A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Kennesaw, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Kennesaw, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to "fill" a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Kennesaw remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Kennesaw, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Dental Surgery, DDS
Dr. John Bishara, DDS was born and raised in Nazareth Israel. His last name, "Bishara" translates to the annunciation, which is the announcement of the incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Dr. Bishara attended Valdosta State University, where he received his Bachelors degree of Science in Biology with honors. He then pursued his education at the University of Detroit Mercy to earn his Doctoral Degree of Dental Surgery, DDS.
Since earning his degrees in 1999, he has been practicing General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bishara spent his first four years practicing dentistry in St. Simons Island before moving to Marietta, Georgia to establish his own practice. In 2010, Dr. John Bishara completed a one year residency at MCG, specializing in dental implants.
Dr. John Bishara has proven to be an exceptional dental practitioner by creating a dental environment perfect for any individual and family, while offering an array of services to meet each of their needs. He takes pride in creating beautiful, confident smiles on a daily basis. Dr. John Bishara is dedicated to a lifelong career in Dentistry by furthering his education in every way possible.
Having served the East Cobb and Kennesaw for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
The school says there will be a two-year teach-out plan to allow current students to complete their degrees.KENNESAW, Ga. — The Georgia NAACP said Wednesday that it condemns a Kennesaw State decision to deactivate its Black Studies program along with two others, a decision the school said it came to because they are three "low-producing majors."RELATED: ...
The school says there will be a two-year teach-out plan to allow current students to complete their degrees.
KENNESAW, Ga. — The Georgia NAACP said Wednesday that it condemns a Kennesaw State decision to deactivate its Black Studies program along with two others, a decision the school said it came to because they are three "low-producing majors."
RELATED: Kennesaw State University announces department changes amid federal funding concerns
The state NAACP said Black Studies is "not merely an academic offering; it is a cornerstone of truth-telling, cultural affirmation, and intellectual exploration that serves all students."
"Eliminating it would be a regressive and damaging decision — one that erases essential history, silences marginalized voices, and contradicts the stated values of public higher education in Georgia," a state NAACP statement said.
Kennesaw State told 11Alive earlier this week that Black Studies, along with Philosophy and Technical Communication, has "fallen short in enrollment and degree output over at least the past 10 years." The school said a two-year teach-out plan will allow current students to finish their degrees, and faculty within these departments can still offer courses as part of general education, electives and minors.
The Georgia NAACP called it a "troubling decision" and said it is "seeking immediate clarification and accountability" in the form of a meeting with university leadership.
“This is more than a curriculum issue — this is a moral issue,” Gerald Griggs, Georgia NAACP president, said in a statement. “We will not stand by while educational spaces critical to Black identity, history, and scholarship are threatened.”
Kennesaw State also said last week it would be making changes to student services because of questions about how federal funding may be impacted as the Trump administration targets DEI policies.
That includes renaming and restructuring the Department of Student Engagement and Belonging into the Department of Student Engagement and Support.
Kennesaw State University has decided to deactivate three low-producing majors in accordance with the University System of Georgia’s established thresholds. While the Black Studies, Philosophy and Technical Communication programs have all consistently fallen short in enrollment and degree output over at least the past 10 years, a two-year teach-out plan will still allow current students to complete their degrees. Faculty will also continue offering courses in these areas for minors, electives and general education. KSU, as always, remains committed to prioritizing student success and timely degree completion.
The Georgia State Conference of the NAACP is sounding the alarm following credible reports that Kennesaw State University is considering eliminating its Black Studies Program. This deeply troubling possibility—reportedly referenced in an internal university memo—raises urgent concerns about the institution’s commitment to equity, academic integrity, and inclusive education.
The Black Studies Program is not merely an academic offering; it is a cornerstone of truth-telling, cultural affirmation, and intellectual exploration that serves all students. Eliminating it would be a regressive and damaging decision—one that erases essential history, silences marginalized voices, and contradicts the stated values of public higher education in Georgia.
The Georgia NAACP unequivocally condemns this potential move and demands an immediate meeting with KSU President Kathy Schwaig and university leadership. We are calling for full transparency and a firm commitment to preserving and strengthening the Black Studies Program—not undermining it.
“This is more than a curriculum issue—this is a moral issue,” said Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia NAACP. “We will not stand by while educational spaces critical to Black identity, history, and scholarship are threatened.”
The NAACP stands in full solidarity with KSU students, faculty, alumni, and community allies who are rightfully outraged by this development. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that Kennesaw State honors its duty to foster a truly inclusive academic environment.
