I cannot imagine being anything other than a wife, mother, and pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentistry is always exciting and makes my smile because every child is unique. In fact, I like it so much that when I am not in the office, I often teach other dentists and some medical providers about pediatric dentistry!
My role as a pediatric dentist involves cultivating a dental home for all children even the tricky little ones, anxious ones, or those with special healthcare needs. My team and I perpetuate the culture of a dental home for all children and treat every friend as if they were our own child.
I love many things about being a pediatric dentist. I love making children proud of their smiles and cultivating habits to enable those smiles to last a lifetime. I also love the privilege of building long lasting relationships with families and seeing all my friends grown up. Now, I have the joy of seeing the children of my patients! Double wonderful!
I graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee, where I completed my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. I received my certificate in pediatric dentistry and Master of Science at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.
In 2001, I became a board-certified pediatric dentist and was chosen in 2016 to serve as one of six Directors for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. I have served as president of the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and am a member of multiple professional organizations. In 2017, I was inducted into the International College of Dentists, an honor given to a very small percentage of dentists for significant contributions to their communities and to the profession of dentistry. I enjoy teaching at UNC, where I hold an adjunct faculty position, and have served as a speaker at both national and international conferences and various venues.
Averaging more than 100 hours of continuing education a year, I am a testament of lifelong learning. I acquire continued education through intensive collaboration, discussion, and involvement with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), attending multiple continuing education courses in person and via webinar, and teaching continuing education to other family and pediatric dentists and physicians nationally and internationally. By immersing myself in information from hundreds of colleagues, literature, and textbooks, I can ensure that our sweet patients at Carolina Pediatric Dentistry receive the most current clinical techniques in the most child-friendly environment possible.
I lovebeing with my family. Even though we enjoy an occasional family board game night, we prefer to be outside running, hiking, and swimming. Since my first marathon during my third year as a dental student, I have dreamed of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, but to my dismay, they keep making the qualifying times faster! I can go the distance (Umstead 100 Mile Run, and three-time Ironman Finisher), but the Boston Marathon still eludes me.
I cherish my community in Wakefield, having lived there for 14 years, and have coached a variety of childrens sports and served on preschool curriculum development committees and was even a consultant for the library. I also embrace the Downtown community, having now lived in it for three years. It is exciting to practice where I personally know most the families I see every day!
There are so many things that I love about my work as a pediatric dentist. For one, I love to be goofy and silly, and to see children smile. I feel an innate desire to serve others, and providing children and their caregivers a service that fulfills their healthcare needs is what excites me most.
I strive to help each child to navigate his or her journey through what can sometimes be challenging and stressful yet fun, rewarding, and formative experiences, sometimes all at once, in pursuit of health.
I chose dentistry as a means of serving others. I have been gifted a steady hand and calm demeanor that allows me to practice safe and compassionate dentistry for children. For all these reasons, I am grateful to have found a profession that works to my strengths and is incredibly rewarding.
Right after college, I received on-the-job training as a dental assistant in the pediatric department at UNC School of Dentistry, working directly with skilled dental professionals and specifically with kids. After four years of general dental education at UNC, I decided to specialize in pediatric dentistry through a two-year program at Bon Secours Hospital in Richmond, VA. One year after that, I voluntarily pursued board certification in pediatric dentistry, and to this day, I am a member of local, regional, and national associations such as the Wake County Pediatric Study Club, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Continuing to learn about best practices in pediatric dentistryis critical to our mission to provide the best clinical services and professional experience for our patient families. Like many things in healthcare, technology and techniques are constantly being reevaluated, and it's my job as a healthcare provider to make sure we offer the best options to each unique patient. I consider myself, our staff, and our Raleigh community to be especially fortunate to work alongside with my partner, Dr. Johnson, who sets the highest of standards for all board-certified pediatric dentists across the counry through her role on the Board.
My wife and I have been together since college, and we have three young children: our daughter started kindergarten in 2021 (go Cougars!), our middle son is a four-nager, and we welcomed a baby boy at the start of the pandemic in April 2020.
Away from work, I can most likely be found exploring Raleigh parks with my family. I also enjoy cooking, home brewing, playing the guitar, reading, and staying active. If you see me out and about, please say hi!
We believe we are the place to be for the best dentists for kids in Downtown Raleigh and the North Raleigh/Wake Forestcommunities! So much of the incredible care delivered at Carolina Pediatric Dentistry is because our amazing, highly-skilled dental team makes it possible. Each team member is dedicated to the health and well-being of the infants, children, teens, and individuals with special health care needs whom we serve
Our highly trained clinical team is made of dental assistants and hygienists who accompany your child on his or her dental journey. The clinical team, in addition to the doctors, providecare directly to your child.
Our entire team is dedicated to the health and well-being of our community! You may see us volunteering with Miracle League, an organization that provides athletic experiences for children with special needs, or participating in one of the many community events in the Raleigh and Wake Forest areas!
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 260 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSarah Miller
a year ago
The staff is always soo friendly and my boys always come away happy so it's WIN WIN for me!
