The friendly, cheerful team of professionals at Elgin Family Dental work in the dental field because we are committed to helping you achieve and enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile. Helping you achieve optimal oral health is serious business, but there's nothing that says we shouldn't have some fun along the way!
One of our great joys in practicing dentistry is the wonderful friends that we have made and continue to make along the way. We ask about your day and share family stories because we care and because understanding what matters in your life helps us provide oral health care personalized for your unique needs.
Please take a moment to meet the Elgin Family Dental team, then call us to make an appointment to stop by and meet us in person!
Scott B. Herring, DDS
Scott B. Herring, DDS was born and raised in Elgin, Texas. He completed his undergraduate degree at Southwestern University. In 2005, he graduated cum laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. At graduation, he received the prestigious Excellence in Clinical Dentistry Award.
Dr. Scott joined Elgin Family Dental in 2005. After living in Dallas and San Antonio, he is happy to be back home in Elgin and Central Texas, surrounded by family and friends. While living in San Antonio, he met his future wife, Jennifer.
Dr. Scott and Jennifer are busy with their three children, Miranda, Sarah, and Ryan. In his free time, Dr. Scott enjoys sports, movies, and time spent with his wife, their family, and friends.
In order to stay up to date and provide the best patient care, Dr. Scott enjoys attending continuing education classes along with his father. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society.
Jennifer Herring, BS, RDH
Practice Administrator / Dental Hygienist
From shaping young minds in the classroom to promoting bright, healthy smiles in the dental chair, Jennifer Herring has always been passionate about helping people thrive. Before becoming a registered dental hygienist, Jennifer spent several years as a dedicated bilingual elementary school teacher in Elgin ISD.
Jennifer’s transition into dental hygiene began with a fascination for health sciences and a desire for a more hands-on role in the family dental business. Though leaving teaching was a tough decision, she found unexpected parallels in her new profession: educating patients about oral health, building trust, and encouraging healthy habits. She is proud to serve Elgin and the surrounding communities alongside her husband, Dr. Scott Herring. Together, they own and operate Elgin Family Dental. When Jennifer is not seeing patients, her time is spent behind the scenes as the Practice Administrator.
Jennifer is a native of the Rio Grande Valley and enjoys visiting her family whenever possible. In her free time she enjoys sewing, baking, and attending all the sporting events of her three children.
Deborah Herring
Practice Administrator
Deborah attended Texas Women’s University in Denton, where she received a bachelor of science degree in biology. She also participated in a medical technology internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and received an Outstanding Employee Award from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Deborah is Dr. Carl's wife and Dr. Scott's mother and has always been an involved part of our practice. Even while she was working as a Medical Technologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she did accounting and payroll for our office on the weekends! Deborah has since retired and is happy to be back at the practice assisting with the transition to our newly remodeled office. She enjoys working with our amazing staff and ensuring that we are in compliance and that our training and education is ongoing.
Deborah was born in LaCoste, TX, just outside of San Antonio. In her free time she enjoys sewing, traveling and spending time with family, and she especially loves babysitting her wonderful grandchildren.
JJ
Senior Business Coordinator
JJ has been in the dental field since 2000, working as both an assistant and administrator and is a member of AADOM, the American Association of Dental Office Management. She became part of the Elgin Family Dental team in 2012 and enjoys taking the time to meet with and get to know her patients.
JJ is a native of Hamlin, TX and in her free time enjoys crocheting, sewing, and reading.
Mary Rico
Scheduling Coordinator
Rachel Merrell, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Rachel grew up in Lexington, TX, where she developed a strong sense of community and a passion for helping others. In 2016, she brought that same dedication to Elgin Family Dental, joining the team as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
With a warm, approachable manner and a commitment to patient education, Rachel is known for making every visit comfortable and informative. She enjoys building lasting relationships with patients and takes pride in helping them maintain healthy, confident smiles.
Outside of the office, Rachel is a busy wife and a mom of three. She loves cheering on her children in all their sports activities. Whether on the field or in the dental chair, she brings the same enthusiasm and support to everything she does.
Lisa
Registered Dental Assistant
Born and raised in Elgin, Texas, Lisa has been an integral part of Elgin Family Dental. Lisa joined our practice in 1988 and brought her skills, dedication, and a warm personality to our team. Over the years, she has consistently provided exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. Her extensive experience, combined with her deep-rooted knowledge of dentistry, has allowed her to develop a unique ability to make patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their visits. She takes pride in her work and continues to be a driving force behind the practice’s commitment to excellence. Outside of the office, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Whether it’s relaxing at home or getting together for special occasions, she values the connections she shares with those closest to her. Her personal and professional lives are both centered around her passion for making a difference in the lives of others
Morgan
Registered Dental Assistant
Raised in Elgin, TX, Morgan brings hometown warmth and a passion for patient care to every appointment. Morgan completed her dental assisting education in 2011 at Lonestar Dental Assistant Training School. Today, she’s proud to provide high-quality care to the families and neighbors she grew up with.
With a gentle approach and a strong eye for detail, Morgan is known for making patients feel at ease and helping each visit go smoothly. Her dedication to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest dental technologies and practices, always striving to deliver the best possible care.
When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find Morgan enjoying local Elgin events, spending time with her family, or watching her three children at their sports events.
Ashlyn Horton
Dental Assistant
Ashlyn was born and raised in Diboll, TX. Growing up with a younger brother, she learned early on how to care for others and build strong, lasting relationships. This sense of responsibility and compassion naturally led her to a career as a dental assistant, where she can make a positive impact in her patient’s lives every day. In April 2025, Ashlyn and her fiancé made the move to Elgin so they could be closer to his family. Both having a deep appreciation for their loved ones, they knew Elgin would be the perfect place to build their future together. As a dental assistant, Ashlyn is passionate about creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for each patient she meets. She loves greeting people with a warm smile and helping them feel at ease during their appointments. When she’s not assisting patients, Ashlyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet evening at home with a great book or making memories with loved ones, she values the moments of peace and connection that life offers. With her caring nature and commitment to providing excellent dental care, Ashlyn is dedicated to making every patient’s experience a positive one.