Dr. Nancy Hein Covert

Nancy Hein Covert, DMD, FAGD, FICD, is the inaugural Lead Dentist and Clinical Director for the new UAB Dentistry – Dothan dental clinic. An initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry, the first-of-its-kind satellite clinic is positioned to recruit, train, and retain dentists to help improve the dental health of those living in the wiregrass region.

Dr. Covert has been practicing General Dentistry in Dothan for the past 22 years at Professional Lane Dental. Her career path has been non-traditional in that she worked in dentistry for 17 years prior to going to dental school at the age of 40. She is familiar to the practice of dentistry as she has experience in all aspects of dental office operations. Dr. Covert started as a Dental Assistant in 1979 in Blakely, Georgia. Then after moving to Dothan, she earned her Hygiene License from the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners in 1991. For the following six years she was also the Office Manager at Professional Lane Dental. In 1997, she stepped out of her roles in the practice to pursue her dream of becoming a Dentist. Dr. Covert returned to Dothan after graduation in 2001, where she purchased into the practice where she worked before earning her degree.

At graduation Dr. Covert was honored with several awards. She received The Alabama Dental Association Leadership Award, The Birmingham District Dental Society Award, and The Dean’s Medal for outstanding scholarship and leadership.

There are many people who have dental anxiety and phobias when they walk into a dental office to have any dental procedure, even just a routine cleaning. Dr. Covert is driven by the desire to change the attitude of her patients about dentistry. She feels compassion toward and works diligently to change the expectations of those who have these fears.

Dr. Covert has always felt that learning is a lifelong journey.  Both patient education and teaching of others has always been an interest to her. She has made contributions to learning by serving as adjunct faculty for 14 years for The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama for students going through The Alabama Dental Hygiene Program. She also helped to initiate and plan the curriculum as well as serving as Instructor for The Wallace Community College Dental Assisting Program. As an investment in her own education, she spent the time and energy to earn her Fellowship in The Academy of General Dentistry. She also has a Fellowship in The International College of Dentists.

When not practicing dentistry Dr. Covert enjoys many outdoor activities. Her interests include gardening, golf, relaxing at the lake or the beach, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Julia Ann (Jules) Morgan

Julia Ann (Jules) Morgan is the Dental Clinic Coordinator.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, Jules had early exposure to dentistry (and inspiration for entering the profession) since her father was a dentist. Her career began as a sterilization technician before she became a Certified Dental Assistant. She returned to school to earn her Dental Hygiene degree and become a licensed Dental Hygienist in both Florida and Georgia, later serving as faculty at LECOM School of Dental Medicine. Most recently she was licensed in the State of Alabama as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Jules says she has always considered Dothan home and is excited to return to help initiate the first-of-its-kind UAB Dentistry Dothan clinic. She enjoys outdoor activities, saying her favorites are gardening, working on her property, spending time with her pets, taking time out for sunshine and the beach, and time with family and friends.

Kelli Clifton

Kelli Clifton is the Lead Dental Assistant.

The patient experience is Kelli’s priority. Her 25 years of experience in the field is evident in her chairside demeanor as she works to provide patients with exceptional dental care. She works diligently to safeguard her patient’s comfort and understanding of their dental treatment. Her calming personality helps comfort patients’ anxiety before, during and after all dental procedures.

Kelli grew up near Dothan in a neighboring town of Cowarts, where she has been active in community and church functions. She has raised two beautiful daughters, Brittany, and Delaney. In her free time Kelly enjoys reading, listening to music, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Tori Gratz

Tori Gratz is the Patient Service Coordinator.

Tori’s work in the industry began in 2019 when she says she discovered her passion for dentistry. She joined the American Dental Association and obtained certification as a Dental Billing Specialist and Dental Billing Coder. She is currently continuing her growth and education in dentistry, working to become a Dental Assistant. She says she is firmly committed to achieving her vision and future goals that she aspires to within the dental industry.

In her leisure time Tori enjoys nature walks and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. She says she is eager to embark upon a new journey with UAB Dentistry and is thrilled to meet and engage with the Dothan community.

Amy Cooper

Amy Cooper is the Dental Hygienist.

Amy is originally from South Florida but has lived in the Enterprise area since 1995. She started her career in nursing but, over time, discovered a love for teeth. She has over 20 years of experience in the dental field, working as an orthodontic assistant, dental assistant and then completing the ADHP at UAB in 2009 to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene.

She has raised two amazing daughters, Chloe and Cassie, who currently attends UAB. She also has three dogs Dolly, Jack, and Stevie. In her free time, she focuses on her artistic side. Painting and creating unique artwork is also a great passion that allows her to ground herself. She enjoys attending art shows and anything to do with being outdoors whether it be working in her yard, going to the beach, or exploring and finding great places to eat.

Ashanty Rivers

Ashanty Rivers is the Dental Assistant II.

Ashanty became certified in Dental Assisting because she believes dentistry is a rewarding career. In her position, she is able to help people on a daily basis and, in some cases, change their lives by making them smile and regain confidence. For her, helping patients attain beautiful smiles and rediscover their true selves is the best part of working in dentistry.

Ashanty was raised in Webb, AL where she spent time with her family and friends. She went to Houston County High School where she played basketball for the Lady Lions and was on the varsity cheerleading team. During her free time she likes to enjoy family time, travel, and help coach peewee cheerleading.