S F
a year ago
This will be a little long but this is a warning for all parents- please read: One word UNPROFESSIONAL. My 3 year old son has been coming here for 2 years. Due to breastfeeding on demand, he had a few cavities and they treated them with SDF. They recommended for my 2 year old at the time to go under anesthesia in a hospital and put crowns on his teeth. He was too young and we were not comfortable with him going under anesthesia so we opted to reassess in 6 months. Reassessed in 6 months & the dentist was happy with his teeth & said that the cavities had not progressed and we could reassess again in another 6 months... Update: My son has recently been showing signs of discomfort so I scheduled him an appointment to get it checked out and for a cleaning. They did his x-rays and the cleaning and the dentist NEVER once came out and spoke to me at all. I don't even know if my son ever saw the dentist?? Instead she sent front desk to speak to me about a serious dental issue for a child. SICK! The front desk coordinator was not able to answer my questions and kept dodging what I was asking and making it seem like I was annoying for asking questions. As a mom of a 3 year old who wouldn't ask questions before putting a toddler under anesthesia in a hospital?! They were very nonchalant in saying there were no other treatment options and that this was the ONLY way. They want me to put 6 crowns in a toddlers mouth just so they can bill the insurance $5,900! My son is still in pain & they would not prescribe him any topical gel or medicine to help with the discomfort until the surgery. They then called me after the appointment and told me that my son is BANNED from coming back unless we decided to book the surgery!!! WOW!! MONEY HUNGRY, GREEDY and extremely UNPROFESSIONAL. Do not bring your child here they do not care about your child.
Nastia Shevchenko
a year ago
wonderful doctors excellent staff we love you and our children thank you for your professional
Jillian ocasio
a year ago
We took our 4 yr old son to get a consultation and x rays. Wake Forest Location. The staff was very welcoming but also wanted to discuss questions we had in the lobby in front of other patients. I had to interrupt the xray as a staff member shoved the xray piece into my son's mouth while she stated "do not bite me" in an aggressive manner. He was crying and gagging. After that ordeal, the doctor never came back out to explain the treatment plan. We had to request she come out to speak with us. Then we were placed in an small side office with no room to sit appropriately, staff standing around us, doors wide open to discuss the plan for our son. Another staff member interrupted before we could finish to say the doctor needed to go. The lack of unprofessional medical norms were evident. They also do not let parents into the treatment room. After what I experienced, we will not be coming back. There was a medical assistant who tended to us was great but her hands seemed to be tied with the way the office is run.The doctor appeared to be too busy to speak with the parents.
Nicole Smith
a year ago
So helpful ..from initial contact to the staff at front desk to doctors !! Give 'em 5 star plus ..only sometimes getting them on the phone is difficult
Zakaria Alami
a year ago
Feeling that I'm in the right place
Laura P
a year ago
Very upset with this place. Definitely need a sign big enough to see it's right in a corner. Wish this location was as friendly as the other office. Will not be coming here anymore.
Julia Davis
a year ago
My son said best dentist ever!!!!
Pamela Peck
a year ago
Carolina Ped Dentistry have been absolutely wonderful in assisting my granddaughter with her dental needs. I can't say enough great things about their professionalism.
Jennifer Ferrusi
a year ago
Been taking the kids here since we moved down south when they were elementary age, live 50 min away now and it's worth the drive and the kids are high schoolers/graduates and still prefer coming here. You won't want to leave.
Kathleen Ross
a year ago
Worst experience ever! Was there for my child a tooth extraction! They left my son in the room for two hours before letting me know they never received his X-ray! The whole purpose for the visit was because my regular dentist referred me due to my son being scared! So they referred me to them because they could offer more! Honestly the wait just terrified him more! So I didn't go threw with it!! Would never go back.
Kelly Crenshaw
a year ago
Great every time
Michele Laws
a year ago
Everyone was great ! Having the children back by themselves I'm sure really works much better than there parents might think ! It all goods good !
Malanie Tibbs
a year ago
You are great with my kids but why does it take so long to get out of the office you have appt at 330pm and you don't get out until after 5pm. That Is too long to sit in a dentist office especially with younger kids screaming in the waiting room.
Jacquelyn Rotella
a year ago
I came to the downtown Raleigh location of Carolina Pediatric Dentistry with my son, who is 5. They were such an amazing team, I was so impressed and happy with the service that we received. Everyone from the Front desk associates, the Treatment Plan Coordinator, the Clinical Dental Assistant. Such wonderful personalities, excellent service and the entire staff was so knowledgeable. I'd recommend this office to anyone. Exemplary dental care!!
Melonie Webb
2 years ago
My kids and I love this dentistry Dr Johnson is awesome.
Julia Perry
2 years ago
We've been here since my kids were little (now 18 and 20). They love the staff and especially Dr. J! They make a safe, fun experience for children. No fear of the dentist here!!
Jenny Cash
2 years ago
I am so happy we found Carolina pediatric dentistry! My daughter loves everyone and enjoys going to her appointments!
Stephanie McGalliard
2 years ago
Read parents! I've been going here for a year and a half and will no longer be seeing care here! My husband signed a consent form that said yes to Flouride and NO to x-rays at this recent visit for both my sons! It is clearly written on the consent forms they provide and give to you to fill out at every visit. The dental staff illegally did x-rays on both my sons without our parental consent! The lady proceeded to say, "it is hand written on the form right here that parent consent was given verbally." Not only was this a blatant lie and completely negates having parents fill out this medical form, but then she proceeded to say, "well don't worry, the x-rays are covered!" These people are completely disrespectful, unapologetic, disregarding and dangerous! Every parent should have a problem with any and all medical professionals that think it's okay to provide medical procedures against parents wishes and no consent, especially outside of the eyes of the parents! Be your Children's advocates especially for the young ones that they target! And guess what, I'm sure they are also billing the insurance which is also insurance fraud!
Stephanie Burris
2 years ago
Doc Johnson is incredibly skilled and the nurses are very kind. The office needs to drop the mask requirement. It makes zero sense.
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