I bet you are expecting to read about my educational degrees and professional accomplishments and associations? :) Yes, those are important and listed below but let me share a little bit about myself. First and foremost I'm a husband, a father, a brother, a son and an uncle. Honestly that's what's most important in life. Oh and during the week I also happen to fix smiles. :)
My interest and passion for Dentistry grew out of my love for biology and the health sciences. I grew up in the Midwest (OH, WI, MN) and moved several times before settling in Charlotte in 2003 to be closer to family which had relocated here in 2000. During my formative years I made friends in many cities and realized that a people-focused career would suit me best. This, combined with my love for the sciences, drove me to pursue an advanced degree in Dentistry.
I have lived and worked in Ballantyne since 2003. I've seen it grow and flourish and am excited where it's headed. I am proud to share my service and knowledge with the local community to promote oral health. My wonderfully supportive wife Laura and I have two happy, healthy young girls named Marley and Poppy. As proud parents our spare time is spent at dance or swim class and the obligatory weekend children's birthday party. Never a dull moment but when I do find time for me, it's usually on the golf course. Charleston is a family-favorite weekend getaway.
You know the age old saying 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas'? Well if you knew much about this first-generation Chi-Talian (Chinese-Italian) from Las Vegas, you would know that the odds of me staying there were never very high! I would like to take this time to say 'Hello Sautter Family'! and tell you a little bit about myself.
I am a former competitive swimmer at the national level and an avid lover of everything outdoors. I'll try just about anything once, including a sprint triathlon, and fishing in (and sinking) a boat in the Atlantic Ocean during a small craft advisory warning. On weekends you will mostly find me hiking or biking with my husband, newborn son, and our four-legged Vizsla. If not tackling the outdoors, I am curled up under numerous blankets (in any weather below 65 degrees) with a good book and some hot chocolate.
What else is there to know about me? Well, the chips never really had to fall where they may in my career choice. My love for straight, orderly lines was evident at the ripe age of 14 when I had braces, which spawned my interest in dentistry. I followed that passion to UNC - Chapel Hill where I received a degree in biology with Highest Honors while belonging to several groups that also loved discussing teeth. That love manifested in service to the communicty through open door dental clinics, locally and in the Dominican Republic. I then continued my education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where I received my Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree Magna Cum Laude.
While at Tufts I realized two very important things; The first is that I like teeth, and that inspires me to help others achieve and maintain a healthy smile. To that end after receiving my doctorate, I completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at a VA hospital and then started my career in private practice in Boston while also working with an aging population in nursing homes. The second thing I discovered? I dislike cold weather. So, I convinced my snow shoveling husband from Buffalo, NY to uproot his life and follow me to the place that always felt like home, Carolina.
At SFD, a friendly face and a warm smile is the best way to welcome you to our practice. Jamie is the epitome of this. She is professional, courteous and ready to help answer any questions you have about your visit. In her free time, Jamie enjoys exploring new breweries around Charlotte and she can be found at local dog parks with her German Shepard/Husky mix pooch. Please be sure to greet her by name when you see her smiling face upon your arrival!
Efficient, engaging and energetic! Melissa exemplifies all these characteristics. As Dr. Barrys Dental Assistant, Melissa is responsible for helping on all dental procedures but most importantly, patient care and comfort. Her chairside manner is second-to-none and many patients come just to see her (shhh, dont tell Dr. Barry)! Outside of work, Melissa is an avid gym rat and country music lover. This cow-girl knows how to work hard and have a good time doing it!
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Rachel is a dental assistant by day and a mother of three boys by night. Needless to say, she can be quite a kick, and has some great stories to tell. She has almost 20 years of experience as a dental assistant in Charlotte and can be considered a jack of all trades. This makes her a great asset to our office and our patients enjoy her pleasant chair-side disposition. Ask her to tell you a story and be prepared to laugh.
Madi has been a welcome addition to our team in light of the Corona virus events of 2020. In addition to being a great chair-side Dental Assistant, she has implemented an enhanced and stringent sterilization and infection control protocol for our office to follow. Outside of SFD, Madi was a former competitive cheerleader and enjoys spending time outdoors being adventurous. Please help us cheer her on as she continues to set a great example of safe healthcare practices and procedures at SFD.
One would describe Sierra as happy-go-lucky, fun-loving and spunky. Coming all the way from the West Coast to relocate in the Carolinas, Sierra is passionate about dental hygiene and her love of people. She is a people person through and through. Understanding what makes people tick and finding common ground to help provide dental services in a comfortable and friendly environment is Sierras MO. We guarantee that you will enjoy her as much as we do!
From Canine to Canine, Heather is one of our dog-friendly Hygienists who embraces her role as an Oral Healthcare provider. When she and her husband are not playing fetch with their pup, Heather is a very thorough dental hygienist who takes pride in helping educate her patients for their optimum oral health. She comes to Charlotte by way of Greensboro and has made Ballantyne her home. Exploring new restaurants, local breweries and community events keep her busy in her spare time. As an advocate of Fluoride, ask her how your teeth will benefit and whats her favorite flavor!
If you need to phone-a-friend for a sports trivia question, then Ambra is your girl! Born and raised a proud West Virginian, Ambra is super competitive and loves all sports, most notably football. As a compassionate Hygienist, Ambra's ability to create a custom, health-driven treatment plan for her patients is second-to-none. While also a mother to her young daughter Kennedy, Ambra and her husband can be found listening to live music, spending time outdoors or searching for the best local, spicy cuisine. During your visit be sure to quiz her on college and pro football!