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!