This June, Kennesaw State University alumni will see their classwork bound, covered, and sold, as part of the most comprehensive guide to date on all the historic sites owned and operated by the state of Georgia, which covers 1,500 years of history.Edited and co-authored by Kennesaw State history professor Jennifer Dickey, “There’s Lots to See in Georgia” resulted from a research seminar Dickey led in 2022 where each student a...
This June, Kennesaw State University alumni will see their classwork bound, covered, and sold, as part of the most comprehensive guide to date on all the historic sites owned and operated by the state of Georgia, which covers 1,500 years of history.
Edited and co-authored by Kennesaw State history professor Jennifer Dickey, “There’s Lots to See in Georgia” resulted from a research seminar Dickey led in 2022 where each student adopted one of the 16 state historic sites to discover. Individual research entailed in-person site visits, interviews with park superintendents, and a trip to the Georgia Archives in Morrow, leading to the creation of what would become a chapter in the book.
While Dickey often works alongside students for public history projects, this was the first instance that a book had been the goal.
At more than 300 pages, the historic guide was born from a pilgrimage to complete a quest she began with her late mother in 2015 to see all the state historic sites in Georgia. “There’s Lots to See in Georgia,” named after a 1949 Atlanta Constitution advertisement for historic sites in Georgia, is dedicated to Dickey’s mother.
Dickey wrote several of the book chapters herself, from one on the Dahlonega Gold Museum to a section on one of the more remote state historic sites, the prehistoric Kolomoki Mounds near the city of Blakely by the Alabama border. The book, published by the University of Georgia Press, is categorized by region: the North Georgia Mountains, the Piedmont, the Coastal Plains, and the coast.
“This project was a natural extension of something that I just do anyway, a hobby and profession,” said Dickey, who teaches in the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “But the coolest thing about it was that I was able to fold in the student piece of it, which was really super fun, and I think it was a great opportunity for the students as well.”
Traveling back to family in South Carolina, KSU alumnus James Mitchum had often passed the 1,177-acre A.H. Stephens Park in Crawfordville, the subject of his contribution to the book. The park features the former home of Stephens, vice president of the Confederacy and governor of Georgia, as well as a Civil War museum.
Having earned his bachelor’s degree in history from KSU in 2022, Mitchum is now pursuing a master’s degree in heritage preservation at Georgia State University.
“One of the most thought-provoking sayings I heard in Dr. Dickey’s class was that the South, throughout the 20th century, was known to have lost a war but won the history,” said Mitchum, an adage he said still reflects the interpretations found at this otherwise well-preserved site.
Like other chapters in the book, Mitchum first details the site’s history, what makes it notable and how it became integrated into the state system, then teases what visitors can expect to see, such as exhibits and whether tours are offered.
“If you go into the lobby of the History Department, you can see books published by faculty, which is very impressive,” Mitchum said. “We, as students, get to make our mark in a similar way.”
Dickey has a track record of engaging students in real-world experiences as part of the Public History program she coordinates, a minor offered at KSU. Another class with Dickey allowed Mitchum and fellow students to successfully nominate the Lemon Street School, a building constructed in 1951 to serve as an equalization school for Black students, to the National Register of Historic Places.
“Talk about another cool thing to put on your resume,” Mitchum said.
KSU alumna Kathryn Graham, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2023 and now works at the Bartow History Museum in Cartersville, always had an interest in the Etowah Indian Mounds, the subject of her chapter in “There’s Lots to See in Georgia.” Sites were on a first-come, first-served basis, so she got to class 20 minutes early to have her pick.
The issue about history, Graham said, is there are always questions that go unanswered.
“I really felt that with the mounds, and then also, that sense of injustice,” Graham said. “Lewis Tumlin won the land in a land lottery, which led to the Trail of Tears. So, you kind of have to figure out how to talk about that. It’s a push and pull.”
She recalled telling her coworkers at the museum about the book release, standing up in her cubicle and making the announcement. Many pre-ordered it. She did too, the more expensive hardcover.
“You don't publish for the first time every day,” Graham said. “Plus, Dr. Dickey is an expert in the public history realm, so I’m honored to have my name attached to hers in every way, shape and form.”
– Story by Amber Perry
Photos by Matt Yung
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
Kennesaw State (8-17, 0-3 Conference USA) Location: Kennesaw, Ga. Wednesday, March 12 @ 6 p.m. Watch: ESPN+ Follow the Action: X | Instagram Series Game Notes: Click here KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (8...
Kennesaw State (8-17, 0-3 Conference USA) Location: Kennesaw, Ga. Wednesday, March 12 @ 6 p.m. Watch: ESPN+
Follow the Action: X | Instagram Series Game Notes: Click here
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (8-17, 0-3 Conference USA) is set to take on the West Georgia Wolves (8-12, 0-0 ASUN) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. This season marks the Wolves' debut in Division I and their first year in the ASUN Conference, where the Owls previously competed before moving to CUSA.
