Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Putnam is a cosmetic dentist who grew up in the Wasatch Front Mountains of Ogden, Utah. For his undergraduate studies, Dr. Putnam attended Weber State University where he played college football and graduated with a BS in Athletic Therapy. He then attended Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona where he received advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, denture fabrication, and dental implants.

Dr. Putnam is a member of the American Dental Association, the Arkansas State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His favorite part about being a Dentist is helping his patients feel comfortable and relaxed in the office, and helping them achieve confidence in their smiles! He enjoys attending continuing education conferences and training particularly in the topics of dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Putnam and his wife love biking with their 2 boys and spending time on the water in NWA. Dr. Putnam’s brother works for the US Military fabricating dentures for veterans and he has 6 uncles who are also dentists!

Dr. Austin Baker is a passionate dentist based at River Dental clinics in Bella Vista and Siloam Springs. Hailing from Dubois, Wyoming, Dr. Baker discovered his calling in dentistry through a blend of technical precision and artistic flair, with a mission to create stunning smiles. Committed to healthcare, he recognizes the intricate link between oral health and overall well-being, striving to prevent and treat oral diseases to improve lives. Driven by the profound impact of promoting good dental hygiene and offering essential treatments, he finds deep fulfillment in transforming patients’ lives, whether through enhancing smiles or restoring dental function.

Earning his bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Spanish from Idaho State University, Dr. Baker continued his education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, honing his skills to fulfill his passion for fixing patients’ dental issues. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Baker finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in activities like hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and 4-wheeler riding. His love for nature allows him to disconnect from the bustle of daily life and revel in the beauty of the world, a source of joy and rejuvenation for him. Dr. Baker’s dedication to his profession and his community shines through his commitment to public health initiatives, education, and addressing local dental needs, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility in his practice.

Dr. Harrison Waddell is a dentist at River Dental in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Originally from McKinney, Texas, Dr. Waddell was drawn to dentistry for its unique combination of science, art, and the ability to make a positive impact on others’ lives. His academic journey began at Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Fine Arts.

After completing his Bachelor’s, Dr. Waddell pursued a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and then earned his dental degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona. One of the aspects he enjoys most about his career is helping people feel confident in their smiles, and he takes great pride in providing high-quality care to his patients.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Waddell enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, and oil painting. He is married with two children and has strong ties to Northwest Arkansas, where his extended family and parents originate. Dr. Waddell’s love for both his profession and the community makes him a dedicated and compassionate dentist.

Dr. Kale Garner is a skilled general dentist at River Dental in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, dedicated to improving his patients’ lives through exceptional dental care. Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Dr. Garner’s passion for dentistry began with his desire to make a meaningful impact on others. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas before continuing his education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

What excites Dr. Garner the most about being a dentist is the ability to change lives. He believes that helping patients regain their confidence and smile without worry is incredibly rewarding. “Being able to give someone the ability to smile without worry again is the best feeling ever,” he shares. His top priority is always patient comfort, ensuring they are not only at ease during procedures but also well-informed about the treatment process and its benefits. For him, dentistry is about more than just teeth—it’s about enhancing lives and fostering lasting relationships.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Garner enjoys spending time with his lovely girlfriend of over three years. While they don’t have children yet, they are the proud pet parents of several beloved animals: Momma Matcha, a cherished feline; her son, Casper, a playful kitten born in 2024; and Teddy, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever known for his impressive frisbee-catching skills. Dr. Garner is also passionate about sports, often playing and watching games, hiking with Teddy, attending concerts, and indulging in his love of cooking and savoring delicious food.

Dr. Garner’s combination of clinical expertise, patient-centered approach, and compassionate nature makes him a trusted and valued member of the River Dental team. He looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients, one smile at a time.