Welcome to Valley River Dental! Our caring dentists and team are proud to provide quality dental care using the latest dental technologies. We offer a full range of services to meet your needs, including preventive care, dental implants, clear aligners, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, root canals and periodontal treatments. When you and your family visit our office, we will take the time to understand your needs and help you understand your oral health so you can make informed decisions about your care. Your health, smile and comfort are our highest priorities.
Give us a call at 828-360-9114 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jared Houston, Dr. Tom Mims or Dr. Courtney Marshall and learn more!
We are proud to provide comprehensive dentistry in Murphy, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas, including Andrews, Brasstown, Franklin, Hayesville, Marble, Robbinsville and Warne, North Carolina; Blairsville, Hiawassee and Young Harris, Georgia; and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Dr. Courtney Marshall completed her Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Augusta University before attending Dental College of Georgia for her dental degree, graduating in 2021. Dr. Marshall also participated in research with DCG doctors during her undergraduate studies, and during her time in dental school, she served on two dental mission trips to Haiti and Romania through the Medical Campus Outreach organization.
She regularly completes additional courses to stay at the forefront of the dental field and is a member of several professional organizations, including:
Dr. Marshall joined Valley River Dental in August 2021 and, as a dentist, is committed to increasing her patients’ dental education and providing them with individualized quality care and a pleasant dental experience.
Dr. Jared Houston completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Abilene Christian University before attending the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 2005. He completes continuing education courses regularly and completed his advanced education in general dentistry training through the U.S. Navy at Camp LeJeune. Dr. Houston is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD).
Dr. Houston is a member of several professional organizations, including:
He has practiced in the Murphy area since 2022.
Dr. Houston is married and has 3 children. Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Dr. E. Tom Mims completed his undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He attended the Dental College of Georgia for his dental degree, graduating in 1979, and completes at least 25 hours of continuing education each year to stay abreast of developments in the dental field. He has practiced in the Murphy area since 1988.
Dr. Mims has received advanced training in implant dentistry through the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Mims and his wife have five children. His hobbies include building, flying and maintaining his airplane.
Tabitha joined our dental family in 2003 as a business office assistant, and in 2022, she become our office manager. She graduated from Murphy High School in 1995 and graduated from Tri-County Community college in 2006 with her associate degree in health care management. Tabitha loves her coworkers and enjoys helping people achieve and maintain healthy smiles!
Tabitha and her husband, Matt, have been happily married since 1996. They have two daughters, Hope and Gracelyn, and three dogs, Jack, Finn and Maisie. Outside the office, she enjoys being with her family and hiking.
Rebecca graduated from Murphy High School in 1984 and attended UNC-Asheville for two years of general college education. She joined our team in June 1993 and loves each one of her coworkers and our dentists. Plus, we have the best patients in the world! Rebecca works with our patients to present their treatments and work payment arrangements so they can receive the care they need.
Rebecca has been married to the love of her life for over 37 years. She has three sons, Jonathan, Michael and Jacob. When not in the office, she loves hiking, camping and spending time on the lake with her friends. She is a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Robin graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Tech in 1998 and joined our dental team in 2000 as a hygienist. She treats all of her patients like family and enjoys the one-on-one relationships she develops with them. She loves seeing her patients become excited about oral health and how it relates to their overall health.
Robin has been married since 1995 to her wonderful husband. They have two children: a daughter, who is married and lives nearby, and a son, who is in college. Outside the office, Robin enjoys being outdoors and going hiking.
Joined our team in August 2023. Graduated with her CNA license in 2014. Completed x-ray and nitrous oxide certification 2023. Enjoys her work family and helping someone smile again. She is a great helper and loves learning as much as she can. Family includes her husband, Kade, and children, Knox and Kynslee. Enjoys going to the races to watch her dad race and watching her children participate in wrestling. Enjoys time on the lake and fishing.
Joined our team Aug 2023. Obtained GED from Tri-County Community College. "This practice is like a family" Megean is great at making sure all instruments and rooms are clean and sterilized accordingly. Enjoys spending time taking walks with her husband, 2 sons, and soon to be daughter.
Joined our team in Dec 2023. Graduate of Murphy High School, class of 2021. Obtained certified medical assistant degree from Tri-County Community College, graduating in 2023. "I love having co-workers and being able to have a friendship with them on a daily basis and love seeing all the new faces of patients and getting to know them and their connection to our small town."
Candace is always there to lend a helping hand and willing to do anything needed to help our team and patients. Keeps patient records up to date and organized. I'm blessed with amazing parents who raised me to be hardworking and determined. I'd like to thank them for always being the best support system ever! I love being at the lake, fishing, kayaking or being on the boat with my family. I also love hunting with my dad and brother. I enjoy working on older trucks with my boyfriend and lifting weights.
Vanessa graduated from Hiwassee Dam High School in 2016 with her CNA license. Joined Valley River Dental in 2024 and obtained X-ray and nitrous certifications. I enjoy building relationships with my patients. This workplace has become my family with many close friends to work by daily. My hobbies include always finding a good deal shopping, spending time with my niece and boyfriend, and going to church.
Chris graduated from Ferris State University in Michigan in 1986 and joined our team in 2024. She sees each patient with individual needs and enjoys the friendships she has developed through those interactions. She loves to see the progress patients make through their treatment and seeing them happy once they have attained their goals. Outside the office Chris enjoys spending time with her 3 children, family, friends. Chirs enjoys church, anything outdoors and traveling.