Dr. Nealy Newkirk grew up in Emporia, Kansas where she was very active in her high school and community. She received a Bachelor of Science in Life Science/Pre-Dentistry from Kansas State University, then she received an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from Johnson County Community College.

After graduating dental hygiene school she felt that dental school was her true calling and was accepted into the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School where she received a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2005. Dr. Newkirk graduated with honors in operative dentistry at UMKC. She worked as a dental assistant and dental hygienist before becoming a dentist which gives her great experience in dentistry.