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About Our Doctors in Ashton & Hudgins Orthodontics Carbondale

About Our Doctors

Our Team

Kelsea Ashton at Ashton & Hudgins Orthodontics Carbondale

Kelsea Ashton, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Kelsea Ashton grew up in Carterville, Illinois with her family. Her own experience with braces as an adolescent inspired her to pursue a career in orthodontics. She wants to have a positive impact on patients' lives just like braces did for her! She loves to see smiles transform and patients gain confidence with orthodontic treatment, but her favorite part of being an orthodontist is creating meaningful relationships with her patients.

Dr. Ashton attended Southern Illinois University where she majored in Biomedical Science and also received a minor in Chemistry. While attending SIU, she played softball for the Salukis and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois. Dr. Ashton attended the University of Maryland for her orthodontic residency where she completed a Master in Biomedical Science and earned her Orthodontic Certificate. She was elected Chief Resident during her final year of residency and also held a leadership position in the American Association of Orthodontists.

After graduating from residency, Dr. Ashton completed the clinical portion of the ABO examination, which is voluntary.  She successfully passed and is now an ABO Board Certified Orthodontist.

She is happy to be back in southern Illinois with her husband, Mike, and her miniature schnauzer, Piper. Dr. Ashton loves staying physically active and passionate about staying involved in the community. She volunteers with Carterville softball whenever she can and loves to still take a few groundballs herself! She is also a Disney fanatic with Donald Duck being her favorite character. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time her with her family and dogs, watching sports, trying new restaurants, traveling and working out.

Joseph Hudgins at Ashton & Hudgins Orthodontics Carbondale

Joseph Hudgins, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Joseph Hudgins was raised in the Carbondale and Murphysboro area. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1983, his dental degree from Northwestern University in 1987, and his specialty in orthodontics from the University of Nebraska in 1989. After serving in the United States Navy, he returned to the Southern Illinois area to begin his practice in 1992.

Dr. Hudgins resides in Murphysboro with his wife, Lane, and their sons, Cameron, Drew and Braden. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, waterfowl hunting, boating, golfing, yard work, spectator sports, fishing and skiing.