About Our Team

You'll learn from practicing dental professionals who are invested in your success — from your first day of class through career placement.

Administrative Leadership

Dr. Damaries Candelario-Soto

School Director / Chief Instructor · DMD, MPH

Dr. Candelario-Soto serves as the School Director and Chief Instructor and is responsible for institutional oversight, program administration, compliance, curriculum supervision, and instructional leadership. Her background includes dental education and clinical practice, military service, and experience in training dental personnel. She maintains professional memberships in organized dentistry and specialty associations.

Madison Spencer

Academic Lead · EDDA

Mrs. Spencer serves as Academic Lead for DASA, bringing nearly 10 years of hands-on experience in dentistry, specializing in endodontics. As a 2017 DASA graduate, her career spans every role within an endodontic practice—from clinical support to office management and marketing. She now serves as COO for Dr. Soto’s four endodontic locations, applying her full-spectrum expertise to both operations and education.

Instructional and Administrative Support

Michelle Barton

Outreach and Enrollment Specialist · CDA, EFDA

Mrs. Barton serves as the Student Services Coordinator and supports program delivery, instructional quality, student progress monitoring, and faculty coordination. She brings extensive chairside assisting experience and prior experience in dental assisting education, including instruction and program leadership. Her experience includes clinical dentistry workflows and contemporary dental technology exposure.

Christina Buckner

Student Services Coordinator

Ms. Buckner brings extensive experience in dental front office operations, including patient care, scheduling, insurance coordination, and practice management. As DASA's Student Services Coordinator, she is passionate about supporting students throughout their educational journey and preparing them for successful careers in dentistry. Chrissy enjoys sharing her real-world experience to help students understand the administrative side of the dental profession.

Kira Mae Kennerly

Instructor · EDDA

Ms. Kennerly graduated from the Dental Assistant School of Atlanta (DASA) in 2022 and has worked alongside several endodontists within Dr. Soto's practice, gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience. She is passionate about educating future dental assistants and enjoys teaching a wide range of topics by incorporating real-world knowledge and practical skills into the classroom. Kira is dedicated to helping students build the confidence needed for successful careers in dentistry.

Adrian Soto

Instructor · EDDA

Mr. Soto graduated from the Dental Assistant School of Atlanta (DASA) in 2021 and earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology from Kennesaw State University. He currently works alongside Dr. Soto, specializing in insurance coordination while bringing extensive knowledge in dental radiology. Adrian enjoys sharing his clinical and administrative experience with students, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the dental profession.

Ready to learn from the best?

Schedule a tour and interview to meet the team and get all your questions about classes and the externship answered.

Dental Assistant School of Atlanta

• 1690 Stone Village Lane, Suite 421
  Kennesaw, GA 30152
• (770) 299-4877
• info@dentalassistantatlanta.com

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