About Athens Family Dental

Dr. Leigh Crenshaw sees art in dentistry, and that was what led this Medical College of Georgia graduate into the field of dentistry.

“I wanted to do something in the health field, and I liked the idea of the artistic side of dentistry,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “There is a lot of art to dentistry – color matching, the shapes and forms of teeth. It’s sort of a science and an art combined.”

While it was the artistic side of dentistry that brought her into the field, Dr. Crenshaw said that today what she most enjoys about being a dentist is the relationships she is able to build with her patients.

“Your patients have a lot of trust in you. You see them every six months, and so you build relationships with them,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “Some of the patients I had when they were children now have children of their own that are my patients, and that is very rewarding.”

Dr. Crenshaw describes herself as “an information seeker,” and said she enjoys keeping current on the latest trends in dentistry, but she said the thing that she wants to be known for among her patients is her compassion as a dentist.

“I truly care about my patients,” Dr. Crenshaw said. “We are a very caring group of people here. We look out for the well-being of our patients, and we work well together. I am always impressed with the quality of work that is performed here. We have several areas of expertise at Athens Family Dental Center and if there is something that one doctor is not comfortable doing, there is always someone who is knowledgeable in that area.”

Dr. Crenshaw completed a general practice residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Prior to making Athens Family Dental her home in 1999, she briefly worked at a small practice in Macon, Georgia. Dr. Crenshaw is married and is the mother of one young son.

Dr. Cile French was born and raised in Evans, Georgia. She received her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1991. After running a solo practice in Evans for three years and working part-time here, at Athens Family Dental, Dr. French chose to sell her practice and remain with us. Nearly three decades later, she still enjoys her work and patients here in Athens. Dr. French is married and has two adult children and two middle school age children. She enjoys gym classes, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Ali M-Zadeh grew up in Alpharetta, GA where he attended Chattahoochee high school. From a young age, he showed great interest in science and medicine. He received his bachelor degree in chemistry with a pre-dental specialization from the University of Georgia in 2015 and then attended The Dental College of Georgia located in Augusta. 

During his time in dental school, Dr. Ali decided to focus on comprehensive dentistry and was passionate about treating the patient and not just the problem. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was honored by school with the AES Certificate award for a comprehensive case in which he showed advancement of knowledge in the field of occlusion and the temporomandibular joint. He then received this DMD in general dentistry in May 2019. 

Dr. Ali is very excited to work at Athens Family Dental where he is eager to meet new patients and build strong, lasting relationships. When asked about his goal for transitioning into the office, he said, "My goal is simple. I strive to provide the highest quality care possible and treat every patient like a member of my family." 

Dr. Ali is blessed to have a close mentor in his father, who is also a dentist. He has learned so much through his father about dentistry, patient relationships, and business. He plans on utilizing all of these teachings to jumpstart his dental career and is committed to learn new things every day. 

Dr. Ali's hobbies include hiking, camping, making music, and playing soccer. He has always had a fascination with nature and loves to be active. He has played soccer since he learned how to walk and is committed to continue playing to keep his mind and body stronger. He loves to make music with his friends and has always allowed his creative side to shine. You will quickly lean that he loves to laugh and keep the vibe peaceful and fun. 

We felt that the quality of care we provide be extended to your entire family, and thus searched long and hard for our newest team member. Dr. Alex has been in dentistry since 1994, and is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She has focused her career and advanced studies in cosmetic and family dentistry. Dr. Alex has concentrated her career and continuing education studies in Cosmetic and Family Dentistry as well as Management of Sports Trauma and facial Injuries. Her gentle demeanor and conservative approach to Dentistry make her a favorite with kids who "love going to the dentist". She has spent a lot of her time in community dental education and preventive dentistry both in the US and in Greece, where she is originally from. At home, Dr. Alex and her husband Peter enjoy their four children, two sets of twins and their two loving Goldendoodles. Peter and Alex are both involved in their community and enjoy an active lifestyle with their family. Dr. Alex loves to spend time with her family and friends and loves to cook in her spare time.

Dr. David Miller is a native of Kokomo, Indiana and is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing in Greensboro and Athens, Georgia. Dr. Miller received his doctorate degree in 1995 from the Indiana University School of Dentistry with honors. He completed an oral surgery internship at Louisiana State University in 1996 and an oral surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000.

Dr. Miller is a member of numerous dental societies and is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Society of Dental Anesthesia. Dr. Miller’s particular specialty is in dental implants and the delivery of outpatient anesthesia. He enjoys snow skiing, golfing, and spending time with his two children.