Hometown Kids Dental was founded with a simple but meaningful vision—to create a place where children feel safe, valued, and even excited about their dental care. From the very beginning, the goal has been to make every visit a positive experience for both children and their families. The story behind that vision began years before the practice itself. Dr. Casey Gooch and Dr. Jordan Taylor shared a unique connection—they both served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Louisiana-Baton Rouge Mission, though at different times. That shared experience helped shape many of the values they would later carry into their lives and careers: service, compassion, patience, and a genuine love for people.

Years later, their paths continued along similar lines through dentistry. They attended the same dental school each pursuing their own journey into the profession. After dental school, their paths crossed again in Joplin, Missouri. Though they worked at different offices, their friendship grew during that time, along with a shared desire to eventually build something of their own. Through conversations and shared experiences, they realized they had the same vision for what a dental practice could and should be. They didn’t just want to open a dental office—they wanted to build something different. They envisioned a place where children wouldn’t feel fear walking through the door, where parents felt heard and supported, and where kindness and trust were just as important as clinical excellence. They shared a deep belief that pediatric dental care should focus on the whole child—creating positive experiences that last a lifetime. That shared vision became the foundation of Hometown Kids Dental. Dr. Taylor, a board-certified pediatric dentist, brought an extraordinary gift for connecting with children. He had a way of turning fear into confidence, helping even the most nervous child feel at ease. His warmth, kindness, and ability to make every child feel special helped shape the heart of this practice. In June 2025, during the early stages of bringing Hometown Kids Dental to life, we lost Dr. Taylor after his courageous battle with cancer. His passing was a profound loss—not only as a co-founder, but as a dear friend, partner, and someone who meant so much to everyone who knew him. While his absence is deeply felt, his presence is still very much a part of this office. Every detail—from the environment we’ve created to the way we care for our patients—reflects the vision Dr. Taylor and Dr. Gooch built together. It lives on in the laughter of children in our chairs, in the trust of the families we serve, and in the commitment to making every child feel safe and valued. Today, we are honored to carry that vision forward. Hometown Kids Dental is more than a dental office—it is a reflection of a shared purpose, a lasting friendship, and a legacy of compassion that continues in every smile we care for. Dr. Taylor will always be a cherished part of our story. 1988-2025