Series History
Kennesaw State has a perfect record against West Georgia boasting a 37-0 series lead. The teams first clashed in 1991, which was Kennesaw State's inaugural year of fast-pitch softball. Kennesaw State triumphed in that initial game with a 9-1 win. Their last encounter was on April 12, 2005, where Kennesaw State clinched a 4-2 victory. The Owls' home record is an impeccable 21-0, and they are equally impressive on the road with a 16-0 record. In total, Kennesaw State has racked up 397 runs in these matchups, averaging 10.73 runs per game. Kennesaw State has not faced West Georgia since moving up to Division I in 2006.
A Smashing Start
Kennesaw State has come out swinging to start the 2025 season, blasting 12 home runs through just 22 games, including three that landed this past weekend during the I-75 Challenge. The Owls are only six away from surpassing last season's total. Leading the power surge is Ava Guzowski with four home runs, while Ana Gore, Ty Hardeman, and Lexie Shaver each have two home runs. Ava Brooke Strickland and Macie Howes have both chipped in one. Guzowski has been a key to the offensive, hitting the first inside-the-park home run of the 2025 season, driving in 13 RBIs and tallying 39 total bases. Hardeman has been just as impactful, batting .232 while helping lead the Owls with 14 RBIs. Shaver has added 11 RBIs with five doubles while reaching base 32 times. Hannah Harvey has been on an impressive eight-game hitting streak, further bolstering the Owls' offensive lineup.
Stepping up to the Plate
Freshman Ana Gore has been a key offensive force for Kennesaw State, collecting 20 hits and leading in RBIs with 15 RBIs while adding power to the lineup with eight doubles. She showcased her consistency with back-to-back home runs against Georgia State on February 18. Transfer Ava Brooke Strickland leads the team with a .320 batting average, recording 16 hits and seven RBIs, and becoming the first Owl to notch a triple this season. Freshmen Jojo Johnson and Gore have been the only freshmen to start every game this season, and are two of the five players to have started every game. Alora Bevily has been perfect on the base paths, going 4-for-4 in stolen bases. With four new Owls in the lineup, their growing team development will only strengthen their power at the plate as the season progresses.
Inside the Circle
The pitching staff has been a key factor for Kennesaw State. Kenley Hilleary has logged a team-high 49.2 innings, posting a 3.24 ERA with 30 strikeouts. Emma Friedel delivered a complete-game shutout against Georgia State, allowing just three hits while striking out six and holding the Panthers scoreless in a 1-0 victory. Friedel now boasts a total of 41.1 innings pitched with 37 strikeouts on the season. Leah Jannakos delivered a standout performance against in-state ACC opponent Georgia Tech, holding them scoreless through four innings.
CUSA Control
Kennesaw State is making its presence known within Conference USA, with several players and the team as a whole placing on the leaderboard. Ana Gore has been a force at the plate, sitting in third in the conference with eight doubles and ranking among the top 20 with 15 RBIs. Ty Hardeman's 14 RBIs keep her in the top 25. In the circle, Emma Fridel has been racking up strikeouts, placing ninth in CUSA with 37. Defensively, Jojo Johnson is a standout, leading the conference and ranking 12th nationally with 59 assists. Ava closely follows in third place in the conference with 50 assists and 15th with four homeruns. At first base, Lexie Shaver's 150 putouts placed her first in the conference. As a team, the Owls are fourth in CUSA with 37 doubles. Behind the plate, Macie Howes's seven caught stealing places her within the NCAA's top 25 and leads the conference.
Power Four Proof
Kennesaw State has proven they can compete with some of the nation's top programs, going toe-to-toe with multiple Power Four opponents this season. The Owls struck first against No. 20 Northwestern, holding the lead through two innings and keeping it a one-run game until the end. Against Kentucky, KSU battled to a tie through three innings, showcasing their resilience against the Wildcats. The Owls also put up strong fights against Iowa and Penn State, while their defense held No. 10 Texas Tech and Pitt to just a few runs in hard-fought contests. Most recently, the Owls' pitching staff held Georgia Tech to four scoreless innings, demonstrating their ability to contain ACC-powered offenses.
On Deck
The Black and Gold will remain at Bailey Park for the weekend to host FIU starting Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
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Thu, 2/27vs St. FrancisW 76-64Sat, 3/1vs GreenforestW 57-51Wed, 3/5vs Holy Innocents EpiscopalL 45-84
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