Appalachian Dental Associates

329 Westgate Plaza, Franklin, NC 28734

Everything about Appalachian Dental Associates is uniquely fun and enjoyable. We understand the dental office can be an anxiety-inducing environment. We strive to make every patient feel comfortable by providing personalized and gentle care. We are detail-oriented yet lighthearted, and want to be your family away from home.

Our friendly staff is dedicated to caring for you and your entire familys oral health and well-being. We take the time to create a personalized treatment for each patient, and we offer a wide range of services. It is our goal to make your visit with us an extremely pleasant one and to send you home with a beautiful and healthy smile.

To be successful in this field, dentistry has to be more than a day job for the professional. Dental carerequires enthusiasm about the career and a passion for all its aspects, which are many. Dr. James Melzer embodies both of these virtues. He views his responsibility to his patients as one based on trust: patients place trust in his decision-making and treatments, and also trust they are his number-one priority.

Dr. Melzers hope is that this office has some degree of influence over those who choose us and put their oral care in his hands. For some, that change may be as small as offering a place to come that is enjoyable; for others, it could be life-changing.

For Dr. Melzer, the ability to provide competent care that creates superior oral health, along with facilitating an enjoyable, stress-free experience, is his goal. He feels blessed to spend every day interacting with the wonderful people of his community, and aims toimprove their lives and possibly even change a few.

Dr. Melzer was inspired by his father to join the dental profession. He watched as his father created and fostered a practice in a small community where he was capable of not only providing dentistry of the utmost quality, but also functioning as a benevolent member of his community and a great friend to the people. Dr. Melzer hopes to accomplish some degree of that.

Dr. Melzer is married to Arrion Melzer, the heart of the family and practice, who has an endless amount of energy. They have two sons: Garrison at Clemson University and Ryne, who attends Macon Middle School. Garrison is a pre-med and an excellent student, while Ryne is quite the horseman, having collected many blue ribbons for soaring over jumps. The family includes essentially a zoo, with dogs Bear and Narvell, cats Finnelly and Dave, and horses Razzy, Alley, and Bogo the Mischievous Escape Pony.

Dr. Melzer and his family enjoy fishing, kayaking, and traveling. He and his sons golf and often attend Florida State football games. If hes not in the office, Dr. Melzer can be found out on the lake or helping Ryne saddle up for equestrian competitions. A military veteran, Dr. Melzer has been honored to serve as a dentist with the local Veterans Stand Down event.

Dr. Melzer and the Appalachian Dental teams goal is to treat patients in the manner they would want to be treated. They believe that dentistry is best provided by a staff and doctors who are genuine, truly care about each patient, and ensure the dentistry performed is state of the art.

I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with and for so many amazing individuals. This profession holds a status of high responsibility and respect. It is my goal to honor this profession by improving myself as both a professional and person. Each day is a new learning experience and I am extremely grateful.

I graduated from Seton Hall University with my Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in chemistry. From there, knowing dentistry was where my heart belonged, I attended the University of New England College of Dental Medicine to obtain my Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

Continuing education is an essential aspect of dental medicine. Participating in courses that further my education allows me to deliver quality, patient-centered care to an array of people. Continuing education opens doors to new treatment options that would otherwise not be possible.

My goal as a dentist is to provide comprehensive oral healthcare that improves the overall health to people in rural communities. I am excited about working with and for patients to develop a customized treatment plan thatbest serves their health needs. I love getting to know patients and making their overall experience in the dental office an enjoyable one.

I am passionate about developing relationships with my family and friends, fitness, and athletics. I am a sports fanatic and avidly watch the Red Sox and Patriots. I enjoy coaching softball and helping develop the athletic skills of todays youth. When Im not in the office, you can find me at the gym, on Lake Keowee, or somewhere in the mountains!

While pursuing her Masters degree, she worked as the Operations Manager for North Carolina Missions of Mercy, organizing free dental clinics throughout the state. She continues to serve on the Missions of Mercy Oversight Committee which allows Dr. Crumley to fulfill her passion of serving others who lack access to dental care.

Her professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Special Care Dentistry Association.

Reviews

Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 152 reviews

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Dave Snider
2 years ago
Astonishingly excellent service and brilliant here. Lots of great customer care Abilities to tackle routine as well as very challenging procedures and procedures with great care


TE Dunn
2 years ago
Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Very knowledgeable technicians and a great professional up to date dentist.


Tom Estes
2 years ago
Nice friendly staff. Knowledgeable technicians. Great dentist.


Allyson Pityo
2 years ago
These people are wonderful! I used to work for 2 oral surgeons, so I'm a bit picky. Everyone I have encountered has been friendly & professional. They answered all my questions & suggested some great, more affordable options for me. I HIGHLY recommend them for all your dental care.


JP Rose
2 years ago
This dental office is excellent for routine cleanings. However, I had a severe dental emergency which was misdiagnosed. I was in great pain and they told me they couldn't fix it for three months. I desperately searched for a dentist that could help me on the internet and found one in Gainesville, GA. (Lanier Dental Group). Even though it was a two hour drive and I was not their patient, they saw me the very next day and discovered a severely fractured tooth that had not been discovered by Dr. Melzer at the Appalachian Dental office. The tooth needed immediate extraction along with an implant and I was referred to an excellent oral surgeon in Suwannee, GA. So, if you need an office for routine care, this office will be fine. However, if you would like an office that you can truly depend on in an emergency, then seek another dentist.


