental Assistant

Cydni received her registered dental assistant training through Vandelay Education and joined Lakewood Dental Trails in October 2020. She also holds an associate degree in general studies from Temple College.

The best thing about the job for Cydni is helping to transform someone’s attitude about dentistry. She loves watching a fearful patient transition from hating dental visits to feeling comfortable and confident with their dentist and team.

Cydni is a native of Academy, Texas, and has fun shopping with her niece Blakey at “the red store” for lip gloss and Barbies. She also enjoys spending time at the lake with family and friends and fishing with her older sister every chance she gets.

Jill

Registered Dental Assistant

Jill joined the Lakewood Dental Trails team in September 2023 and brings a deep-rooted passion and an impressive 12 years of experience in dentistry. Even as a child, she has always been interested in teeth and is grateful to work with patients to bolster their oral health and confidence. She firmly believes that a smile can make or break a first impression.

A native of Brazoria, Texas, Jill completed her training at the Brazos Valley Dental Assistant School in 2009. She continually updates her skills to ensure patients receive top-notch care and holds certifications in CPR, Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Coronal Polishing.

Jill understands that many patients don’t like visiting the dentist, and it’s often one of the first things they mention. She finds the most rewarding thing about her job is helping ease their fears so they can have a positive experience.

Away from her professional responsibilities, Jill loves time spent with her children, Rian, Branson, Bostyn, and Brixtyn. As an active family, Jill spends much of her leisure time supporting her children in their sports activities. When she gets a free moment, she enjoys fishing, golfing, bowling, dancing, and connecting with friends and family.

Kacie

Registered Dental Assistant

Kacie began her dental career at Lakewood Dental Trails in September 2024. She obtained her RDA license through the Texas Academy of General Dentistry and is currently working towards her nitrous oxide monitoring certification to further enhance her qualifications.

What drives Kacie in her work is dentistry's profound impact on patients' lives. She finds nothing more fulfilling than seeing an anxious patient leave with a confident smile. Kacie’s goals are to help boost their oral care, health, and ability to feel amazing when they smile. As a people person, Kacie finds establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with her patients extremely rewarding.

Originally from New Mexico, Kacie relocated to Texas in 2020 and now resides with her partner, Tucker, in Little River-Academy, TX. Thanks to their two dogs—an energetic eight-year-old boxer and a lively one-year-old German shorthaired pointer puppy—they share a home filled with love and activity. The couple enjoys an active lifestyle, hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Most weekends are spent with Tucker’s family, working with cattle, or enjoying family dinners.

Melissa

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Meet Melissa, one of our Dental Assistants! Melissa has 20 years of experience in dentistry. She loves assisting in implant placements, helping patients get back to proper oral care, and restoring their smile. In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors and traveling. 

Yaneth

Treatment Coordinator

Yaneth chose dentistry because she loves helping people and building relationships. She finds it rewarding to assist patients in getting a smile they will be proud of for the rest of their lives and watch their confidence blossom.  

Yaneth is proud to be part of a close-knit team that works together to ensure our patients feel at ease and help change their perspective about visiting the dentist. She loves when a patient who comes to our office after a previous bad experience leaves saying that their experience with us was the best they ever had.

Yaneth met her husband, Eric, in high school, and they have been together ever since. They have two beautiful girls, Kassy and Maddy, and two Yorkies, Daisy and Duke.

When Yaneth is not at work, she likes spending time with her family. Her girls are both in softball, so they're usually at practice or a softball game. They like to go fishing and be outdoors. Yaneth and her girls also love to do craft projects together.

Emily

Treatment Coordinator

Meet Emily, one of our Treatment Coordinators at Lakewood Dental Trails. Emily loves helping patients and being able to educate them on their treatment plan. She lives with her husband, Roger, and their two kid, Isabella and JR. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and traveling! 

Kim

General Manager

Kim received her Associates of Applied Science degree from Temple College in 2012. Then went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree from University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.  Kim loves building relationships with patients and helping them feel confident about their smile. We are excited to have her on our team.

Kim loves that her career allows her to meet new people daily. She enjoys educating patients on the importance of good oral health and how it affects their overall health. Kim believes that volunteering to give back to her community is an important aspect of being a hygienist.  

As a a military brat, Kim has lived in many places but calls Killeen, Texas her home. She’s married to an amazing man, David and has two children, Amaree and Amierah. Kim also have 3 fur babies; Bella, Bently, and Dallas. 

In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending it with her family. Her daughter is very active in basketball and plays all year around, so they spend a lot of time supporting her and cheering her on. As a family, they also love to travel and see new places.