Our Doctor and Team

James Taneyhill, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

For more than 20 years, Dr. James Taneyhill has offered superior quality dentistry to the community of Bel Air, Maryland. Dr. Taneyhill is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a rare distinction achieved by less than three percent of dentists nationwide, and has been inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. Dr. Taneyhill is also an instructor at the VA Medical Center in Baltimore, where he teaches restorative dentistry and esthetics to dental residents.

Dr. Taneyhill was raised in the Rodger's Forge section of Baltimore County. He attended Loyola High School (Class of 1965) and Loyola College (Class of 1969). He then served in the army as a helicopter pilot for four years, including one year in Vietnam.

After leaving active duty in 1973, Dr. Taneyhill continued to serve in the Maryland Army National Guard. In 1999, he retired at the rank of Colonel after 30 years of service in the guard. He was a Master Army Aviator and has been awarded the Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star, among many other commendations.

Dr. Taneyhill graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1980 as one of only 10 students selected to participate in an accelerated program. The program resulted in the awarding of a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in three years rather than four. He then served a one-year Dental General Practice residency at the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Baltimore before entering full-time private practice in Bel Air in 1981.

As part of his commitment to continuing education and excellence, Dr. Taneyhill maintains active involvement in the dental community through professional memberships and post-graduate studies. His professional affiliations include membership in the:

• American Dental Association
• Maryland State Dental Association
• Harford/Cecil County Dental Association (Past President)
• Academy of General Dentistry (Fellow)
• American Equilibration Society
• International College of Dentists

Dr. Taneyhill has spent a lifetime in continuing dental education. He averages 100 hours of continuing dental education studies every year. He is an alumnus of the Center for Professional Development in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a graduate of the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida, America’s premier center for post-graduate studies in dentistry.

In his free time, Dr. Taneyhill enjoys sailing the Chesapeake Bay with his wife, Karen, a Baltimore County special education department chairman, and his three children, Katie, Joe, and Philip. Since retiring from the Army National Guard, Dr. Taneyhill has volunteered at a dental clinic in Haiti at least one week each year, helping the poorest children and families.

Our Team

Lark Martin is our office manager. She schedules patients, handles all of the office's financial concerns, and, in general, keeps our business running smoothly. Lark has worked with our office for more than 20 years. She and her husband, Frank, an engineer, have four daughters, Carrie, Tara, Kristen, and Shannon, as well as five grandchildren, Frankie, Jack, Tom, Leah, and Lily.

Becky Harris has been a dental hygienist in our office for more than 10 years. She is responsible for cleaning our patients' teeth, as well as providing them with the knowledge and technique necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. Becky and her husband, Jeff, a marine technician, have one son, Brandon, and twin daughters, Holly and Heather.

Teri Sigwart has worked in the dental field for 13 years and has been a hygienist for 3 years. Teri will offer our patients all information and care needed to maintain a healthy smile. Teri and her husband Gary, a contractor, have two boys, Kyle and Robby.

Marsha Gedge is our dental assistant. She helps Dr. Taneyhill with dental procedures and lab work. She keeps the office well supplied, and maintains sterile and efficient conditions throughout. She has worked as a dental assistant for more than 20 years. She has two daughters, Nicole and Bridget.

Carrie Gebhard is our laboratory and sterilization assistant. She assists Dr. Taneyhill with in-office laboratory work and ensures that our instruments and equipment are clean and sterile. Carrie is also an award-winning artist and is pursuing her degree in graphic design. Much of the art that you see displayed in the office is Carrie's work. She also has a lovely family and a son named Frankie.