Samuel Morris
2 years ago
So basically we are new to the area and I set up a new patient appt back a couple months ago. I wasn't able to make it due to conflicting work schedule. My wife is an established patient at their office and has gotten a few things done at the office. I am medically retired from the marine corps and never had many tooth issues until just recently I had a filling fall out. (Part of the reason I was getting established as we just bought a home in the area) so the tooth actually broke and I am in a considerable amount of pain so I called to establish an appointment where there rest of my family goes for them to tell me they can't accept new patients when my household goes there...... I will be taking our business elsewhere!!!! All around not satisfied and will spread the word as I'm new and talk to everyone..


Cindy Klatt
2 years ago
Very poor emergency response. I called multiple times with a cracked filling that was hurting me while my father was dying and eventually passed. It took them two weeks to even see me. When they did get me in they were very quick to fix the problem. However if you have a problem their attitude is an emergency on your part does not necessitate action on our part. Very disappointed. Will be finding a new dentist ASAP.


sam bettencourt
3 years ago
Always receive great care.


Rayana Starre
3 years ago
The staff is friendly and accommodating and seem to really care about their patients.


Robert Holt
3 years ago
I was very impressed with the professionalism I witnessed at your facility! As a person who has left their dental health to mother nature for a good many years at this point, I was sincerely embarrassed to have anyone look inside my mouth. The staff at your facility made me feel like they were there to rectify that situation without any worries or chastising, and I feel so much better about my dental health going forward. I am certainly excited to start on my path to reclaiming control of my teeth and being able to smile with confidence, and not worry about feeling any worse about it than I already do! Thanks for the reassurance you provided me with, and I look forward to the journey we begin!


Matthew Wiedle
3 years ago
I go to the Asheville office. Great and friendly team with a smooth and efficient process from check-in through cleaning. Made the experience as pleasant as a dental visit can be and they have great technology in the office to support and online through the patient portal for reminders and activity.


randy barnwell
3 years ago
Great staff. Always great service.


Steve Holton
3 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Harris since 2012, and each time my office visits have been prompt and professional. All of the hygienists and staff provide a friendly, thorough, unhurried service. When I've had an issue, Dr. Harris has responded with particular care, offering painless dentistry with excellent skill. In some cases, they have followed up with me by phone to see how I am doing. The atmosphere in the office is upbeat, with a clear, client-based focus. During Covid, they have used appropriate precautions and I have complete confidence in the practice as a whole.


JP Rose
3 years ago
This dental office is excellent for routine cleanings. However, I had a severe dental emergency which was misdiagnosed. I was in great pain and they told me they couldn't fix it for three months. I desperately searched for a dentist that could help me on the internet and found one in Gainesville, GA. (Lanier Dental Group). Even though it was a two hour drive and I was not their patient, they saw me the very next day and discovered a severely fractured tooth that had not been discovered by Dr. Melzer at the Appalachian Dental office. The tooth needed immediate extraction along with an implant and I was referred to an excellent oral surgeon in Suwannee, GA. So, if you need an office for routine care, this office will be fine. However, if you would like an office that you can truly depend on in an emergency, then seek another dentist.


Cindy Klatt
3 years ago
Very poor emergency response. I called multiple times with a cracked filling that was hurting me while my father was dying and eventually passed. It took them two weeks to even see me. When they did get me in they were very quick to fix the problem. However if you have a problem their attitude is an emergency on your part does not necessitate action on our part. Very disappointed. Will be finding a new dentist ASAP.


Samuel Morris
3 years ago
So basically we are new to the area and I set up a new patient appt back a couple months ago. I wasn't able to make it due to conflicting work schedule. My wife is an established patient at their office and has gotten a few things done at the office. I am medically retired from the marine corps and never had many tooth issues until just recently I had a filling fall out. (Part of the reason I was getting established as we just bought a home in the area) so the tooth actually broke and I am in a considerable amount of pain so I called to establish an appointment where there rest of my family goes for them to tell me they can't accept new patients when my household goes there...... I will be taking our business elsewhere!!!! All around not satisfied and will spread the word as I'm new and talk to everyone..


Sheila T
3 years ago
I highly recommend this office! The atmosphere and staff were warm, welcoming, and accommodating. The associates went out of their way to not only make me feel comfortable, but were eager to help each other out. They were easy to trust, and showed so much compassion. I saw Dr. Crumley for the first time and she was fabulous! She introduced herself and was so down to earth, even hummed to the music while she worked. I loved it! The positive energy from the office was definitely felt, and contagious (even though it was 7am!). They got me in and out with full respect of my time, and I was able to make it into my job without being late. Even though its a dentist office, I don't dread going back, and I actually look forward to my next experience at Appalachian Dental.


John Allen
3 years ago
Very courteous and friendly staff. They are very skilled professionals that I trust 100%. I am so happy with the quality of service that I continue to use them even though I've moved out of state now. Thank you Dr. Harris, Dr. Crumley, Amy and the rest of the staff for the excellent service you provide.


Jenny Faber
3 years ago
Always a very pleasant experience. The entire staff is great. Would definitely recommend.


Jim Matthay
3 years ago
I would easily recommend Appalachian Dental to anyone looking for a dentist and hygienist. They are taking all the precautions to protect patients health. The staff there is always willing to take time to answer any questions and talk about any options. I have had a great experience every time for the past 3 years.


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Find the best dentist in: North Carolina / Macon County / Franklin / 28734