Dr. Rao, Dr. Le, and Dr. Kirakozova have invested in the training and experience to give you specialized, state-of-the-art dental technologies and comforts including the latest computerized digital x-rays and photography. These include intraoral cameras and chairside monitors for convenient viewing and accurate diagnoses. Intraoral cameras allow us to project an image of an individual tooth or area of concern onto a chairside viewing monitor for use as a visual aid. Digital imaging allows us to show you what your new smile could look like before you commit to treatment.

Prashant R. Rao, DDS was born and raised in Charlotte. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a bachelor of science in Psychology before graduating from New York University College of Dentistry. After Dental School, Dr. Rao furthered his education by attending Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY for a one-year GPR. He has continued to study esthetics, dental implants, endodontics, and orthodontics. In addition, Dr. Rao is continually up-to-date in the latest dental technology and advances. He is a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and South Charlotte Study Club.

Dr. Ryan Le graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a B.S. in Biology. Soon after he earned a dual-degree Masters in Microbial Biotechnology (M.M.B.) and Business Administration (M.B.A.) at North Carolina State University. He then completed his D.M.D. degree at East Carolina University and furthered his training with an AEGD residency graduating with honors. Dr. Le completed advanced cases in surgical implants and extractions, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, cosmetics, digital and sedation dentistry, and endodontics.

Dr. Le wants to provide high-quality dental care to his patients in a personalized manner and create a relaxing and caring environment. He is persistently at the forefront of continuing education and current dental literature. He volunteers with the Mission of Mercy Clinics, Give Kids a Smile, and other various organizations. Additionally, Dr. Le is an active delegate of the North Carolina Dental Society; and a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, South Charlotte Study Club, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Anna Kirakozova DDS, MS is a specialist in Endodontics, which means she completed advanced training inroot canaltherapy and associated procedures. Dr. Anna received her D.D.S degree from the University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry in 2005. Then she pursued her specialty training earning a Master of Science degree and a Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Chapel Hill in 2008.

While in training at UNC-CH, Dr. Anna won a prestigious 1st place Graduate Student Poster Research Presentation Award at the annual session of the American Association of Endodontics for her search on dental trauma. She has also authored and co-authored articles published in the Journal of Endodontics.

Yelena Brikina was born in 1979 in Mongolia, and grew up in Minsk, Belarus, emigrating to the United States when she was nine. Yelena spent her childhood years in Brooklyn, NY, and attended Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY, graduating in 2001. She furthered her education at Stony Brook University Dental School with her dental degree in 2005 and entered into a General Practice Residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. It was during her residency in New York where she met her husband Prashant Rao, and subsequently, they moved to Charlotte to start their family and career. Dr. Brikina and Dr. Rao founded Cedar Walk Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in 2008. She committed her profession to Biological Dentistry, with a focus on overall health and wellness.

Dr. Brikina and Dr. Rao have two daughters, Jacqueline and Maya, and spending quality time with them was her greatest joy. She enjoyed everything about the outdoors, and it was her passion to teach the kids the value of nature. She enjoyed hiking, bike riding, raising her chickens, but most of all, spending time cultivating and growing her garden with the children.

Dr. Brikina touched so many lives with her seemingly endless warmth, compassion, and glowing smile.Her positive influence on everyone she knew lives on and is her legacy.Our practice will continue to honor Dr. Brikinas commitment to excellence and compassion for all patients.

Heather was born and raised in southern California and moved to the the south as a teenager. She has lived in 10 different states, but is happy to call Charlotte home. She graduated dental assisting school in 2004 and has experience as a dental assistant and patient coordinator. Her favorite part of her job is watching patient's lives changed through their smiles. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter who attends UNCC and her son who is a preteen.

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Ashley lives in SouthPark with her sweet and loving pit mix Kobe. In Ashleys free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and on the weekend she enjoys anything from traveling, to a quiet afternoon watching Netflix.

Katy has been a dental assistant since 2015, and is known for her friendly demeanor. She thrives on educating her patients and providing a calming atmosphere during dental treatments. Katy is from Charleston, SC but moved to Charlotte in 2017 where she resides with her son, Oliver. She enjoys going to local sporting events, cooking, and spending time at her familys beach house.

Born and raised in Charlotte, Amanda is married with step daughters and one son. She attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina. When Amanda moved home she attended York Technical College in Rock Hill, and completed her dental hygiene program. On her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and reading. She is a great addition to our team and we love having her here!

Raised in North Carolina, Rebekah is married and lives in Monroe. Ever since she was a child, she knew she wanted to become a Dental Hygienist! She completed her Dental Hygiene program at Central Piedmont Community College. For fun, Rebekah enjoys horseback riding, listening to music, and spending time with her family and church. At work, Rebekah is passionate about educating her patients on oral health and disease prevention.

Born and raised in York County, SC, Heather attended York Technical College and completed the Dental Hygiene program in 2017. She loves makingher patients feel comfortable andprovidinga pleasant dental experience. In her free time, Heather enjoys Orange Theory Fitness, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her German Shepherd, Ammo!

Born and raised in Charlotte, Peggy is married and lives on Lake Wylie. After graduation, she completed her Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs at Indian River State College in Florida. Peggy has a love for oral health and wants her patients to leave with an incredible smile and a memorable visit. She loves Panther football, making jewelry, and lake time.

Alex grew up around the Charlotte, NC area and attended York Technical College where she completed the Dental Hygiene program in 2017. Alexs favorite thing about her career is helping patients gain confidence in their smiles, and to enjoy their experience here at the dentist. She now lives in Indian Land, SC with her husband and their big snuggly dog, Finn. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, and reading.